Case Study: Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans achieves $35 million in savings and enhanced storm resiliency with Veolia North America

Long-standing environmental partnership weathers Hurricane Katrina, saves $35 million

The Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans faced the challenge of operating and rebuilding its wastewater infrastructure in a city below sea level and restoring services after Hurricane Katrina. Since 1992, Veolia North America has provided operations, maintenance and management (O&M) of the city’s two wastewater treatment plants—supporting septage receiving, biosolids disposal and capital improvements—with the partnership renewed in 2015.

Veolia North America implemented resiliency upgrades including 18-foot flood walls, waterproof doors, backup power, an additional control center and an elevated administrative building, and supported $17 million in plant improvements as part of a $739 million recovery program. The partnership restored primary and secondary treatment within 60 days of Katrina, has generated more than $35 million in savings, contributed to the city’s resiliency strategy and earned multiple awards while investing in the local community.

Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans

Mitch Landrieu

Mayor