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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Agreement with Verbio Nevada, LLC to Accept Biosolids from the Ames Water Pollution Control Facility for a three years from the executed date RESOLUTION NO. 21-261 RESOLUTION APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH VERBIO NEVADA, LLC, TO ACCEPT BIOSOLIDS FROM THE AMES WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS FROM THE EXECUTED DATE FOR THE CITY OF AMES,IOWA WHEREAS, the Ames Water Pollution Control Facility(WPCF)produces approximately 30,000 gallons of biosolids each day and throughout the year; these biosolids are stored in the facility's primary and secondary digesters and biosolids storage lagoon; and, WHEREAS, ultimately, the biosolids are disposed of by land application on farm ground adjacent to the WPCF; and, WHEREAS, Verbio Nevada LLC, located near the City of Nevada, Iowa, is in the process of constructing digesters for the purpose of producing renewal natural gas; and WHEREAS,Verbio is nearing completion of the first set of eight digesters and plans to bring them online in phases in the coming months; and, WHEREAS, startup of the digesters requires a biological "seed"material for the digestion process to begin,and after startup,the digestion process sustains itself as organic material continues to be introduced; and, WHEREAS, the biosolids produced at the WPCF can act as the seed material to start the digestion process for a new digestion unit; and, WHEREAS, in the Fall 2020, Ames staff was approached by representatives from Verbio inquiring whether the Ames WPCF would have the ability to provide a portion of its biosolids to Verbio for digester startup; and, WHEREAS,City staff evaluated the inquiry and has had ongoing conversations with Verbio staff and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to determine the logistical and regulatory feasibility of providing the biosolids to Verbio; and, WHEREAS, it has been determined that a portion of the biosolids produced by WPCF can be provided to Verbio without adversely affecting operations at the WPCF or negatively impacting the Facility's regulatory record; and, WHEREAS,Verbio will be responsible for hauling all the material at its cost,and while the biosolids would be provided to Verbio at no cost,a savings of$25,000-$75,000 in the FY 2021/22 WPCF operating budget may be achieved due to the avoided expense of contract land application; and, WHEREAS, City staff has developed a written Agreement with Verbio that details the obligations of each party for the hauling and handling of the biosolids. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa, that the Agreement with Verbio Nevada,LLC,to accept biosolids from the Ames Water Pollution Control Facility for a period of three years from the executed date (to be effective upon signed approval from both parties) is hereby approved. ADOPTED THIS 25`'' day of May, 2021. Diane R. Voss, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor Introduced by: Gartin Seconded by: Betcher Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Martin Voting nay: None Absent: None Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 25t'day of May, 2021.