Memorandum
Date: March 25, 2025
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Dr. Pawan Upadhyay, Water Resources Director
Subject: (Sitting as the Board of Directors Lake County Watershed Protection District ) Consideration to: a) Waive County Code Chapter 2 Sec. 2-38.2(2) due to the unique nature of services and b) Award Clear Lake LG Sonic Buoy Harmful Algal Bloom Mitigation Project in the amount of $921,407.12 and Authorize the Chair to Sign and the Water Resources Director to execute the Contract between the Watershed Protection District and LG Sonic
Executive Summary:
The Clear Lake LG Sonic Buoy Harmful Algal Bloom Mitigation Project is designed to reduce the harmful impacts of blue-green algae and cyanobacteria while lowering processing costs for LMI drinking water purveyors. Clear Lake, one of the oldest lakes in North America, faces annual contamination from harmful algal blooms (HABs), fueled by phosphorus, nitrogen, and rising temperatures. With 60% of Lake County relying on Clear Lake for drinking water, addressing HABs is a priority.
This 24-month project involves the purchase, installation, and operation of 14 algae mitigation buoys from LG Sonic, incorporating Interactive Algae Control (IAC) software. The system utilizes ultrasonic waves to inhibit algae growth by reducing buoyancy and nutrient access, preventing toxic blooms without harming aquatic life. The Lake County Water Resources Department will oversee implementation and long-term maintenance in partnership with LG Sonic.
Grant funding for the project was made available in 2024, and due to the unique nature of the technology, the project qualifies as a sole-source procurement based on the original LG Sonic proposal. The project will be funded through Budget Unit 8109 and reimbursed by 1120. The anticipated construction cost was $1,000,000, with LG Sonic deploying 10 MPC Buoy Lite units and 4 MPC Buoy Pro units, along with staff training, for a contracted cost of $921,407.2 with $60,000 to cover staff time for a total amount of $981,407.12.
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost: ________ Amount Budgeted: ________ Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☐ Fully Article X. <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI>- and/or Consultant Selection Policy <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Policy/Policies+$!26+Procedures+Manual/Ch4_2021v2.pdf>-Compliant (describe process undertaken in “Executive Summary”)
☒ Section 2-38 <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI> Exemption from Competitive Bidding (rationale in “Executive Summary,” attach documentation, as needed)
☐ For Technology Purchases: Vetted and Supported by the Technology Governance Committee <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Intranet+Forms/Information+Technology/AdvPlan.pdf> (“Yes,” if checked)
☐ Other (Please describe in Executive Summary)
Consistency with Vision 2028 <http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/Directory/Administration/Visioning/Vision2028.htm> (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☒ Well-being of Residents ☒ Public Safety ☒ Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Recovery
☐ Economic Development ☒ Infrastructure ☐ County Workforce
☒ Community Collaboration ☐ Business Process Efficiency ☒ Clear Lake
Recommended Action:
A) Waive County Code Chapter 2 Sec. 2-38.2(2) due to the unique nature of services.
B) Award Clear Lake LG Sonic Buoy Harmful Algal Bloom Mitigation Project in the amount of $921,407.20 and Authorize the Chair to Sign and the Water Resources Director to execute the Contract between the Watershed Protection District and LG Sonic.