Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This legislation authorizes the Director of Columbus Water and Power to modify a contract with Synagro Central, LLC for the Water Treatment Residuals Turnkey Dewatering Services Project. The project is expected to be completed sometime in 2040.
This contract shall provide Water Treatment Residuals (WTR) management services for WTR stored in the McKinley Avenue Quarry (MAQ), which includes WTR from the Hap Cremean Water Plant (HCWP), the Dublin Road Water Plant (DRWP), and the Parsons Avenue Water Plant (PAWP).
The WTR Management Services includes: the operation and maintenance of the dewatering facility at the MAQ; maintenance of the premises licensed to Synagro Central, LLC; supplying rolling stock to complete the WTR management services; operation and maintenance of the rolling stock provided by the Company, dredging, acceptance, dewatering, processing, handling, transportation, marketing and utilization of WTR produced and related obligations to facilitate this service including permitting compliance.
The Community Planning Area is 99 - Citywide since the facility will handle WTR from all three water plants (DRWP, HCWP and PAWP), which serve multiple several Columbus communities. This contract will provide services through May 31, 2026. The contract anticipates a duration of fourteen (14) years beyond this contract modification with an optional five (5) year extension. The contract is anticipated to end in the 4th quarter 2040, or 4th quarter 2045 if the optional five (5) year extension is used. Each year a contract modification is anticipated to be legislated in the 2nd quarter to fund the contract.
PROCUREMENT:
Columbus Water and Power solicited competitive bids through the Vendor Services and Bonfire websites from September 3, 2021 for this project in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code (RFQ018958). One (1) bid was received.
The proposed contract amount is $12,400,000.00 for the modification #2. Subsequent annual contract modifications are anticipated to provide funding. Cost will be based on a service fee that includes a unit cost per dry ton of water treatment residuals beneficially used per year. The contract incorporates pricing adjustments associated with corresponding economic indices such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) over the duration of the term. The pricing adjustments and increase in quantity over the contract duration is the basis of the annually increasing costs.
The project will extend the life of the MAQ for residuals disposal and improve the sustainability of DOW’s WTR management methods by diverting a significant portion of the WTR to beneficial uses. Almost all work will be conducted in areas not accessible to the public, so DOW does not anticipate conducting community outreach for this project, but can do so if the need arises.
This ordinance authorizes the second modification of the contract and is being submitted in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code pertaining to contract renewal and modifications.
Cost summary:
Original Contract - Ordinance #1646-2024 $ 0.00
Modification #1 - Ordinance #1218-2025 $ 5,300,000.00
Modification #2 - Ordinance # 0936-2026 $ 12,400,000.00
Contract Total to Date: $ 17,700,000.00
1. Amount of additional funds: The total amount of additional funds needed for this contract modification #2 is $12,400,000.00. Total contract amount including this modification is $17,700,000.00.
2. Reason additional funds were not foreseen: The need for additional funds was expected at the time of the initial contract.
3. Reason other procurement processes were not used: Regular procurement processes were utilized.
4. How was cost determined: The modification is based upon estimated requirements for 2026 at rates established in the existing contract.
SUPPLIER:
Synagro Central, LLC, D365 #010213, Expiration date 5/23/2026
The company is not debarred according to the Excluded Party Listing System of the Federal Government or prohibited from being awarded a contract according to the Auditor of State Unresolved Findings for Recovery Certified Search.
FISCAL IMPACT: $12,400,000.00 funds are budgeted and available for this expenditure within the Water Operating Fund.
$0.00 was spent in 2025
$0.00 was spent in 2024
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities (Columbus Water and Power) to modify a contract with Synagro Central, LLC for the Water Treatment Residuals Turnkey Dewatering Services Project for the Division of Water; and to authorize the expenditure of $12,400,000.00 from the Water Operating Fund. ($12,400,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, ordinance # 1646-2024 authorized Columbus Water and Power (CWP) to upgrade management services for Water Treatment Residuals (WTR) stored in the McKinley Avenue Quarry (MAQ), which includes WTR from the Hap Cremean Water Plant (HCWP), the Dublin Road Water Plant (DRWP), and the Parsons Avenue Water Plant(PAWP); and
WHEREAS, The WTR Management Services includes: the operation and maintenance of the dewatering facility at the MAQ; maintenance of the premises licensed to Synagro (Company); supplying rolling stock to complete the WTR management services; operation and maintenance of the rolling stock provided by the Company, dredging, acceptance, dewatering, processing, handling, transportation, marketing and utilization of WTR produced and related obligations to facilitate this service including permitting compliance; and
WHEREAS, Columbus Water and Power solicited competitive bids through the Vendor Services and Bonfire websites from September 3, 2021 for this project in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code (RFQ018958). One (1) bid was received; and
WHEREAS, Synagro Central was deemed to have the strongest proposal because they presented the most thorough and logical project approach, demonstrated a highly skilled project team, and their team provided thorough overall understanding of Columbus Water and Power needs and included a good plan for change management; and
WHEREAS, the contract anticipates a duration of fourteen (14) years beyond 2026 with an optional five (5) year extension. The contract is anticipated to end in the 4th quarter 2040, or 4th quarter 2045 if the optional five (5) year extension is used. Each year a contract modification is anticipated to be legislated in the 2nd quarter to fund the contract; and
WHEREAS, the expenditure of $12,400,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 6000, Water Operating Fund, in object class 03, Services, per the accounting codes attached to the ordinance; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of Columbus Water and Power, to authorize the Director of Columbus Water and Power to modify a contract for the Water Treatment Residuals Turnkey Dewatering Services; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Public Utilities (Columbus Water and Power) is hereby authorized to modify a contract with Synagro Central, LLC, 435 Williams Court, Suite 100, Baltimore, MD 21220, for the Water Treatment Residuals Turnkey Dewatering Services Project.
SECTION 2. That this contract is in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $12,400,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 6000, Water Operating Fund, in object class 03, Services, per the accounting codes attached to the ordinance.
SECTION 4. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 5. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.