Explanation
BACKGROUND
This legislation authorizes the Director of Columbus Water and Power to modify and renew a contract with Suburban Sales & Services, L.P. for Offsite Biosolids Anaerobic Digestion through December 31, 2027.
The City of Columbus operates a composting facility that processes sewage sludge from two interconnected wastewater treatment plants into soil conditioner / mulch for wholesale. The City of Columbus Composting Facility has goals to reduce the amount of waste products going to landfills. In pursuit of these goals The City of Columbus Compost Facility has partnerships with other sustainable focused facilities in the area including the offsite anaerobic digester owned and operated by Suburban Sales & Services, L.P.
The offsite anaerobic digester was constructed via a public-private partnership between 2006 and 2009 as a means of redirecting organic materials from SWACO landfills and providing a reliable outlet for City Water Reclamation Facility biosolids and City of Columbus fats, oils, and greases (FOG). The facility employs three permanent and four seasonal jobs. It is the only waste grease and food waste receiving anaerobic digester in Franklin County. The facility redirects organics that would otherwise degrade to methane in a landfill and contribute to human caused global warming through unmitigated methane production. City produced biosolids are a key feedstock to keep the offsite digester functional and within acceptable operating parameters.
This outlet currently accounts for an average 15-20% of the City’s biosolids on a wet ton basis and has been integral to operations since its inception nearly two decades prior. The digester is located only 0.5 miles from the Jackson Pike Water Reclamation Plant. Transport of the City’s biosolids is performed by the Compost Facility’s operational staff. The minimal travel distance saves on costs of labor and equipment wear and tear while maximizing the number of loads which can be disposed in one day.
The offsite anaerobic digester will accept dewatered, class-B biosolids or unclassified biosolids as a feedstock for their anaerobic digestion process, co-digesting with other organics redirected from local landfills, and ultimately take ownership and land apply the biosolids.
CONTRACT AMOUNTS/TIMELINE
This Contract was written initially for one (1) year from the date of execution by the City of Columbus with the option to renew annually for three (3) additional one (1) year periods upon mutual agreement between the parties, availability of budgeted funds and approval by City Council. The original contract was approved by ORD 2420-2025 and executed until December 31, 2026. This legislation is authorizing the first of the 3 additional renewal options. If unforeseen issues or difficulties are encountered that would require additional funding, a modification would be requested.
SUPPLIER: Suburban Sales & Services, L.P., vendor #053629 Expires 9/17/2027
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: $1,000,000.00 is budgeted and needed for this service.
$470,607.16 has been spent so far in 2026 as of 10/22/2026
$0.00 was spent in 2025
$0.00 was spent in 2024
Title
To authorize the Director of Columbus Water and Power to enter into a contract modification and renewal with Suburban Sales & Services, L.P. for Offsite Biosolids Anaerobic Digestion; and to authorize the expenditure if $1,000,000.00 from the Sewer Operating Fund. ($1,000,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, Columbus Water & Power has a need for an off site Anaerobic Digester Outlet; and
WHEREAS, Suburban Sales & Services L.P. operates the only digester in Franklin County; and
WHEREAS, this facility was developed in a public-private partnership between 2006 and 2009 as a means of redirecting organic material from the landfill; and
WHEREAS, Columbus Water & Power has a current contract that expires December 31, 2026, that contract includes the option to renew this contract for three additional years; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Columbus Water and Power to authorize the Director enter into a contract with Suburban Sales & Service, L.P. for Offsite Biosolids Anaerobic Digestion; and NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Columbus Water and Power be and is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with Suburban Sales & Services, L.P. for Offsite Biosolids Anaerobic Digestion in accordance with the terms, conditions and specifications on file.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $1,000,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, be and is hereby authorized in Object Class 03 Services in Fund 6100-Sewerage Operating per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. 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 4. 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 5. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.