HomeMy WebLinkAboutProfessional Service Agreement with Ostara Technologies for Nutrient Recovery Pilot Study".
AGREEMENT
FOR
NUTRIENT RECOVERY PILOT STUDY
THIS AGREEMENT FOR NUTRIENT RECOVERY PILOT STUDY is made this
22"d day of July , 2009, and entered into by and between the City of Meridian, a
municipal corporation organized under the laws of the State of Idaho, hereinafter
referred to as "CITY", 33 East Broadway Avenue, Meridian, Idaho 83642, and Ostara
Technologies., hereinafter referred to as "OSTARAn, whose business address is 690-
1199 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 2R1.
INTRODUCTION
Whereas, OSTARA has proposed a no-cost pilot study of its nutrient
recovery technology at the Meridian Waste Water Treatment Plant; and
WHEREAS, OSTARA is specially trained, experienced and competent to
perform the pilot study.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants,
terms and conditions hereinafter contained, the parties agree as follows:
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. Scope of Pilot Study:
1.1 OSTARA shall perform the pilot study as set forth in the proposal
dated June 19, 2009, hereinafter referred to as ~PROPOSALn attached
hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
1.2 OSTARA shall provide services and work under this Agreement
consistent with the requirements and standards established by applicable
federal, state and city laws, ordinances, regulations and resolutions.
OSTARA represents and warrants that it will perform its work in
accordance with generally accepted industry standards and practices for
the profession or professions that are used in performance of this
Agreement and that are in effect at the time of performance of this
Agreement.
AGREEMENT
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2. Consideration
The pilot study pertormed under agreement shall be at no cost to CITY.
3. Time of Performance:
This agreement shall become effective upon execution by both parties,
and shall be pertormed as specified in the PROPOSAL.
4. Independent Contractor:
4.1 In all matters pertaining to this agreement, OSTARA shall be acting
as an independent contractor, and neither OSTARA nor any officer,
employee or agent of OSTARA will be deemed an employee of CITY.
The selection and designation of the personnel of the CITY in the
performance of this agreement shall be made by the CITY.
4.2 OSTARA shall determine the method, details and means of
performing the work and services to be provided by OSTARA under this
Agreement.
5. Indemnification and Insurance:
OSTARA shall indemnify and save and hold harmless CITY from. and for
any and all losses, claims, fines, penalties, actions, judgments for
damages, or injury to persons or property and losses and expenses and
other costs including litigation costs and attorney's fees, arising out of,
resulting from, or in connection with the negligent acts and/or errors or
omissions by OSTARA, its servants, agents, officers, employees, guests,
and business invitees, and not caused by or arising out of the tortious
conduct of CITY or its its servants, a4ents, officers, ema/oyees,
Quests, and business invitees. OSTARA shall maintain, and specifically
agrees that it will maintain, throughout the term of this Agreement, liability
insurance in the minimum amounts as follow: General Liability One
Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per incident or occurrence, Professional
Liability / Professional errors and omissions One Million Dollars
($1,000,000) aggregate, Automobile Liability Insurance One Million
Dollars ($1,000,000) per incident or occurrence and Workers'
Compensation Insurance , in the statutory limits as required by law. The
CITY shall be named an additional insured on both General Liability and
Automotive policies. The limits of insurance shall not be deemed a
limitation of the covenants to indemnify and save and hold harmless CITY;
and if CITY becomes liable for an amount in excess of the insurance
limits, herein provided. OSTARA shall provide CITY with a Certificate of
Insurance, or other proof of insurance evidencing OSTARA'S compliance
with the requirements of this paragraph and file such proof of insurance
with the CITY at least ten (10) days prior to the date OSTARA begins
AGREEMENT 2 of 6
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performance of its obligations under this Agreement. Evidence of all
insurance shall be submitted to the City Purchasing Agent with a copy to
Meridian City Accounting, 33 East Broadway Avenue, Meridian, Idaho
83642.
