The town of Coeburn, Va., has contracted with Veolia Water North America to provide a range of management services that town officials believe will reduce costs and enhance its ability to serve residents. Veolia Water will be responsible for all operations and maintenance of water and wastewater systems, including the collection and distribution systems, as well as a full complement of public works activities.
The contract, which began May 8, 2009, includes operation, maintenance and management (O&M) of the town’s 1-million-gal-per-day (mgd) water treatment plant, 0.40-mgd wastewater treatment plant, three lift stations, three pump stations and meter reading. The company will also manage other environmental services, as well as street cleaning and repair. Ten town employees have been transitioned to the Veolia Water team.
“We are committed to providing the most cost-effective services possible to the 1,800 residents in our service area, while ensuring quality services,” said Loretta Mays, town manager. “Veolia Water has a long track record of success working in partnership with communities like Coeburn to upgrade their management systems in a way that serves the best interests of the town and the public. We believe we will bring the experience, technical skills and local perspective we need to improve our operations and ensure a better environment for everyone.”
“Meeting the water, wastewater and public service needs of communities like the town of Coeburn is a core business capability and one we take very seriously,” said Jeff Kowal, president of Veolia Water North America–South. “By combining the strengths of local employees with our national and global experiences, we hope to provide professional management solutions that enhance the quality of life for all residents.”
Coeburn officials based their selection of Veolia Water on a number of factors. These include the company’s decades-long water treatment and wastewater treatment experience, leak-detection skills, inflow and infiltration detection skills and successes, meter reading and billing capabilities, and training and management of staff.
Source: Veolia Environnement
