The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District’s (MMSD) ad hoc committee has recommended Jacobs Engineering Group to manage the region’s two wastewater treatment plants under a new 10-year contract beginning in 2028.

The recommendation follows months of scrutiny of current operator Veolia, including whistleblower allegations that prompted MMSD commissioners to order an independent audit. The committee said its recommendation was not influenced by the allegations or the ongoing audit.

Jacobs was selected over Veolia after more than 30 hours of presentations and meetings, a public hearing and a 30-day public comment period. The committee evaluated the proposals based on cost, company approach, staffing and workforce development and regional partnerships.

The proposed Jacobs contract is valued at approximately $625 million and is expected to save MMSD an estimated $54 million over 10 years, according to committee Chair Dennis Grzezinski. The committee also cited Jacobs’ experience with data-driven tools and technologies for wastewater operations and maintenance.

Veolia expressed disappointment with the recommendation but noted that the MMSD commission will make the final decision.

MMSD’s operations committee is scheduled to consider the recommendation Sept. 14, with the full commission expected to vote Sept. 28. The timing for completion of the independent audit has not yet been determined.