6. Notices: Any and all notices required to be given by either of the parties
hereto, unless otherwise stated in this agreement, shall be in writing and
be deemed communicated when mailed in the United States mail,
certified, return receipt requested, addressed as follows:
City of Meridian
Purchasing Agent
33 E. Broadway Avenue
Meridian, Idaho 83642
Ostara Technologies
1199 West Pender St.. Suite 690
Vancouver, BC V6E 2R1
Canada
7. Change of Address: Either party may change their address for the
purpose of this paragraph by giving written notice of such change to the
other in the manner herein provided.
8. Attorney Fees: Should any litigation be commenced between the parties
hereto concerning this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled, in
addition to any other relief as may be granted, to court costs and
reasonable attorneys' fees as determined by a Court of competent
jurisdiction. This provision shall be deemed to be a separate contract
between the parties and shall survive any default, termination or forfeiture
of this Agreement.
9. Assignment: It is expressly agreed and understood by the parties
hereto, that OSTARA shall not have the right to assign, transfer,
hypothecate or sell any of its rights under this Agreement except upon the
prior express written consent of CITY.
10. Discrimination Prohibited: In performing the Services required herein,
OSTARA shall not unlawfully discriminate in violation of any federal, state
or local law, rule or regulation against any person on the basis of race,
color, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, age or disability.
11. Compliance with Laws: In performing the scope of services required
hereunder, OSTARA shall comply with all applicable laws, ordinances,
and codes of Federal, State, and local governments.
AGREEMENT
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12. Termination: If, through any cause, OSTARA, its officers, employees, or
agents fails to fulfill in a timely and proper manner its obligations under
this Agreement, violates any of the covenants, agreements, or stipulations
of this Agreement, falsifies any record or document required to be
prepared under this agreement, engages in fraud, dishonesty, or any
other act of misconduct in the pertormance of this contract, or if the City
Council determines that termination of this Agreement is in the best
interest of CITY, the CITY shall thereupon have the right to terminate this
Agreement by giving written notice to OSTARA of such termination and
specifying the effective date thereof at least fifteen (15) days before the
effective date of such termination.
Notwithstanding the above, OSTARA shall not be relieved of liability to the
CITY for damages sustained by the CITY by virtue of any breach of this
Agreement by OSTARA. This provision shall survive the termination of
this agreement and shall not relieve OSTARA of its liability to the CITY for
damages.
13. Construction and Severability: If any part of this Agreement is held to
be invalid or unenforceable, such holding will not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other part of this Agreement so long as the remainder
of the Agreement is reasonably capable of completion.
14. Advice of Attorney: Each party wan-ants and represents that in
executing this Agreement. It has received independent legal advice from
it's attorney's or the opportunity to seek such advice.
15. Entire Agreement: This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the
parties and supersedes any and all other agreements or understandings,
oral of written, whether previous to the execution hereof or
contemporaneous herewith.
16. Applicable Law: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Idaho, and the
ordinances of the City of Meridian.
AGREEMENT 4 of 6
17. Approval Required: This Agreement shall not become effective or
binding until approved by the City of Meridian.
CITY OF MERIDIAN O TECHNOLOGIES
BY: `/~
TAMMY de RD, MAYOR BY: tt uzma -Vice. President
Dated:
Attest:
JA
'l~1'' U~ Dai~c~l:. July 22.2009
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HOLMAN, CITY CLERK
Department Approval
SEAL
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BY: S~~~i IJ~
NAME: I~~t 1tb
TITLE: Ass;S1-o~ ;ty ag;~wQr
Dated: gi~41~
AGREEMENT 5 of 6
EXHIBIT A
PROPOSAL DATED June 19, 2009
AGREEMENT 6 of 6
O~T~ ~ A
NUTRIENT RECOVERY TECHNOLOGIES INC.
