DOWNRIVER UTILITY WASTEWATER AUTHORITY
OCTOBER 12, 2023 MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF TAYLOR COUNCIL CHAMBERS

 

1. ROLL CALL AND INTRODUCTIONS
DUWA Chair Gail McLeod (Allen Park) called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM and asked for roll call to be taken. At the time of roll call, voting representatives were in attendance from all 13 communities: Allen Park, Belleville, Brownstown Township, Dearborn Heights, Ecorse, Lincoln Park, Riverview, River Rouge, Romulus, Southgate, Taylor, Van Buren Township, and Wyandotte. A quorum (at least 7 members) was present.

 

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Copies of the Agenda were made available prior to the meeting (Attachment 1). Motion by Mayor Bill Bazzi (Dearborn Heights) and supported by Mayor Joseph Kuspa (Southgate) to approve the Agenda. The motion passed unanimously by all attending members.

 

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 14, 2023 BOARD MEETING
Copies of the meeting minutes from the September 14, 2023 Board meeting were included in the pre-meeting Board packet (Attachment 2). Motion by Jeff Dobek (Riverview) and supported by Roberto Scappaticci (Romulus) to approve the minutes. The motion passed unanimously by all attending members.

 

4. LEGAL UPDATE
Attorney Brandon Grysko, of Fausone & Grysko, provided the Legal Update.

a. General Counsel Monthly Report
Attorney Grysko stated that a written summary of the monthly legal update was provided in the pre-meeting Board packet (Attachment 3). Attorney Grysko stated that it was a typical month of activities as Fausone & Grysko assisted the System Manager with various matters related to the UV Disinfection Replacement project and Biosolids Dryer Facility project. Attorney Grysko also stated that Fausone & Grysko worked with the Legal Committee on the Kruger Tolling Agreement as well as the Wayne County Bond Amendment that was submitted to Wayne County for approval.

b. Tolling Agreement with Kruger
Attorney Grysko presented the proposed Tolling Agreement to the Board (Attachment 4). As the biosolids dryer challenges continue, Attorney Grysko stated that Fausone & Grysko worked with the Legal Committee and Kruger’s legal team to develop a Tolling Agreement that would pause the clock on the equipment warranty period, performance bond, and other time-sensitive items outlined in DUWA’s contract with Kruger (the dryer equipment supplier). This Tolling Agreement would allow time for the various dryer challenges to be resolved without affecting the time remaining on the warranty period and bond release dates. This Tolling Agreement would be retroactively in effect from September 29, 2023 through March 1, 2024. This period would not be included in calculating the warranty period nor the performance bond release date. During this period, both DUWA and Kruger agree to not file suit against the other. This agreement does not waive claims nor does it affect DUWA’s rights to assess liquidated damages. The agreement is terminable with 45 days’ notice, which is consistent with the terms in the original contract.

Mayor Tim Woolley (Taylor) asked if the agreement stipulates that neither party will file suit against the other for the entire life of the contract or just during the tolling period. Attorney Grysko responded that the agreement indicates that neither party will file suit against the other during the tolling period, but may file suit or pursue claims after the tolling period ends, either after March 1, 2024 or after 45 days’ termination notice is given. Jeff Dobek (Riverview) asked if this agreement considered reimbursement of sludge hauling and disposal costs as the dryers are not yet operating as intended resulting in some sludge to be sent to the landfill. Attorney Grysko responded that the agreement only contemplated legal claims and time-sensitive items in the contract. However, the cost for sludge hauling and disposal is being tracked, and this will be considered when evaluating the overall performance of the project.

Mayor Joseph Kuspa (Southgate) asked if the proposed tolling period is too long considering that the project is already behind schedule. Attorney Grysko responded that DUWA actually asked for a longer period of time, but Kruger suggested the shorter period of time that is reflected in the agreement. A longer tolling period would extend the equipment warranty period and performance bond release dates, which is advantageous to DUWA. During the tolling period, DUWA cannot file suit against Kruger, but still retains the right to exercise bond and warranty rights. DUWA may also terminate the tolling agreement by providing 45 days’ notice, which is consistent with the terms in the original purchase agreement with Kruger.

Motion by Mayor Bill Bazzi (Dearborn Heights) and supported by James Krizan (Lincoln Park) to authorize the Chair to execute the Tolling Agreement. The motion passed unanimously by all attending members.

