AGENDA TITLE:
title
Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Waive the Bid Process and Execute a Three-Year Professional Services Agreement with Calgon Carbon of Moon Township, PA for Custom Regeneration Granular Activated Carbon Services ($900,000) and Appropriate Funds ($900,000) (PW)
end
MEETING DATE:
April 15, 2026
PREPARED BY:
Interim Public Works Director
recommendation
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt a resolution authorizing Interim City Manager to waive the bid process and execute a Three-Year Professional Services Agreement with Calgon Carbon of Moon Township, PA for Custom Regeneration Granular Activated Carbon Services, in the amount of $900,000 and appropriate funds in the amount of $900,000.
body
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment systems (Attachment1) are currently utilized at nine well sites to treat and adsorb dibromochloropropane (DBCP), 1,2,3,- trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP), and other contaminates found in drinking water. Over time, the carbon loses its adsorptive capacity and must be replaced or regenerated. Historically, when replacement has been warranted, the City has chosen to replace with virgin coal GAC. When only treating DBCP, virgin coal GAC can usually run 6 to 10-years without requiring replacement. In 2017, the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for 1,2,3-TCP was set at 0.005 µg/L or 5 parts per trillion. This MCL is now triggering more frequent GAC change-outs.
In 2023, due to the increased change-out frequency, staff researched alternatives in an effort to reduce cost and ensure product availability, while still procuring a high-quality product. GAC regeneration is an efficient, cost- effective alternative to virgin GAC. GAC regeneration is a thermal reactivation process where adsorbed organics are destroyed by extreme heat and the activated carbon’s adsorptive capacity is restored.
On March 25, 2023, Council approved the first GAC regeneration contract with Calgon Carbon (“Calgon”). Calgon is an industry leader in custom regeneration and it operates the only potable reactivation facility in the western United States. This facility adheres to the American Water Works Association (AWWA) B605 drinking water standards and meets NSF-61 certification. While serving only drinking water customers, this facility vastly reduces the chance of cross contamination with other industry (non-potable) used GAC. Calgon continues to store the City’s regenerated GAC at its facility ensuring product availability thereby reducing supply chain challenges. Consistent with the original contract pricing for GAC regeneration, Calgon has also included pricing for virgin GAC and GAC vessel inspection services. These additional services would be used as needed.
This agreement has an initial term of three years with two optional one-year extensions, for a total maximum contract term of five years.
FISCAL IMPACT:
GAC Treatment is a requirement of the City’s Domestic Water Permit. Funding comes from the Water Capital account which is funded with proceeds from the City’s DBCP and 123-TCP settlements. This service will not impact the General Fund.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Water Capital: 56199000.77020 (PWWA-23003) $900,000