Explanation
BACKGROUND: To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to modify to increase funding for contracts with Ohio Mulch Supply, Inc. and Quasar Energy Group LLC-North Tree Farm for the Deep Row Hybrid Poplar Tree Farm #2 Program to provide for additional services through July 31, 2025.
The City of Columbus Department of Public Utilities (DPU), Division of Sewerage and Drainage (DOSD) produces Class B biosolids in accordance with ORC 3745-40 at both Jackson Pike and Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plants. The City has committed to 100% beneficial reuse of its biosolids.
This contract will function as a mechanism to facilitate Class B biosolids disposal via an Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) approved Deep Row Hybrid Poplar (DRHP) or other approved rapid growth tree farm. The selected entity shall demonstrate compliance with all applicable rules and regulations related to biosolids handling and disposal, land development, land reclamation, and environmental permitting.
The Department of Public Utilities solicited competitive bids for the Deep Row Hybrid Poplar Tree Farm #2 Program in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 (RFQ022646). Two contracts were established and authorized under Ordinance #0095-2023 for $1,840,000.00. Ordinance #1875-2023 Modification #1 and Ordinance #2984-2023 Modification #2 was for 2023 funding.This Ordinance is to add funding for the 2024 budget year and to renew and extend the contract.
This legislation seeks to modify the contracts to add funding to provide for an increase in services through the term of the contract. This Ordinance is being submitted in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code pertaining to contract modifications.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: The Department of Public Utilities respectfully requests this legislation be considered as an emergency due to an increase in services and to authorize the renewals prior to the expiration of the original cont...
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