 

5. SYSTEM MANAGER UPDATE
System Manager Lambrina Tercala, of OHM Advisors, provided a verbal summary of activities since the last meeting. A written summary was provided in the pre-meeting Board packet for the System Manager Report (Attachment 5).

a. System Manager Monthly Report
System Manager Tercala noted the following highlights from the System Manager Report:

• • • OHM continues to work with Veolia OM, MEA (DUWA’s natural gas consultant), and Constellation (DUWA’s natural gas supplier) to determine how much natural gas to sell back to the market each month since the dryers have only been online intermittently. DUWA estimated how much natural gas would be consumed in 2023 based on the assumption that the dryers would be online for the duration of the year. Given that the dryers have not been consistently online, DUWA has been selling excess natural gas back to the market as DUWA can only keep a certain amount of natural gas in storage before penalties are assessed. DUWA has been tracking the revenue received from selling natural gas back to the market (Attachment 6). DUWA was able to generate more revenue from natural gas selloffs last year compared to this year because the market price was higher last year.
    • Veolia is requesting to advance on two small capital projects. Both requests were reviewed by the Technical Committee and recommended for Board consideration at today’s meeting:
      • The HVAC system in the Administration Building of the DWTF has been out of operation for the past three years. Veolia has received a quote for its replacement.
      • Three level sensors in the Allen Park tunnel spur are proposed to be replaced with a single flow meter to support the functional needs of the tunnel spur.
    • Doetsch performed the inspection of the hole that was discovered at the bottom of the Goddard Interceptor chamber PDO. HRC developed the flow diversion plan that was used to divert flows to allow for a visual inspection. Four holes were discovered within a 12”x12” area and were immediately plugged by Doetsch using hydraulic cement. The hypothesis for the cause of the holes is that there used to be a flow control gate installed at this location, and when it was removed, the holes may have been patched using brick and mortar.
    • DUWA developed a Class A/Class B permit application for communities and/or developers who would like to connect their sanitary sewers into DUWA’s interceptors per the SUO requirements. The permit application was shared with the Technical Committee and was posted to their Basecamp file sharing site, and can also be found on DUWA’s website. A summary of the permit application process will be provided to the Board for distribution within their local communities (Attachment 7).
    • Several odor complaints were received last week. After Veolia switched from using ferric chloride to PACl for phosphorous removal to reduce the risk of reheating events of the dried biosolids, Veolia continued to dose a small amount of ferric chloride for odor control as it binds to the sulfites and settles out of the wastewater. The Class A biosolids hauler recently reported that DUWA’s biosolids were reheating after sitting onsite for several weeks. In response to the recent reports of reheating events, Veolia stopped dosing ferric chloride resulting in increased odors at the DWTF. Upon receiving the odor complaints, Veolia has resumed dosing a small amount of ferric chloride for odor control until the pilot hydrogen peroxide dosing system is online. Veolia communicated the odor issues with EGLE for their awareness.
      • Veolia is working on commissioning a pilot hydrogen peroxide dosing system to assist with odor control. The equipment is onsite and the first chemical delivery is expected to be received next week. The bench tests showed a high rate of sulfite removal, and thus the pilot study is expected to be successful in managing odors. If successful, the hydrogen peroxide dosing system may be considered to be implemented at full scale.
      • The System Manager authorized HRC for a not-to-exceed fee of $8,000 to assist with the EGLE permit application as well as siting of the chemical tank (Attachment 8). The System Manager authorized this effort due to its urgent nature to manage odors for nearby residents.
    • This month’s invoice register includes an invoice from HRC for their effort in compiling documents related to the Alkali Sewer Rehabilitation project as requested by the EPA in support of their WIFIA audit.

