Report Prepared by: Jeremy Geiger, Public Works Supervisor - Environmental Control
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of Services Agreement with Black Water Consulting Engineers for Development of a Former Sludge Drying Bed Closure Work Plan in the Amount not to Exceed $51,348 for the Contract Term Ending on March 31, 2027
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a services agreement with Black Water Consulting Engineers in the amount of $51,348 for development of a former sludge drying bed closure work plan, with contract term ending on March 31, 2027.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving the Services Agreement with Black Water Consulting Engineers, contract term ending on March 31, 2027, in the amount not to exceed $51,348, and authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommend by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to modifications as conditioned by Council; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer back to Staff for reconsideration of specific items as requested by Council; or,
5. Continue item to a Council future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Article XI, Section 1111 - Competitive bidding, and Merced Municipal Code Charter 3.04 Article III - the purchase of materials, supplies, equipment, and contractual services of an estimated value greater than thirty-nine thousand dollars ($39,000), the “contract threshold”, shall be made by the purchasing supervisor by written contract with the lowest responsible bidder.
COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the FY 2026/2027 budget.
DISCUSSION
Background
The purpose of this contract is to satisfy the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit by retaining an environmental consultant to develop a contamination site closure work plan. The work plan will include a timeline for the identification of constituents of concern and characterization of nitrogen compounds, arsenic, manganese, and other identified constituents of concern in soils beneath the former sludge drying beds, compared to background concentrations. It will also include an evaluation of the potential risks to groundwater quality from residual nitrate, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), arsenic, manganese, and other constituents of concern in the soils, as well as a plan for site closure, potential repurposing, and the long-term maintenance and use of the site.
In addition, the Final Technical Report will evaluate the impact of the Effluent Channel on the potential mobilization of constituents of concern associated with the former sludge drying beds.
The work plan implementation schedule shall not exceed seven years from the effective date of the City's NPDES Permit, Order No. R5-2026-0005, which was issued on April 1, 2026.
The City of Merced issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to obtain specialized consulting and engineering services to complete the work described above. One proposal was received:
1. Black Water Consulting Engineers
As only one proposal was received, staff evaluated the submission from Black Water Consulting Engineers and determined it to be responsive and qualified to perform the required services. The Services Agreement will commence upon City Council approval and remain in effect through March 31, 2027.
Staff recommends City Council approve the Services Agreement with Black Water Consulting Engineers in an amount not to exceed $51,348.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed; funding is available in the FY 26/27 approved budget for the Wastewater Treatment Plant (60006070).
ATTACHMENTS
1. Services Agreement