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VICTOR VALLEY WASTEWATER RECLAMATION AUTHORITY Board Of Commissioners Staff Report |
| TO: | VVWRA Board of Commissioners |
| FROM: | Darron Poulsen, General Manager |
| SUBMITTED BY: | Ray Lopez, Maintenance Supervisor |
| DATE: | April 16, 2026 |
| SUBJECT: | Recommendation to authorize the General Manager to approve the purchase of a Turblex high-efficiency single-stage centrifugal air blower, model ka22sv-gl225 from Howden, using sole source pricing and standardization per VVWRA’s policy, for an amount not to exceed $855,000 which includes all taxes and shipping.
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| Fiscal Impact | Yes |
| Account Code: | 01-02-535-9015-9999 |
| Funds Budgeted/ Approved: | Yes |
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation to authorize the General Manager to approve the purchase of a Turblex high-efficiency single-stage centrifugal air blower, model KA22SV-GL225 from Howden, using sole source pricing and standardization per VVWRA’s purchasing policy, for an amount not to exceed $855,000 which includes all taxes and shipping.
PREVIOUS ACTION(S)
N/A
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The purpose of this recommendation is to ensure that VVWRA’s aeration system operates at optimal efficiency and reliability by addressing the limitations of the current electric blower. The existing blower is undersized for the plant’s current and projected air demand, which creates several operational challenges. Insufficient air supply compromises biological treatment efficiency and may impact compliance with regulatory discharge standards. Additionally, the electric blower is operating near or beyond its design limits, leading to excessive energy consumption and higher operating costs. Continuous overloading accelerates wear and tear, increasing the likelihood of unplanned downtime and costly repairs. Furthermore, as influent flows and loading increase, the current blower cannot meet future aeration requirements, risking process instability.
By installing a higher-capacity Turblex electric blower on aeration basins 1 through 8, we will be able to separate the air demand between basins 1 through 8 and basins 9 through 12. This separation will allow basins 9 through 12 to operate in ammonia control mode, which will optimize aeration efficiency and significantly reduce energy costs. Additionally, replacing the current electric blower with a Turblex unit will bring upgraded controls for all three blowers serving basins 1 through 8. The existing controls for blowers two and three are outdated and need to be modernized to enable ammonia control on basins 1 through 8 as well with future modifications to the air delivery system. These improvements will enhance process stability, reduce energy consumption, and align with VVWRA’s goals for sustainability, operational reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
Sole source pricing and standardization will be utilized via VVWRA’s purchasing policy for this purchase. The quote and sole source letter provided by Howden USA are attached (Exhibit 1) (Exhibit 2). This item was budgeted to be purchased this fiscal year.
This recommendation is to authorize the General Manager to approve the purchase of a Turblex high-efficiency single-stage centrifugal air blower, model KA22SV-GL225 from Howden, using sole source pricing and standardization per VVWRA’s purchasing policy, for an amount not to exceed $855,000 which includes all taxes and shipping.
By installing a higher-capacity Turblex electric blower on aeration basins 1 through 8, we will be able to separate the air demand between basins 1 through 8 and basins 9 through 12. This separation will allow basins 9 through 12 to operate in ammonia control mode, which will optimize aeration efficiency and significantly reduce energy costs. Additionally, replacing the current electric blower with a Turblex unit will bring upgraded controls for all three blowers serving basins 1 through 8. The existing controls for blowers two and three are outdated and need to be modernized to enable ammonia control on basins 1 through 8 as well with future modifications to the air delivery system. These improvements will enhance process stability, reduce energy consumption, and align with VVWRA’s goals for sustainability, operational reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
Sole source pricing and standardization will be utilized via VVWRA’s purchasing policy for this purchase. The quote and sole source letter provided by Howden USA are attached (Exhibit 1) (Exhibit 2). This item was budgeted to be purchased this fiscal year.
This recommendation is to authorize the General Manager to approve the purchase of a Turblex high-efficiency single-stage centrifugal air blower, model KA22SV-GL225 from Howden, using sole source pricing and standardization per VVWRA’s purchasing policy, for an amount not to exceed $855,000 which includes all taxes and shipping.