Jeff Dobek (Riverview) asked if the DWTF received violations from Wayne County or EGLE related to the increased odors. Jason Tapp responded that the DWTF received no violations. Roberto Scappaticci (Romulus) asked how much the hydrogen peroxide odor control system will cost DUWA. Jason Tapp responded that the dosage has not been determined yet, but based on preliminary dosing rates, the odor control system can be expected to cost DUWA about $300k per year. Jason Tapp added the pilot study equipment includes a double-walled tank, PLC, a skid, and sensors. The equipment can potentially be purchased from the supplier at a discounted rate.

b. UV Disinfection Replacement Project Update
System Manager Lambrina Tercala, of OHM Advisors, provided an update on the UV Disinfection Replacement Project to the Board (Attachment 9). Black & Veatch is progressing towards the 50% design which will also include a Basis of Design deliverable and updated cost estimate. This effort is currently tracking behind schedule due to increased coordination with Trojan to identify potential alternative equipment layout configurations that would minimize the structural improvements necessary for the flow channels. Trojan originally proposed three banks per channel which provides for one redundant channel during peak flows. However, the project need is for straight replacement of the aging UV equipment. Redundancy at peak flows was not assumed or included in the existing channel design. To minimize equipment cost and structural improvement requirements, Black & Veatch worked with Trojan to review the alternatives. Black & Veatch is moving forward with their 50% design per their recommended alternative, which includes two banks per existing channel. The extra coordination was beneficial as it should save on project capital costs. Current equipment cost projections demonstrate a $300k savings in proceeding with the alternative.

PFM (DUWA’s Financial Consultant) and Dykema (DUWA’s Bond Counsel) are assisting DUWA with the bond process. A Notice of Intent to bond up to $20M will be presented to the Board at the November Board meeting. The Notice of Intent should indicate the highest amount that DUWA would consider bonding, but does not require DUWA to bond that amount. DUWA plans to bond between $8M-$10M and this amount will be reviewed by the Board Officers. The Series Ordinance will then be presented to the Board for approval at the December Board meeting. PFM will be present at both Board meetings to answer questions. The bond closing and disbursement is expected to occur in Q1 2024 around the time that the Notice to Proceed is issued to the selected General Contractor.

Mayor Tim Woolley (Taylor) asked when the plant was built and whether DUWA plans to bond for the entire UV project cost. Jason Tapp responded that the plant was built in 1938. System Manager Tercala responded that the UV project is currently estimated to cost between $13M-$16.5M, and DUWA is considering bonding for $10M. She added that Plante Moran is continuing to analyze DUWA’s cash flow needs. EGLE will also be assigning a point person to DUWA for administration of the $10M earmarked funds from the State, which will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis.

c. Biosolids Dryer Facility Project
Jason Nash (Veolia CPM) was not present at the Board meeting, so System Manager Tercala and Jason Tapp of Veolia provided an update on the Biosolids Dryer Facility project to the Board (Attachment 10). The dryers were placed in operation on September 4th and ran for one week until an issue arose with the polymer dosing system. The dryers were turned off and the polymer lines were disassembled. During that time, other maintenance and cleaning activities were performed. The thermal oil skid was also found to be leaking, which posed a safety risk. The manufacturer’s technicians came onsite to perform the repairs. Additionally, some dryer bolts became loose due to the frequent on and off cycling of the dryers. The thermal cycling of the dryers puts stress on the threaded joints and bolts. The dryer bolts were tightened and are now checked every time the dryers are shut off.

The media in the condensing towers was cleaned. The condensing towers contain about 800 lb. of media which was fouled with biological growth preventing the media from cleaning the air. The condensing towers have required cleaning a couple times each month, which is a big effort for Veolia OM. Veolia CPM is working with Kruger to identify a possible chemical solution that would prevent bacterial growth to reduce the frequency of cleaning events. It was considered to purchase spare media, but this solution was rejected due to the expensive cost for spare media.

The dryers were placed back into operation on October 5th and have been running consistently since. The dryers are running at 65% capacity currently, and the throughput will be slowly increased at 5% increments to ensure the system remains stable as the throughput increases. There has been minor plugging in the depositor nozzles. When plugging occurs, the debris is removed, cleaned, and catalogued for record-keeping purposes, and the depositor nozzle is put back into service.

The Boundary Layer Injection System (BLIS) is used to reduce friction losses and pressures in the pipes that convey the sludge from the pumps to the dryers. Kruger replaced the BLIS needle valves on the 16 dosing pumps and four cake pumps with constant flow valves, which has resulted in an increase in pumpability of the material and a decrease in pressures. It was recently learned that other facilities typically have one BLIS pump for each cake and dosing pump. DUWA has four BLIS pumps but 20 dosing and cake pumps. Kruger is looking to optimize the efficiency of what is currently installed without installing more BLIS pumps at this time.

