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Council approves consultant to study adjusting zinc and copper limits in wastewater discharge permit
Summary
Facing challenges meeting zinc limits in its NPDES discharge permit, the city approved a first‑phase contract (not to exceed $10,000 for phase one) with Robertson Bridal to evaluate dilution credits and calculation parameters that could lower the plant’s compliance burden.
Council approved a contract with Robertson Bridal (first-phase authorization not to exceed $10,000) to evaluate whether the city's wastewater treatment plant can amend dilution credits and other calculation parameters in its NPDES discharge permit for zinc and copper.
Staff explained the plant meets internal removal performance but not the numeric limits in the discharge permit, in part because flow assumptions used when the permit was calculated are now different after the city reduced inflow and infiltration. The consultant was selected after an RFP and is expected to both calculate feasible adjustments and help the city engage with the regional Water Board office in Redding.
Council and members of the public questioned whether the original contractor and project oversight had warranty or contract remedies; staff said that given the contract structure and changes in flow, legal recourse was unlikely and the consultant study was the most practical near-term option to avoid potential fines.
The motion to approve the contract passed unanimously.
