TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a design-build contract with General Physics Corporation for the design and construction of an Alternative Refueling Station in an estimated amount of $1,000,000, and execute all necessary documents related to the contract. (District 5)
DISCUSSION
In 2001, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) adopted strict rules
designed to reduce pollution from heavy-duty diesel vehicles. Government fleet operators
adding or replacing equipment are now prohibited from purchasing vehicles that operate
using diesel. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) has been chosen by the City to replace diesel
vehicles and it is expected to be the dominant alternative for the next 15 to 20 years. The
City began replacing diesel vehicles with LNG vehicles in 2003 and currently operates
approximately 60 LNG refuse trucks and street sweepers. These vehicles utilize a
temporary LNG refueling station located at the Fleet Services facility on Temple Avenue for
refueling purposes. The City will soon outgrow the temporary station and requires a
permanent station to keep pace with the growing demand for LNG. By 201 1, the City is
projected to have in operation over 100 LNG vehicles consuming an estimated 5,000
gallons of LNG per day. In addition to the City's fleet of natural gas vehicles (NGV), the
City would like to encourage other local agencies and fleet operators to utilize the refueling
station as a means of helping to reduce mobile source emissions in the south coast air
basin.
The proposed project is to construct a LNG refueling station consisting of one 15,000-
gallon above ground LNG bulk storage vessel and one dispenser with two self serve
nozzles. The new station will replace the temporary LNG fueling station. When the existing
leased fueling station was constructed, it was considered a permitted use under the zoning
for the property. The proposed LNG fueling station has also been determined to be a
permitted use, provi...
Click here for full text