The Veolia OM team has been cleaning dust and debris out of the dryers on a monthly basis to prevent the development of a dust cloud that could potentially cause an explosion. It was expected that dust removal would only be required to be performed on a semiannual or quarterly basis, but this effort has been required more frequently. During the last cleaning, 40 contractor bags from one dryer and 30 bags from the other dryer were filled with dust and dried material. Veolia OM has asked Kruger to provide the typical amount of dust that should be expected. Jason Tapp stated that Kruger indicated that they will also develop a new baffle system to help reduce dust buildup, but Kruger noted that dust removal will be a continuous OM effort going forward. Jason Tapp added that Kruger should be performing the maintenance and repairs on the dryer system as they are the experts, not the Veolia OM staff. Veolia OM is willing to provide support on the dryer system where needed, but this effort takes time away from performing other tasks around the DWTF.

With the dryers offline for much of September, the solids storage levels at the plant have started to increase. About four to five truckloads of dewatered solids are hauled to the landfill each day. The primary tanks are at about 75% of their sludge storage capacity, and the secondary clarifiers are at about 50% of their sludge storage capacity. The dryers will need to remain consistently online to reduce the solids storage levels.

Fausone & Grysko is working with Walsh’s legal team to finalize a contract closeout agreement.

Jeff Dobek (Riverview) asked if Veolia OM is tracking their hours spent on the dryer system. Jason Tapp responded that they are tracking their hours. Mayor Tim Woolley (Taylor) asked if DUWA is still realizing a cost savings considering the additional effort that has been required to get the dryers online. He added that considerable maintenance is performed by the Veolia OM staff each time the dryers are shut off. Jason Tapp responded that DUWA realizes a savings when the dryers are operational. The cost for sludge hauling and disposal has been around $300k per month when the dryers are offline compared to $50k per month when the dryers are online. System Manager Tercala added that the use of the dryers also allows DUWA to have access to additional disposal outlets for the Class A dried solids. Jason Tapp agreed with Mayor Tim Woolley’s (Taylor) comment regarding the level of effort of Veolia OM staff. Jason Tapp added that Veolia OM staff are beginning to get burned out as it seems there is a new problem to resolve every day. Some employees have quit due to their frustration. The project was sold to DUWA as ‘zero FTE’ (full-time employees), however current efforts require an additional five full-time employees to continuously operate and maintain the dryer system. Jason Tapp stated that the operators’ schedules were shifted to have an extra operator and supervisor present during the off shifts as the dryers are now running continuously day and night.

Mayor Joseph Kuspa (Southgate) asked whether the amount of dust accumulation and frequency of cleaning the condensing towers is typical or excessive compared to other systems. Jason Tapp responded that Screened Final Effluent (SFE) water is used in the condensing towers, whereas other systems use potable water, so it is difficult to make a comparison as there are different factors involved. The use of SFE water is much cheaper than if potable water was used. Chairperson McLeod (Allen Park) commented that the dust accumulation should only need to be cleaned a couple times per year, but more dust is accumulating than what is expected.

Mayor Bill Bazzi (Dearborn Heights) commented that he attended the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative conference recently where many presentations were given on the successes of other wastewater treatment facilities, and noted that other facilities do not seem to report the same issues that are experienced at the DWTF. He suggested that benchmarking be performed to compare the DWTF’s processes and operations to other similar-sized wastewater treatment facilities to see if there are opportunities to improve upon technologies or efficiencies. He added that the costs incurred by DUWA for the dryer project delays ultimately are borne by the Downriver residents. Jason Tapp responded that DUWA is unique from other facilities because DUWA does not have a digester, whereas many other facilities do. The dryer system is reportedly capable of processing undigested sludge, but undigested sludge could also create additional complications with the system. System Manager Tercala added that DUWA is asking these same types of questions to Kruger and Veolia CPM as well as the third-party technical team to understand what should be expected based on operations at other facilities. She added that DUWA has built a relationship with GLWA’s NEFCO facility to share ideas with a local and similar-sized facility.

