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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReal Estate, Environmental & Planning MINUTES 09-12-24 (Special)110ENTRAL SAN BOARD OF DIRECTORS: MARIAHN. LAURITZEN President SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MICHAEL R. MCGILL CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA President Pro Tem SANITARY DISTRICT BARBARA D. HOCKETT TAD J PILECKI REAL ESTATE, ENVIRONMENTAL ELORENCET WEDINGTON & PLANNING COMMITTEE PHONE: (925)228-9500 FAX.- (925) 372-0192 MINUTES www.central.van.org Thursday, September 12, 2024 8:30 a.m. Committee: Chair Barbara Hockett Member Tad Pilecki (Alternate) Staff. Roger S. Bailey, General Manager (arrived during Item 3.a., left during Item 3.b.) Katie Young, Secretary of the District (left during Item 3.b.) Greg Norby, Deputy GM — Operations (arrived during Item 3.a.) Philip Leiber, Deputy GM - Administration Danea Gemmell, Planning and Development Services Division Manager Edgar Lopez, Capital Projects Division Manager (arrived during Item 3.b.) Melody LaBella, Resource Recovery Program Manager Nitin Goel, Operations Optimization Division Manager Nathan Hodges, Senior Engineer Rita Cheng, Senior Engineer (joined during Item 3.b.) Michael Cunningham, Associate Engineer Karen DeLong, Administrative Services Assistant 1. Call Meeting to Order Chair Hockett called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. 2. Public Comments None. Real Estate, Environmental & Planning Committee Minutes (Special) September 12, 2024 Page 2 3. Items for Committee Recommendation to Board a. Review draft Position Paper to conduct a public hearing on October 3, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. to consider declaring a portion of Central San land located at 1961 and 1975 Diamond Blvd., Concord (commonly referred to as the Willows Center Concord LLC, APN 126-440-003) as currently un-needed and authorize the General Manager, or Designee, to execute a Lease Agreement for a period not to exceed ten years Ms. Gemmell provided an overview of the draft Position Paper included in the agenda materials. In response to an inquiry from Member Pilecki as to whether the tenants were comfortable with the new $33,000 rate, Ms. Gemmell stated that they were, as well as with the four percent annual escalation. She added that the Technical Services Department is working with General Counsel to update the District lease templates and language. Ms. Young stated there were no public comments. COMMITTEE ACTION: Recommended to hold the public hearing. b. Receive an overview of the Nutrient Management Planning and Predesign Project Mr. Bailey introduced the presentation as an update to the District's long-term plan for the nutrients permit issues. Next month, staff will give a presentation on the status of the pilot program at the treatment plant, which has potential to drastically reduce the cost from the initial projection. Ms. LaBella reviewed the presentation included in the agenda materials. She assured the Committee that staff understands the significance of the nutrients permitting issue, efforts are occurring by staff throughout the District, and that staff would only be addressing one element of work on this issue, which is regarding the Request for Proposals that will be issued to develop a Nutrient Management Strategy Roadmap and Pre -design Report. When the discussion of Nutrients in the Bay Area began in 2012, it was specifically focused on reducing ammonia which involved converting ammonia to nitrate. What has unfolded is a focus on limiting discharge of total inorganic nitrogen (TIN), which means ammonia must be converted to nitrogen gas and released to the atmosphere, which has cost significance. The wastewater agencies have requested more time, and the Regional Water Board has committed to extending the time limit. Real Estate, Environmental & Planning Committee Minutes (Special) September 12, 2024 Page 3 Mr. Goel stated that the population growth will affect the parameters that must be met according to the limits set by the third watershed permit, since adding population adds nitrogen and that will increase the reduction amount needed over time to meet the 40% reduction target from 2022 nitrogen discharge levels. The design life of the system is also a high priority. Member Pilecki shared that the discussion at the Regional Water Board hearing made it clear that the percentage reduction requirements could increase, and any plans need to take that into consideration. Mr. Norby added that the strategic focus of the science effort over the next five years will have a large influence on planning and building for the long term. Member Pilecki then emphasized that the flexibility to add modules to the core model will allow adaptation needed for the unknown. Chair Hockett agreed and stated that flexibility will only come from being able to add modules as projects progress. In response to Member Pilecki's question about receiving reimbursement for any expenses incurred for meeting the requirements, Mr. Bailey responded that there would be none. Chair Hockett stated that a cost -benefit analysis used to be a requirement in the industry for permitting, and that maybe this practice should be re -instituted. Mr. Goel continued that with Central San's current process, some nitrogen is captured in the sludge