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Digital solution offers transformative tools for wastewater treatment
Hubgrade combines digital tools with human expertise to continually collect data from wastewater treatment, analyze it with proprietary artificial intelligence systems, and use those findings to make operations more efficient and effective.
Its centralized secure data platform brings together information about chemical use, energy consumption, weather-related and seasonal variations, and process performance for dynamic monitoring and advanced analytics. Reports that previously took hours to compile are now available with just a few clicks. AI tools can detect subtle operation changes over time and identify potential energy savings across all operations.
Veolia North America CEO Frédéric Van Heems said, “The new Hubgrade center we’re launching today is an important step on New Orleans’ path to become a smart city. We can adjust operations to perform better, cost less, save energy and cut emissions, while positioning New Orleans as a model for other cities around the world. This helps drive economic growth, enhance the overall quality of life, and build a more resilient, sustainable and prosperous New Orleans for generations to come.”
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said, “This is a monumental moment for both New Orleans and the nation as we open the first Hubgrade center in America. We are setting the standard for cities across the country, making innovative investments that are transformative and building a legacy for future generations. What we’re doing is unprecedented, and New Orleans is ready to lead. Our city is at the forefront of digital transformation, embracing groundbreaking solutions that will safeguard our water resources and improve the quality of life for all our residents.”
Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans Executive Director Ghassan Korban said, “The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans is committed to infrastructure reliability and resiliency, as well as technology modernization. Our continued partnership with Veolia will make our East Bank and West Bank wastewater treatment plants far more efficient and effective.”
Long-standing partnership brings real benefits to New Orleans
The partnership between Veolia and the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans has rebuilt and sustained the city’s infrastructure at both of its wastewater treatment plants. This collaboration has improved water quality, boosted operational efficiency, and fostered community engagement on ecological issues and climate change. These achievements exemplify the goals of Veolia’s global GreenUp strategy, which strives to lead the ecological transformation of the planet by accelerating water quality improvement, decarbonization and technological innovation.
In addition to improving daily wastewater treatment operations while strengthening long-term capacity, function, and resilience, Veolia has provided extraordinary operational support during hurricanes and natural disasters, such as when wastewater treatment plants were devastated by Hurricane Katrina and later by Hurricane Ida. Veolia drew on its global resources to restore service for residents and recover from the damage without waiting for federal assistance.
As part of its support for community and educational efforts in the city it serves, Veolia has created community, educational and environmental initiatives across New Orleans, including working with the New Orleans East Festival, Joe W. Brown Memorial Park, the Sankofa Wetland Park and Nature Trail, Delgado Community College, the Southern University System, and neighboring high schools.
Earlier this year, Veolia and the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans renewed their partnership with a new five-year agreement to include Hubgrade digital monitoring as well as a new sludge treatment system; new pumps and equipment at both East Bank and West Bank plants; and a new oxygen system that will save $2 million a year, reduce chemical costs and power use by at least 10%, and eliminate an estimated 12 metric tons per month of carbon emissions.
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