Effluent system for sewerage

Gosford Council has accepted a tender from Water Treatment Australia Pty Ltd for the construction of a tertiary treatment, disinfection and effluent dispensing system for Woy Woy and Kincumber Sewerage Treatment Plant.

The system. for "non-potable resuse applications", valued at $1,215,480, will be installed at both the Woy Woy and Kincumber Sewerage Treatment Plants.

A council report stated that the treated water was to be used for construction, landscaping and irrigation purposes.

It stated that the tender price was higher than its original estimate but that it reflected the high demand for wastewater treatment services in the current drought conditions.

It stated that tenders for effluent reuse facilities at Kincumber were called in March but prices received were higher than expected.

Tenders were then re-advertised, including a similar unit at Woy Woy, and with a reduced scope of work to reduce costs.

Tenders were received from Stornoway Projects Pty Ltd, Victoria, Water Treatment Australia Pty Ltd, Artarmon, and Copa Water Pty Ltd, Auburn.

A tender evaluation panel was formed which determined a weighting and rating system to be used in the evaluation.

Council's contract specified a period of 22 weeks to practical completion.

The report stated that Stornoway submitted a non-conforming program of 38 weeks to practical completion, and was asked to submit a conforming program.

It then submitted a conforming program of 22 weeks with additional costs and a non-conforming program of 26 weeks with no additional costs.

Both involved a three-week shut down over Christmas.

Both Water Treatment Australia and Copa Water failed to submit a program with their tenders, and were asked to provide one.

Copa Water submitted a program of 14 weeks which "council considered to be unachievable" while Water Treatment Australia submitted a conforming program of 22 weeks.

Following a review of the tenders, the three companies were asked to provide a price for an electronic card dispensing system at both sites.

Water Treatment Australia was "clearly" ranked the preferred tenderer by the evaluation panel.

It stated that "Water Treatment Australia Pty Ltd has an accredited quality management system".

It also stated that "The company has implemented an Occupational Health and Safety Management System in accordance with council's policy and the system is accredited with the NSW Department of Commerce".

It stated that its past performance would indicate the company had the capability and experience to carry out the work in accordance with council's specification.

Council agenda WAT.28, October 24