Report Prepared by: Lorraine M. Carrasquillo, Public Works Supervisor, Water Quality Control
Title
SUBJECT: Agreement with Pacific EcoRisk Environmental Consulting for Bioassay Testing and Laboratory Services
REPORT IN BRIEF
Consider entering into a three (3) year agreement with Pacific EcoRisk Environmental Consulting & Testing (Pacific EcoRisk).
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the Agreement with Pacific EcoRisk to provide bioassay testing and services for the Waste Water Treatment Plant; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to modifications as conditioned by Council; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Article III, Title 3 of the Merced Municipal Code for purchases over Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars, Section 3.04.120.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the FY 2016-17 Proposed Budget.
DISCUSSION
The City of Merced Wastewater Treatment Facility routinely uses contracted laboratory services for Bioassay testing of wastewater. The contracted laboratory services provide mandated testing under our National Pollutants Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) permit for toxicity - Three Species: fathead minnow, Ceriodaphnia dubia, and Selenastrum (green algae). The City's laboratory is not equipped (or staffed) to perform these tests in-house.
On January 15, 2016, Water Quality Control staff sent Request for Proposals to six (6) State-certified laboratories. One qualified laboratory responded to the Request for Proposal. The one proposal was reviewed for content. During the review process, several components were used to evaluate the proposal, i.e., test methods offered, timeliness of report turnaround, proximity to the City of Merced and Professional certifications, educatio...
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