Jamestown Partners with Veolia for Water Treatment

News Summary

The Town Council of Jamestown has formed a three-year partnership with Veolia North America, allocating $1.85 million to enhance operations of its water treatment plant. This collaboration aims to address staffing shortages and improve service delivery for nearly 1,600 customers. Veolia will bring a dedicated team to support operational efficiency, safety improvements, and workforce training, ensuring reliable access to high-quality drinking water for the community. Set to start in January 2025, this initiative seeks to stabilize water services amidst growing concerns over staffing issues.

Rhode Island – The Town Council of Jamestown has entered into a three-year partnership with Veolia North America for the operation of its water treatment plant, which supplies approximately 350,000 gallons of water daily to nearly 1,600 residential and commercial customers. The agreement, valued at $1.85 million, aims to improve the plant’s operations amid a significant staffing shortage that previously left the facility with only one licensed operator.

As part of this partnership, Veolia will provide a team of three certified, full-time professionals dedicated to ensuring that the plant operates efficiently and meets the community’s water quality needs. This team will work alongside Jamestown’s municipal personnel to enhance environmental security and support the town’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality drinking water.

The Town Council’s decision to collaborate with Veolia comes in response to growing concerns over staffing issues within the water sector. With only one licensed staff member available to manage the facility’s requirements, the partnership is designed to stabilize operations, mitigate the risk of emergencies related to water service delivery, and address a staffing crisis that has long plagued the community.

Veolia’s involvement will also create opportunities for current members of Jamestown’s bargaining union through training in water treatment operator licensing and advanced certifications. This educational component is aimed at improving the local workforce and enhancing long-term operational capabilities.

Set to begin in January 2025, Veolia’s team has immediate plans to implement improvements at the plant, which include safety enhancements such as the installation of electronic systems for meter reading and safer access to below-ground pump vaults. These upgrades are intended to enhance both operational efficiency and safety for the personnel involved.

John Oatley, Regional Vice President of Veolia, has expressed excitement about the role the company will play in improving both public and environmental health in Jamestown. Meanwhile, Jamestown’s Town Administrator, Edward Mello, emphasized the critical nature of delivering high-quality drinking water as a fundamental service of local government.

The contract with Veolia emerged as the sole bid following the Town Council’s request for proposals, confirming the company’s capability and readiness to meet Jamestown’s needs. Additionally, it received unanimous support from the local water union, which is crucial for addressing the ongoing staffing crisis and ensuring smooth service delivery.

Concerns about potential risks associated with privatization and its impact on costs and accountability were raised in a community petition. However, the Town Council believes that partnering with an experienced entity like Veolia will ultimately provide a stable solution, ensuring that residents continue to receive safe and reliable water service.

In conclusion, this partnership with Veolia North America represents a proactive step by the Jamestown Town Council to secure efficient and safe water service for its community. With a robust team in place and coordinated efforts to enhance operator training, Jamestown aims to bolster its water treatment plant operations, safeguarding public health and meeting residents’ needs for years to come.

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