MERIDIAN WWTP
NUTRIENT RECOVERY
PILOT STUDY PROPOSAL
June 19, 2009
OSTARA TECHNOLOGIES
690-1199 WEST PENDER STREET
VANCOUVER, BC V6E 2R1
604 408 6697
WWW.OSTARA.COM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Background .......................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Benefits of the Ostara Process ..................................................................4
2. The Pllot Study .................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Study ObJectives .........................................................................................6
2.2 Study Method ...............................................................................................6
2.2.1 Phase 1 -Review of Available Data ..................................................... 6
2.2.2 Phase 2 - On-Site Testing ..................................................................... 6
2.2.3 Phase 3 -Full Scale Facility Design Review and Proposal ............... 7
2.3 The Pllot Plant ..............................................................................................8
3. Project Responsibilities ....................................................................................10
4. Pliot Study Costs ...............................................................................................11
1. Background
This proposal outlines the scope, methods and terms for a pilot study of Ostara's
nutrient recovery technology at the Meridian WWTP in Meridian, Idaho.
Ostara Technologies, Inc. (Ostara), a subsidiary of Ostara Nutrient Recovery
Technologies, Inc., offers proprietary technology for recovering struvite from nutrient
rich liquid waste streams. The process was developed at the University of British
Columbia and was licensed exclusively to Ostara in 2005. The struvite is recovered
in a pelletized form that is suitable for direct use as a fertilizer. Ostara has
conducted extensive trials and marketing activities to establish the market for this
fertilizer product, which is sold under the trade name Crystal Green®. The flrst full
scale facility went into operation in Edmonton, Alberta in May 2007. The second full
scale facility is undergoing commissioning in Portland, Oregon.
The Ostara process is based on the initiation and control of struvite precipitation
within a fluidized bed reactor. Struvite is an equi-molar crystalline matrix of
magnesium, ammonium and phosphate (NH4MgP04.6(H20), which forms when each
of these three precipitants is sufficiently present. In Ostara's process either one or
two of these precipitants is added, such that the remaining compound(s) is removed
from solution and struvite is formed.
A number of parameters are critical to the formation of struvite (particularly pH), and
these are controlled in Ostara's process. Reactor design is also fundamental, wi#h
treatment capacity being governed by the mass loading of nutrients. The hydraulic
capacity of a given reactor is therefore dictated by the nutrient concentration of the
feed stream. The up-flow water velocity is maintained within the vessel by
recirculation to keep the struvite bed in suspension, and this also causes
biological/organicsnlids to be washed out of the system. The reactor has a hydraulic
retention time of 7 minutes. The struvite pellets are retained within the reactor for 1
to 2 weeks to allow time for sufficient crystal growth, with the larger pellets being
periodically removed from the base of the reactor.
The process is commonly applied for the removal of phosphorous from sewage
sludge liquors (e.g. supernatant, centrate, filtrate etc.). As nitrogen is abundant, the
only precipitant added to the process is magnesium (typically in the form of
magnesium chloride). Where the pH of the feed stream is too low alkalinity is also
added (e.g. sodium hydroxide). This standard process configuration is shown in
Figure 1 below. Industrial waste streams rich in phosphorous are also suitable for
the process.
The technology is capable of achieving phosphorus removal rates well in excess of
90%, however, Ostara's experience indicates that the economic optimum removal
efficiency varies depending upon the waste stream to be treated.
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Figure 1.Overview Diagram of Ostara's Nutrient Recovery Process
1.1 Benefits of the Ostara Process
The benefits of Ostara's struvite recovery technology divide broadly between benefits
for the treatment plant in which the technology is employed, and benefits at a
broader environmental level:
Treatment Plant Benefits:
• Reduced nutrient loads - by removing nutrients from high strength liquors
(being returned to the main biological treatment process) the load imposed on
the treatment plant is considerably reduced. This in turn enhances the
capacity of the biological process, reduces energy consumption and reduces
the amount of waste activated sludge produced. Ostara's technology is key
to enabling biological treatment plants to reliably and efficiently meet
challenging final effluent nutrient limits.
• Prevention of struvite scaling - by causing struvite to precipitate in the
reactor, its unwanted formation in downstream process equipment is
eliminated. Furthermore, as the concentration of struvite forming compounds
is reduced in the main biological process, the formation of struvite in the
entire solids treatment stream is also reduced. This avoids the need to dose
metal salts (e.g. femc chloride, alum, etc.), thus avoiding the production of
chemical sludges. It also avoids pipe/equipment blockages due to scaling,
thus reducing maintenance and improving plant reliability.
