For City Council Meeting September 10, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: G. Michael Milhiser, Interim City Manager
AUTHOR: Brian Park, Fire Chief
Title
Request City Council to 1) Authorize a Contract Change Order in the Amount of $339,635 to GEI Consultants Inc. (GEI) Pursuant to their On-Call Agreement for Environmental Services for Fire Station 203 PFAS Investigation and Reporting, City Project No. 25023; 2) Authorize Enrollment in a Voluntary Oversight Program with the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and 3) Authorize the City Manager or Their Designee to Execute All Related Documents.
(ACTION)
Body
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff requests that the City Council:
1) Authorize a Contract Change Order Request in the amount of $339,635 to GEI Consultants Inc. pursuant to their On-Call Agreement for Environmental Services for Fire Station 203 PFAS Investigation and Reporting, City Project No. 25023.
2) Authorize the City Manager or Their Designee to execute all related documents.
BACKGROUND:
On February 8, 2022, a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment was conducted by Leighton and Associates, Inc. on behalf of Lewis-Hillwood Rialto Company, LLC. for the Renaissance Development Area, the area that was formerly the Rialto Municipal Airport. The phase II assessment included the analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) compounds within the vicinity of Fire Station 203’s training area. The PFAS data was screened against the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Regional Screening Levels (RSL) for industrial soil, protection of groundwater, and residential soil.
Given the low screening levels, detected concentrations, and highest concentrations observed in the vicinity of the fire training area, it is recommended to conduct additional soil investigations to characterize the lateral and vertical extent of the highest concentrations of PFAS compounds at the site and to analyze for Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) to below at least the USEPA industrial RSL. It is also recommended that the City enroll in a voluntary oversight program with the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) for state agency review and approval of the work plans for investigation and, if necessary, PFAS mitigation.
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a variety of industrial and consumer products, including firefighting foams. These chemicals are known for their persistence in the environment and bioaccumulative properties, leading to potential health risks for humans and wildlife. Without proper remediation, PFAS compounds can leach into groundwater, migrate through soil, and impact nearby water bodies, posing long-term risks to ecosystems and public health.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:
GEI submitted a proposal to the City for PFAS investigation, reporting, and remediation recommendations. The proposed project will consist of the development of a work plan to be submitted to the RWQCB, subsurface sample collection for laboratory analysis, reporting, and recommendations for potential remediation in anticipation of a fire training tower. GEI provided a fee proposal in the amount of $339,635 for investigation and reporting. A copy of their proposal is included as Attachment 1, and a copy of GEI’s Disclosure Statement is included as Attachment 2. The City will need to enter into a voluntary oversight agreement/contract with the RWQCB to obtain the necessary review and approval of the investigation work plan and subsequent action plan for mitigating PFAS-affected soil in order to develop the Fire division’s training area.
The need to conduct a PFAS analysis for potential remediation in anticipation of the installation of a new fire training tower is critical to ensure the safety of the site, protect public health, and comply with environmental regulations. By identifying and mitigating PFAS contamination through comprehensive analysis and remediation efforts, a sustainable and secure environment may be established for the construction and operation of the fire training facility.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
Section 21084 of the California Public Resources Code requires Guidelines for the Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Guidelines are required to include a list of classes of projects that have been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment and are exempt from the provisions of CEQA. In response to that mandate, the Secretary for Resources identified classes of projects that do not have a significant effect on the environment and are declared to be categorically exempt from the requirement for the preparation of environmental documents. In accordance with Section 15306, “Information Collection,” Class 6 projects consist of basis data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. These may be strictly for information-gathering purposes or as part of a study leading to an action which a public agency has not yet approved, adopted, or funded; therefore, the Fire Station 203 PFAS Investigation and Reporting Project is considered categorically exempt from CEQA, and Notice of Exemptions will be prepared and filed with the San Bernardino County Clerk.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY:
This action is consistent with Guiding Principle 3A in the General Plan:
Our City government will lead by example, and will operate in an open, transparent, and responsive manner that meets the needs of the citizens and is a good place to do business.
The City of Rialto has also outlined key Goals and Objectives through which the City looks to minimize congestion on the local road network, create opportunities and incentives for people to avoid use of their cars for short trips, maintain a circulation system that supports local businesses’ needs. These efforts will contribute to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to State mandates.
Goal 3-7: Upgrade public infrastructure as an inducement to promote private investment.
Goal 5-1: Minimize hazards to public health, safety, and welfare associated with geotechnical hazards.
Policy 5-3.1: Provide for fire personnel, equipment, and fire stations to have adequate and appropriate resources to meet the needs and serve all areas of Rialto.
Goal 5-7: Maintain a high level of emergency response capability.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed the staff report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Operating Budget Impact:
There is no impact on the Operating Budget.
Capital Improvement Budget Impact:
The Contract Change Order request to GEI Consultants Inc.’s On-Call Agreement for Environmental Services will be funded by Account No. 10105150-52011 in the amount of $339,635.
Licensing
Prior to the execution of the Professional Service Agreement, the vendor shall submit a business license application and pay a Business License tax at the rate of $404, as well as Administration and State fees.