Richmond, CA Benefits from Odor and Compliance Solutions

The challenge

Odor and compliance solutions were key benefits from this long-term partnership.

In an effort to curb excursions at its wastewater treatment plant, address long-time odor problems and control ever increasing costs, the city in 2002 entered into a long-term operate/maintain/manage (O&M) partnership with Veolia Water.
The company provides management of the city's wastewater facilities: a 16-MGD treatment plant, 185-mile sanitary sewer collection system, 94-mile stormwater drainage system, 15 wastewater lift stations, seven stormwater lift stations and sludge treatment.
In addition, we have design/build/operate (DBO) responsibility for the capital improvements program.

Implement $7 million in capital improvements to wastewater treatment plant, updating, modernizing and automating existing processes and systems
Manage 280-miles of collection system and stormwater pipe and 22 lift stations
Inspect and clean sanitary sewers and storm sewer main lines and manholes, repair and maintain lift stations and provide 24-hour emergency response and related customer service
Update and expand plant SCADA system and add redundant equipment at critical processes
Employ state-of-the-art robotic cameras for inspection of underground pipe
Develop and implement master plan for underground asset management program that incorporates global information system, state-of-the-art computerized maintenance management system and condition/capacity assessment
Play lead role in implementing State of California's Sanitary Sewer Management Plan, a key effort in bringing the city into compliance with state requirements

Generated an estimated $75 million in savings over the life of the agreement
Provided improved operations, regularly scheduled maintenance and guaranteed environmental compliance
Reduced sanitary sewer overflows and achieved long-term price stability
Increased efficiency and effectiveness of plant operations and sharply reduced water quality violations and odors