BergerWorld: 4th Quarter 2004

Reducing water pollution has become a major focus for Romania. As part of a growing awareness of the impact of improperly treated sewage on the nation's rivers and drinking water sources, Romanian officials are focusing their efforts on improving wastewater treatment and upgrading the quality of potable water systems before Romania joins the European Union (EU) in 2007.

Improving the treatment of wastewater and surface water supplies in the city of Iasi in northeastern Romania was identified as a key priority by the Danube River Protection Convention. Louis Berger SAS is working closely with Regia Autonomia Judeteana de Apa Canal Iasi (RAJAC Iasi) officials to implement new procedures and standards to upgrade potable water quality and wastewater treatment. Berger experts analyzed current wastewater usage, forecasted future demand and evaluated the proposed upgrades. Following these studies and the approval of Berger's recommendations, the Team will supervise the € 46 million upgrade of Iasi's two treatment facilities, the 4,200 liters-per-second Iasi Wastewater Works and 600 liters-per-second Chirita Water Works, and replace pumps and auxiliary units at the Pacurari, Aurora and Mijlociu pumping stations. The upgrade of the pumping stations will increase the efficiency of Iasi's water systems over 80 percent, decrease energy consumption more than 50 percent and save € 5 million a year.

Situated in the central mountains, Brasov is considered one of Romania's most beautiful cities. The region boasts several well known resorts and ski areas, as well as a number of natural and cultural attractions. To ensure this area has access to adequate water supplies and wastewater treatment, Louis Berger SAS was selected by the Central Finance and Contracts Unit to improve sanitation systems in Brasov. Berger assisted the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) to review designs and supervise the upgrade of Brasov's Tarlung Water Treatment Plant, the Poiana Brasov Collector and several pumping stations and collectors. To improve water treatment capacity, a key issue in resort communities, Berger is supervising the expansion of the Tarlung Treatment Plant to process 2,200 liters-per-second, as well as refurbishing the plant's existing equipment. Berger is also supervising the upgrade of the Poiana Brasov Collector, one of the city's main sewers, and the installation of 100 kilometers of water supply pipes and 30 kilometers of sewers.

Berger also provided technical assistance, program management and construction supervision for the upgrade of water and wastewater treatment plants under the Ministry of Public Work's € 75 million second municipal utilities development program. Through this program, Berger supervised the rehabilitation of existing water lines, the implementation of state-of-the-art biological treatment techniques and the installation of modern waste disposal facilities at 29 plants in 10 districts throughout the nation.