WPCA services 

to improve;

rates will 

stabilize

By Linda Lemmon

Town Crier Editor

PUTNAM --- With the town signing on with a New Jersey environmental services company, sewer and water users should see even better service and a hold on rate increases.

SUEZ will begin its work Feb. 1. They also provide services for the town of Killingly.

      “The WPCA decided to approach a public-private partnership because of the value-added that a private company can bring to the operation of the town’s water and sewer operations,” WPCA Chairman Jim Shaw said.

      Shaw said some of the advantages of the agreement include: * Providing a Class IV wastewater system operator, meter upgrade program to enhance revenue and measure effectively all water used, improved customer service and communications, improved asset management, a pool of professional resources available to ensure continued compliance with regulations, provide management back-up, and drive future planning that we could not afford on our own."

      Shaw added  through this new partnership, “We can do all of this without having to increase rates to our customers”.   

      Shaw said that under the terms of the agreement with Suez, Putnam has entered into a 10-year contract with two five-year renewal options.  Town Administrator Douglas M. Cutler said the cost is $2.3 million per year which constitutes " a wash" with current expenses. All 11 of the town's WPCA employees will remain and Gerard Beausoleil will remain as the day-to-day operations as the contract manager.

Cutler said SUEZ plans to finish the new meter program within a year, will improve the collection system, and will help make sure that the contractor hired to replace water lines is  doing a good job. "They also bring engineering skills to the table," Cutler said.  He added that a Class IV wastewater system operator, required by the state, can cost more than $100,000. 

     SUEZ already operates 33 projects in the Northeast serving a population of more than 2.5 million people. “We are excited to expand our services and become a part of the growing Putnam community,” said Jason O’Brien, director of Operations of SUEZ. “This partnership marks a growing trend in the U.S. for delivering infrastructure renewal projects for essential public services by drawing upon the strengths and balancing the needs of multiple sectors; both public and private.” 

      As an environmental services partner, SUEZ treats wastewater and water to meet or exceed environmental regulations so it can be safely used to replenish rivers and streams. 

      The Water Pollution Control Authority’s goal is to build upon the service already established for the 2,700 water customers and the 3,399 sewer customer of Putnam.  Mayor Tony Falzarano hopes for a “single integrated strategy” for the water and sewer systems.  Public Works Director Beausoleil understands public-private partnerships; “when they work, it is a win-win and that is our goal with SUEZ.”

      “Water and Wastewater partnership service agreements are a proven way to save money, to ensure adequate water supplies, to achieve compliance with environmental rules, enhance water service provision, and to maintain and improve water and wastewater infrastructure,” Shaw said.

      The Town of Putnam has invested or is in the process of further investment of over $40 million to its water and wastewater infrastructure.  “With that type of major investment, it is imperative that we take care of it” said Shaw. “Suez has the capability to efficiently and effectively meet all of the town’s and WPCA’s expectations.”