REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Receive a Report of an Emergency Procurement to Provide Polymer to Meet Compliance Requirements at the Water Pollution Control Plant and Find that the Project is Urgent for the Preservation of Life, Health, or Property (F23-032)
Report
REPORT IN BRIEF
Staff prepared this report to Council as an update to the previous emergency procurements for polymer needed to meet compliance requirements at the Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP). The WPCP continues to be impacted by persistent, difficult-to-treat algae/cyanobacteria. The identified cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp. (sin-echo-sis-tis) has established itself in the WPCP's secondary treatment system (oxidation ponds). It is dramatically impacting the WPCP's ability to meet two of its effluent limits. This potentially subjects the City to mandatory penalties, administrative orders, third-party litigation, cease and desist orders, and other consequences.
The WPCP uses a chemical compound called polymer to reduce turbidity and remove solids. The formulation of the WPCP's long-time polymer provider has become ineffective due to the algae/cyanobacteria in the oxidation ponds. Fortunately, a cationic polymer from Solenis, LLS (Solenis), has proven more effective. An increase in the dollar amount and duration for the existing emergency purchase order with Solenis will allow the City time to complete a currently ongoing competitive procurement effort that is intended to select the best chemical suite available. This will ensure that the WPCP can comply with effluent regulations moving forward.
EXISTING POLICY
Pursuant to Chapter 2.08 of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code, the City Manager, the Purchasing Officer, or a department head may make or authorize others to make emergency procurements, regardless of cost, if there is an urgent necessity to do so for the preservation of life, health, or property. Such emergency procurements shall be made with such competition as is practical under the...
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