and incinerated. This is not the case with other agencies that have digesters. Central San is doing a positive thing for the environment by incinerating. The process removes nitrogen, but attention should be paid to consider if a phosphorous limit might be implemented in plans for the foundational projects. Member Pilecki asked if the addition of ferric chloride in the primary sedimentation basins would capture more solids. Mr. Goel responded that treatment plants that use ferric chloride generally have chlorine for their disinfection system, as ultraviolet (UV) lamps can become damaged with ferric deposits. Mr. Goel continued reviewing the presentation, stating that technologies such as Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR) and Modified Ludzack Ettinger (MLE) for TIN reduction, in conjunction with previously planned projects from the 2017 Comprehensive Wastewater Master Plan are being carefully evaluated to identify a comprehensive, optimal solution for Central San. Real Estate, Environmental & Planning Committee Minutes (Special) September 12, 2024 Page 4 Ms. Cheng reported that she is in discussion with Geosyntec consultants to evaluate options for locating or removing the contaminated soil within Central San's treatment plant that may need to be addressed if new basins are required for nutrient removal. A discussion followed concerning potential options, including treatment or relocation of the contaminated soil, heavy metals, alternate basin locations, costs, and liability concerns, as well as the need to begin as early as possible. Mr. Goel discussed the MABR pilot results. Initial results are promising, and the pilot will conclude toward the end of October. During overview of the electrical blower project, Member Pilecki inquired about the energy conversion efficiency of the steam turbines versus electrical. Mr. Goel stated that improving electrical reliability at Central San as well as generation of the power, including consideration of the resulting efficiency, for the new facilities are included in the overall project plan. In reviewing the new UV disinfection system, Member Pilecki and Mr. Goel discussed the complications of rerouting all the flows while the plant is functioning. Mr. Lopez added that hydraulics and flow will be improved and optimized in conjunction with the UV project. Mr. Goel clarified that all the projects are tied together, for example, the completion of the solids handling facility improvement is critical to make space for the UV facility. Ms. LaBella highlighted project objectives as well as a focus on optimal and adaptable strategies and maintaining flexibility to set up Central San for success in the future. Mr. Goel shared the draft task list and requested input from the Committee Members. Mr. Goel responded to a question from Member Pilecki regarding other technologies that might be utilized and stated that a densification process is used by other treatment plants in the United States. This process involves keeping materials that settle faster in the system and wasting ones that do not. The decision on whether to test this system is included in the evaluation plan. Ms. LaBella asserted that the plan includes a thoughtful comprehensive look at all the options for recycled water as well as other alternatives, and the associated permitting requirements and costs. Mr. Goel continued that this project will be coordinating closely with the Capital Projects Division for the optimal project delivery method Chair Hockett expressed the need to be assured of the knowledge base and expertise of the consultants that will be considered. Mr. Goel added that the consultants must understand the size and complexity of the projects. Chair Real Estate, Environmental & Planning Committee Minutes (Special) September 12, 2024 Page 5 Hockett then opined that the solution is to rely on expertise at the District to do due diligence and not just rely on consultants' point of view. Member Pilecki stressed making sure that the best consultants are retained as soon as possible to ensure project success. In response to Ms. LaBella's inquiry whether the entire presentation should go to the Board, the consensus was to include a maximum of ten slides to the Board, simplifying and identifying the crucial points. Member Pilecki suggested conducting a Board workshop once there is a functional plan to proceed, perhaps in six months, to satisfy interest and receive approval. Mr. Goel added that having the selected consultant at that time would be helpful. Ms. LaBella confirmed that those requests would be captured as part of the presentation to the Board. Chair Hockett and Member Pilecki enthusiastically recommended bringing the presentation to the Board. COMMITTEE ACTION: Received the overview, provided input and recommended Board receipt. 4. Announcements Ms. LaBella announced that on September 11, 2024, Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) energized the meter to Central San's solar project. 5. Suggestions for future agenda items a. Receive list of upcoming agenda items and provide suggestions for any other future agenda items COMMITTEE ACTION: Received the list and provided input to staff. 6. Future scheduled meeti Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. (Special) Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. 7. Adjournment — at 10:28 a.m.