Primary Department: Pollution Control Services
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Jesse Dickerman
Managing Department: Pollution Control Services
Managing Department Head/Elected Official: Jesse Dickerman
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Investment Memo
Investment Memo Type: Final Investment Memo
Project Name: Pollution Control Services (PCS) Equipment Replacement and Additions
Project ID (if applicable): N2002
Vendor Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Achievement (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item
Incremental Authorization Requested: $304,513
Total Estimated Project Cost: $5,266,513 (5-Year Estimation)
Request Summary:
title
Request for approval of a Final Investment Memo for the Pollution Control Services (PCS) Equipment Replacement and Additions project for an incremental authorization of $304,513 for a total FY27 authorization of $650,000.
end
Project Description:
This project is to procure specialized up-to-date air monitoring, communications, emergency response, field monitoring, fleet, and lab equipment to expand laboratory testing capacity and build redundancy to ensure service continuity. The project procures specialized analytical equipment that will be able to perform new required tests, such as monitoring equipment for both air quality and water quality programs. As noted above, the court is only asked to approve FY2027 funding.
Project Scope:
The funding will replace equipment that has reached the end of its warranty, was deteriorating, and was no longer usable. This equipment will expand and fortify the lab, update the existing air and water monitoring network, and provide new communications, emergency response, fleet, and field team equipment.
The tables below show the status of requests for the fourth and fifth years of the five-year plan.
Table 1. FY25 Purchases completed in FY26.
|
Division |
Equipment Name |
Equipment Description |
Unit |
Est. Cost ($) |
Act. Cost ($) |
Status |
|
Air |
Original RAAM reconstruction |
Auxiliary diesel tank and internal generator compartment |
1 |
$200,000 |
$147,315 |
Complete |
|
Air |
Air Monitoring Trailer customization |
Equipment and accessories for air monitoring operations in 2 trailers (1 new) |
1 |
$7,000 |
$11,040 |
Complete |
|
Lab |
ICP/MS System Perkin Elmer |
Replacement of aging (16 years) and failing system. The new equipment will increase the lab's efficiency and accuracy with better technology. |
1 |
$240,000 |
$133,164.14 |
Complete |
|
Lab |
ICP/MS Sample prep system |
Automation of ICP/MS sample preparation, avoiding human error and automating dilutions without human intervention. Higher throughput by quicker sample preparation and loading into the MS. |
1 |
$70,000 |
$48,468.88 |
Complete |
|
Lab |
Oil and Grease extraction system (water) |
Increase in analytical capability, one system for water |
1 |
$73,000 |
$21,483.68 |
Complete |
|
Lab |
Oil and Grease extraction system (Soil) |
Increase in analytical capability, one system for soil |
2 at $42,000 each |
$84,000 |
$21,992.70 |
Complete |
|
Total |
$674,000 |
$383,464 |
|
Table 2. FY2026 Equipment Purchase Status.
|
Division |
Equipment Name |
Equipment Description |
Units |
Est. Cost ($) |
Act. Cost ($) |
Status |
|
Environmental Response |
MultiRae Pro |
The big advantage of these is that they can accommodate a higher sensitivity PID than the MultiRaes that we have, and we can network them with the Area Raes and broadcast data. I also included sensors for CL2 and NH3 which we currently lack. |
8 @ $9,000 ea |
$72,000 |
$61,135.70 |
Complete |
|
Water |
Boat |
Replace 20-year-old boat, decreased upkeep and maintenance |
1 |
$100,000 |
$93,500.00 |
Complete |
|
Lab |
Muffle furnace (28L) |
With the increase in lab capabilities the current furnace is not sufficient/ large enough |
1 |
$9,000 |
$7,558.29 |
Complete |
|
Lab |
Milli Q water system for organics |
Would provide cleaner water needed for VOC analysis with lower detection limits (Cyanide, harness, 8260, 8270) |
1 |
$26,000 |
$8,705.52 |
Complete |
|
Lab |
Conductivity/ph Meter |
Replaces older technology |
1 |
$10,000 |
$5,000 |
Complete |
|
Lab |
H2 generators to switch to H2 carrier |
Will replace helium with H2 due to increasingly higher cost of the more economical to use. |
1 |
$30,000 |
$0 |
Will not purchase |
|
|
|
|
Total |
$247,000 |
$175,900 |
|
Table 3. Purchase started in FY2025 and will be completed in FY2027. A PO has been issued.
|
Division |
Equipment Name |
Equipment Description |
Unit |
Est. Cost |
Act. Cost ($) |
Status |
|
Lab |
Mantech BOD sample preparation and analysis system |
Provides automation of the BOD analysis, with minimum human intervention and increased throughput, ensuring compliance with certification. |
1 |
$111,000 |
$57,400 |
Pending Buildout |
|
|
|
Total |
|
$57,400 |
Table 4. Requested purchases for FY2027.
