The challenge
Savings generated through O&M of municipal water and wastewater treatment systems.
The project challenges are:
- Facing severe reductions in sales tax income, the City of Moore in 1993 entered into a contract with Veolia North America to operate/maintain/manage (O&M) the city's water and wastewater treatment system.
- In 2001 the city executed a design/build/operate (DBO) contract with Veolia to upgrade the collection system and correct sewage treatment plant deficiencies.
- Water facilities consist of 37 water wells, five water towers, an underground storage tank, 200-mile distribution system and pump station.
- Wastewater facilities encompass a 4.5-MGD advanced secondary treatment plant, 200-mile collection system and seven pump/lift stations. The company also responsibility for watershed management, industrial pretreatment program, meter reading, customer service and land application of biosolids.
The solution
Innovative solutions:
- Position the city as a pilot project site, one of only two cities in the United States to use air biofilters for odor management
- Hire affected city employees and provide increased wages and comparable benefits
- Implement training, safety and development programs
- Begin transporting and land-applying biosolids to city-owned lands and quickly implement a state-approved, long-term beneficial biosolids management plan
- Purchase and install a belt filter press to enable timely removal of sludge from the treatment system
Benefits for our client
Results:
- Achieved accumulated savings of $5 million over the past decade, which allowed the city to invest in infrastructure and technological improvements
- Worked more than six years without a lost-time accident
- Eliminated biosolids inventory within the first 45 days of contract operations
- Contract extended for nine years as a result of city's satisfaction with Veolia
Project update
On May 20, 2013, a devastating tornado struck the City of Moore. Twenty-four lives were lost and thousands of homes were destroyed. Veolia and the city have been partners for more than 20 years. Thankfully, Veolia employees based in Moore were safe and uninjured. However, the citizens had to face the enormity of the clean-up and rebuilding work to stabilize their community. Driven by the desire to support the citizens of Moore and our fellow co-workers, Veolia employees from near and far immediately offered their support in time and resources. Veolia made a financial contribution to the City of Moore. As part of this effort, the company matched employee donations to non-profit groups administering relief and support efforts.
