Explanation
1. BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter into an agreement with Patrick Engineering Inc. for professional engineering services for the O'Shaughnessy Hydro Turbine Facility Improvements Project, in an amount up to $250,000.00, for Division of Water Contract No. 972. Two turbines, which if fully functional can produce up to 5 megawatts of power. One of the turbines is functional however, the equipment has a need for repairs to be at full capacity. The other turbine is not active at this time.
2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND FUTURE CONTRACT MODIFICATION:
This project will provide for Preliminary Design Services, Detailed Design Services, and Engineering Services During Construction for mechanical and electrical upgrades to the O'Shaughnessy Dam Hydro Turbine Facility. The initial contract authorization will provide funding for Preliminary Design Services. Authorization for Detailed Design Services and Engineering Services During Construction will be requested under future contract modifications.
3. ECONOMIC IMPACT/ADVANTAGES; COMMUNITY OUTREACH; PROJECT DEVELOPMENT; ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS/ADVANTAGES OF PROJECT: The O'Shaughnessy Dam and Reservoir is primarily used as a source of drinking water supply for a service area which includes Columbus and multiple suburban communities. Hydropower and recreation are secondary uses. The power plant, owned and operated by the City of Columbus, is licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Under the FERC licensing authority, power plants that are deemed to be underutilized or abandoned could potentially be taken over by another hydropower developer. Loss of operational control of the power plant could result in conflicts of interest between water supply and power generation. The power plant's two hydro turbine units need to be repaired to remain operational. This will allow the City to retain its license with FERC and full operational control of...
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