HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 4.D 02/04/20084.D
February 4, 2008
CITY OF PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA
MEMORANDUM
Deparunent of !rater Resources and Conservation, 202N. AkDotvell Blvd., Petaluma, CA 94954
(70 7) 778-4546 Fax (70 7) 778-4508 Eanail:nmban@ci petalunma cans
DATE: February 1, 2008
TO: Mayor and Councilmembers
FROM: Michael Ban, P.E. — Director Water Resources & Conservation
SUBJECT: Discussion Regarding Interim Operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant
(February 4, 2008 City Council Meeting)
The City's schedule for transitioning treatment of wastewater from the wastewater treatment
plant (WWTP) to the Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility will begin this fall. Our original plan
included Veolia operating the WWTP until December 31, 2008, in accordance with the First
Amended Agreement for Operation and Maintenance of the WWTP. By December 31, 2008,
we plan to treat all wastewater at the Ellis Creek WRF. On January 16, 2008, Veolia Water
North America submitted a 120 days' termination notice to the City. This means Veolia's last
day operating Petaluma's WWTP will now be on or about May 15`h, not December 31"
To promptly address the situation created by Veolia's unexpected departure, we recommend the
City engage the services of an interim contract operator, Camp, Dresser and McKee (CDM) to
operate the WWTP until transition to the Ellis Creek WRF is complete. CDM is very familiar
with Petaluma's WWTP and its operations. Since 2003 CDM has assisted the City in overseeing
operation of the WWTP and Veolia, and has instituted many operating changes which have
increased the efficiency of the WWTP. CDM has experience providing interim operation and
maintenance of wastewater treatment plants facing circumstances similar to that now created in
Petaluma by Veolia's decision to terminate.
This approach allows the City to keep the Ellis Creek WRF project on track, including
construction, start-up and testing; allows the City to recruit and develop a talented staff to
operate and maintain the Ellis Creel: WRF in a timely manner and without delaying the Ellis
Creek WRF project; and ensures the WWTP is properly operated and maintained from the date
of Veolia's departure through transition from the WWTP to the Ellis Creek WRF.
We anticipate presenting the agreement with Camp Dresser & McKee for the City Council's
consideration and action at the February 25`h City Council meeting.