|
Division |
Equipment Name |
Equipment Description |
Units |
Cost ($) |
|
Fleet |
ChargePoint charging stations and installation |
EV Fleet charging stations and installation project |
6 @ $6,000 ea plus $164,000 installation |
$200,000 |
|
Fleet |
ER Truck |
Replaces 9 year old F250 truck with 130K miles. Currently, unable to tow UASI trailers due to towing weight capacity |
1 |
$50,000 |
|
Fleet |
Water Truck |
Replaces a 2014 truck with 75K+ miles |
1 |
$50,000 |
|
Air |
Precision Gas Calibrator |
Calibrator provides multipoint checks, improving confidence in reported data, reducing the risk of undetected instrument issues, and strengthening overall quality assurance for the air monitoring program. |
3@ $30,0000 |
$90,000 |
|
Air |
Zero Air Generator |
Generator provides a continuous, high-purity air supply for the precision gas calibrator, supporting consistent and reliable multipoint calibrations, improving confidence in reported data, reducing the risk of baseline-related errors and undetected instrument issues, and strengthening overall quality assurance for the air monitoring program. |
3@ $9,000 |
$27,000 |
|
Lab |
Vent Hood |
Provides needed storage standards, with proper venting for safe work area for analysts |
1 |
$20,000 |
|
Lab |
Microwave Digestion System |
Replaces a 15-year-old instrument with a more efficient instrument, allowing for increased sample analysis. The decreased demand for reagents used in the existing process would create a safer work environment for analysts and decreased consumable costs for Harris County. |
1 |
$60,000 |
|
Lab |
Entech Concentrator 7200 CTS+ |
Upgrade/Replacement for the 7200 cryogenic concentrators for air. Eliminates LN2 safety issues. Compliments the existing 7200 CTS by providing more efficient lab analysis, reducing turnaround times, and providing lower EtO detection levels. |
1 |
$75,000 |
|
Safety |
Compliance & Management Suite |
Provides PCS a tool for documenting and tracking staff training, both trainings that have occurred and future required trainings |
1 |
$20,000 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
$592,000 |
There might be changes in the County's needs that result in minor operational changes for the project throughout the Fiscal Year, but the overall scope will remain the same and any additional authorization would go through Commissioners Court approval.
Anticipated Project Expenditures and Timeline:
|
Scope of Work for FY27 |
Estimated Cost |
Estimated Completion |
|
ChargePoint charging stations and installation |
$200,000 |
FY27 Q1 |
|
Precision Gas Calibrator |
$90,000 |
FY27 Q1 |
|
Zero Air Generator |
$27,000 |
FY27 Q1 |
|
Truck |
$50,000 |
FY27 Q2 |
|
Vent Hood |
$20,000 |
FY27 Q2 |
|
Microwave Digestion System |
$60,000 |
FY27 Q2 |
|
Entech Concentrator 7200 CTS+ |
$75,000 |
FY27 Q2 |
|
Compliance & Management Suite |
$20,000 |
FY27 Q3 |
|
Truck |
$50,000 |
FY27 Q3 |
|
Contingency |
$58,000 |
|
|
Total planned FY27 expenditures |
$650,000 |
|
|
Unencumbered existing project balance to carry into FY27 |
($345,487) |
Savings |
|
Total FY27 CIP Incremental Request |
$304,513 |
|
While we expect to spend $492,000 in FY27, we plan to carry over $345,487 of unencumbered project balance remaining from FY26 to FY27. An incremental authorization of $304,513 is requested. CIP will be requested at a later date, as needed. There might be changes in the County’s needs that result in minor operational or purchasing changes for the project throughout the Fiscal Year, but the overall scope will remain the same and any additional authorization would go through Commissioners Court approval.
Justification & Alternatives:
This project ensures that PCS staff have up-to-date equipment and can expand capabilities in protecting the environment and communities throughout Harris County. The Emergency Response, Air Monitoring, and Laboratory Services sections continuously use this equipment to perform air monitoring services and process samples, including air, water, solid waste, and unknown samples related to routine monitoring and investigative cases. It is necessary to replace the equipment when it is no longer covered by a maintenance contract and cannot be sufficiently maintained or properly calibrated to ensure optimal efficiency and defensible data.
Due to the existing equipment's age, condition, and use, Pollution Control will continue to have equipment requirements. The requested equipment is specialized analytical equipment unique to conducting emergency response, air monitoring services and sample analysis, including air, water, solid waste, and unknown samples related to routine monitoring and investigative cases. If the request is not funded, PCS cannot perform proper air monitoring services, and laboratory services will be outsourced. It is most efficient and cost effective for laboratory services to be conducted in-house for continuity of process and ability to defend data in enforcement cases.
