HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 11l - Carbon Exchange Services for Live Oak GAC Treatment SystemPurchase Order for Carbon Exchange Services
May 7, 2024
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DATE: May 7, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Paul Cranmer, Public Works Services Director
By: John Corona, Utilities Superintendent
SUBJECT: PURCHASE ORDER WITH CALGON CARBON CORPORATION FOR
CARBON EXCHANGE SERVICES FOR THE LIVE OAK GAC
TREATMENT SYSTEM IN THE AMOUNT OF $212,562
CEQA: Exempt
Recommendation: Approve
SUMMARY
The Public Works Services Department (“PWSD”) is responsible for the daily operation
of City wells and the water that is distributed to the community. Water quality samples are
taken regularly to ensure optimal water quality. In October 2018, water quality samples
at Live Oak Well indicated that the well was impacted by Trichloroethylene (“TCE”), a
volatile organic compound. Since TCE concentrations at Live Oak Well exceeded the
allowable standards, a treatment system using Granular Activated Carbon (“GAC”) to
remove TCE was constructed. Based on the State Water Resources Control Board
(“SWRCB”) permit for operations, when the effectiveness of the GAC system wanes, new
carbon filters must be installed.
It is recommended that the City Council approve a Purchase Order with Calgon Carbon
Corporation for Carbon Exchange Services for the Live Oak GAC Treatment System in
the amount of $212,562.
BACKGROUND
The PWSD operates the City’s water distribution system, which provides water service to
more than 56,000 residents through approximately 14,000 service connections. The City
uses groundwater wells as the primary source of water supply to meet the demands of
water use in the Arcadia. Water quality samples are taken regularly to ensure optimal
water quality.
In October 2018, water quality samples at Live Oak Well indicated that the well was
impacted by TCE, a volatile organic compound. TCE is a federal and state regulated
contaminant with a Maximum Contaminant Level (“MCL”) of 5 parts per billion. Since TCE
Purchase Order for Carbon Exchange Services
May 7, 2024
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concentrations at Live Oak Well exceeded the allowable MCL, it was determined that a
treatment system to treat TCE would need to be constructed. On February 5, 2019, the
City Council approved, authorized, and directed the City Manager to execute a
Professional Services Agreement (“PSA”) with Calgon Carbon Corporation for the
construction of a GAC Adsorption System for Live Oak Well.
DISCUSSION
In July 2021, the City began operating the Live Oak GAC treatment system to remove
TCE from the Live Oak Well aquifer. The GAC Adsorption System uses the granular
active carbon to remove TCE through an adsorption process. Once the surface of the
carbon vessels become completely saturated, it is necessary to remove the carbon
vessels from service. Once the vessels are removed, they are reactivated offsite where
they are stored for future use, specifically for the Live Oak facility; this process is defined
as Carbon Exchange. Based on contaminant levels documented in 2018, it was estimated
that the GAC Adsorption System would need to be exchanged every 16 months. The first
carbon exchange occurred in December 2022. The four lead vessels have again reached
their carbon saturation level and need to be exchanged. The timing of this exchange is
directly on schedule, remaining within the 16-month estimated saturation period. It is
crucial for the Live Oak Well to remain operational as it is a top producing well.
Furthermore, based on the SWRCB permit for operations, once the GAC lead vessels
experience contaminant breakthrough, a mandatory GAC exchange must be scheduled.
Calgon Carbon Corporation was awarded the original contract to supply the GAC for the
treatment system. The GAC provided is specific to Arcadia’s treatment needs and will be
recycled for reuse only at the Live Oak Treatment facility. Due to these specific
requirements and to avoid any possible cross contamination, Calgon Carbon Corporation
meets the criteria to be considered a sole source provider.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
This project is considered a Class 1 exemption as defined in Section 15301(b) & (d) of
the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), since the project consists of
restoration or rehabilitation of deteriorated or damaged facilities to meet current standards
of public health and safety. This project is categorically exempt per the California
Environmental Quality Act as an existing facility, Section 15301 of the CEQA guidelines.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds have been budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Water Operating Budget.
The total cost to exchange all four lead vessels is $212,562.
Purchase Order for Carbon Exchange Services
May 7, 2024
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council determine that this project is a Class 1 exemption
under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”); and approve a Purchase Order
with Calgon Carbon Corporation for Carbon Exchange Services for the Live Oak GAC
Treatment System in the amount of $212,562.
Attachment: Proposed Carbon Exchange Quote