Norwalk, Connecticut: A Public-Private Partnership Case Study

Mayor Alex Knopp

U.S. Conference of Mayors Urban Water Council

October 2004

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 

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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

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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

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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

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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)