HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-03-08 MinutesCO
(Y) SEWER MATTERS
0 Mayor Noland stated that the specific purpose for this meeting was to discuss
m some of the alternatives which have been reviewed by the Board for several years 447.4
regarding upgrading the City's present sewage treatment system to meet EPA discharge
standards. The City applied in April, 1974 to the EPA for a Step I, Planning
Study Grant. The existing sewer system was analyzed to determine if an apprecia-
ble amount of water was entering the sewer system which is not sewage, and this
necessitated a complete evaluation of the sewer system. Studies commenced, and
the EPA mandated that the City would have to have full citizen participation in
the development of an Environmental Impact Statement. The City hired an environ-
mental consultant, formed a Citizens Advisory Committee, and participated in
numerous meetings for a period of one and one-half years. During this period
eighteen alternatives were evaluated. The Board then chose the alternative of
discharge of treated waste to the Arkansas River. Several months later the EPA
informed the City that the EPA would participate in this project to the extent
of the lease costly alternative. The Board then determined to review additional
alternatives. Added to the primary consideration of the environmental impact of
the alternative chosen, was the consideration of the economics of the situation.
In a public hearing held in May, 1982, the split -flow alternative chosen by the
Board, was discussed, which was said to discharge about 6 million gallons of
treated effluent daily in the White River, and about 9 million gallons per day in
the Illinois River. The City determined to hire independent engineering firms to
review the cost estimates for the various processes. In review of the 201 Facility
Plan, one of these firms suggested that a slow rate irrigation system might be
economically feasible. This same recommendation had been made during the public
hearing in May, 1982. The firm of Metcalf & Eddy, Inc. was hired to do a feasi-
bility study on this slow rate irrigation system and submitted their report to
the City in January, 1983. This plan would utilize approximately 3200 acres of
land for treated effluent application. The City attempted to determine if this
3200 acres of land could be located in the area of Prairie Grove, which was of the
suitable soil type for this treatment.
At this same period, Campbell Soup Company hired the firm of CH2M Hill to
study the Campbell Soup plant and the City's present sewage treatment plant,
and make their recommendations regarding necessary changes. They suggested four
different proposals, with two being considered viable proposals which could meet
the effluent treatment standards and utilize the existing plant. One proposal
would be to upgrade the existing plant, expanding it to biological nutrient
removal, plus filtration, with discharge of effluent to the White River. The
other alternative would upgrade the existing plant to biological nutrient removal,
taking out phosphorus, plus an overland flow system, whereby the treated water
would flow over vegetation and which would achieve the EPA standards of 5 parts
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A special meeting of the Board of Directors of the City of Fayetteville
was held at 7:30 p.m., on March 8, 1983, in Room 107, Continuing Education
Center, Fayetteville.
PRESENT: Mayor Noland, Directors Sharp, Bumpass, Johnson, Lancaster, Osborne,
and Orton; City Manager Grimes, Assistant City Manager McWethy, City Attorney
McCord, City Clerk Kelly; members of the press and audience.
447
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Noland called the meeting to order and asked for a moment of respectful
silence.
447.1
447.2
447.3
1
447.5
44 S per million BOD, 5 ppm suspended solids, 2
Mayor Noland stated that the Board would de
448.1 and begin the final steps toward design and
necessary permits, holding public hearings,
tion initiated prior to October, 1984, when
to obtain the maximum grant funding. The o
the split flow alternative, but they would
system (Metcalf & Eddy, Inc.), and the two
into the White River, utilizing the existin
White River, plus overland flow (CH2M Hill)
native which would be in the best interest
and the best alternative environmentally fo
ppm nitrogen, and 1 ppm phosphorus.
liberate and chose an alternative,
specifications, obtaining the
etc., in order to have construc-
the project should be underway
fficial choice of the Board was
consider the slow rate irrigation
proposals pertaining to discharge
g plant, with discharge into the
The Board would select the alter -
of the users of the sewer system
r the White River and Beaver Lake.
448.2 Mayor Noland introduced the first of three representatives of engineering
firms which have been studying these proposals.
CARL YATES, MC GOODWIN, WILLIAMS & YATES
Mr. Yates addressed the Board and referred to a memorandum, dated March
448.3 7, 1983, addressed to the Board (copy on file with City Clerk). He stated
that the Board had hired the firms of Camp, Dresser & McKee and Henningson,
Durham & Richardson, to address the question of whether the process of split
flow proposed in the Facility Plan was appropriate for the City and whether
the costs were realistic from an operations and maintenance standpoint.
