*Authorize contract with Total Mechanical, Inc. for construction of Water Pollution Control Laboratory cooling system replacement for an estimated cost of $4,300,000

The Water Pollution Control Laboratory (WPCL), located at 6543 N Burlington Ave , is an essential city facility and the largest full-service municipal environmental lab in Oregon. The WPCL is a critical component of public health for the region and generates roughly 60,000 analyses per year, in support of not only BES requirements, but of other City bureaus, such as Parks, Water, and Transportation, and regional partners. Built in 1997, the existing original Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) has reached the end of life and is beyond repair. In addition to providing climate control for the laboratory and office spaces the HVAC system runs exhaust to the fume hoods in the laboratory and is an essential component to lab ventilation and managing pollutants, bacteria, and odor in the building. In addition, proper temperature variability of the building is critical for running samples. In summer 2021 the system had difficulty keeping up with temperatures, particularly the heat brought on by record heat waves. Extensive repairs were made but at this point the unit is leaking refrigerant, the leaks can no longer be patched, and the refrigerant is no longer commercially available. The system can no longer reliably maintain building temperatures and is unlikely to withstand another summer, especially if the region continues to experience record high temperatures. The current system will be replaced with a more efficient and environmentally sustainable chilled water system that provides a lower total cost of ownership, lasts longer than the current technology, and reduces dependence on refrigerants that are being phased out under the Montreal Protocol. Due to supply chain issues the key cooling system components are back ordered with a two-month lead time. It is critical we hire a contractor as quickly as possible to order the equipment and schedule the work. After vetting several contractors, it was determined that Total Mechanical, Inc should be utilized to perform the work. Total Mechanical, Inc has the necessary experience, capacity, and ability to mobilize immediately and begin the work.

The action will not create immediate or long term financial or budgetary impacts. Long-term the new cooling system will require less staff time and budget for maintenance.

Continuous operation of the lab is essential to delivering the levels of service required by BES as a public utility dedicated to the environment and public health and safety. Interruptions in operation would cripple BES’ ability to operate its wastewater treatment processes, jeopardize regulatory compliance, and adversely affect the non-BES entities who rely upon dependable and uninterrupted WPCL services. Because the work does not directly impact the community and involved replacement of mechanical equipment, public input did not shape the bureau’s recommended action. The legislation directly impacts the health and safety of city employees working at the Water Pollution Control Lab. Employees will directly benefit by receiving a cooling and ventilation system that provides a healthy and safe environment to complete their work. The legislation impacts the WPCL facility in the St. Johns neighborhood of Portland. Businesses; institutions; interest-based organizations are not directly impacted by the legislation. City livability benefits from this legislation because it allows employees to process the samples needed to effectively operate the Columbia Blvd Wastewater Treatment Plant. There are no significant objections/concerns with the legislation.