HomeMy WebLinkAboutA021 - Resolution approving contract renewal with GHD Services Inc, of Niagara Falls, NY, for Regulatory Compliance Monitoring at the Ash Pond in an amount not-to-exceed $80,000ITEM #:22
DATE:08-26-25
DEPT:ELEC
SUBJECT:REGULATORY COMPLIANCE MONITORING
AT POWER PLANT ASH POND
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
For many years, the Power Plant boilers combusted coal as their primary fuel. A portion of the
resulting ash was then conveyed to ponds east of the Power Plant, where it accumulated and
was occasionally dredged for disposal. In order to comply with a regulation known as the U.S.
EPA Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) rule, the Power Plant is undertaking a project to
mound and encapsulate the ash in a permanent closure. This project is approaching
completion.
The CCR rule also requires the Power Plant to conduct routine groundwater sampling,
reporting, and inspections related to the ash pond by qualified professionals. In 2024,
staff issued a request for proposals seeking professionals capable of performing the
monitoring and reporting for the Power Plant.
On October 11, 2024, the City Manager's Office approved a contract to GHD Services Inc., of
Niagara, NY, for Annual Regulatory Compliance Monitoring at the Ash Pond with an option to
renew each year for up to five years. The requested action will be for a contract to
produce annual reports due in July 2026. This is the first of four possible renewal periods.
The cost for this year's services increased from last year. The reports this year will require
additional effort because the CCR ash closure project will be complete. There is also a new
time and materials line item in the contract for additional investigation as necessary.
The approved FY 2025/26 operating budget contains $50,000 for these services. Additional
funds will come from the cooling tower blowdown discharge account where there is $35,000 in
savings resulting from a decrease in blowdown discharge.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the contract renewal with GHD Services Inc., of Niagara Falls, NY, for
Regulatory Compliance Monitoring at the Ash Pond, for one-year in an amount not-to-
exceed $80,000.
2. Reject the renewal option and instruct staff to issue a new request for proposals for
monitoring and reporting services.
1
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The Power Plant is required to conduct monitoring and reporting to comply with the
U.S. EPA's Coal Combustion Residuals rule. The work is budgeted in the 2025/26 Power
Plant operating budget. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the
City Council adopt Alternative No. 1 as stated above.
2