Both firms determined that it was the proper choice for the City. The HDR
and CDM reviews concluded that the cost estimates for the split flow alter-
natives were low. In that CDM chose to develop their own loading, flow and
80D parameters, Mr. Yates felt that cost estimates cannot be properly compared.
HDR, on the other hand, utilized the same parameters shown in the Facility Plan.
The McGoodwin firm checked the validity of the estimates and found that the
mayor difference was that HDR utilized standardized unit or process costs
which can be applied generally to any given situation, whereas the McGoodwin
estimates were developed with treatment plant costs in Northwest Arkansas.
They found that in every case where HDR provided preliminary design, with
costs based thereon, the figures of McGoodwin agreed almost exactly with theirs.
And, conversely, for those units or processes for which CDM and HDR used
standardized curves, the McGoodwin cost estimates were invariably lower. They
therefore found no basis to revise their cost estimates. Differences were
found to exist between the estimates of HDR and McGoodwin regarding operation
and maintenance costs in two areas -- labor and plant maintenance. The
McGoodwin estimates for power, chemicals and sludge disposal are slightly less
than those for HDR. HDR's plant maintenance costs were derived from a
standardized curve and varied about one to two percent of the capital cost
in the City's specific situation. HDR assumed that these costs would be the
same in the first year of operation as in the design year. For the split flow
alternative they included $400,000 per year for this item, or $8,000,000 for
the design period. Mr. Yates stated that the $75,000 estimate set aside in
their plan is more in line with actual practice in the wastewater industry
and is adequate for the purpose intended. He cited a wastewater facility
located in Campbellsville, Kentucky, being operated without biological
phosphorus removal. This plant has a design capacity of 4.2 MGD, and treated
an average daily flow of 3.4 MGD for a period of one year, with an average
BOD of 6 mg/1. The total operation and maintenance cost for that year was
$186,000. He concluded that this type of facility can be cost effective
for split flow and is reasonable and realistic.
1
1
CO
e) CHARLES POUND, METCALF & EDDY, INC.
N
(� Mr. Pound addressed the Board and referred to a letter, dated March 7, 1983,
addressed to the Board (copy on file with City Clerk). On February 15, 1983, the
Board requested his firm's review of the report prepared for Campbell Soup by
Q CH2M Hill. That report had covered the pretreatment system at the Campbell 449.2
plant, and the alternatives available to Fayetteville for management of waste-
water in general.
In discussion, Director Bumpass asked Mr. Yates if he had reviewed the 449
Black & Veatch rate study analysis which would involve a proposed rate
increase to residential users of 300-500%, based on the capitalization cost of 449.1
the split flow alternative. Director Bumpass felt that these rate increases
were not properly addressed by any of the firms in preparing their proposals.
Mr. Yates stated that he was generally familiar with the rate study, and has
referred to it in his memorandum. He added that the projected rates that may be
needed in the future are based on an assumed inflation rate, and not knowing
what that rate will be, this gives a somewhat distorted view. Regardless of the
rate of inflation, he added, costs for other goods and services and wages and
salaries would increase at somewhat the same rate. Therefore the projected rates
may not be nearly as great in terms of real dollars in the future. He felt that
the Board should not give undue weight to the projected rate increases due to
an assumed inflation rate.
1
Campbell Soup Pretreatment System
This report concentrated on an effluent limit of 10,000 pounds per day BOD
from the plant. A limit of 6,000 pounds per day has been proposed by the 449.3
Arkansas Department of Pollution Control and Ecology for that plant. Mr. Pound
felt that the question of whether the lower limit could be attained at reasonable
cost was not addressed in the report. He stated that the samplings conducted,
over a relatively short period of time, were of effluent flow averaging 1.33
million gallons per day. The Facility Plan testing period involved a period
averaging 1.67 mgd of flow. In that Campbell's annual average flow
has a seasonal peak of 2.33 mgd and a monthly peak of 3.15, it is questionable
whether the Campbell pretreatment system has the hydraulic capacity to meet
those seasonal and monthly peaks, or whether the system can achieve the 10,000
pounds per day limit at peak periods, or go down to 6,000 pounds as proposed
by ADPC&E. He added that such a limit could not be reached without adding
chemicals, and the report admits that the plant does not have a means to dispose
of the increased quantity of sludge generated with chemical additives. He
recommended the City request a demonstration of removal efficiencies during
peak weekly or monthly flow to insure that a plan can be appropriately designed.