Mayor Joseph Kuspa (Southgate) asked if the Class A hauler is concerned with the reheating events that have occurred at their facility with DUWA’s dried solids. Jason Tapp responded that Veolia coordinates with them on a weekly basis, and that they are familiar with reheating events as other WWTP’s product has also had some reheating events in the past. When a reheating event occurs, the hauler mixes DUWA’s biosolids with another product to stop the reheating. Veolia is excited to eliminate the use of ferric chloride. Once ferric chloride is no longer dosed, it will take about one month for all of the ferric to be processed out of the plant. System Manager Tercala added that the receiver’s government is looking to put limits on the PFAS concentrations of the biosolids that are brought in. The maximum limit will likely be 50 parts per billion (ppb), which is much higher than the PFAS concentration in DUWA’s biosolids. Their government has expressed a general level of concern of bringing biosolids in, but our hauler continues to track this and will provide advisement.

 

6. OTHER REQUESTS FOR AUTHORIZATIONS AND APPROVALS
System Manager Mackenzie Johnson, of OHM Advisors, presented the following requests to the Board.

a. Extension of Jim Taylor Contract Associated with Biosolids Dryer Facility Project Contract Negotiations
A small group of Board Commissioners and DUWA professionals has been meeting on a weekly basis to discuss Biosolids Project matters to achieve project completion and contract resolutions with both Walsh and Kruger. At the May Board meeting, the Board approved Mr. Jim Taylor’s engagement for 90 days to assist the Small Group with these contract closeout negotiation efforts. At the July Board meeting, the Board approved the extension of his engagement for an additional 90 days beginning August 1, 2023 and expiring November 1, 2023. Additional time and effort are still needed for this work, so it is requested to remove the expiration date from Mr. Taylor’s contract. It is also requested to increase the not-to-exceed fee from $8,000 to $11,600 to accommodate additional efforts beyond his previously contemplated efforts through November 1, 2023 (Attachment 11). His average monthly effort amounts to about $1200/month. At this rate, the existing not-to-exceed fee of $8,000 would be depleted by the end of November. The additional $3600 proposed to be added to his current fee would provide for about another three months of his support.

Mayor Bill Bazzi (Dearborn Heights) asked if there should be an expiration date included in the contract. System Manager Johnson responded that the request is to remove the expiration date from the contract, but to include a not-to-exceed fee. The suggestion is to remove the expiration date from the contract to prevent additional extension requests of the Board as it is currently uncertain as to how much longer the negotiation efforts will continue. Jim Taylor commented that many of the questions the Board has raised regarding the Biosolids Dryer project have been discussed within the small group in a more candid and intense fashion. He further stated the Board’s questions and concerns are taken seriously by the group. He believes the small group has been very productive, and the Veolia operations team has been helping to support the discussions. Chairperson McLeod (Allen Park) added that the small group has been meeting on a weekly basis.

Motion by Rick Rutherford (Belleville) and supported by Mayor Joseph Kuspa (Southgate) to approve the removal of the expiration date from the Professional Services Engagement contract with James T. Taylor and to increase the contract’s not-to-exceed fee to $11,600. The fee will be paid from DUWA’s Engineering Services line item of the budget. The motion passed unanimously by all attending members.

b. Allen Park Tunnel Spur Flow Metering
There are currently three level sensors installed in the Allen Park Tunnel Spur that are used to monitor the flow contribution into the tunnel spur. As part of a previous flow metering analysis, ASI suggested that the three level sensors could be replaced with a single flow meter to measure the total flow into the tunnel spur. A flow meter would provide depth, velocity, and flow rate measurements, whereas the existing level sensors only measure depth. Purchase and installation of a new flow meter and cabinet would be necessary, but the ongoing meter maintenance and calibration effort by Veolia would be reduced from three metering sites to one metering site. The data from this flow meter would also be used to support the efforts related to dewatering Allen Park’s retention basin after rain events. The cost for a new flow meter supplied by ADS is $20,160.80, which includes Veolia’s 10% markup (Attachment 12). The Technical Committee reviewed this request and recommended it for approval. This fee would be paid from DUWA’s Small Capital Budget.

Jeff Dobek (Riverview) asked whether Veolia has tax-exempt status since the purchase would be for a governmental agency. System Manager Tercala responded that Veolia is the purchaser rather than DUWA, and Veolia does not have tax-exempt status. Jeff Dobek (Riverview) asked if DUWA’s tax-exempt status could be extended to Veolia since DUWA, a governmental agency, would be the end user. Attorney Grysko responded that he will look into this possibility from a legal perspective. The motion was amended to note that authorization assumes tax exemption will apply if it can be extended to Veolia.

