The City of Richmond’s Final Plan to improve the health of the James River was approved by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in August 2024. The James River ranks high as one of the state’s greatest natural resources. Less than a half century ago, the river was not fit for human use. With the long and sustaining work of the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and its many partners, the James River has transformed from one of the most polluted in the country to one of the most improved and beloved. Today, the James River contributes greatly to the recreational and economic development needs of the region.

In the 1800s, parts of Richmond’s sewer system were designed as a combined sewer system (CSS). These pipes were made to transport both wastewater and stormwater. Today, more than one hundred fifty years later, these pipes are still in use. As a result, the CSS can become overwhelmed during wet weather conditions and exceed capacity for treatment, with overflow going into the waterways – including the James River. Richmond’s combined sewer system is the largest in Virginia with a drainage area of 19 square miles with 25 outfalls.

Since 1970, Richmond and the Commonwealth of Virginia have invested more than $780 million for projects to address the CSS and provide cleaner water for our community. These efforts have resulted in the reduction of over 3 billion gallons of combined sewer overflow (CSO) per year but more funding is needed to capture, convey and treat up to 5 billion gallons per year – which represents more than 90% of stormwater.

In 2020, the Virginia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 1064, which required the City to develop Interim and Final Plans, which would further improve water quality in the James River.  DEQ and the City then amended the 2005 Special Order by Consent to incorporate Senate Bill 1064.

• Interim Plan – Submitted on time and includes 10 projects to reduce 182 million gallons of CSO volume per year at a cost of $33.3 million.  These projects were approved by DEQ for completion of construction and related activities due by July 1, 2027.

• Final Plan– Re-evaluate the remaining 2005 Special Order by Consent projects and identify system-wide improvements to incorporate Senate Bill 1064.  According to DEQ, Richmond made a timely submission of the Final Plan by July 1, 2024.  After reviewing Richmond’s Final Plan, DEQ has determined the plan complies with requirements identified in the 2005 Order, 2020 Amendment and 2020 CSO Law. Completion of construction and related activities will be July 1, 2035.

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney remarks that, “The City is capturing efficiencies to ensure there is a significant and clear benefit to the environment and the James River. However, we have to maintain the balance of investing in our aging infrastructure and making improvements to City services while being cognizant of affordability issues. Otherwise, City of Richmond will require markedly higher utility rates and an even greater disparity between Richmond and Virginia’s other CSO communities. In short, the city’s most vulnerable residents will not be able to afford it.”

DPU Senior Director April Bingham adds that, “The ability to significantly reduce the cost of the Final Plan from $1.3 billion to $650 million results from creative engineering efforts and design.” Director Bingham appreciates the partnership with the Commonwealth as the City focuses on the timeline, the cost, and the advocacy. She is especially thankful for the collaborative process with DEQ ahead of the Final Plan submission as well as the partnership of Richmond City Council through the adoption of Resolution No. 2022-R025.

DPU is committed to the City of Richmond’s goal of “Cleaner Water Faster”.  With the latest approvals from DEQ, the goal of controlling combined sewer overflow discharges into the James River by 2035 can become a reality through increased financial support.
 

City of Richmond Reaches Milestone to Improve Customer Service Delivery

The City of Richmond has reached a milestone as it continues to focus on improving customer service delivery. The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has finalized an agreement with the Oracle Corporation to enhance the customer’s journey through modernized operations and increased self-service options. With Oracle Energy and Water’s “Software as a Service” (SaaS) solution set, DPU will modernize its Customer Information System (CIS) to provide a flexible, robust and rules-based solution designed to keep pace with the industry's rapidly changing trends.

Mayor Levar Stoney remarks, “As Mayor, I’m delighted to have reached this huge milestone that will continue my administration’s goal of improving City services and providing greater levels of service that our residents deserve. The City believes that Oracle provides a best in class, forward-looking solution that will deliver modern functionalities beyond what we currently have and I could not be more excited to see the progress.”

Chief Administrative Officer Lincoln Saunders adds that, “We were looking for a solution to enhance the customer experience that could keep up with our customers’ rapidly changing needs. We are excited to add this utility CIS replacement to the list of new technologies that will continue to enhance the everyday lives of our citizens.”

DPU will be implementing several components of Oracle’s platforms to provide greater support to the traditional gas, water, sewer and stormwater services in the Richmond region while delivering new tools and processes - which will lead to a more user-friendly bill redesign. This will allow DPU to deliver a unique and best-in-class customer experience that helps comply with current and future regulations while delivering continuous non-disruptive updates – and at the same time, keeping pace with the most current industry capabilities.

