J-143 PDB PROJECT OUTREACH AND SAMPLE PDB CONTRACT

The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) anticipates publishing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Progressive Design-Build (PDB) contract for Project No. J-143, Deep Well Biosolids Management Facility. For your reference, attached is a sample PDB Contract.

This information is available to all interested design-builders, consultants, subconsultants, contractors, subcontractors, and other professionals with relevant expertise and interest in supporting this project.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

OC San seeks to implement a Biosolids Deep Well Injection System (BDWIS) to provide a sustainable, long-term biosolids management solution for Plant No. 1 and Plant No. 2. Currently, OC San produces over 500 wet tons per day of dewatered biosolids, which are transported up to 280 miles to land application and composting sites in California and Arizona. This practice is increasingly vulnerable to potential regulatory changes, including restrictions on the beneficial reuse of biosolids. Additionally, the long-term availability of out-of-state management capacity is uncertain.

Deep well injection (DWI) offers a proven alternative, permanently sequestering biosolids into deep, porous geologic formations more than 5,000 feet below ground and beneath multiple impermeable layers. This approach effectively isolates persistent contaminants, reduces transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions, and supports opportunities for carbon credit generation. The Los Angeles Sanitation District’s Terminal Island Renewable Energy (TIRE) project has demonstrated the viability of similar technology for more than a decade.

OC San intends to deliver the BDWIS through a Progressive Design-Build (PDB) contract, engaging a Design-Builder early to collaboratively develop the design, manage permitting, refine cost estimates, mitigate risks, and plan construction prior to establishing a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP). An Owner’s Advisor (OA) will also be contracted for the project duration to provide technical expertise in the subject matter of deep well injection including EPA Class V permitting, as well as progressive design-build project delivery. In addition, the OA will provide professional services for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) permitting.

OC San has completed a planning study in 2025 that supports the technical viability of BDWIS at Plant No. 1. The study has identified suitable geological conditions within intervals of the Repetto Formation for injection including sufficient confining and containment layers. Preliminary assessments of injection capacity and volume have been provided along with budgetary costs for a full-scale facility. The planning study purpose is to inform OC San for program development and budgeting purposes and shall not constrain nor be relied upon by the Design-Builder in developing further independent analysis, investigations, concepts, or proposals.