City Of Columbia

Understanding the City’s infrastructure is a primary motivator of the Consent Decree. This includes evaluating the location, size, condition, and importance (or criticality) of the many pieces and parts of the wastewater system. Some projects only assess and evaluate infrastructure. Other projects include this evaluation as an initial step in the process. The City’s assessment practices follow the Continuing Sewer Assessment Program (CSAP).

The City prioritizes and selects Capital Improvements Program (CIP) projects each year based on needs, timing, and funding availability. Condition assessments, importance of the project, maintenance activities, customer reports, and proposed development and growth are used to rank these CIP projects. 

This process is documented in the Infrastructure Rehabilitation Program (IR Program) that is required by the Consent Decree. 

Once a Capital Improvements Program (CIP) project has been approved, a detailed design must be developed and all the necessary permits obtained. Usually, the City hires a design consultant to develop the detailed design and obtain the permits. Construction does not begin until the City approves the design and has the required permits. 

Major construction projects are typically put out to bid and the City selects a contractor based on those bids. CW2020 consultants or City/Columbia Water staff oversee the contractor’s work and provide public outreach. When construction is complete, the City takes ownership and begins using the new or improved area.  

After the City takes ownership of the new infrastructure, it is responsible for all operations and maintenance. The City will periodically assess and evaluate the infrastructure for needed repairs or upgrades. Specific operations and maintenance activities are documented in the Transmission System Operations and Maintenance Program (TSOMP Vol.1, Vol.2: Appendix A) and the Gravity Sewer System Operation and Maintenance Program (GSOMP) as required by the Consent Decree.