• Reduced bivsolids phosphate content - by recovering a large fraction of the
plant phosphate Toad as Crystal Green®, the concentration in biosolids is
signficantly reduced, thus facilitating reuse where land application rates are
phosphate limited.
Environmental Benefits:
• Conservation of phosphorous resources -phosphorus is a mineral resource
that is being depleted at a rate which is of concern to numerous national and
international agencies. It is an element that is essential for all forms of life
and which cannot be substituted. The conservation of phosphorous is
therefore recognized as one of the key priorities in sustainable economic
development.
• Fertilizer production -the production of Crystal Green® is estimated to result
in reductions of over 50% in sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrous
oxide emissions; and 80% in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions compared
to traditional fertilizer manufacture. Crystal Green®also contains less
impurities than mineral fertilizers.
• Eutrophication -increasing concern over the environmental impacts of
nutrient discharges into watercourses is prompting considerable regulatory
action. Ostara's technology addresses this through assisting treatment plants
to meet nutrient limits in final effluents, and also due to the slow release
nature of Crystal Green®. Slow release fertilizers result in much higher take
up by plants compared to conventional fertilizers, and hence much lower
runoff of nutrients into watercourses.
For the treatment plant owner these benefds translate into reduced costs, improved
reliability, superior environmental stewardship and improved final effluent quality.
''
2. The Pilot Studv
2.1 Study Objectives
The primary objective of the Ostara pilot study is to determine the optimum
operating conditions to maximize the removal of phosphorus from the feed
stream. Secondary objectives for the study are to assess the quality of the
Crystal Green® produced. The study will also allow nutrient loading rates (and
removal efficiencies) to be assessed, thereby confirming hydraulic loading rates
and hence reactor capacities. This will confirm the design basis of a full scale
struvite recovery facility and hence enable the costs and economic justification to
be investigated.
2.2 Study Method
Ostara's pilot study process is typically conducted in three phases, as detailed
below:
2.2.1 Phase 1 -Review of Available Data
In Phase 1 the Ostara team reviews historical plant records, together with
the results of jar testing. Particular emphasis is placed upon assessing
variations in the centrate quality and flow, along with equipment operating
schedules. The quality parameters of key interest are:
• Phosphate (P04 - P)
• Magnesium
• Ammonia
• Total Suspended Solids
• pH
A suitable area to locate the study needs to be identified on site - fihis
should be within a building and as close as possible to the centrate
source.
2.2.2 Phase 2 - On-Site Testing
During Phase 2 the pilot equipment will be installed, commissioned,
operated, and then decommissioned. During this phase Ostara proposes
to provide a full time operator, who will be supported by Ostara's full
technical team. The actual testing period required is estimated at 4
weeks, with allowance for an additional week to install, commission and
dismantle the equipment. During Phase 2 Ostara will be grateful if
operationaUmaintenance/laboratory staff can be made available to assist
with the study, particularly during the setting up and dismantling periods.
Sampling and Analysis
The proposed sampling and analysis program for the assessment of
struvite formation from the digested sludge dewatering stream is
summarized in Table 1 below.
Table 1 -Proposed Sampling and Analysis Program
Parameter Sampling Location
Influent Reactor Effluent
Ortho-Phosphorous" Daily Daily
Magnesium* Daily Daily
Ammonia Daily Daily
TSS 3 X Weekly 3 X weekly
Temperature Online Online
pH Online Online
Conductivity Online Online
"Magnesium samples will also be taken from the chemical dosing tank
Sample preparation and analysis requirements are as follows:
• Sample preparation for analysis of ammonia, ortho-phosphate and
soluble magnesium requires filtration to 0.45 Nm. The key analytical
requirement is to have rapid turnaround on samples of ammonia and
ortho-phosphate.
• Magnesium concentrations are not expected to change as rapidly or
by as large a magnitude as ammonia and phosphate, hence rapid
turnaround is less important on an ongoing basis. It is, however,
important to have at least one sample analyzed rapidly at the
Beginning of the test period to determine initial reactor set points.
Following this, a 7 day turnaround for magnesium analyses will be
sufficient to identify any unforeseen changes.