He felt the conclusion that the plant does not need to make any "significant
improvements" was inaccurate.
Alternatives Available to the City
Mr. Pound discussed the two previously considered alternatives --AWT plants
in each basin and land treatment systems in each basin, as well as the .four_new
alternatives CH2M Hill proposed. CH2M Hill had first assumed that there would
be no significant costs caused from the continued use of a single (White River)
basin discharge. Mr. Pound felt that since most of the City's future growth is.
projected in the Illinois River basin, a single basin discharge will force the
City to continue to build pumping stations to pump additional flow from future
development over the ridge from the Illinois to the White River basin. Metcalf
& Eddy feel that a second plant would permit flow from that growth area in the
Illinois River basin to the plant in that basin which would be less costly in
449.4
450 terms of sewer construction and operation. He stated that most wastewater
treatment plants are located on the low side of town in order to save on
450.1 construction and operation costs. He added that direct discharge of all flows
into the White River would increase the algal problem in Beaver Lake by 30
percent over the option of land treatment and he stated that the Arkansas
Department of Health has issued a letter to the ADPC&E rejecting any plan
that discharges the total effluent to the White River. He reitereated that
all previous engineers had concluded it is more cost effective to build a
new plant, rather than utilize the existing plant, adding that constructing
additions and modifications to an existing plant usually costs from 20 to 75
percent more than the cost for those same additions, if built as part of a new
plant. To reuse the existing plant is to expect a 15 year old plant to operate
efficiently for an additional 20 years. His firm subscribed to reusing as much
of the existing facilities as is practical. He also believes that the Clean
Water Grant Program under Public Law 92-500 will continue at or near its
current level, and the U.S. Senate is working on a bill to extend the program
through 1987.
450.2 Mr. Pound then discussed the four alternatives proposed by CH2M Hill. They
are: Alternative 1 - Upgranding and expanding the existing plant to a biolo-
gical nutrient removal process, plus filtration; Alternative 2 - Upgrading
and expanding the existing plant to a biological nutrient removal process
followed by overland flow; Alternative 3 - Upgrading and expanding the existing
plant to provide sludge treatment, followed by overland flow; and Alternative 4
aerated lagoon to provide secondary treatment, plus overland flow treatment.
He stated that the report recognized that Alternatives 3 and 4 will not meet
the ammonia or phosphorus effluent limits. This would not be for the good of
the City since the discharge would be into the drinking water supply. He
added that Alternatives 2, 3 and 4 will not achieve the prescribed discharge
requirements, in that they are only effective in wastewaters of high strength
which has been treated by some other process previously. Metcalf & Eddy has
not pursued the overland flow system because this would involve the purchase
of large areas of private land and he believes public ownership would meet
with opposition. He added that the proposed overland flow system lies within
the 10 year flood plain and would periodically require substantial sums to
be spent to build levees around the site.
450.3 The remaining alternate discussed was Alternative 1, upgrading and expanding
the existing plant to a biological nutrient removal process, plus filtration.
He added that this process is relatively untried in full scale plants, and
he would recommend a demonstration pilot plant, using Fayetteville's wastewater.
This should include proportionate contributions from industrial users, to
demonstrate its effectivensss to handle the waste stream and flow variations
before mayor plant additions are built. This could delay the grant application
for several months. Additionally, the process calls for the use of two different
patent processes, and questions of patent infringement could arise, causing
additional delays. He added that there are other biological phosphorus removal
systems which could be designed, which do not require piloting. He felt that
equalization facilities should be included ahead of the Alternative 1 improve-
ments, because of the relatively high rate treatment process being sensitive
to rapid variations in flow quality and quantity. He added that discharges
from industrial facilities are subject to rapid changes at shift changes and
cleanup periods, and are subject to high peak flows resulting from extraneous
water in sewers during rain storms. He added that while Alternative 1
represents a technically viable approach to meet the City's effluent
standards, its adoption is subject to nontechnical issues as well.
