Title
Authorization to Submit an Application for DOE Industrial Assessment Centers Implementation Grant for HVAC Upgrades at the Los Alamos Wastewater Treatment Plant Blower Building.
Recommended Action
I move that the Board of Public Utilities Authorize the Utility Manager or Deputy Utility Manager of Finance and Administration to submit an Application for DOE Industrial Assessment Centers Implementation Grant for HVAC Upgrades at the Los Alamos Wastewater Treatment Plant Blower Building.
Utilities Manager's Recommendation
The Utilities Manager recommends that the Board approve the motion as presented.
Body
The blower building at the Los Alamos Wastewater Treatment Plant houses three large blowers that force air into the two aeration basins at the plant. The aeration basins are the primary biological treatment works in the plant. Two new blowers have replaced the originals over the last decade and these units are experiencing overheating to the point of shut-off. A few months ago the DPU had a team from Arizona State University perform an energy audit of the blower building to evaluate the energy consumption and plan a more efficient HVAC system. The audit confirmed the need to modify, upgrade or replace the existing HVAC system. We are requesting approval from the Board to apply for a grant that will pay for half of the costs to upgrade the HVAC system. The premise of the grant program is to build energy efficiency into water and a wastewater facilities. This project meets the grant parameters since we will be upgrading the system with a more energy efficient system.
Alternatives
If the application is not authorized staff will continue to pursue the HVAC upgrade with wastewater capital funds.
Fiscal and Staff Impact
The project is budgeted in FY2025. If we are successful, this grant will fund 50% of the cost of the project which is estimated at $200,000.
Attachments
A - Grant Analysis and Financial Matrix For...
Click here for full text