1. Norwalk, Connecticut: A Public-Private Partnership Case Study Mayor Alex Knopp U.S. Conference of Mayors Urban Water Council October 2004

2. D102004003OMI City of Norwalk  Founded February 26, 1640 and incorporated September 11, 1651  Sixth-largest city in Connecticut  Population of approximately 83,000  Mayor and Common Council members elected by five council districts

3. D102004003OMI Water Pollution Control Authority  Adopted by the Common Council of the City of Norwalk March 26, 2002  Created to construct, reconstruct, operate and maintain the City’s sewerage system  Sewer Use Fee replaces property tax

4. D102004003OMI Public-Private Partnership Overview  20-year contract operations and maintenance agreement with OMI began June 1, 2000  System includes a 30-mgd wastewater treatment plant, 200-mile collection system, and 23 pumping stations  Scope of work includes lab analysis and solids handling/disposal

5. D102004003OMI Partnership Rough Start  Discharge of treated solids into waterway  Disputes over performance standards  Threat of litigation over penalties  Lack of communication between the partners  Rainiest summer since 1863

6. D102004003OMI Renewal of Partnership Relationship  Partnership goals to focus on service results  Clarification of ambiguous contract provisions  Staff realignment by City and OMI  Establish regular joint working group meetings  Full reporting to WPCA  Use of technology increase efficiency  Management restructuring at DPW for contract administration

7. D102004003OMI Partnership Has Achieved Results  Plant performance and aesthetics –Total federal and state permit compliance –Exceptional nitrogen removal for maximum trading credits –Stable operations through storm events  Pump station reliability –Regular maintenance and inspection schedule (batteries) –Radio telemetry alarms to improve operator response time  Septage receiving program –Automation ensures 100% revenue collection

8. D102004003OMI Partnership Has Achieved Results  Asset management –Vital tool for budgeting and long-term system reliability –Catalog all equipment –Establish major repair and replacement account –Long range capital investment program

9. D102004003OMI Nitrogen Management  Program developed by industry experts gives contractor and WPCA precise monitoring and control  DEP enthusiastic about approach  Incentives for shared revenues for superior performance  Trading credit revenue of $498,663 was second-highest in state in 2002  2003 trading credit revenue was $347,590

10. D102004003OMI Sewer System Management  All sewers have been completely cleaned and inspected for the first time in the City  No sewer backup calls since July  Inspection analysis being combined with Norwalk’s GIS database to make this one of the most advanced sewer management programs in the state

11. D102004003OMI Moving Forward  Detailed energy management plan –Reduce power consumption at plant and pump stations –Cost savings through load-shedding and grant programs  Stormflow treatment system upgrade –New operating procedure for unusually high flows –Reduce stormwater pollution –Significantly reduce combined sewer overflows to the river

12. D102004003OMI Moving Forward  Chlorination system upgrade –New system meets latest industry standards –Allow operators to respond to potential permit violations before they occur –Provide exceptional protection of the Norwalk River ecosystem

13. D102004003OMI Lessons Learned in Norwalk  Public-Private Partnership should focus on achieving service delivery goals, rather than penalties  Management restructuring in Public Works to incorporate contract administration  Need strong contract document complemented by ongoing, face-to-face working relationship  Performance and shared-savings incentives challenge partners to continually improve  Long range planning to set clear goals for the future ( sewer cleaning cycles, inspection etc)