HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 22223: SCS ENGINERS, GROUNDWATER, AIR AND GAS MONITORING AT THE LANDFILL ort rtlr«;_
www.PortArthurTx.gov
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
Date: October 25, 2021
To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
Through: Ron Burton, City Manager
From: Flozelle Roberts,EIT, MEng, MBA, Public Works Director f 4
RE: PR No. 22223: Authorizingthe CityManager to enter into an a-s"-nt with SCS
g _
Engineers of Bedford,Texas, for groundwater,air,and gas monitoring at the City
landfill in the amount of$83,000.00
Introduction:
The intent of this agenda item is to seek the City Council's authorization for the City Manager to enter
into an agreement with SCS Engineers of Bedford, Texas, for groundwater, air, and gas monitoring at
the City landfill in the amount of$83,000.00.
Background:
The City of Port Arthur's landfill is required to submit annual and semi-annual air,gas,and groundwater
reports to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality(TCEQ). SCS Engineers of Bedford,Texas,
has traditionally performed this service for the City, and it is experienced and knowledgeable about the
landfill's operations and needs.
Budget Impact:
Funds are available from the Solid Waste Professional Services Account No. 403-50-320-5470-00-00-
000.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City of Port Arthur's City Council approve PR number 22223 authorizing the
City Manager to enter into an agreement with SCS Engineers of Bedford, Texas, for groundwater, gas,
and air monitoring at the City of Port Arthur landfill in the amount of$83,000.00.
"Remember,we are here to serve the Citizens of Port Arthur"
444 4th Street X Port Arthur,Texas 77641-1089 X 409.983.8182 X FAX 409.983.8294
S:\Engineering\PUBLIC WORKS\PW-RESOLUTIONS\PR 22223\Agenda Memo SCS Monitoring.docx
P.R.22223
10/25/2021 meg
Page 1 of 3
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN
AGREEMENT WITH SCS ENGINEERS OF BEDFORD,TEXAS, FOR THE
PERIOD OF NOVEMBER 2021 THRU AUGUST 2022 FOR
GROUNDWATER, GAS, AND AIR QUALITY MONITORING SERVICES
IN A TOTAL NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $83,000.00. FUNDING IS
AVAILABLE IN THE PUBLIC WORKS LANDFILL DIVISION —
REGULATORY FEES/FINES ACCOUNT NUMBER 403-50-320-5470-
00-00-000.
WHEREAS, the City's Landfill is required to monitor groundwater, gas, and air
quality to maintain compliance with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's
(TCEQ) rules; and,
WHEREAS, registered geologists and environmental engineers are required to
perform these tasks; and,
WHEREAS, the City's landfill is required to submit annual and semi-annual reports
to the TCEQ and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) each calendar year; and,
WHEREAS, SCS Engineers of Bedford, Texas, is a highly qualified firm that has
performed these services in the past and can continue to perform the required services for
a total not-to-exceed amount of $83,000.00, as presented in Exhibit "A"; and
WHEREAS, this procurement for professional services is authorized pursuant to
Section 252.022(4) of the Texas Local Government Code; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR:
THAT, the facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct; and
P.R.22223
10/25/2021 meg
Page 2 of 3
THAT, the City Manager is hereby authorized to execute an agreement with SCS
Engineers of Bedford,Texas, for groundwater, gas, and air quality monitoring service for a
not-to-exceed amount of $83,000.00, in substantially the same form as Exhibit A; and,
THAT, funding is available in account number 403-50-320-5470-00-00-000, Public
Works Landfill Division — Regulatory Fees/Fines; and,
THAT, a copy of the caption Resolution be spread upon the minutes of the City
Council.
READ, ADOPTED, AND APPROVED, this day of
2021 AD, at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas by the
following vote: AYES:
Mayor:
Councilmembers:
NOES:
Thurman "Bill" Bartle
Mayor
ATTEST:
Sherri Bellard
City Secretary
P.R.22223
10/25/2021 meg
Page 3 of 3
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Valecia R. Tizen Esq.