Anticipated Impact on Other Funds (If Applicable):
|
Fund Code |
Description |
Estimated Cost |
Funding Method (Existing or Future Budget Request Required) |
Estimated Date of Needs |
|
|
|
$- |
|
- |
|
|
|
$- |
|
- |
|
Total |
|
$- |
|
- |
County Strategic Plan Goal: 5. Minimize the impact of climate change and disasters.
County Strategic Plan Objective: R: Enhance disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and resiliency.
Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1): N/A
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): N/A
Economy Initiative (Goal 3): N/A
Health Initiative (Goal 4): N/A
Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): N/A
Housing Initiative (Goal 6): N/A
Previous Court Action:
|
Date |
Agenda Item # |
Action Taken |
|
9/10/2019 |
212 |
Project Authorization |
|
12/3/2019 |
4d3 |
CP Funding Allocated |
|
1/28/2020 |
4h2 |
CP Funding Allocated |
|
3/9/2021 |
21-718 |
Project Authorization |
|
3/30/2021 |
21-1009 |
CP Funding Allocated |
|
5/11/2021 |
21-2180 |
Project Authorization |
|
5/25/2021 |
21-2414 |
CP Funding Allocated |
|
8/10/2021 |
21-3789 |
CP Funding Allocated |
|
9/28/2021 |
21-5000 |
CP Funding Allocated |
|
12/14/2021 |
21-6707 |
CP Funding Allocated |
|
1/4/2022 |
22-0061 |
Bid Awarded |
|
1/25/2022 |
22-0647 |
CP Funding Allocated |
|
3/8/2022 |
22.05 |
Request for approval of commercial paper funding for Pollution Control for the Pollution Control Services (PCS) Equipment Replacement and Additions project in the additional amount of $125,000 for a total CP funding of $2,270,000. |
|
10/25/2022 |
22.19 |
Request for approval of commercial paper funding for the Office of the County Engineer for the Pollution Control Renovation project in the additional amount of $2,170,000 for a total CP funding of $6,275,000. |
|
7/18/2023 |
23.10 |
Request for approval of commercial paper funding for Pollution Control for the Pollution Control Services (PCS) Equipment Replacement and Additions project in the additional amount of $275,000 for a total CP funding of $2,545,000. |
|
3/26/2024 |
24.08 |
Request for approval of commercial paper funding for Pollution Control for the Pollution Control Services (PCS) Equipment Replacement and Additions project in the additional amount of $220,000 for a total CP funding of $2,765,000. |
|
8/29/2024 |
24-5517 |
Request for approval of FIM in the amount of $2,130,000 |
|
09/19/2024 |
178 |
Request for approval of a Final Investment Memo for the Pollution Control Services (PCS) Equipment Replacement and Additions project for an additional $2,130,000 for a FY25 authorization of $2,423,000 |
|
11/12/2024 |
24-7115 |
CP funding allocated in the amount of $1,000,000 |
|
12/10/2024 |
24-7822 |
Request for approval of commercial paper funding for Pollution Control for the Pollution Control Services (PCS) Monitoring and Equipment project in the additional amount of $1,130,000 for a total CP funding of $4,895,000. |
|
8/26/2025 |
25-5478 |
Request for approval of a Final Investment Memo for the Pollution Control Services (PCS) Equipment Replacement and Additions (Continuous) project for an incremental authorization of $222,000 for a total FY2026 authorization of $1,032,000. |
|
01/29/2026 |
26-0731 |
Request for approval of commercial paper funding for Pollution Control for the Pollution Control Services (PCS) Monitoring and Equipment project in the additional amount of $225,000 for a total CP funding of $5,120,000. |
Address: 101 South Richey Suite H Pasadena, TX 77506
Precinct(s): Countywide
|
Fiscal and Personnel Summary |
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Service Name |
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Current Fiscal Year Cost |
Annual Fiscal Cost |
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Labor |
Non-Labor |
Total |
Recurring Expenses |
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Funding Sources |
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Existing Budget |
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Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Total Current Budget |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Additional Budget Request |
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Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Total Additional Budget Request |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Total Funding Request |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Personnel (Fill out section only if requesting new PCNs) |
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Current Position Count for Service |
- |
- |
- |
- |
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Additional Positions Request |
- |
- |
- |
- |
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Total Personnel |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Anticipated Court Date: 10/15/2026
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): 10/15/2026
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or ARPA related item
Legal funding compliance confirmed by: Paige Abernathy, First Assistant County Attorney-Legal Operations, 7/16/2025
Department Approval by: Jesse Dickerman
OMB CIP Team Approval by: William McGuinness, Director-Capital Projects & Infrastructure, 9/30/2026
________________________________________
Commercial Paper Request (For OMB use only):
Receiving Department: N/A
Project PeopleSoft ID: N/A
CP Series Description: N/A
OMB Financial Management contact: N/A