FROM: James D. Herberg, General Manager
Originator: Lan C. Wiborg, Director of Environmental Services
SUBJECT:
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PURCHASE OF A FOURIER TRANSFORM INFRARED MICROSCOPE
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
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RECOMMENDATION:
Approve a Sole Source purchase to Thermo Electron/Thermo Fisher for a Fourier Transform Infrared Microscope (FTIM) for an amount not to exceed $109,713, including estimated tax and shipping.
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BACKGROUND
This purchase is for a new Fourier Transform Infrared Microscope (FTIM). A FTIM is being requested primarily as a tool to support the investigation and tracking of microparticles, including microplastics, at Orange County Sanitation District (OC San). The FTIM is an analytical instrument that identifies the chemical fingerprint of a substance by measuring its response to infrared light. This allows the user to determine the identity and chemical properties of unknown materials.
This instrument will be used by staff at OC San to accurately characterize and quantify suspected microplastics and microfibers in OC San's wastewater treatment plants. Staff will be able to use it to understand the potential sources, properties, and fate of microparticles throughout the wastewater treatment train. The FTIM may be used for any matrix including influent, grit, biosolids, offshore sediments, and fish tissues. The FTIM will become an important tool as the efforts to monitor and regulate microplastics in wastewater expand. The FTIM has become the industry standard for measuring suspected microplastics in wastewater and is regarded as the best available technology.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
* Ensure that investment proposals and decisions are based on clearly defined standards
* Ensure the public's money is wisely spent
* Comply with environmental permit requirements
* Listen to and seriously consider community input on environmental concerns
* Maintain influential legislative advocacy and a public outreach program
* Main...
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