City Attorney
APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION:
Ron Burton
City Manager
Flozelle Roberts, EIT, MEng, MBA
Director of Public Works
;
Uliar
ai
Clifton W ms, CPPB
Purchasing Manager
Kandy DSniel
Interim Director of Finance
P.R.22223
10/25/2021 meg
Page 4 of 4
Exhibit "A"
SCS ENGINEERS Environmental Consulting & Contracting
October 14, 2021
SCS Proposal No. 160121221
Ms. Flozelle Roberts (sent via e-mail)
Director of Public Works
City of Port Arthur
444 4th Street
Port Arthur, TX 77640
Subject: Proposal for Groundwater, Landfill Gas, and Air Quality Services
November 2021 to August 2022
City of Port Arthur Landfill
Port Arthur,Jefferson County, Texas
Dear Ms. Roberts:
SCS Engineers(SCS) is pleased to present this proposal for continuing to provide groundwater and gas
monitoring services as well as air compliance services for the City of Port Arthur Landfill. SCS has
appreciated the opportunity to provide these services thus far, and we look forward to continuing to
provide these important services for the City. The authorization of this project will enable SCS to
maintain a consistent approach to the City's groundwater monitoring, methane monitoring and air
quality reporting,as required by TCEQ regulations and the landfill permit.This is particularly important
at this time as we continue our related groundwater assessment monitoring project, which was
authorized by the City during the summer.This scope of work covers the period from November 2021
to August 2022.
SCOPE OF WORK
This scope of work covers semiannual groundwater and gas monitoring, as well as air compliance
services, for the period from November 2021 to August 2022. These services are required to be
completed within the City's FY 2021-2022 fiscal year.This scope will enable a continued management
of groundwater issues, as well as air compliance matters, at the landfill including discerning the
applicability of forthcoming new regulations,as explained herein. Our proposed scope of work is noted
below.
Task 1 - November 2021 Detection Monitoring, Methane Monitoring, and Annual
Groundwater Report Services
Field Services
A qualified field technician will sample all groundwater monitoring wells in accordance with the site
Groundwater Sampling and Analysis Plan (GWSAP) and current practice. The technician will be
dispatched with the current site GWSAP. Each well will be inspected for condition, and observations
will be documented. Field measurements including water level, pH, specific conductivity, and
temperature will be made using equipment supplied by SCS. Each well will then be purged and
sampled using the already-installed dedicated low-flow pumps in accordance with the GWSAP.
Samples will be packaged and sent to the laboratory for analysis. SCS will also inspect the well pads
and clear vegetation as necessary.
12651 Briar Forest Dr. #205,Houston,TX 77077 1817-358-6162
Ms. Flozelle Roberts
October 14, 2021
Page 2
During the same time that groundwater wells are sampled, the SCS field technician will monitor
methane concentrations in the nine perimeter gas probes and at the gatehouse in accordance with
the site Landfill Gas Management Plan (LFGMP) and current practice. The technician will be
dispatched with the current site LFGMP. Each probe and the gatehouse will then be monitored using
a calibrated methane gas detector in accordance with the LFGMP.
Each time monitoring is conducted, the integrity of the gas monitoring probes and groundwater
monitoring wells will be inspected by the sampler. The sampler will record pertinent information on
appropriate field forms.The sampler will perform the following at each monitoring event:
• Verify that the gas monitoring probe or monitoring well is clearly labeled on the outer casing or
lid.
• Verify that the protective casing is intact and is not bent or excessively corroded.
• Verify that the concrete pad is intact(no evidence of cracking or heaving).
• Padlock replacement as necessary.
• Verify that the inner casing is intact.
If damage or excessive wear to a gas monitoring probe or groundwater monitoring well is observed, it
will be reported to the Landfill Manager.
