To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Sonoma County Public Infrastructure
Staff Name and Phone Number: Johannes J. Hoevertsz, 707-565-2550
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Agreement to Develop Plan for a new Compost Facility on the Airport Closed Landfill.
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
A) Receive an update on efforts to create a composting facility on existing County-owned land located at 5200 Slusser Road, Windsor.
B) Authorize the Chair to execute an agreement with SCS Engineers for engineering and environmental services for development of up to 30% plans for a proposed compost site at the closed landfill located adjacent to the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport, and on airport property, for a period of three years ending January 23, 2027, and a total, amount not to exceed $933,653.
end
Executive Summary:
Sonoma County Public Infrastructure (SPI) - Integrated Waste Division, in collaboration with Permit Sonoma Natural Resources Division, and Zero Waste Sonoma, is seeking to establish an advanced compost facility utilizing a covered row system on existing County land at the closed Airport Landfill. The facility will process an estimated 65,000 tons of organic material annually and the design will prioritize reducing greenhouse gas emissions through solar and renewable integration, energy efficient equipment, and innovative waste management practices.
In December 2022, a feasibility study confirmed the suitability of the proposed site, and a Request for Proposals (RFP) was released on August 3, 2023, for qualified engineering firms to develop up to 30% design plans, conduct technical studies, and engage in public outreach to support regulatory compliance. The 30% design plans will allow for a CEQA analysis to be conducted.
Three proposals were received, and SCS Engineers was deemed the most qualified firm for the project after a comprehensive review process by SPI, Permit Sonoma, and Zero Waste Sonoma staff. Staff is recommending entering into an agreement with SCS Engineers with a contract amount of $933,653 to perform the proposed work for a term of three years.
Construction and operational expenses are anticipated to be financed through a public -private partnership, including but not limited to grant funding, tip fees on committed and self-haul waste, and Refuse Franchise Fees. No general funds are proposed for this project.
Discussion:
Since 2016, organic materials collected in Sonoma County, including weekly pick-up of residential curbside green bins and commercial food scraps, have been hauled to composting facilities located outside the county. The Integrated Waste Division of SPI, in collaboration with Permit Sonoma Natural Resources Division, and Zero Waste Sonoma, seeks to design and build a centralized composting facility in Sonoma County.
The proposed site is situated primarily on top of a closed landfill on airport property at 5200 Slusser Road, Windsor, CA., which is adjacent to the Charles M. Schulz - Sonoma County Airport.
In December 2022, the engineering firm Brelje and Race completed a feasibility study attached with this item for the County which found the proposed site viable as a compost facility utilizing a covered row system with sufficient area to process 65,000 tons of compost per year. Based on the conclusions of the feasibility study, active composting operations are envisioned to be conducted on the closed landfill.
To minimize long-term operational costs and ensure the site is environmentally friendly, the facility design will incorporate sustainable design features and strategies, emphasize reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the integration of solar and other renewable technologies, as well as utilizing energy-efficient equipment, implementing energy recovery systems, using green building materials, and optimizing waste management practices.
Concentrating on minimizing GHG emissions and incorporating sustainable design elements is intended to create a state-of-the-art composting facility that is both environmentally responsible, cost-effective and will aid in meeting State legislation SB 1383’s objective of diverting 75% of the organics from the landfill by 2025.
The establishment of a local compost facility offers direct and substantial benefits to the County of Sonoma and its municipalities. A centrally located compost facility within the County will lower GHG emissions by reducing transportation distances for the delivery of organic waste. This reduction in travel distance translates into cost savings for both the county and municipal green waste collection services. These savings arise from decreased fuel consumption and lower wear-and-tear on collection vehicles, thereby reducing operational costs and improving operational efficiencies by allowing for more frequent and potentially increased collection capacities. Additionally, the local availability of high-quality compost generated by this facility can support municipal and regional agricultural, landscaping, and public works projects, thus closing the loop in organic waste recycling within the County and contributing to a more sustainable local ecosystem.
On August 3, 2023, SPI issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit competitive proposals from qualified firms capable of providing environmental and engineering services for development of 30% design plans, enough to conduct CEQA analyses on, to conduct technical studies, and engage in public outreach to support regulatory compliance. Proposals were due September 18, 2023, and three were received from the following firms:
1. GHD, Inc.
2.Tetra Tech BAS., Inc.
3. SCS Engineers
In October 2023, proposals were reviewed and scored by partnered staff of SPI, Permit Sonoma, and Zero Waste Sonoma, based on the following criteria:
• Demonstrated ability to perform the services described;
• Experience, qualifications and expertise, understanding of compost facilities, landfills and regulations;
• Costs relative to the scope of services;
• Willingness to accept the County’s contract terms;
• Technical ability of proposed staff; and
• Flexibility and ability to perform possible additional scope.
SCS Engineers was selected and deemed to have a proposal responsive to the County’s needs.
Total proposed contract amount is for $933,653. Funding sources include State grant funding and use of fund balance from the Former Rural Landfill Fund. On behalf of the County, Zero Waste Sonoma applied for, and was awarded, SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant Funding from CalRecycle. From that grant, $74,556 is readily available through a first cycle disbursement and must be spent before April 2, 2024. A second cycle of grant funding in the amount of $233,410 is programed to be available to the County in Spring 2024. Combined, grant funding total is $307,966, representing 33% of total project cost. The remaining 67%, $625,687, of project costs will be funded through use of Former Rural Landfill Fund balance.
Next Steps:
The Design and CEQA/NEPA analyses of the proposed project is anticipated to be completed within 2 years. If the site is deemed to be permittable after CEQA/NEPA analyses, staff will return to the board with recommendations to complete the development of the facility, which may include a public-private partnership.
Strategic Plan:
This item directly supports the County’s Five-year Strategic Plan and is aligned with the following pillar, goal, and objective.
Pillar: Climate Action and Resiliency
Goal: Goal 2: Invest in the community to enhance resiliency and become carbon neutral by 2030
Objective: Objective 1: Design or retrofit County facilities to be carbon neutral, zero waste and incorporate resilient construction techniques and materials.
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
Yes
A racial Equity memorandum is attached with this item, reviewing the process as to how equity will be addressed throughout the project.
Prior Board Actions:
None
Fiscal Summary
|
Expenditures |
FY23-24 Adopted |
FY24-25 Projected |
FY25-26 Projected |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
$560,192 |
$373,461 |
|
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
|
|
|
|
Total Expenditures |
$560,192 |
$373,461 |
|
|
Funding Sources |
|
|
|
|
General Fund/WA GF |
|
|
|
|
State/Federal |
$74,556 |
$233,410 |
|
|
Fees/Other |
|
|
|
|
Use of Fund Balance |
$485,636 |
$140,051 |
|
|
General Fund Contingencies |
|
|
|
|
Total Sources |
$560,192 |
$373,461 |
|
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Total estimated value of work to be completed is $933,653. 33% or $307,966 of this project will be funded through SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant funding from CalRecycle, and 67% or $625,687 will be funded through the Former Rural Landfill (41122) funds sourced through a combination of tip fees on committed and self-haul waste and Refuse Franchise Fees. Project expenses estimated for Fiscal Year 2023-24 are $560,192 and $373,461 in Fiscal Year 2024-25.
Appropriations are included the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Integrated Waste adopted budget for 60% of project expenses. The remaining 40% of project expenses will be included in Fiscal Year 2024-25 Recommended Budget.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None.
Attachments:
Agreement and Exhibits A-C for 30% Design of Compost Facility
Racial Equity Memorandum for Proposed Compost Facility Project
PowerPoint Presentation
Feasibility Study
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None.