TMWRF operates six Nitrification Trickling Filters (NTF) to convert ammonia to nitrate, which is ultimately removed from the wastewater as nitrogen gas.   The four older towers, constructed in 1985, are scheduled for rehabilitation over the next several years.  NTF number 2 is due for rehabilitation in calendar year 2020.  Due to the need to have all six NTFs in service during the colder winter months, the project schedule has been developed to allow for the construction to begin in March and be completed in September.  However, in order minimize the possibility of complications the schedule also includes a prolonged procurement phase.  Many of the items necessary for the rehabilitation have manufacturing lead times of up to six months.  This procurement will begin in June, 2019 and all materials should be on-site at TMWRF by January, 2020.  Once all materials are at TMWRF and the weather is sufficiently warm the actual construction will commence. 

The construction management support for this project includes the design engineer review of all construction materials.  Thus, the CM contract must commence at the beginning of the procurement phase of the construction.  In addition to reviewing and approving materials, there is a small amount of preparatory work that is anticipated to be performed in the fall of 2019.  This work includes the installation of some isolation valves and piping to allow for continued operation of the remaining towers while NTF 2 is rehabilitated. The construction management engineer will provide inspection and testing on this preparatory work as well as the main phase of the NTF rehabilitation.

While every effort has been made to anticipate construction challenges, the towers have been in continuous service since 1985 and no inspection of the interior was possible.  Consequently, there may be unanticipated issues requiring project changes prior to returning the tower to service.  Despite this risk the overall project schedule must remain intact to ensure all NTFs are in service for the 2020-21 winter.  Construction management, particularly scheduling the various inspections, coordinating between the contractor and TMWRF staff and quickly addressing contractor questions will be a critical component in the timely completion of this rehabilitation.

TMWRF does not have the capacity on staff to provide these necessary services to support the project, consequently the proposed scope of work is necessary to ensure the rehabilitation project is completed within the required schedule.   Due to the uncertainty inherent in this project described above the proposed scope of work includes a $100,000 owner controlled contingency.

In accordance with the interlocal agreement, The City of Reno will administer the agreement and will be reimbursed for a portion of the costs by the City of Sparks. The City of Reno and the City of Sparks share the cost of this project based on the pro-rata ownership of TMWRF.  The ownership split is currently 68.63 percent for Reno and 31.37 percent for Sparks. This project is included in the TMWRF’s FY 2019 and FY 2020 Capital Improvement Plan approved by the TMWRF Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC).

1. City Council can approve the agreement as presented by staff.
2. City Council could deny the agreement and provide direction to the City Manager.

I move that City Council approve the agreement (AC-5577) with Brown and Caldwell for construction management services for the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility Nitrification Tower 2 Rehabilitation Project in an amount not to exceed $751,746 with City of Sparks’ share being $235,822.72.