Field monitoring data records will be maintained for all methane monitoring and kept on-site as part
of the Site Operating Record. If any gas probe measurements show any exceedance (defined as
methane exceeding 25%of its lower explosive limit in structures or 100% of the lower explosive limit
at the perimeter probes), the SCS technician will immediately report this information to the Landfill
Manager or his/her designated representative. SCS senior staff will consult with the City regarding
appropriate action.
Analytical and Reporting Services
Lab Analysis
SCS will oversee all laboratory-related activities for the project.SCS will coordinate with the laboratory
prior to sampling to order the appropriate sample containers. After sampling is complete, SCS will be
responsible for proper delivery to the laboratory. SCS will monitor the progress of sample testing, and
address lab issues as they arise. Metals analysis on the water samples will be for total metals, as
required under the Subchapter J rules.
Reporting
This scope includes preparing and submitting the annual detection monitoring report that is a
requirement for Type I landfills under Subchapter J rule 30 TAC 330.407(c). One more round of Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) required assessment monitoring is required but those
costs,field services and reporting, have already been approved in a separate purchase order and are
not included in these costs.
The first report will summarize all groundwater activities for the calendar year, including the results
from the June 2021 groundwater sampling event, provide an updated groundwater flow map as
required by 30 TAC 330.407(c)(4), and updated groundwater flow velocity calculations as required by
30 TAC 330.407(c)(3).
Ms. Flozelle Roberts
October 14, 2021
Page 3
Statistical analysis will be conducted as required by 30 TAC 330.407(b) for all wells. Note that TCEQ
requires statistical analysis of data from all wells that have completed background data collection,
upgradient and downgradient. We anticipate continuing to use the well-accepted Sanitas® software
to conduct the analysis,for which the City of Port Arthur owns a site license.TCEQ solid waste staff are
familiar with this software. SCS staff have utilized this statistical software for numerous Texas landfills.
A draft copy of the annual report will be submitted to the City within 60 days of sampling for review
and comment prior to submitting a final draft to the City and the TCEQ. SCS will submit two copies of
the annual report to the City and three copies to the TCEQ, including an electronic copy on CD.
The Texas Page Ones (Form 0312) will first be submitted to the City for signature. The data will be
merged into a pre-existing electronic database that contains all Subtitle-D groundwater monitoring
data obtained at the site. The City will be informed of any significant developments that are observed
at this stage of data review.
Task 2— February 2022 Methane Monitoring
This task has the same scope as the methane monitoring portion of Task 1.
Task 3 — May 2022 Detection Monitoring, Methane Monitoring, and Semi-annual
Groundwater Report Services
This event has the same scope as Task 1, except no Annual Report is required. A semi-annual
groundwater sampling report will be prepared by SCS and submitted to the TCEQ after review by the
City.
Task 4—August 2022 Methane Monitoring
This task has the same scope as the methane monitoring portion of Task 1.
Task 5 —Air Quality Services
Title V Reporting
The landfill's Title V Permit requires the submittal of semi-annual deviation reports and the submittal
of an annual certification each year. Although semi-annual deviation reports are not required if no
deviations from the Title V permit requirements occurred during a semi-annual period, TCEQ has
requested that landfills be proactive and submit reports explicitly stating that no deviations occurred.
As such, consistent with TCEQ's request and our approach to satisfying TCEQ's requirements in prior
years, this work includes the filing of two semi-annual deviation reports in FY 2021-2022. This work
also includes the preparation of the Title V annual certification report. We will track the required
submittal deadlines and notify you in advance, as information is required and as signatures are
needed.
Each submittal will consist of a cover letter, a certification form that must be signed by the City, and
contain the appropriate TCEQ certification and deviation forms.We will contact you to discuss whether
any potential deviations did occur during each reporting period prior to submitting any certification
forms to you for your signature as Responsible Official. Any discovered deviations will be explained
and included as such in the Title V paperwork. Upon completion of all paperwork and receipt of the
Ms. Flozelle Roberts
October 14, 2021
Page 4
signed certification pages, we will transmit the appropriate paperwork to TCEQ and, for the annual
certification,to EPA.
