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MERRELL <br /> A Biosolids Management Corporation <br /> BROS® <br /> April 22, 2021 <br /> John Nottingham <br /> City of Everett <br /> 3200 Cedar Street <br /> Everett, WA 98201 <br /> Re: Notice of Termination for Convenience of 2021 Biosolids and Backwash Solids Removal Contract <br /> Between City of Everett and Merrell Bros., Inc. (Contract) <br /> Dear Mr. Nottingham, <br /> As discussed during our recent conference call on April 19, 2021, Merrell Bros., Inc. (MBI) understands <br /> and appreciates the importance of protecting the water quality of Lake Chaplain. MBI would never want <br /> to exceed the discharge limits set forth by Washington State Department of Ecology. Our team has been <br /> focused on meeting the NTU limits for turbidity as directed by the City of Everett(COE). MBI views this <br /> Contract as a partnership with both parties having the same goals. <br /> As with every startup, it takes some time to make the proper adjustments required for maximum <br /> efficiency. On startup, our team was focused on meeting/exceeding the cake solids requirements per <br /> the Contract specifications, as well as making the necessary changes to reduce the solids in the centrate <br /> that was being returned the South end of the backwash pond. MBI was using NSF approved polymer as <br /> required. There were several changes made to reduce the solids in the centrate being returned to the <br /> pond.Two of those changes included reducing the concentration of the made down polymer solution, <br /> as well as increasing our polymer dosage per dry ton.The result of these changes improved the solids <br /> capture rate in our centrate.The changes made on Thursday April 15th resulted in clear centrate with a <br /> small amount foam, but the centrate water was clear and did not have a milky color.The foam <br /> dissipated after a short period of time. <br /> A majority of the active polymer is consumed with and stays in the solids after flocculation,therefore, <br /> improving our capture rate improved the total pounds of polymer being returned to the backwash <br /> basin.The foam was tested by feel and there did not appear to be a significant amount of residual <br /> polymer being returned to the pond.The polymer dosage rate per dry ton was improving with each <br /> process change. We are confident that within one additional day of operation our team would have <br /> reached maximum efficiency with clear centrate and the minimum polymer dosage required for proper <br /> dewatering,which would have allowed us to continue and successfully complete the remainder of this <br /> project. <br /> Concerns with meeting the schedule for this project were mentioned in the Notice of Termination for <br /> Convenience letter. Our Company has never failed to complete a project on-time in our 35+years of <br /> biosolids management.As you witnessed at the Wastewater Plant,we got off to a slow start because of <br /> mechanical issues that were outside of our control. However, we sent a second crew to the site,we <br /> optimized operations, and we completed that portion of the project ahead of schedule. If there had <br /> truly been 400 dry tons at the Water Plant,we would have maximized our production with the current <br /> centrifuge, and if needed,we would have mobilized a second unit to complete the project before the <br /> deadline. <br /> 8811 W 500 N Office:(800)663-8830 <br /> Kokomo,IN 46901 Fax:(574)699-7478 <br /> info@merrellbros.com www.merrellbros.com <br />