CDM Smith to manage important public health priority infrastructure project in New Orleans.
The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) has selected CDM Smith to manage the utility’s lead line replacement programme. The $1bn prrogramme is scheduled to be completed by December 2037 to meet EPA requirements for full lead service line (LSL) replacement under the lead and copper rule improvements (LCRI).
As the programme for this large-scale project, CDM Smith will conduct outreach and education, contractor procurement, LSL inventory management, data systems development and data management, construction management and workforce development for an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 LSL replacements. CDM Smith’s experience with LSL replacement, New Orleans public right-of-way work and complete corridor scale projects combined with extensive participation by local disadvantaged business enterprises will equip the team for efficient and rapid lead line removal for the residents of New Orleans.
Additionally, Trinnex’s leadCAST® Predict machine learning GIS tool will support SWBNO’s inventory management, reducing unknowns through a combination of physical inspections and predictive modelling ahead of the LCRI compliance deadline.
The SWBNO lead line replacement programme builds on more than the 80,000+ LSL replacements CDM Smith has completed to date nationwide, including programs for Chicago, Milwaukee and DC Water.
Sandy Kutzing, CDM Smith’s lead and copper strategy leader, said: “This is more than an infrastructure initiative, it is a public health priority. We are proud to partner with SWBNO to accelerate removal of lead services lines to support families, schools and businesses. Our focus is simple – deliver results for the people of New Orleans, quickly, safely and in full compliance with federal and state requirements. Together with SWBNO, we are helping build a healthier future for every resident of New Orleans.”