Motion by Mayor Bill Bazzi (Dearborn Heights) and supported by Greg Mayhew (Wyandotte) to authorize Veolia to purchase a new flow meter that will be installed in the Allen Park Tunnel Spur for a not-to-exceed fee of $20,160.80 pending extension of DUWA’s tax exemption. The motion passed unanimously by all attending members.

c. HVAC System Replacement in Administration Building
The second floor of the Administration Building at the DWTF has been without proper heating and air conditioning for three years now as the existing HVAC system has failed. Veolia solicited vendors for quotes and has received quotes in excess of $100k to replace the existing HVAC system in-kind. Superior Comfort Heating & Cooling proposed a simpler solution that would use equipment smaller in size than the existing system as the existing units are reportedly oversized. Superior Comfort proposed to furnish and install the new HVAC system for a fee of $42,355.59, inclusive of tax (Attachment 13). Veolia’s markup will not be applied to this fee. The Technical Committee reviewed this request and recommended it for approval. This fee would be paid from DUWA’s Small Capital Budget. This effort is separate from the HVAC Phase 2 boiler system design effort performed by Hazen & Sawyer last year.

Mayor Bill Bazzi (Dearborn Heights) asked if there is a warranty associated with the new HVAC equipment. Jason Tapp responded that the quote included either a 12-month or 24-month warranty, and that he will confirm. Rick Rutherford (Belleville) asked if load testing was performed to properly size the new HVAC system. Jason Tapp responded that Superior Comfort engineered the new HVAC system such that it would be sized appropriately.

Motion by Mayor Tim Woolley (Taylor) and supported by Jeff Dobek (Riverview) to authorize Veolia to contract with Superior Comfort Heating & Cooling for replacement of the HVAC system in the Administration Building of the DWTF for a not-to-exceed fee of $42,355.59 pending review of the sales tax exemption. The motion passed unanimously by all attending members.

 

7. CONTRACT OPERATOR UPDATE
Jason Tapp and Travis Tuma, of Veolia, provided the Contract Operator update.

a. August 2023 MOR
The August 2023 Monthly Operating Report (MOR) was provided in the Board’s pre-meeting packet (Attachment 14). Highlights from the summary and other updates included the following:

• • • The plant maintained full compliance in August, and zero bypasses have occurred this year. A large storm event occurred in August with some Downriver areas receiving up to four inches of rain. The plant reached its secondary treatment capacity of 137.5 MGD for a few hours, but bypassing was not necessary.
    • There are currently open positions for an operator, a maintenance technician, and an electrician. The previous electrician put in their notice several weeks ago, but has agreed to work part-time until the position can be filled. No vacancy credits will be applied for August.
    • The PACl trial isongoing and is proving to be very effective for phosphorous removal. Veolia has resumed dosing a small amount of ferric chloride following odor complaints.
    • The wear ring on Raw Sewage Pump 1 was replaced. This effort required the large pump to be pulled from 60 feet below grade. The header into the pump must be drained before the pump can be pulled, so it was necessary to wait for a wet weather event to generate enough flow to drain the header.
    • Veolia OM staff continue to remove clogs from the depositors that deposit sludge onto the dryer belt. The depositor nozzle is removed and cleaned at the flushing station, then is put back into service. The removed debris is cleaned and catalogued for record-keeping purposes. Many of the clogs are attributed to woodchips or bread bag clips. There are 48 dosing nozzles total, and there are typically about three clogs per day. The effort to remove each clog only takes a couple of minutes.
    • The media on the condensing towers for the dryers was cleaned using a bleach bath to remove the film and growth on the media.
    • The cable wagon on the gripper was dislodged. The cable wagon acts as an overhead claw that is lowered to remove the debris that gets caught in the 4-inch bar screen at the plant headworks. High flows caused the cable wagon to spin and get stuck. Dislodging the cable wagon required a confined space entry.
    • Broken caps and airlines were replaced for the air blast system, which helps operators continuously monitor the concentration of Dissolved Oxygen used for aeration in the secondary treatment process.
    • Four mechanics spent four full days tightening bolts on the dryers. As the dryers have been cycling on and off, the thermal cycling has caused the bolts to loosen. Kruger indicated that bolt tightening should occur on a monthly basis until the dryers are consistently online, after which the bolts should only need to be tightened on a biannual basis.
    • The tubular drag conveyer, which is used to convey the dried solids to the truck bay, became damaged after the gear loosened and caused the puck to hit the side of the tube. A Hapman representative was onsite to replace the puck and gear and restore the drag conveyer to service. This repair work was covered under warranty. It appears an improper installation may have caused the gear to come loose.
    • A new Asset Management system was recently implemented. The new system is entirely digital replacing the previous paper system. Veolia staff is equipped with iPads through which they are assigned and can complete work orders. There is a learning curve associated with this new digital system, and adjustments to the system are still being made.
    • The 2023 CCTV effort is about 90% complete. The 2022 CCTV effort is nearly complete, but recent wet weather events have delayed the contractor. The remaining 2022 CCTV effort involves inspection of the interceptors near the plant, thus the flows are higher in these locations complicating the inspection process.
    • The Red Wings Boot truck was onsite for employees to buy new work boots. Employees were given a $150 voucher to buy new boots.
    • There were 244 Miss Dig tickets received in August, of which 30 were emergency requiring a quick response time. The number of Miss Dig tickets received is beginning to slow down as construction season winds down.

