Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This legislation authorizes the Director of Columbus Water & Power to enter into a contract with Duke’s Root Control, Inc. for a program to kill root growth in sanitary sewer lines 6” to 36” in diameter and inhibit root re-growth. The Division of Water Reclamation (DOWR) wishes to enter into a contract to and including December 31, 2026.
DOWR determined that the chemical diquat dibromide is the most effective way to treat roots in sewers. Diquat dibromide, classified as non-carcinogenic and not considered a volatile compound, is approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for this use. Additionally, diquat dibromide has little or no effect on treatment plant processes, making this chemical preferred for use in the root control program. The Division has further determined that other chemicals are not acceptable for use in this program due to either ineffectiveness or the presence of metam sodium, which the US EPA classifies as a probable carcinogen.
Duke’s Root Control, Inc. is the only commercial applicator licensed to apply diquat dibromide, which the company does through its proprietary product known as Razorooter. Duke’s Root Control, Inc. is registered with the Ohio Department of Agriculture and its applicators are certified by the agency to perform pesticide applications to sewers.
While there are multiple ways to treat root growth and inhibit re-growth, the effectiveness of Razorooter and its classification as non-carcinogenic and not a volatile compound mean it is in the best interest of the City to waive the provisions of competitive bidding and enter into a contract with Duke’s Root Control, Inc. for these services.
SUPPLIER:
Duke’s Root Control, Inc. | D365 #010159 | Expires May 17, 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 Cert...
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