PrFocus Area: Infrastructure (Engineering)
Staff Contact: Mary Jaeger / Nate Baldwin
Subject: Ordinance approving a loan agreement with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for the Super Critical Water Oxidation Pilot Project, PN 1-C-019-25.
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TITLE:
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Consideration of Ordinance No. 25-44 approving a Loan Agreement with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) acting on behalf of the State of Kansas, for the funding of the Super Critical Water Oxidation Pilot, PN 1-C-019-25.
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Summary:
Super Critical Water Oxidation is a process where high pressure and high temperatures are combined within a reactor to break the molecular bonds of poly- and perfluoro alkylated substances (PFAS). This project will pilot a technology that destroys PFAS compounds from Cedar Creek biosolids. If the pilot is successful, the SCWO unit could be upscaled to be an economical solution for solids handling in advance of the closure of the landfill our Cedar Creek solids are currently sent to as well as protecting the plant from potential future regulations.
This item approves an agreement for 100% loan forgiveness offered through the State of Kansas’ revolving loan fund Emerging Contaminants Project Priority List. The loan proceeds will support the Super Critical Water Oxidation Pilot project. In January 2024, the City applied for an Emerging Containments grant administered by the Kansas State Revolving Fund. The City was selected to receive $4,568,000 in funds and is included within the Intended Use Plan for the Kansas Water Pollution Control Revolving Loan Program for State Fiscal Year 2025.
KDHE prepared a loan agreement for approval by the City Council (Attachment C). The loan agreement requires that the City Council adopt an ordinance approving the loan agreement (Attachment D).
Purchase of the equipment associated with this project will occur immediately after approval. It is anticipated that construction on this project will begin in Spring 2027 with completion anticipated in Winter 2027.
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Financial Impact:
A loan not to exceed $4,568,000 will be used to purchase equipment associated with the Super Critical Water Oxidation Pilot. 100% of this loan is forgiven.
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Action Needed:
Approval of Ordinance No. 25-44 approving a Loan Agreement with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) acting on behalf of the State of Kansas, for the funding of the Super Critical Water Oxidation Pilot, PN 1-C-019-25.
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Attachment(s):
A. Project Location Map
B. Project Fact Sheet
C. Loan Agreement
D. Ordinance No. 25-44