1
1
1
Cost Comparison Alternatives 451
Mr. Pound then discussed cost comparisons of the dual AWT plants, dual land
treatment systems, and a single AWT plant discharging into the White River. The
matter of local share of capital costs was reviewed by Metcalf & Eddy. They 451.1
found that the City has two viable alternatives with the local share of capital
costs somewhere between $7.0 million and $7.4 million. The White River AWT
alternative has the lower capital cost, but some of the delays which might be
involved in this process could reduce the grant funding available from 75% to 55%.
Mr. Pound felt that similar delays for land treatment, which falls into the
category of Innovative Technology, would only reduce the funding from 85% to 75%.
Since the operating costs of the several alternatives are similar, these should
not influence the City's decision. He concluded that either the dual land treat-
ment system or the single White River AWT plant provide a viable, affordable option
a) for the City to meet its wastewater treatment requirements. Therefore, he stated,
CO the City has to consider similar local costs and somewhat different noncapital
cost factors. He feels the City should continue to examine land treatment as a
U valid option and the dual land treatment appears to remain a good long term
CO solution for the City.
Q In discussion, Director Johnson asked how many farmers had met with the
Metcalf & Eddy firm concerning the land application system, and Mr. Pound stated 451.2
that they had met with 6 or 7 major farmers (west side) and 8 or 9 (east side),
and they had indicated an interest. The total number of farms needed would be
between 24 and 50. When questioned about the process of sludge disposal, Mr.
Pound stated that sludge, in a liquid form, could be applied after stabilization
in aerated lagoons, and would be sprayed and plowed into the land, or when this
is not suitable, as in pasture land, it could be injected into the ground through
I a slice in the soil, allowing it to flow through, and then closing the opening.
Director Johnson questioned the high number of traveling gun reel sprinklers
estimated by Metcalf & Eddy, and Mr. Pound stated that this high estimate was made
in order to insure the sufficient allocation of funds for this purpose. He
added that the center pivot type of sprinkler could be utilized where suitable.
The machine can be moved from one setting to another in about 25 minutes.
Director Johnson asked about the allocation of funds for the hiring of the
Irrigation Specialist to manage the project, and Mr. Pound stated that that amount
is included in the cost of operations under the category of "Labor."
Director Bumpass asked Mr. Pound for clarification of his recommendation
and Mr. Pound stated that he would not recommend overland flow in this particular
situation, as it was presented in the CH2M Hill report. That report recommended
500 acres of land would have to be purchased on the White River and in that a
portion of that land falls within the 10 year flood plain, he felt it would
seriously jeopardize the operation during that period of time. He added that he
did not believe overland flow processes could reach the discharge requirements.
Historically secondary treatment plants using overland flow have not been able to
get below 10 milligrams per liter of BOD and suspended solids. This requirement
could be reached on occasion, but not on a continuing basis. He is a proponent
of the overland flow system, but feels it has not been used very successfully
with pond systems, other than for nitrification and denitrification after
secondary treatment, with some phosphorus removal.
1
451.3
4152 CLIFF THOMPSON, CH2M HILL
Dr. Cliff Thompson addressed the Board and referred to a letter, dated
March 8, 1983, addressed to the Mayor (copy on file with City Clerk). Dr.
452.1 Thompson reiterated the consensus that the White River alternative is the
least costly option for the City. There is, however, a significant
difference of opinion as to what overland flow will accomplish, but he
reinforced the opinion, based on careful analysis, that the existing waste
treatment plant can effectively handle 10,000 pounds of BOD discharge. He
stated that the 6,000 pounds figure that was generated by the State was done
so with a minimal amount of analysis. He added that since February 24th,
Campbell Soup has been utilizing controlled procedures recommended by CH2M
Hill which would allow maximization of the facility. He stated that CH2M Hill
realizes that chemical treatment can lower the BOD number to 6,000 or below,
daily, but CH2M Hill doesn't feel it would be a significant benefit to the
City or Campbell Soup. He added, however, that CH2M Hill has recommended a
specific program to begin to evaluate the chemical treatment process and to
evaluate the disposal of sludge that would be generated.
In referring to the Black & Veatch study, Dr. Thompson stated that in
452.2 comparing the 201 Facility Plan with the CH2M Hill Alternative 1, the CH2M
Hill alternative would require only 64% of the total rate increase, as that
required by the Facility Plan. He pointed out that the CH2M Hill plan
requires $16.3 million in grant funds, versus $29 million for the 201 Facility
Plan. He felt it is doubtful that grant monies will be available beyond 1985.
