The City of Newport (Calif.) has selected Earth Tech, Inc., a unit of Tyco Flow Control, to design, build and operate the city's wastewater treatment system.
The contract marks the beginning of a 20-year partnership between the City of Newport and Earth Tech. The operation, maintenance and asset management of the city's 10.7 million gallon per day wastewater operations will be assumed by Earth Tech. The company will also administer Newport's pre-treatment program that monitors industrial and commercial users, including the U.S. Navy and the town of Middletown. To demonstrate its commitment to the project's success, Earth Tech has established guidelines defining minimum performance standards, odor limits and effluent quality.
"This project is a partnership in the best sense of the word," said Diane C. Creel, president of Earth Tech. "It will be a team effort combining Earth Tech's resources, wide-ranging expertise and global experience in wastewater management, with the experience, skills and dedication of the City of Newport staff."
Over the first two years, Earth Tech will design and construct various initial capital improvements to the system.
"Earth Tech's competitive pricing, technical qualifications and demonstrated excellence in wastewater management were cited as determining factors for its selection," stated Kim Early, executive vice president of Earth Tech's Global Water Management division. "The improvements, which include odor control and alternate aeration technology, will improve the facility's performance and appearance and result in cost reductions that should help stabilize the city's sewer rates."
The slated improvements, combined with a 20-year asset management program, are expected to save money for the city. "The partnership with Earth Tech could save Newport an estimated 25 percent, totaling close to $1 million a year," explained Newport mayor, Richard Sardella. "The improved system will serve the city's asset investments for many years and will also ensure that the sensitive environmental habitat of the Narragansett Bay will be preserved for our children and grandchildren."
Source: Earth Tech
