News Summary
Veolia North America has secured a three-year contract to operate the Jamestown Water Treatment Plant in Rhode Island, addressing significant staffing challenges that have impacted the facility since March 2023. This $1.85 million agreement aims to enhance water quality and ensure compliance with safety standards while assigning three certified professionals to manage the plant’s operations. Despite some community concerns regarding privatization, the Town Council believes this decision is crucial for maintaining reliable water services for residents.
Rhode Island – Veolia North America has secured a three-year contract to operate the Jamestown Water Treatment Plant, responding to significant staffing challenges that have hindered operations since March 2023. The plant services around 1,600 homes and businesses, delivering approximately 350,000 gallons of water daily to the community.
The agreement, valued at $1.85 million, aims to enhance water quality and maintain compliance with safety and operational standards during a time when the facility struggled with staffing, notably when it was down to only one licensed employee managing its needs. The Jamestown Town Council, which serves as the board of water and sewer commissioners, unanimously approved the contract, citing it as a necessary measure to ensure stable water service delivery to the residents.
Under the terms of the contract, Veolia will assign three certified, full-time professionals to operate the water treatment facility. This team will work in collaboration with municipal personnel to address operational challenges and bolster environmental security for the Jamestown community. Notably, one of the three positions will be filled by a municipal employee, allowing for projected savings of $402,040 over the contract’s duration.
Addressing Staffing Shortages
The need for this contract arose due to persistent staffing issues that have caused operational instability at the plant. Since March 2023, the facility has experienced significant difficulties managing its functions due to a lack of personnel. With only one licensed employee available, concerns over safety and water quality heightened.
Veolia’s initial assessments revealed several safety hazards that needed to be addressed. Key upgrades included the implementation of electronic systems for meter readings and the construction of a safer access point to a below-ground pump vault. Additionally, recent improvements such as installing lights, handrails, and renovating stairs have been made to enhance worker safety.
Commitment to Safety and Quality
The agreement with Veolia signifies a commitment to ensuring both public health and environmental safety in Jamestown. The company plans to offer training opportunities to existing union staff, aiding them in obtaining water treatment operator licenses and advanced certifications, thus strengthening the overall workforce expertise.
John Oatley, the Regional Vice President for Veolia, highlighted the pledge to maintain high standards of public and environmental health. In line with this, Town Administrator Edward Mello emphasized the vital role local government plays in delivering quality drinking water to its constituents—a responsibility that has been under scrutiny during recent operational challenges.
Community Concerns
Conclusion
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- PBN: Veolia Tapped to Manage Jamestown Water Treatment Plant
- Business Wire: Veolia Partners with Jamestown, Rhode Island
- Jamestown Press: Town Strikes Deal to Staff Water Plant
- Jamestown Sun: Unstable Market for CO2 Increases Costs to Treat Drinking Water
- Waste360: Veolia to Operate Jamestown Water Treatment Plant
- Wikipedia: Water Supply and Sanitation in the United States
- Google Search: Water Treatment Operations
- Google Scholar: Water Treatment Plant Management
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Treatment
- Google News: Jamestown Water Treatment Plant