Mayor Joseph Kuspa (Southgate) asked if Kruger can provide the expected frequency for which the dryer bolts should be tightened once the dryers are online so that Veolia OM understands the anticipated effort for this going forward. Travis Tuma responded that Veolia OM has asked this of Kruger, but a response has not been provided. Rick Rutherford (Belleville) asked if there is another solution that can be used for bolt tightening, such as using Loctite products. Travis Tuma responded that Kruger indicated that there could be an issue with using Loctite products under high heat conditions from the dryers, but this could be explored further. Lou Arapakis (River Rouge) added that Veolia may wish to consider safety wiring the bolts as well. Travis Tuma responded that this could be considered. Mayor Bill Bazzi (Dearborn Heights) asked for the type of material, size, lock thread information, and torque requirements of the bolts noting that he has some connections that could possibly assist with the loose bolt issues. Jason Tapp responded that the requested information on the bolts would be provided.

Mayor Tim Woolley (Taylor) commented that frustration of Veolia’s OM employees is another fallout from the challenges with the dryer project. Veolia OM employees are now required to perform dust hazard analyses, drive solids handling trucks, and perform other unanticipated tasks as a direct result of the delayed dryer project.

b. Chemical & Sludge Price Updates
Jason Tapp presented the summary of commodity unit price changes to the Board (Attachment 15). There have been no increases on chemical unit pricing. The all-in cost for hauling and disposal of the dried solids to LaSalle increased from $36.50/ton to $40/ton beginning in August. As the dryers were intermittently online in August, the cost for hauling and sludge disposal was about $145k in August. The additional truck hauling that was needed for disposal of the dewatered solids that were building up at the plant tapered down in August as the plant’s solids storage levels returned to normal. The dryers were offline for much of September so the solids storage levels at the plant are beginning to increase again, however additional truck hauling is not expected to be necessary. As the dryers continue to run, the sludge hauling and disposal costs should continue to decrease.

c. Biosolids Disposal Outlets
Jason Tapp stated that the dryers are currently operating at 65% of their design capacity, and the operators will continue to slowly increase the throughput through the dryers at 5% increments. A small amount of sludge is bypassing the dryers, and about three to four truckloads of dewatered solids are hauled to the landfill each day. Veolia continues to foster the relationship with LaSalle to keep that disposal outlet available for DUWA.

d. Existing Disinfection System Performance & Remaining Life Update
Jason Tapp stated that the electrician performs various maintenance tasks on the UV system each week. Veolia recently purchased another twelve ballasts from a third-party as another facility recently decommissioned their Trojan UV4000 system. The spare ballasts, which are OEM parts, cost $1,000 each compared to Trojan’s cost of $2,600 each. OEM spare parts are much more efficient and effective than spare parts from third-party vendors. It is also expected that another local WWTP will soon have some spare UV parts available for purchase as they are currently upgrading their existing Trojan UV4000 system to the Trojan UVSigna system.

