CHICAGO, IL, Nov. 14, 2012 -- The town of North Haven, Conn. and Veolia Water North America (Veolia) were honored yesterday with a 2012 Service Award from the National Council for Public-Private Partnerships (NCPPP). The NCPPP, a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to facilitating government innovation, issues the award annually to recognize high levels of service provided by public-private partnerships. When issuing the award to North Haven and Veolia, NCPPP pointed to the contract’s long length and tradition of success, as well as the impressive range of environmental services it provides ratepayers. The award was presented at NCPPP’s 2012 Annual Meeting, in Arlington, Va.
The partnership between Veolia and the town of North Haven is one of the longest-running operations and maintenance (O&M) contracts in New England. It has been renewed four times since its inception and has achieved significant success for ratepayers. With Veolia’s help, the North Haven wastewater treatment plant has achieved substantial cost savings, estimated at $100,000 per year with an accompanying stability in rates. There have been no odor complaints in the past 20 years, and only one lost-time accident in 20 years. Veolia has further deployed asset management services to help save time and money. All employees are encouraged to upgrade their skills and achieve higher levels of certification through training programs, certification bonuses, and tuition programs.
“Effective wastewater services are critical to a healthy environment,” said Laurent Auguste, president and CEO, Veolia Water Americas. “Being recognized along with the town of North Haven for this important work is a testament to the partnership’s hard work protecting public health.”
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