The state Office of Policy and Management (OPM) has authorized $1.35 million for NVCOG to conduct a regional wastewater treatment consolidation study. The study, which began in April 2018, will provide a preliminary analysis to help determine the region’s ability to increase capacity for properly treating wastewater in a consolidated facility or facilities, thereby leading to a reduction in long-term state and local capital improvements and a reduction of user fees.
Specifically, wastewater treatment plants in the municipalities of Naugatuck, Beacon Falls, Seymour, Ansonia and Derby are being analyzed for potential consolidation and/or the sharing of services. In addition to providing potential recommendations to mitigate costs and capital expenditures that will be required for upgrades to the wastewater treatment plants located in these communities, the study is designed to set an example for other communities throughout Connecticut in consolidating plants and reducing costs. The NVCOG conducted a Request for Proposal for study consultant services in mid-2017. Following a Qualification Based Selection process, Black & Veatch, of Overland Park, Kansas, was selected as the vendor.
The study is being conducted in two phases. Phase 1 concluded in early 2019. The tasks included a review of existing planning documents and related assessments of existing wastewater treatment facilities and collection system infrastructures. It also provided an estimation of 20-year wastewater flows and load projections for each participating municipality, summarized existing wastewater system management and governance for each participating municipality, and identified potential opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies through alternative approaches to system management and governance structure. In addition, Phase 1 identified a long list of wastewater regionalization alternatives that appear to have initial merit for consideration.
Phase 2, which began in March 2020, will include a more extensive technical and engineering analysis, as well as identification of a short list of alternatives and preferred alternative(s) to the systems currently in place. It will also include a Cost Benefit Analysis, crafting of a Governance Model for any proposed regional wastewater entity and Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE). It is expected to formally conclude in early 2022.
Associated Documents:
December 11, 2018 Workshop Presentation
Technical Memo 2 – Condition Assessment
- Phase 1 Executive Summary
Phase 1 Report
Technical Memo TM-3 Phase 2 Short List
Technical Memo 4 Regional Wastewater Alternatives Short List Development
Task 4 Final Report
06/08/2021 Engineering Component Stakeholder Workshop Presentation
06/08/2021 Governance and Economic Analysis Component Stakeholder Workshop Presentation
11/09/2021 Engineering Component Stakeholder Workshop Presentation
11/09/2021 Governance and Economic Analysis Component Stakeholder Workshop
January 26, 2022 Engineering Component Presentation
January 26, 2022 Governance-Economic Analysis Presentation
Agendas & Minutes:
December 11, 2018 Workshop Minutes
June 25, 2020 Workshop Presentation
June 25, 2020 Workshop Report of Meeting
June 25, 2020 Workshop Video
October 15, 2020 Governance & Economic Analysis Workshop Presentation
October 15, 2020 Governance & Economic Component Workshop Video
June 8, 2021 Stakeholder Workshop Video
January 26, 2022 Public Information Meeting Video