FEATURE Review by Lacey Hirschvogel
Wastewater Collection System Asset Management Toolkit The Missouri Public Utility Alliance Resource Service Operation and Maintenance (CMOM) requirements. Corporation (MPUA RSC) recognized that addressing aging The steering committee understood the importance of wastewater collection system infrastructure is consistently implementing an asset management program geared toward one of the most important challenges currently facing collection system assets. Their feedback confirmed that an small and medium-sized communities in Missouri. The asset management template available to small and mediumpressure to address these increasing investment needs has sized communities would enhance the reduction of inflow and been compounded by the need to meet new and complex infiltration, improve levels of service, and reduce unnecessary regulatory requirements while utility revenues remain spending. stagnant or decrease. This situation has forced many small The Toolkit consists of detailed guidance and an excel and mid-sized communities to become reactive and focus spreadsheet categorized into three planning modules: their funding resources on addressing immediate or urgent Module 1 – Assessment and Inventory Plan needs while reducing planning and budgeting efforts needed to maintain or improve levels of service for their community. Module 2 – Risk and Rehabilitation Forecasting Plan To assist small and medium-sized communities in Module 3 – Implementation Plan maximizing public funds and improving long-term infrastructure planning efforts, MPUA RSC hired HDR Engineering, Inc. What could updated infrastructure (HDR) to assist in developing a userfriendly, scalable Wastewater Collection mean for your community? System Asset Management Toolkit (Toolkit) that utility leaders can use to establish, build, and grow their own collection system asset management Infrastructure Investment Updating treatment plants, smart plans. The Toolkit was funded by the metering and process improvements Planning and Technical Assistance Grant can improve long-term utility provided by the Missouri Department of operations within your city. Natural Resources. M P UA a n d H D R w o r k e d Economic Growth collaboratively with a steering committee Updated and modern facilities to develop a basic set of flexible guidance can bring economic stimulation and job growth to your and tools designed to help utilities plan community. for cost-effective rehabilitation, repairs or replacement of assets; identify how Energy Savings to prioritize and budget for future Updating your city with energy infrastructure improvements; implement For more information, efficient systems like LED lighting can help save money, best practices needed to execute the contact Peter Hinkle: and be more sustainable. program; and maintain compliance with peter.hinkle@se.com the permitted Capacity, Management, (913) 433-6609
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theReview January/February 2022
