BergerWorld: 4th Quarter 2004

Through a European Agency for Reconstruction (EAR)-funded program, Louis Berger SAS assisted municipalities throughout Montenegro to develop comprehensive plans for upgrading their water and wastewater networks and waste disposal systems. Under this program, Berger reviewed existing plants, analyzed water quality, prepared demand forecasts, developed plans for water and wastewater treatment upgrades and improved solid waste handling. Berger also assisted municipalities to fund these programs.

In Macedonia, Berger specialists upgraded 68 water supply projects, including systems in Bistrica and Miravci, under the $18 million United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Community Self-Help Initiative. Bistrica is a large farming community in southwestern Macedonia. In Slavic, the name of the town means 'clear spring,' the primary water source providing quality year-round water. Several years ago, Bistrica outgrew this supply, but lacked adequate funding to expand the system. Berger experts forecasted demand, evaluated alternative water sources and recommended the most attractive upgrades. The Team then prepared detailed designs for a water supply system, a seven kilometer transmission main, several pressure-reducing stations and break pressure tanks and rapid gravity filters. Once the designs were approved, Berger supervised the construction by volunteer and local labor.

Berger also assisted Miravci, another growing agricultural and commercial center located at the junction of several important routes. The town faced an acute water shortage from late spring to early fall when limited water supplies were diverted to irrigation. To provide additional water, town planners drilled a new well near the village, but several tests revealed conflicting reports of nitrate contamination. Berger specialists designed a year-long water quality testing program for Miravci with samples tested by two independent laboratories. Once the results established that the water was drinkable, Berger designed a new pumping station, transmission main and monitoring and control system for the reservoir and pumping station; installed modern chlorinating equipment and electrical controls; and supervised the construction of the facilities.

The nation of Croatia is also focusing on developing its wastewater treatment facilities. To improve wastewater treatment in Zvolen, a town on the banks of the Slatina and Hron Rivers, Louis Berger SAS was selected to supervise the construction of a new wastewater processing plant. The new plant will have a capacity of more than 25,000 cubic meters-per-day and will meet national and international water treatment standards. Berger is also providing training to the staff of Stredolovenska Vodarenska Spolocnost, the local water management authority, in technical, economic and financial planning and international contract management.