He concluded that his analysis proved that the single flow AWT alternative
would require about one-half the revenues from the users of the system, than
the Facility Plan.
Dr. Thompson then introduced Mr. Ken Miller, CH2M Hill's Director of Water
452.3 Supply and Treatment, who discussed an overview of current advanced treatment
o f wastewater and water reuse throughout the country. He stressed the view
o f Dr. Thompson that it is doubtful that grant monies will be available beyond
1985. As a member of the EPA Management Advisory Group he has been informed
that funds for wastewater are currently being directed toward public works
projects, such as airports, bridges, and highways. He stated that this
advisory committee is being asked to look at alternative methods of financing,
such as bonds, sales tax, and privitization, whereby private industry owns
waste treatment plants. He feels it is imperative that the City begin this
project as soon as possible. CH2M Hill is proposing a seminar with the
citizens of Fayetteville, the EPA, and the Beaver Water District to review the
technology and engineering involved in a project of this type, in order to
educate the entire community. He added that this has been done successfully
in other regions. Mr. Miller talked about the process of water reuse and cited
a project in the Washington, D.C. area, Aquacon Reservoir, which utilizes a blend
o f 50-50 waste treated and raw water for their potable water supply. This
reservoir takes six waste treatment effluents and makes them into one and treats
that with advanced waste treatment standards of 5/5/2/1, meeting the requirements
o f the Safe Drinking Water Act. Another project of this type has been successful
in Denver.
452.4
Dr. Thompson again addressed the Board and stated that CH2M Hill had a pro-
posal before the Board outlining the next steps which should be taken in order
to meet the date for construction and implementation of the chosen plan. They
are (1) selection of the alternative presented to upgrade and expand the
o xisting plant to meet the discharge limits; secondly, the amending of the
201 Facility Plan, which he feels can be completed within 90 days; and thirdly,
culminating in the workshop seminar referred to earlier, along with a public
1
hearing, as required by an amendment to the 201 Facility Plan. In dis-
cussion, Director Osborne asked if Dr. Thompson was confident that his plan
could achieve the 5/5/2/1 limitations, and he stated that he was certain
of this after careful analysis. Mayor Noland asked Dr. Thompson if there are
plants existing which could confirm that overland flow could accomplish this. 453.1
Dr. Ali, of Campbell Soup's Camden, N.J. plant, was present and reiterated that
literature which is currently recognized by the EPA indicates that secondary
treated effluent does achieve 5/5/2/1. Director Osborne raised the issue of
sludge disposal, and Dr. Thompson stated that this issue has not properly been
addressed to date by any firm. He agreed with Director Osborne that it would be
a significant ongoing cost and one of the higher operating costs.
BEAVER. LAKE.:WATEUDISTRICT REPRESENTED
Mr. Hardy Croxton, President of the Beaver Lake Water District, addressed
a) the Board and reiterated the opinion of the District that the options of dual 453.2
CO split flow or dual land treatment would best protect the quality of the water
of Beaver Lake. Mr. Dick Starr, Manager of the Beaver Lake Water District, also
U addressed the Board, and reiterated the concern over the health and welfare of
COthe people who drink the water. He feels the proposition of water reuse is a
Q volatile issue politically and should be considered only as a last resort. He
added that the Arkansas Department of Health seemingly does not agree that
overland flow can be discharged into the White River basin.
Director Bumpass voiced his concern over the degradation of the Lake over
the past several years, and asked Mr. Starr his professional and personal opinion
as to solutions to the problem. Mr. Starr stated that two of the alternatives 453.3
would propose "business as usual" until the year 2005, discharging to the White
River. Mr. Croxton stated for the record that the BWD is favoring nothing less
than split flow or possibly dual land application treatment, and felt it was
not the prerogative of the BWD to make the decision for the City of Fayetteville.
Mayor Noland pointed out that the City has adopted a Pretreatment Ordinance which
has made significant contribution by eliminating some of the heavy metals from the
discharge. Director Osborne pointed out to Mr. Starr that the Black & Veatch study
stated that there is some significant non -point source pollution contributing to
the problems of Beaver Lake, and Mr. Starr stated that approximately 40% of the
phosphorus loadings are from non -point sources. He added that the State
Pollution Control Agency and the Beaver Lake Advisory Committee are working
toward solving that problem.
