The WWTP generates about 8,100 tons of biosolids or sludge annually as a by-product of the treatment process. This material must be transported and treated to FDEP standards prior to disposal. Our facility is not equipped to provide this level of biosolids treatment and the cost to transport the material to disposal sites makes it impractical for the City to perform this task in-house.
On March 4, 2022 a sealed bid was opened and publically read aloud. The single bid was from Merrell Bros. Inc. in the amount not to exceed $69.44 per ton. If approved by City Council, the amount will be an $11.53 increase from the existing cost of $57.91 or an increase of $95,000 annually. As City Council is aware, inflated material costs and fuel costs are a major factor in this cost increase. In addition, it is important to note that under the current inter-local agreement for wastewater services between the County and the City, the County will be responsible for approximately 42% of the annual cost for this service.
Finally, while this was the only bid submitted to the City, Merrell Bros. Inc. has provided this service to the City for the past 15 years. They have been dependable and no complaints have been filed against the contractor by staff or the public. Merrell Bros. Inc. is currently providing the same service for Pasco County and co-operates, co-owns the biosolids disposal site located off of Hays Road in Pasco County. This is a large company with the resources and experience needed to provide a high level of service expected by the City to perform this service.