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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 7h - Carbon Exchange Services STAFF REPORT PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES DEPARTMENT DATE: October 21, 2025 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Paul Cranmer, Public Works Services Director By: John Corona, Utilities Manager SUBJECT: PURCHASE ORDER WITH CALGON CARBON CORPORATION FOR CARBON EXCHANGE SERVICES FOR THE LIVE OAK GRANULAR ACTIVATED CARBON (“GAC”) TREATMENT SYSTEM IN THE AMOUNT OF $219,889 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. In July 2021, the City began operating the Live Oak Granular Activated Carbon (“GAC”) Treatment System to remove identified contaminants from the Live Oak Well aquifer. The GAC Adsorption System uses granular activated carbon to remove PFOS/PFAS through an adsorption process. Based on the State Water Resources Control Board (“SWRCB”) permit, when the effectiveness of the GAC system wanes, new carbon media must be installed, and the prior media must be properly disposed. Calgon Carbon Corporation installed the GAC system and is capable of conducting the exchange services for their specialized treatment system. 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 $219,889. Purchase Order for Carbon Exchange Services October 21, 2025 Page 2 of 3 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. Groundwater wells are used as the primary source of water supply to meet the demands of water use in the City. 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 PFOS/PFAS, which is a federal and state regulated contaminant. It was subsequently determined that a treatment system for PFOS/PFAS would need to be constructed. On February 5, 2019, the City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement (“PSA”) with Calgon Carbon Corporation for the construction of a GAC Adsorption System for the Live Oak Well. DISCUSSION In July 2021, the City began operating the Live Oak GAC Treatment System to remove PFOS/PFAS from the Live Oak Well aquifer. The GAC Adsorption System uses granular activated carbon to remove PFOS/PFAS through an adsorption process. Once the surface of the carbon media becomes completely saturated, it is necessary to remove the carbon media from service. Once the carbon is removed, it is taken off site and incinerated due to being labeled a hazardous material. Based on contaminant levels documented in 2018, it was estimated that the GAC Adsorption System would need to be exchanged every 16 months. The carbon exchange service has been consistently performed on a 16-month schedule, and this established pattern continues to be followed. The system is currently due for exchange services. 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 GAC for the Treatment System. The GAC provided is specific to Arcadia’s treatment needs at the Live Oak Treatment facility. Due to these specific requirements, Calgon Carbon Corporation meets the criteria to be considered a sole source provider. Purchase Order for Carbon Exchange Services October 21, 2025 Page 3 of 3 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS This project is considered a Class 1 exemption as defined in Section 15301(b) and (d) of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), since the project consists of the 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 Funds in the amount of $240,000 were budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Water Operating Budget for the carbon exchange services. The total cost for the carbon exchange services for the Live Oak GAC Treatment System is $219,889. 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 Granular Activated Carbon (“GAC”) Treatment System in the amount of $219,889.