• Reactor influent and effluent samples will need to be analyzed for
Total Suspended Solids 3 times per week. This allows Ostara to
determine if the concentration of suspended solids in the influent is
appropriate for the operation of the fluidized bed reactor, and if
residual sludge solids are being retained within the reactor.
• pH, temperature and conductivity measurement is carried out on-line
in the pilot unit. Sample analysis for TSS, magnesium, ortho-
phosphate and ammonia can be conducted on-site if a laboratory
exists that is set up to conduct such tests. Alternatively samples can
be sent to an ofF site laboratory.
2.2.3 Phase 3 -Full Scale Facility Design Review and Prooosal
The pilot study will yield much of the information required to develop a full
scale facility design, specifically the performance and chemical
consumption of the optimized process, together with feed flow and load
data. Ostara will then develop a detailed proposal for the full scale facility
in close collaboration with the Meridian staff, assuming it is decided to
proceed.
2.3 The Pillot Plant
Ostara's pilot study equipment consists of:
• reactor tower that is 18" square and 18'6" tall
• skid that is appro~dmately 8' square and houses electricaUcontrol equipment,
feed 8~ recycle pumps, and chemical storage ~ dosing equipment
• final clarifier tank that is approximately 30" in diameter
• product drying rack that is approximately 2' by 4'
Figure 3 below shows one of Ostara's pilot plants -the reactor tower and clarifier
are shown in the photo on the left, and the dosing/pumping/control skid is shown
in the photo on the right. The dryer is not shown. Figure 4 shows some of the
equipment during a recent pilot study.
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Figure 3. Ostara's Pilot Equipment
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Figure 4. Ostara's pilot equipment in operation
The equipment is shipped in 3 crates (on pallets) as follows:
#1 - 84"x78"x68" (LWH)15001bs
#2 -112"x44"x46" (LWH)10001bs
#3 - 48"x40"x46" (LWH) 4501bs
Total Weight: 3 pallets, 2950 Ibs
3. Protect Responsibilities
Ostara to supply the following:
• The pilot scale struvite recovery reactor, with all associated process
equipment to make the unit functional
• Shipment of the reactor to site
• Supervision of the installation and commissioning of the reactor
• Provision of sample collection equipment
• Provision of magnesium chloride and sodium hydroxide feed chemical
• Provision of a full time operator throughout the period of the study
• Operational support by Ostara's technical team
• Supervision of the decommissioning.ofthe pilot unit and return shipping
• Preliminary full scale facility design
The Meridian plant is asked to supply the following:
• Adequate indoor site for the pilot equipment, plus access to the site for
Ostara staff during the study
• Adequate feed supply to allow for continuous operation (terminated with a 1"
Camlok fitting for connection to Ostara's feed pump suction line) -
equalization will be needed if the dewatering stream is intermittent
• Utilities, including: electrical supply (110/208VAC - approx 2HP total), and
process water or potable water for chemical dilution (-40 gallons/day)
• Laboratory analysis of Ammonia, Phosphate, Magnesium and TSS
• Electrical connection to plant power (hardwired connection to Ostara's control
panel required)
• Labor/Forklift assistance with reactor erection and dismantling on site.
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4. Pilot Studv Costs
The total price for the pilot study project as proposed is $0 as incentive to allow
operation during the PNCWA conference in early-mid September, 2009. Prices do
not include any applicable taxes.
Table 2: Project Cost Breakdown
Item Description Unit No Cost Subtotal
1 Pilot unit rental Month 1 $0.00
2 Shi in LS 1 $0.00
3 O rations su rt da 2 $0.00
4 O rations Dail da 28 $0.00
6 Feed chemicals LS 1 $0.00
7 Travel and Air Fare LS 3 $0.00
8 Reactor o rator livin ex enses da 28 $0.00
Net $0.00
Costs that may be incurred by Meridian have not been included. These will include
laboratory costs and staff/management time, plus costs associated with the Meridian
plant responsibilities, as identified in Section 3.
Acxepted and Signed:
City of Meridian:
Ostara Technologies:
Signature Name Title Date