The staff request for the City Council is to review and consider for approval the emergency purchase installation of an EIMCO Water Technologies Gearbox Model C30HT drive unit from OVIVO USA, LLC. in the amount not to exceed $121,600.00.  OVIVO USA, LLC. is the sole distributor of EIMCO Water Technologies equipment serving the municipal market in the state of Florida.  This type of purchase is in accordance with the City’s purchasing guidelines.

The replacement gearbox is the original spec’d out piece of equipment included in the plant’s design.  Bearings have discharged from the casing which was identified during a regular maintenance activity.  Subsequent to staff’s inspection, the gearbox cannot be repaired as the casing’s interior has been damaged by the bearings. As you are aware, this tank and gearbox is one of four in operation at the plant and is an interictal part of the plant’s treatment of effluent.  While the plant can handle current treatment volumes, the concern is if another gearbox goes down it would place the WWTP in a potential compromising position should volumes increase due to a storm event. Pasco County has been notified of the deficiency as they are responsible for 49.3% of the $125,000 cost to replace and install the gearbox.