SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Authorize the City Manager and designated city representatives to enter into negotiations with Pinellas County for an interlocal agreement for the City of Clearwater’s participation in the Regional Resource Recovery Facility (RRRF).
Body
SUMMARY:
Pinellas County is proposing the development of a Regional Resource Recovery Facility (RRRF) to provide a long-term, regional solution for biosolids management. The project is currently in Phase 2, which involves the development of bid specifications for the design, construction, and operation of the facility. The County is seeking partner commitments from neighboring municipalities, including the City of Clearwater, to participate in the RRRF through an interlocal agreement.
The RRRF aims to address pending regulatory changes and water quality concerns by creating beneficial, reusable, and marketable products from biosolids, such as renewable energy, fertilizers, and compost. The project has explored several treatment technologies, including conventional digestion and thermal drying, thermal hydrolysis process (THP) digestion and thermal drying, and options incorporating pyrolysis and gasification.
Pinellas County has provided preliminary estimated total annual costs for various treatment scenarios. For Clearwater, the estimated monthly cost per household ranges from $6.19 to $6.60, depending on the technology chosen, compared to the current monthly cost of $2.52. These estimates will be refined as the project progresses.
Participation in the RRRF would require the City to enter into an interlocal agreement with Pinellas County. The terms of this agreement, including cost-sharing, capacity reservation, and other operational details, will be determined through negotiation. This agenda item seeks authorization for the City Manager and designated city representatives to begin these negotiations to explore the feasibility and potential benefits of Clearwater joining the regional facility. The interlocal agreement would be brought back to City Council for consideration once the essential terms and conditions have been negotiated.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
N/A
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
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STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
This item aligns with the Council’s Strategic Plan to achieve a High-Performing Government by maintaining public infrastructure through systematic management efforts and fostering regional cooperation. It also supports the City’s strategic goal of Environmental Stewardship by exploring sustainable and forward-looking solutions for biosolids management.
