Enhanced Operation Alternatives

• Facility Reviews
• Outsourcing of Specific Maintenance Areas
• Instrumentation/Control Systems
• Energy Reduction
• Chemical Usage
• Competitive Procurement of Privatized Operations

Dvirka and Bartilucci Consulting Engineers (D&B), with 35 years of municipal experience in wastewater, water supply and solid waste management, is in tune with the present and future needs of its clients. While most municipalities already provide safe and reliable services at low cost, there are alternatives that may allow for both continuous improvement in quality of service and cost reductions that will benefit the general public.

The word “privatization” conjures up thoughts of sale of the facility and private takeover. Full asset sale is rare and in most cases not required by the public agency that is involved. D&B is uniquely qualified to assist the public agency to conduct its own program of developing a well run operation at reduced cost without loss of control of that facility. Full savings can be realized in many areas of operation and maintenance through a program of continuous improvement.

A review of the facility can be conducted to review every aspect of how each unit operation at a specific facility is conducted in order to develop alternatives for improvement consideration for by the public agency involved. The review can also evaluate the operations of multiple facilities comprising a regional system. This review can involve unit processes, facility operations, personnel management, administrative aspects, and financial aspects of the overall facility or regional system.

The full spectrum of alternatives that are available for the overall operation can be described and a particular facility can be compared to other well operated facilities through a process called benchmarking. Economic considerations of all areas and alternatives can be reviewed and summarized. The final recommendations for a continuous improvement plan would be based upon all areas reviewed, along with all legal and implementability concerns particular to the facility.

The pressure for operation and maintenance (O&M) costs/rates to remain constant has become a major challenge for most municipalities. Increasing demands for better services tend to increase the capital and O&M costs. D&B can offer assistance for the development of a well thought out plan to keep costs down while meeting new goals.

If the selection of an alternative requires the outsourcing of specific maintenance areas or any other procurement of private resources, D&B has the experienced staff to assist in the procurement process. D&B will prepare Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and Request for Proposals (RFP) which can address the specific needs of the client. The RFQs and RFPs will meet the technical, legal and regulatory requirements of the specific client involved. D&B has both the municipal experience and personnel to do the job correctly while allowing the municipality involved to select the proposal with the best combination of qualifications and cost.

The facility review could lead to a program of continuous improvement while maintaining municipal control of the operation of the facility. Such continuous improvement may involve enhancement of instrumentation/control systems, energy reduction and/or chemical savings. D&B has the experience and staff to review the alternatives, describe them simply, design and implement through start-up, and training of staff if required.

D&B has the tools to assist its clients in meeting present day demands for efficient and cost-effective operation and maintenance of municipal facilities.

For more information on D&B’s Wastewater Management Services, please contact Executive Vice President, Steven A. Fangmann, P.E., at (516) 364-9890 x 3005, or Senior Vice President, Joseph H. Marturano, at (516) 364-9890 x 3008.