Title
Consider approving an agreement with Elecsys Corporation for the purchase of cathodic protection monitoring equipment (Remote Monitoring Units), and monthly subscription fees for communication and web services associated with the Castroville Seawater Intrusion Project, in an amount not to exceed $99,510 with an agreement term from September 2019 through December 31, 2022; and, authorize the General Manager to execute the agreement.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Directors:
a. Approve an agreement with Elecsys Corporation for the purchase of cathodic protection monitoring equipment (Remote Monitoring Units), and monthly subscription fees for communication and web services associated with the Castroville Seawater Intrusion Project, in an amount not to exceed $99,510 with an agreement term from September 2019 through December 31, 2022; and
b. Authorize the General Manager to execute the agreement.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In 2016, JDH Corrosion Consultants, Inc. (JDH), completed a survey and report on the condition of the Castroville Seawater Intrusion Project’s (CSIP) cathodic protection monitoring system. The cathodic protection system uses an impressed current to provide corrosion protection for 36 miles of buried pipe in the CSIP distribution pipeline. The 2016 report by JDH identified $850,000 in repairs to the CSIP cathodic protection system to return the system to as-built condition and capacity. In May of 2019 the Agency awarded JDH a contract to provide annual cathodic protection system assessment, engineered plans and specifications of previously identified repairs, and system optimization.
One recommendation from JDH is the installation of Remote Monitoring Units (RMU) at each cathodic system rectifier. Forty-five rectifiers were installed on the system in 1998, 40 rectifiers are currently operational. Rectifiers convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) that is impressed onto the CSIP distribution pipeline. Voltage and current readings taken at each rectifier, on a bi-monthly basis, provide an indication of the level of cathodic protection the distribution pipeline is receiving, and to the condition of the sacrificial anodes also used in the CSIP cathodic protection system.
Installation of the recommended RMU’s provides for automated monitoring of the CSIP cathodic protection and provide maintenance staff with “real time” system data. CSIP maintenance staff will be alerted to rectifier failures due to electrical service issues or damage from farming equipment. Automation of rectifier monitoring will eliminate 60 hours of staff time annually required to collect and manage data, freeing up field staff for other maintenance activities.
The RMU’s manufactured by Elecsys Corporation are highly recommended, and are currently used on large water distribution, natural gas supply, and oil refinery pipelines in the S.F. Bay Area. Other RMU distributors and services providers were researched but their RMU’s did not meet project requirements.
The costs to purchase the RMUs and fees for communication and web services are as follows:
Quantity Item Description Unit Price Amount
40 RMU Units with $2,188 ea. $87,510.00
External Antennas
Year 1 Communication/Web Fees $8/unit/mo. $ 3,840.00
Year 2 Communication/Web Fees $8/unit/mo. $ 3,840.00
Year 3* Communication/Web Fees $9/unit/mo. (max)* $ 4,320.00
Total $99,510.00
*Communication and web service subscription fees are limited to a 13% maximum in last year of this contract.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
This item was presented to the Water Resources Agency Finance Committee on September 6, 2019.
FINANCING:
Funds for this agreement are budgeted in Fund 131 - CSIP Operations and Maintenance.
Prepared by: Manuel Saavedra, Water Resources Engineer, (831) 755-4860
Approved by: Brent Buche, General Manager, (831) 755-4860
Attachments:
1. Elecsys Corporation Agreement for Services
2. Board Order