Emissions Inventory and Emissions Fee Calculations
A formal emissions inventory is filed annually for the landfill per TCEQ requirements to report
emissions. We will provide you with a checklist of any needed information to estimate calendar year
2021 emissions. Upon receipt of the needed information and preparation of emissions calculations,
we will then enter the data into TCEQ's State of Texas Environmental Electronic Reporting System
(STEERS).Upon completion of entering the CY2021 data,we will provide the calculations in PDF format
for your review, address typical TCEQ comments if received, and work with you to certify the inventory
on to TCEQ in STEERS prior to the March 31, 2022 TCEQ deadline. We will upload pertinent
calculations into STEERS as required by TCEQ.
As part of this scope, we will also prepare the TCEQ emissions fee remittance form.As the holder of a
Title V air permit in the State of Texas,the City is required to pay emissions fees to support Texas'Title
V program.Consistent with prior years,we anticipate that the TCEQ will mail you a fee remittance form
in April 2022. We will complete the emissions fee form, and remit this form to TCEQ on the City's
behalf. Please note that the fees themselves are not included in this proposal; you should be billed
directly for these in October or November of 2022 after TCEQ's fiscal year closes and the per ton fee
amount is established.
Calendar Year 2022 Greenhouse Gas Reporting
We will prepare the required reporting associated with the Federal mandatory GHG reporting rules in
calendar year 2022.This work includes the preparation and submittal of the required GHG emissions
estimates and associated information required by the GHG reporting rule. The deadline for this
submittal is March 31, 2022.
As was completed this past March, electronic reporting will be used to file all required information
related to the GHG reporting rule. We will work with you to enter all online information for review and
certification.
We will have most of the information necessary to complete the GHG emissions estimates based on
prior work. We will contact you regarding any information that might be needed. When the reporting
has been completed, we will provide a memorandum for your files including backup calculation
spreadsheets and pertinent assumptions.
NSPS 2021 Reporting
The landfill is subject to Federal NSPS rules that require annual NMOC emissions reporting. Annual
NMOC reporting is required by September 20th of each calendar year. For this task, we will prepare
the NSPS-required NMOC emission rate report for the landfill in 2022. The submittal will consist of
the appropriate submittal forms, a cover letter,and backup calculations. Upon completion of the draft
submittal,we will provide this submittal for review,comment,and signature(required on the submittal
forms). Upon receipt of the signed forms, we will prepare and transmit the final submittal to EPA and
TCEQ.
Ms. Flozelle Roberts
October 14, 2021
Page 5
Task 6 (Contingent) — Respond to Future TCEQ Correspondence Regarding Groundwater
Monitoring
This task allows for the response to potential future TCEQ letters regarding groundwater monitoring
submittals. This task has been added to the proposal because it is SCS' experience that the TCEQ
Permits staff are generating increasing amounts of correspondence requiring non-routine responses.
Because the actual need for these services is unknown at this time, Task 6 will be billed on a time-
and-materials basis utilizing SCS' current fee schedule.The City will be consulted and approval will be
obtained prior to incurring any Task 6 costs.
Task 7— Resampling (only as needed)
Groundwater monitoring results occasionally indicate that resampling of a well must be conducted in
order to avoid the cost of regulatory actions such as assessment monitoring or corrective measures.
SCS takes all possible measures to avoid the need for resampling, including lab re-analysis,additional
statistical analysis, and implementing Alternate Source Demonstrations where possible. As a result,
the requirement for resampling is not a common occurrence at the City of Port Arthur Landfill. The
Task 7 total budget allows for two resampling events for the one-year term of this proposal, if
necessary.