 

8. TREASURER’S REPORT

a. Aging AR
Treasurer Jason Couture (Taylor) presented the Aging Accounts Receivable report (Attachment 16). Treasurer Couture stated that the total amount in the Accounts Receivable is approximately $2M of which 93% is less than 60 days delinquent. River Rouge has an outstanding invoice over 60 days, however some payments have recently been received in collections that are not yet reflected on this report. Outstanding payments over 120 days are mostly related to surveillance fees from corporate companies. Many companies have experienced turnover and have also switched to digital payment processing which makes collection of outstanding payments more difficult. Accountant Doug Drysdale (DNS Financial Services; Southgate) continues to try to contact the proper departments of these companies to receive payments.

b. Pending Invoices
Treasurer Jason Couture (Taylor) presented the invoice register for a request for payment. The invoice register was provided in the pre-meeting packet (Attachment 17). The invoice register included 33 invoices due for a total of $2,198,914.47. The largest invoices included those to Veolia for O&M, flow metering, and unit cost reconciliations and Wyandotte for utility services.

Motion by Mayor Bill Bazzi (Dearborn Heights) and supported by Mayor Joseph Kuspa (Southgate) to pay the invoice register. The motion passed unanimously by all attending members.

 

9. PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.

 

10. OTHER BUSINESS
Mayor Bill Bazzi (Dearborn Heights) stated that three professional athletes will be speaking with first responders and veterans at the Dearborn Heights Police Station. The athletes are motivational speakers and will be available to speak privately with attendees, if desired. Mayor Bazzi invited the Board Commissioners to extend the invitation to their local first responders as well.

Mayor Joseph Kuspa (Southgate) expressed his gratitude for the teamwork and support of the Downriver communities during the significant fire that occurred at a senior citizen center in Southgate last week. The fire occurred in a three-story building where police and firefighters had to carry people down the stairs and out of the building. As a result of the fire, 129 residents were displaced, but there were no casualties. Mayor Joseph Kuspa (Southgate) was grateful for the help and support of first responders from seven other Downriver communities, as the damage and injuries would have been much worse without them.

 

11. NEXT BOARD MEETING DATE: Thursday, November 9, 2023 (9:00 AM; In-Person)
Chairperson McLeod (Allen Park) reminded the Board that the next meeting would take place on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 9:00 AM in-person at Taylor City Hall. She also reminded the Board that she may or may not be present at subsequent Board meetings depending on whether she wins re-election in the coming weeks as the Mayor of the City of Allen Park.

 

12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business, Chairperson McLeod (Allen Park) announced that a motion to adjourn would be in order. Motion by Mayor Bill Bazzi (Dearborn Heights) and supported by Rick Rutherford (Belleville) to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously at 10:29 AM.

 

Meeting Minutes Prepared by:
Mackenzie Johnson Chamberlain, Engineer  |  OHM Advisors

Meeting Minutes Reviewed by:
Lambrina Tercala, DUWA System Manager  |  OHM Advisors

 

ATTACHMENTS

1. Meeting Agenda
2. September 14, 2023 DUWA Board Meeting Minutes
3. Monthly Legal Update (by Fausone & Grysko)
4. Tolling Agreement with Kruger (by Fausone & Grysko)
5. System Manager Report for October 2023 (by OHM Advisors)
6. Natural Gas Sale Tracking (by OHM Advisors)
7. Class A Permit Request Process (by OHM Advisors)
8. HRC Proposal for Odor Control System Permitting Effort
9. UV Disinfection Replacement Project Update (by OHM Advisors)
10. Biosolids Dryer Facility Project September 2023 Monthly Progress Summary (by Veolia)
11. Request to Extend James T. Taylor’s Engagement for Dryer Project Contract Closeout Services
12. Request to Purchase a New Flow Meter for the Allen Park Tunnel Spur
13. Request to Replace the HVAC System in the Administration Building
14. Monthly Operating Report for August 2023 (by Veolia)
15. DWTF Unit Price Changes Summary (by Veolia)
16. Aged Accounts Receivable Report, dated October 5, 2023 (by Doug Drysdale)
17. Invoice Register, dated October 5, 2023 (by Doug Drysdale)