The Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility (TMWRF) operates 5 methane phase digesters. The digesters at TMWRF help to stabilize the solids generated at the facility which helps with dewatering and disposal of the material.  This process also produces methane gas that is used to heat the digestion process, heat the facility, and generate up to one-third of the electrical power to operate the facility.  The area inside the digester above the waterline is constantly exposed to hydrogen sulfide gas, which forms sulfuric acid.  Thus, the interior of the cover requires repair and recoating periodically to maintain its integrity.  Additionally, the seal between the cover and the tank walls is required to be gas-tight to contain the methane and other gasses.  This seal is also subject to harsh chemical conditions and requires periodic replacement.  The current seal on digester 2 has been in service since 2004.   

Digester 2 was removed from service, cleaned and inspected.  The inspection resulted in a number of recommendations for rehabilitation of the digester interior and seals.  This contract provides for the removal and replacement of sludge sample pipes, cleaning and coating of the interior of the digester cover, removal and reinstallation/replacement of the concrete ballast blocks, lead abatement, removal and replacement of the polyurethane foam insulation on the exterior of the cover, and installation of a new elastomeric digester seal. 

The City of Reno held an open, competitive bid for this work.  Bids were opened on May 13, 2019.  The lowest responsive and responsible bidder is Farr Construction Corporation dba Resource Development Company.  The current CIP budget approved by the TMWRF Joint Coordinating Committee for the construction of this project will support the award of the Bid in the amount of $1,155,300.  The total cost of the project will be shared between the two cities based on current treatment plant ownership percentages.  The City of Sparks’ share will be up to $362,417.61.

1. City Council can approve the reimbursement as presented by staff.
2. City Council could direct the City Manager to have staff explore other options.

I move to approve reimbursement to the City of Reno for Sparks’ share of a construction contract with Farr Construction Corporation dba Resource Development Company for the Digester 2 Cover Rehabilitation Project at the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility in an amount of $1,155,300 with City of Sparks' share being $362,417.61.