HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 03 14 Informational 102 Report Completion of First Year Biosolids Disposal with Sanford and MaxWest Environmental SystemsCOMMISSION AGENDA
ITEM 102
CONSENT
INFORMATIONAL X
PUBLIC HEARING
REGULAR
March 14, 2011 MGR KS /DEPT KL
Meeting
Authorization
REQUEST: Utility Department Reporting to the City Commission the Completion of the
First Year of the Biosolids Disposal Agreement with the City of Sanford and
MaxWest Environmental Systems.
SYNOPSIS: The purpose of this agenda item is to inform the City Commission of the results of
partnering with the City of Sanford and MaxWest Environmental Systems to dispose
of sewage sludge using their waste to energy gasification process.
CONSIDERATIONS:
The City Commission authorized staff to enter into a Biosolids Disposal
Agreement on January 25, 2010 for one year with an option for a 2nd year with the City of
Sanford and MaxWest Environmental Systems. Sanford and MaxWest had partnered to
construct a gasification system that converts biosolids into a small amount of inert,
mineralized residual ash. The ash is not subject to the sludge regulations that currently
apply to the City's Class B biosolids. It is also not weather dependent which the
previously used land application method we depended upon was.
City staff began sending liquid sludge to the MaxWest facility on March 1, 2010.
Through February 28, 2011, MaxWest has hauled over 3.2 million gallons of liquid sludge
to their facility in Sanford. Consistent removal of biosolids from the treatment plants
enhances operational efficiency as well as effluent quality.
Due to the successful relationship during the first year, the 2nd year option was
exercised in January. Staff still supports the gasification process as a more reliable and
environmentally friendly method for biosolids disposal.
Informational Agenda Item 102
March 14, 2011
Page 2
FISCAL IMPACT:
The price in the Biosolids Disposal Agreement is for $0.085 per gallons which
includes $0.035 per gallon for treatment and $0.05 per gallon for transportation. The
projected annual increase was $70K higher than land application and $300K was budgeted
in FY 2011. The first year actual costs were $275K and we expect expenses to be
consistently in that same range moving forward. One main reason we project being under
budget was garnering FDEP approval to eliminate the need for separate Lead Wastewater
Operators at the East and West plants so now a single Lead Operator manages both
facilities. Biosolids removal needs are now shifted back and forth between the East and
West plants, as needed, which is more efficient.
COMMUNICATION EFFORTS:
This Agenda Item has been forwarded to the Mayor and City Commission; City
Manager; City Attorney /Staff, placed in Press Packets; placed in the City Hall (Lobby)
City Commission Meeting binder; and is available on the City's Website, LaserFiche, and
the City's Server. Additionally, information related to this Agenda Item has been sent to
media /press representatives who have requested Agendas /Agenda Item information, all
Homeowner's Associations on file with the City, all individuals who have requested
Agendas /Agenda Item information, Department Directors; and also posted outside City
Hall; posted inside City Hall with additional copies available for the general public; and
posted at five (5) different locations around the City.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Commission accept this information.
ATTACHMENTS:
None