Development and implementation of an asset management framework for wastewater collection networks

Abstract

This paper presents a framework to develop, implement and communicate a multi-perspective asset management plan for wastewater collection networks. The framework takes into account four strategic perspectives – socio-political, financial, operational/technical, and regulatory – and devises four strategic themes for sustainable wastewater collection systems.The asset management strategic themes, perspectives, and strategic objectives were developed from the proceedings of collaborative working sessions held at the first Canadian National Asset Managers workshop in 2007 in Hamilton, Ontario. The themes and strategic objectives are illustrated in a strategy map and detailed in the modified balanced scorecard model. A case study based on real data presents the use of business intelligence tools to implement, monitor, and report various components of the proposed framework.The proposed framework provides a unified gateway for efficient and effective management of wastewater collection systems. It can be adapted to devise and implement strategic asset management plans in comparable organizations, and to comply with the new legislative requirements that demand increasing accountability to meet stakeholders’ expectations, protection of public health and environment, efficient allocation of funds, and greater disclosure.