Item 8CAGENDA ITEM It 8C
FEBRUARY 9.2009
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM: Polymer for Wastewater Treatment Plants
Bid No. 0809-04
SUBMITTED BY: Donna Kaluzniak, Utility Directo
DATE: Febnaary Z, 2009
BACKGROUND: On December 8, 2008 the City Commission awarded a contract for polymer to
Ciba Specialty Chemicals. The award was based on the cost per 1,000 gallons treated as estimated
during pilot testing of the product.
After using the product for a full scale dewatering, the polymer did not perform to specifications. It
took five times longer to dewater only 1/3 the amount of sludge normally processed. Staff contacted
the vendor to resolve the problem. The vendor stated they could only try to provide the City with a
different (untested) polymer at a higher cost. Therefore, staff recommends canceling the contract with
Ciba Specialty Chemicals for Bid No. 0809-04.
Staff would like to request authorization to use the LC802C Polymer from Leachem Industries, Inc.,
which has worked perfectly with the City's sludge for many years, as a sole source product.
Polymers (polyelectrolytes) are complex specialty chemicals. There are a multitude of different
polymers based on various molecular weights, viscosities and other characteristics. The formulas for
each company's polymers are unique and proprietary-so there is no real way to bid "apples to
apples.»
In addition to the polymer's formula, its effectiveness depends greatly on the physical and chemical
characteristics of the sludge and the dewatering method.
Staff has attempted to use other polymers that were "best cost" based on pilot testing, and the results
have been treatment plant upsets and poor sludge dewatering-which costs the City time and money
and puts us at risk for regulatory violations.
Leachem has provided a quote for the LC802C Polymer of $1.43/pound ($0.02 less than the Ciba
product). Our bid specifications allow for twice per year cost adjustments based on the CPI.
BUDGET: A total of $23,000 was budgeted for polymer in the Sewer Fund under account number
410-5508-535-5200.
AGENDA ITEM # 8C
FEBRUARY 9, 2009
RECOMMENDATION: Cancel the contract with Ciba Specialty Chemicals for Bid No. 0809-04.
Authorize staff to use LC802C Polymer from Leachem Industries, Inc. as a sole source product at
$1.43/pound, with cost adjustments permitted no more than twice per year based on the CPI.
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Quote from Leachem Industries, Inc.
REVIEWED BY CITY MANAGER:
San 28 09 06:27a Information Systems 904-247-5859
Jan 27 flS 03,3Bp LeahChsm mqustries, Inc. ~[i•;7tl~-ryA[ AGENDA ITEM # 8C
FEBRUARY 9, 2009
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~ 321-289.6510 Fay: 321.383.7942
www,isahGhsrn.com
Facsimile Price Quote
To: IIRr. Trx>'y Stephens
C~PanY~ Cittr a~f ARlartic leach
FacsimNe: (904) 247-5895
oate: as/2~/os 3:34b6 vM
Pages: 1 including cover shtet
Frorn: Wayne DeGarma, V.P.
Caa»tparr~r: r«eahChem Indastries, fret.
Tekphorre: (321) 269.6510
Facsimile: (321 3$3-79x2
Sttbjatt: Pript Quote
. LeahChem industries, Int. is pleased to quatc the Cfty of Atbntk leach pricing 6cr the foNowing
product:
51.43/pound
4S0 pounds,/drurn net
4 drum minimum
FOB your Plant
Price good through June 3a, 2009
If you have any questkns regarding this quote or our products, please give us a caii.
Best Regards,
LEAHCNEM iNOtnTRIFS, iNC.
~~
Wayne li. DeGarmo,
Vice President
LatmCheia Axluelrfas, M. 6725 Alaan JLVai, Cocoa. R 9~92T
a you ab ~ reoeiva arw a pare ar ihhe 1ran~abn, pipse aanart 321.296-6910