Baltimore Sewer Program

As Baltimore's population began rising in 2012, the city selected WSP to manage the Sanitary Sewer Overflow Consent Decree Program.

Location

Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Client

City of Baltimore

Sewer system strengthened in Baltimore

Founded in 1729, Baltimore is located along the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States. In 2012, the city’s population increased by 1,100 to reach 621,342 residents, which reversed six decades of population loss.

Challenge
In 2002, the City of Baltimore entered into a consent decree with the federal government and the State of Maryland to reduce sewage discharge into U.S. waters, requiring that the city evaluate its wastewater collection system and implement a comprehensive sewer rehabilitation program.

Solution
WSP was selected to manage the City of Baltimore Sanitary Sewer Overflow Consent Decree Program. The 14-year program involves comprehensive field investigations as well as design and construction management.

WSP is providing overall program management for the $1+ billion program, which includes managing sewershed reviews, design and construction management. The studies and design include pipe and manhole inspections, condition assessments, hydraulic modeling, and capital improvement project identification, rehabilitation and replacement.

As program manager, WSP has negotiated with regulators on behalf of the City, developed an asset management program, implemented an integrated planning framework, and streamlined design management and program controls using tailored project and contract management software.

By introducing these innovative program management strategies, tools and customized technology,WSP is reducing overall program costs, eliminating sewage discharge into streams and waterways, and working with the City of Baltimore to develop a model consent decree program.