1
COMMENTS BY DR. WILLIAM L. MURRAY
Dr. Murray reiterated his opinion that the alternative of land application
is not feasible because the topography of the region does not warrant this
alternative. He has been a part of numerous meetings over the years to discuss
the problem of pollution to the Lake and as a concerned citizen continues to
believe that the best alternative for the City is discharge to the Arkansas
River.
453.4
LETTERS FROM THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Mayor Noland stated that the Board had received copies of two letters 453.5
addressed to Mr. Bob Blanz, Interim Director of the Arkansas Department of
Pollution Control and Ecology, from the Arkansas Department of Health. One,
dated March 3, 1983, reiterated the concern of the Health Department about the
current water quality in the White River downstream from the Fayetteville discharge
and the degrading water quality in Beaver Lake. The other, dated March 8, 1983,
basically stated that the Health Department suggests that the City select an
alternative that would eliminate any discharge to the White River, and that a
4154 no -discharge alternative would be the best alternative to improve water
quality. In that the no -discharge alternative may be economically unfeasible,
454.1 an alternative that the City selects that proposes discharge to the White
River should have as a minimum advanced wastewater treatment before the Health
Department will consider the alternative.
OTHERS ADDRESS THE BOARD
Mr. Ron Renkowski addressed the Board and referred to a sewage treatment
454.2 plant existing in Monette, Missouri, which literally fell apart, presumably
due to the use of chemicals in the plant. The water left that plant as impure
as it came in, violating federal water standards. He cited another plan in
operation in Oklahoma which utilizes land application and felt the data
derived there may be applicable to the City of Fayetteville. He proposed
citizen conservation of water to lower water rates, and proposed the possi-
bility of a City Ordinance banning the sale of phosphate based fertilizer which
could reduce the phosphate loads.
Mr. John Shannon, Administrator of the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission,
454.3 spoke to the Board and reiterated the opposition to the split flow with 60% of
the wastewater going to the Illinois River. The opposition has been expressed
by individual Oklahomans, the Citizens Advisory Committee, and various other
Oklahoma agencies. He stated that the Scenic Rivers Commission would support
continued discharge into the White River through an upgraded plant, and would
also support the land application method proposed by Metcalf & Eddy.
SUMMARIES BY THE THREE ENGINEERING FIRMS
Metcal f & Eddy Summary
Mr. Charles Pound stated that his firm had attempted to respond to the
454.4 Board's directive to comment on the report submitted by CH2M Hill for
Campbell Soup. He stated that his firm would welcome the opportunity to
continue its work for the City, in whatever choice the Board makes in terms of the
treatment and discharge of wastewater.
McGoodwin, Williams & Yates Summary
Mr. Carl Yates stated that he disagreed with the opinion of Mr. Ken Miller
454.5 that grant funding would cease beyond the year 1985. He has testified before
the Water Resources Subcommittee of the House Public Works Committee and feels
confident, due to these contacts, that construction grant funding will continue
through the year 1992. With regard to the Aquacon Project referred to by Mr.
Miller, it is Mr. Yates understanding that this project did achieve the
capacity of 10 million gallons per day, but the cost reached approximately
$80 million dollars per day. He also stated that the Board had determined to
submit the 201 Facility Plan, recognizing that if land application was deter-
mined feasible, the Facility Plan could then be amended. Mr. Yates stated that the
firms of HDR and CDM had made preliminary designs for a single plant on the
White River, using the biological phosphorus removal treatment, as set out in
the 201 Facility Plan, and that the report by CH2M Hill is not a new concept.
It had been suggested previously by at least two firms, at a cost of approxi-
mately $30 million. With regard to the new proposal presented this date by
CH2M Hill, Mr. Yates stated that he felt it would be completely out of order
for the Board to consider this proposal, or any other, without going through
the City's Professional Selection Policy.
CH2M Hill Summary
Dr. Cliff Thompson stated that both single discharge alternatives that his
firm had presented to the City will meet the effluent guidelines and he feels
that his firm has proposed positive steps to implement the amendment to the
201 Facility Plan within 90 days. He stated that he felt CH2M Hill has been
working in the interests of the City, even while employed by Campbell Soup,
and he feels they have made the proper .recommendation to assist the City to
develop the only affordable, short term solution to the Beaver Lake Water
District problem. He urged the Board to consider their proposal and select
his firm to continue this work.