Task 8—Alternate Source Demonstrations
Groundwater monitoring results also occasionally indicate the need for an Alternate Source
Demonstration (ASD), to avoid unnecessary assessment monitoring. It has become crucial under the
new rules to avoid unnecessary assessment monitoring, because rule 30 TAC 330.409(b) dictates
that all downgradient wells must go into assessment instead of just one well as under the old rules. In
order for the City to budget for this possibility,we have included Task 8 that includes budget estimated
to be sufficient for two ASDs. ASDs vary widely in the required level of effort and associated cost, and
the budget listed in this optional task is for two ASDs. The City will only be invoiced for costs actually
incurred.
Task 9—On-Call Air Services
Consistent with our years of providing landfill engineering and consulting services, it is recommended
that a budget be established for a variety of non-routine engineering and technical services that may
be required during the fiscal year. Also,the City's management team may encounter questions related
to TCEQ inspections and other matters where it may be advantageous to have ready access to
consulting support.
To provide this support, we have established this On-Call Air Services task with a budget of $4,100.
This budget will only be used with the City's prior authorization on a time-and-materials basis using the
SCS fee schedule in effect at that time. Further, any charges to this task will be fully detailed in our
invoice.
Ms. Flozelle Roberts
October 14, 2021
Page 6
FEE AND SCHEDULE
Project fees are detailed in Table 1. Billing will be conducted on a lump sum,monthly percent complete
basis.
Table 1. Tabulation of Estimated Fees
Task# Description Proposed
Fee
1 November 2021 Detection Monitoring, Methane Monitoring, $28,600
and Annual Groundwater Report Services
2 February 2022 Methane Monitoring $1,900
3 May 2022 Detection Monitoring, Methane Monitoring, and $23,700
Semiannual Groundwater Report Services
4 August 2022 Methane Monitoring $1,900
5 Air Quality Services $8,900
6 Respond to Future TCEQ Correspondence Regarding $5,800
Groundwater Monitoring *
7 Resampling $3,800
8 Alternate Source Demonstrations $4,300
9 On-Call Air Services* $4,100
Total $83,000
*Time-and-materials tasks requiring additional City authorization prior to incurring costs. As noted
above,the estimated fees for these tasks will be invoiced using SCS' current fee schedule (attached).
SCS will maintain a schedule for all of our services and perform our work to meet compliance and
regulatory deadlines.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
As with our current monitoring project, the following services are not a part of this scope, and will be
considered additional services. No such additional services will be initiated by SCS prior to receiving
the City's approval:
• Sampling for constituents not listed in the GWSAP;
• Field services time extending beyond three days for one event caused by slow well recharge,
well access problems, well mechanical problems, or weather problems;
• Disposal of purge and other wastewater. It is assumed City will provide drums at each sample
location and will be responsible for emptying drums;
• Well or gas probe repair;
• Follow-up required by landfill gas exceedances;
• Attending TCEQ inspections;
• Redevelopment or any other monitor well maintenance required for field sampling or
requested by any party;
• Additional time associated with VOC occurrences or any exceedances of federally-promulgated
Maximum Contaminant Limits;
Ms. Flozelle Roberts
October 14, 2021
Page 7
• Amending GWSAP; and
• Sampling and analyzing water samples from wells other than the 15 Subtitle D groundwater
monitoring wells.
SUMMARY
SCS appreciates this opportunity to continue to provide these groundwater services for the City of Port
Arthur.As with other recent projects for the City, receipt of a Purchase Order will suffice for our notice
to proceed. In view of our history of working with the City, we have not included a Statement of
Qualifications. Nevertheless,we would be pleased to provide further information on our qualifications
and experience, if requested. If you have any questions related to this proposal, please feel free to
contact us at J. Roy at(817) 358-6156 or Gil at(817)358-6162.
Sincerely,
auktd-gac on
Gil Gabaldon, P.G. J. R y Murray, P.E.
Sr. Project Professional Vice President/Houston Office Director
SCS ENGINEERS SCS ENGINEERS
TBPE Registration No.F-3407
cc: Mr.Justin Thomas, City of Port Arthur Landfill Manager
Mr.Joseph Krasner, P.E.,SCS Engineers
Mr. Kevin Yard, P.E., BCEE, SCS Engineers