The nitrification towers provide a surface for nitrifying bacteria to convert ammonia to nitrate, a key step in the removal of nitrogen from the wastewater. The efficiency of these towers in this process is affected by a variety of operational and environmental conditions. The first four nitrification towers were constructed in 1985 and have been in constant service since. The concrete structure, mechanical components and media are in need of rehabilitation and/or replacement to ensure the continued effective treatment necessary to meet the total nitrogen discharge limit.

The proposed work scope provides for the formal design of Nitrification Tower #2 Rehabilitation Project, including replacement of treatment media and the mechanical distributor arms, limited rehabilitation of concrete tank walls, center column evaluation, automation of existing control valves, and identify re-treatment pumping requirements for startup activities. The scope of work tasks, as detailed in the attached agreement, include development of construction plans, specifications and bid documents, construction cost estimates and providing bidding support services. 

The City of Reno will administer the contract and will be reimbursed for a portion of the costs by the City of Sparks through the Sparks–Reno cost sharing agreement for TMWRF. The City of Reno and the City of Sparks share the cost for this project based upon their ownership of TMWRF, which is 68.63% for Reno and 31.37% for Sparks. Based on the ownership percentages, Reno’s share is not to exceed $305,754.89 and Sparks share is not to exceed $139,757.11.

1. City Council can approve the reimbursement as presented by staff.
2. City Council could reject the reimbursement and provide alternate direction to the City Manager.

I move to approve the reimbursement to the City of Reno for the City of Sparks’ share of a consulting agreement between the City of Reno, the City of Sparks and Brown & Caldwell Engineering for the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility Nitrification Tower #2 Rehabilitation Project in an amount not to exceed $139,757.11.