Others Address the Board
CO Mr. Vernon Wilson addressed the Board and stated that it is his opinion
that the surrounding communities have to work together in order to find the
solution to the problems of polluting Beaver Lake.
455
455.1
455.2
0
CO Ms. Emilia Sauls, representative of the Oklahoma Department of Pollution
Q Control, addressed the Board and stated that the State of Oklahoma remains 455.3
adamantly opposed to any discharge to the Illinois River or any of its
tributaries.
Dr. Garland Melton addressed the Board and requested the Board make one
more attempt to contact the various cities in the surrounding region, to elicit
their help toward solving the waste treatment problems of the area. He felt 455.4
that thus should be by a cooperative plan to pipe to the Arkansas River.
Mr. Walter Turnbow of the Springdale Water Commission said that he would discuss
this proposal with that commission at their meeting of March 17th. Dr. Melton
suggested the Board delay their decision for thirty additional days, and
enlist the aid of the Governor and the various surrpunding communities to go to
the EPA and negotiate their support. Dr. Melton volunteered to go to the various
communities of Northwest Arkansas to discuss this cooperative effort. Director
Bumpass felt this would be worthwhile but agreed with Directors Osborne and
Mayor Noland that a decision should be made to begin to get the plan into
operation, while this committee is being formed.
Motion to Proceed
Mayor Noland then asked if there was a motion to proceed with one of the 455.5
plans the Board had reviewed.
Director Orton, seconded by Director Johnson, made a motion to amend the
201 Facility Plan to provide for the alternative of single flow to the White
River, and that the amendment should include those safeguards which would be 455.6
environmentally sound and cost effective.
In discussion, Mayor Noland stated that the Board would later decide whether
this alternative would involve tertiary treatment and direct discharge, or the 455.7
overland flow process.
Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 7-0.
456 Director Osborne, seconded by Director Bumpass, made a motion to accept
the recommendation of Dr. Garland Melton that a Northwest Arkansas Sewage
456.1 Advisory Committee be formed to pursue the possibility of shipping water
through pipe to the Arkansas River.
In discussion, Director Lancaster stated that he has long been a
456.2 proponent of this elan. Directors Orton and Sharp supported the regional
approach to protecting Beaver Lake but did not want any specific procedure
stated at this time. The Board concurred. Director Osborne stated that he felt
that Dr. Melton should be given the opportunity to pursue the formation of this
456.3 committee. Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 7-0.
Director Bumpass made a motion to accept the proposals of Metcalf & Eddy,
456.4 Inc. and CH2M Hill to amend the 201 Facility Plan, and that the Requests
for Proposals include an estimate of cost for engineering and construction.
There was no second to this motion.
456.5 Director Bumpass made a motion that the Board instruct the City Engineer
to request proposals from the ten largest engineering firms in the United
States with experience in building wastewater treatment plants.
456.6 In Discussion, Dr. Thompson asked to address the Board and stated that
his proposal, as submitted, would amend the Facility Plan, within 90 days,
and include the aspect of public hearings. He questioned the need for the
additional lengthy process of reviewing additional proposals and the
interviewing sessions.
There was no second to this motion.
Director Orton, seconded by Director Johnson, made a motion to accept the
456.7 proposal submitted by CH2M Hill for the amendment of the 201 Facility Plan.
456.8 Dr. Thompson then submitted the sealed cost proposals to the Board.
Mr. Carl Yates then reiterated his feeling that if the Board was going
to select the firm of CH2M Hill for the reasons they had outlined, then
456.9 the Board should take note of the recommendations of CDM and HDR, which
firms had recommended the single plant discharge alternative. He felt the
proposal before the Board at this time by CH2M Hill was unsolicited.
456.10 Director Bumpass reminded the members of the Board that they had voted
to amend the 201 Facility Plan, with the added purpose of investigating a
few alternatives regarding land application, whether it be overland flow
or slow rate. He felt that there were some unanswered questions which needed
to be addressed.
456.11 Director Sharp stated that he disagreed with Director Bumpass' earlier
motion to request proposals from the ten largest U.S. firms experienced in
wastewater treatment plant construction. On the other hand, he said, he felt
the City should seek proposals from the two firms now involved in this
process.
