AWWA JTMGT64442

In 2001 Strathcona County Utilities began to reexamine its infrastructure management practices aimed at improving the use of sewer data in optimizing system maintenance and rehabilitation activities. Early on in this process it became apparent that data discrepancies and the lack of formalized standards and methodologies were limiting the County's ability to use this information for higher level planning and decision support. To address this issue UMA has been working with SC Utilities personnel to develop and implement an integrated collection of standards, procedures, and support tools capable of guiding staff in the collection, maintenance, and use of information in making informed infrastructure decisions. Work on the project was broken into four primary Work Areas that include: a Sewer Management and Water Management Frameworks optimizing sanitary, storm and water system inspection, maintenance, and rehabilitation activities and underlying standards and support technologies; Strategic Support Guidelines identifying performance objectives and introducing mechanisms governing prioritization of sewer/water rehabilitation and maintenance activities; and, a Pilot Project evaluating newly developed processes and standards and fine tuning system components to suit the County's operating and information requirements. As with any organizational undertaking, the value derived through this project weighed heavily on the extent to which new standards and work practices were adopted by SC personnel. In addition to providing an overview of the concepts incorporated into framework components, this paper discusses the approach used to overcome these challenges and provides an overview of lessons learned through implementation. Includes figures.