Baltimore approves $11.8 million amendment to MWH contract

BROOMFIELD, COLO. — MWH Global received approval from the City of Baltimore Board of Estimates for an additional $11.8 million for continued wet weather technical and program management services. The additional funds are through an amendment to an existing $11.8 million contract with the City of Baltimore. In 2011, the firm was selected as the lead entity in a joint venture with Louis Berger Water Services to help the city manage requirements of a consent decree from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Maryland Department of Environment.

“MWH has played a pivotal role in assisting the City of Baltimore with the challenges related to our consent decree. Working with our staff, they have helped us address regulatory issues that have a significant financial impact on our citizens. They have also assisted us with development of an integrated plan that is balanced and that will ensure sustainability of utility operations,” said Rudy Chow, bureau head of water and wastewater for the City of Baltimore.

The City of Baltimore selected MWH in 2011 to assist in the management of its consent decree obligations by addressing sanitary sewer overflows. MWH is also supporting upgrades to the city’s wastewater collection system with an overall goal of improving water quality in Maryland’s rivers and in the Chesapeake Bay. The $1 billion program includes elimination of sanitary sewer overflows, sewershed planning and evaluation, sewer system rehabilitation and modernization, and improvements to the city’s operations and preventative maintenance programs.

In addition to program management services, MWH has been working with the city to develop a framework and approach for the creation of an integrated utility plan that is consistent with the EPA’s guidance document for integrated planning. As part of these technical services, MWH developed a prioritized schedule for completion of capital and operations and maintenance projects for water, wastewater and stormwater using a triple bottom line approach, with consideration of environmental benefits, social impacts and the city’s financial capability.

“We’re pleased to have the opportunity to help Baltimore successfully complete its consent decree obligations and incorporate sustainable improvements to their wet infrastructure and utility operations,” said Dan McConville, president of business solutions for MWH Global. “With this amendment, we will continue to support the city’s efforts to implement an integrated utility plan and establish a new asset management strategy and organization.”