1
Director Sharp, seconded by Director Johnson, made a motion to amend
the motion of Director Orton, and thereby request proposals from Metcalf &
Eddy; Inc. and CH2M Hill. The specifications for these proposals will be
prepared by the City Manager and the City Engineer., --
Upon roll roll call, the motion to amend passed by a vote of 5-2, with
Directors Orton and Lancaster voting in the minority.
The Board then voted on the amended motion by Director Orton, to include
the firm of Metcalf & Eddy, Inc., along with the firm of CH2M Hill.
Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 7-0.
Dr. Thompson then withdrew the cost proposals previously submitted and
Mayor Noland stated that CH2M Hill might wish to resubmit another proposal for
this purpose.
CO STUDY REHEARING
U Mayor Noland called for consideration of a request by Directors Osborne and 457.5
Johnson that the Board reconsider a resolution from the February 15th meeting of
the Board of Directors, authorizing the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute a
contract for engineering services, for a $260,000 sewer rehabilitation demon-
stration project.
Director Bumpass, seconded by Director Osborne, made a motion to table this
item until the meeting of March 22, 1983. 457.6
457
457.2
457.3
457.4
1
In discussion it was determined that the information circulated to the
Water & Sewer Committee on this matter be directed to the full Board for review.
457.7
Upon roll call, the motion to table passed by a vote of 7-0.
TELEPHONE LINES/RELOCATION/CITY HALL
Assistant City Manager McWethy presented a proposal to the Board whereby 457.8
Southwestern Bell would relocate telephone lines behind City Hall for an approxi-
mate cost of $49,000. Mr. McWethy stated that this proposal for this project,
at a previous estimate of $90,000 -maximum, had been rejected by the Board of
Directors at a previous meeting. After negotiations by the Assistant City Manager
with the Southwestern Bell Company, SWBT staff have devised a work plan whereby
the cost has been reduced to approximately $49,000. This is based on certain
phases of this project being assumed and coordinated by the City. One of these
qualifications by SWBT is that the City provide trench throughout the project,
with Southwestern Bell providing conduit to place in the trench for telephone
cable placement. In that the City will be doing relocation of electrical lines
and cable lines, and will have a large number of trenches open anyway, the
Assistant City Manager is recommending that this proposal be approved.
Director Osborne, seconded by Director Johnson, made a motion to approve
this recommendation.
In discussion, Director Bumpass indicated that he preferred to take this
matter up at a meeting of the Police & Fire Committee, to be held on Tuesday,
March 15th, at 3:30 p.m., at the Chamber of Commerce. Director Bumpass felt
the meeting should address the matters of,one, what SWBT's plans might be relative
to the discontinuance of this service; two, how the presence or absence of some
lines would affect a new and different burglar system; and three, in what manner
these actions might relate to a proposed fee for a burglar alarm system.
•
457.9
457.10
457.11
45S Upon roll call, the motion failed by a vote of 4-3, with Directors
458.1 Osborne and Johnson, and Mayor Noland voting in the minority.
Director Sharp, seconded by Director Bumpass, made a motion to
458.2 direct the City Staff to work up a plan whereby the City could be
reimbursed for City's share of these costs being considered.
Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 7-0.
EASEMENT WITH SWEPCO AUTHORIZED
Mayor Noland introduced a resolution authorizing the Mayor and the
458.3 City Clerk to execute an easement to Southwestern Electric Power Company
for the placement of an electric power transformer pad, vault, and primary
lines behind the City Administration Building.
458.4 Director Osborne, seconded by Director Sharp, made a motion to authorize
this execution of an easement to Southwestern Electric Power Company.
Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 7-0.
RESOLUTION NO. 35-83 APPEARS ON PAGE (7(e OF ORDINANCE & RESOLUTION BOOK )( U/
HOSPITAL STREETS/REQUEST FOR WIDENING
458.5 Mayor Noland introduced a request by the Director of Community Development
that West Avenue, from Rock Street to South, be widened from 20' to 26',
rather than 30', because of the costs involved in moving an electric power
transformer.
458.6 Director Sharp, seconded by Director Johnson, made a motion to table
this item until the meeting of March 22, 1983, to allow the Board further
consideration of the matter.
Upon roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 7-0.
MINUTES
458.7 The minutes of the meetings of March 1st and March 8th will be
presented at the meeting of March 22nd.
ADJOURNMENT
458.8 There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 12:25 a.m.
1
1
1