The Seepex Cake Pump at the North Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (NRWWTP) Belt Filter Press, also known as a sludge dewatering facility, is failing and must be replaced. This replacement is included in the FY22 budget under project 22WS19, in the amount of $120,000. Staff has determined that the replacement of the pump cannot wait until October. Once ordered, it will take approximately ten (10) weeks for the pump to arrive for installation. The pump is over ten years old and has been exhibiting systematic failures. Even with continual repairs and maintenance of the pump, failure is imminent.

This pump is a vital component of the sludge and solids removal process at the NRWWTP.  A subcomponent of the belt filter press, the pump conveys dewatered, pressed biosolids to a trailer for transport and disposal.  If this pump fails, the NRWWTP would not be able to properly process the dewatered biosolids for disposal and a portable sludge dewatering facility would be required for emergency use.

Without a properly working cake pump, there is a greater probability of illicit discharge of sewage and/or biosolids into the deep injection well.  Additionally, the Department may be unable to legally dispose of the accumulated, liquid biosolids.

The Department has obtained quotes from Hudson Pump and Equipment for the purchase and installation of the replacement Seepex Cake Pump for a total cost of $103,950 (pump cost of $92,450 and installation cost of $11,500).  

The Department is requesting fund appropriation from Fund Balance for the purchase and installation of a Seepex pump for the NRWWTP belt filter press. A budget amendment in the amount of $120,000 will be submitted. This is the same amount proposed for the project in FY22.  The additional funds will serve as a contingency to cover expenses for any unforeseen conditions. Contingency funds remaining once the project has been closed will be returned to the appropriate Utility Fund Balance. 

The Department is requesting approval for the emergency and sole source procurement of the replacement Seepex Pump and installation of the pump from Hudson Pump and Equipment.  Hudson Pump and Equipment, a Division of Tencarva Machinery Company, is the sole authorized representative for Seepex, Inc. in the State of Florida. 

Per City Code of Ordinance 38.12 EMERGENCY PURCHASES: The Chief Procurement Officer may make or authorize emergency purchases as defined herein.  In the event of an emergency, such as a declaration of emergency pursuant to Fla. Stat. 252.38, by the Governor, or Fla. Stat. 252.38, by the County or City, an equipment failure, catastrophic damage to City property, or other similar unexpected event, all formal competitive bidding procedures are waived, and normal procurement procedures and requirements directly related to such emergency shall be suspended; and with the approval of the City Manager or the Chief Procurement Offices, the head of any department may purchase any required emergency supplies, materials, equipment or services.  The head of such department shall send to the Chief Procurement Officer a requisition and copy of the delivery record together with a full justification and circumstances of the emergency.  Records of emergency purchases shall be maintained by the Chief Procurement Officer. A record listing of all emergency purchases exceeding the mandatory City Council approval amount shall be submitted to the city Council within ninety (90) days of said purchase.