The Oracle solutions to be implemented will help the City of Richmond to lead implementation, adoption, and provide transformation services for the project.

Oracle was chosen because their solution is the most technologically advanced option compared to other solutions that were evaluated. DPU Senior Director April Bingham remarks, “We were impressed by Oracle’s capabilities, as well as their support for an omnichannel customer experience. We are confident in our choice and excited about the opportunity for success in upgrading our operations and the customer experience with Oracle.”

Implementation of this CIS will replace DPU’s aged Banner system, which is nearly 30 years old and reaching the end of its useful life. It will eliminate security risks associated with the current system and provide for enhanced disaster recovery efforts.

With the vendor selection final, the focus now shifts to the build out of the new system that will be customized for DPU’s gas and water customers. The anticipated go live date is Spring 2026.

Trademarks

Oracle, Java, MySQL and NetSuite are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation. NetSuite was the first cloud company—ushering in the new era of cloud computing.

Posted August 7, 2024

~ Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late spring 2025 ~

RICHMOND, Va.  – The Department of Public Works recently started construction on Phase II of the CVT Canal Walk Improvement Project. The construction area includes the south side of the canal at the pedestrian bridge crossing near the intersection of 15th and Dock streets. The project will provide improvements to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure along the Canal Walk.

Project improvements include:

• Installing ramp extensions
• Installing retaining walls to support the embankment along the ramp
• Adding landscaping and hardscape consistent with the existing Canal Walk
• Construction of a shared use path
• Installing granite curbs, grading, and erosion and sediment control

Weather permitting, this project is projected to be completed by late spring 2025.

Funding for the project was provided by the Federal Transportation Alternative Program with a twenty percent matching contribution from the city.

For more information on the Department, go to www.rva.gov/public-works or email AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on X @DPW_RichmondVA

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 195 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting; graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW maintains upkeep on most city buildings; issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share program and maintains the fleet of city vehicles. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1.

The City of Richmond continues to monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Debby. While the current forecast has decreased the rain totals for the city, the heaviest of the rain is expected Thursday night into Friday morning.

City agencies and partners began preparatory actions as early as last week and are receiving daily briefings on the updated weather forecast. The Department of Public Utilities have actively been cleaning storm drains, particularly in areas that are prone to flooding. The Office of Emergency Management has been in regular communication with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Dominion Energy, and other partner organizations.

The Inclement Weather Shelter, operated in partnership with the Salvation Army and located at 1900 Chamberlayne Parkway, will be open beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday, August 8. Meals will be provided for the duration of the activation.

The City urges residents to avoid driving through flooded areas or around road barriers as the storm passes through the area. Remember, turn around, don’t drown.

As the forecast evolves, the City of Richmond will keep our residents and visitors updated. Please follow the City on social media – Facebook @RVAGov; Instagram @RVAGov; and Twitter @CityRichmondVA.

Posted August 1, 2024

~ Current parking decal expires August 31, 2024 ~

RICHMOND, Va.  – New parking decals for qualifying residents in the Historic Jackson Ward District are now on sale for $25. The current decal expires August 31. Residents can get more information, verify residency, and purchase a permit through the online portal www.rva.gov/public-works/parking-enterprise. Additionally, both mail-in and in-person renewal options are available.

Residents must display the permit on their car to park for more than the designed time restriction. A resident is either the residing owner of record or renter of property located within the Restricted Parking District. A City of Richmond Residential Parking Permit Application must be completed and approved prior to decal issuance. The Department of General Services verifies residency for both homeowners residing at the property and lease agreements for renters.

A resident of the district is defined as an owner of record or renter of property in the district and members of their immediate family who reside with the owner or renter at the address in the district:

1. Who are licensed drivers, and
2. Whose domicile is the address for which they are seeking to obtain the parking permit

The following information and picture identification must be provided:

1. Property owners must provide either a copy of their real estate bill or other information that verifies ownership of the property
2. Renters must provide a valid written lease for property in the restricted parking district, and have the appropriate approval of the property owner on the application they present

Property owners and renters are required to comply with the residency requirements and the motor vehicle registration requirements of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

Decals and applications are also available at City Hall, Room 102, 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia. The office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call 804-646-5700 if you have any questions or email us at AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

For additional details, please use the 3-1-1 mobile app or online portal at www.RVA311.com or call 3-1-1.

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on Twitter @DPW_RichmondVA

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 195 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting; graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW maintains upkeep on most city buildings; issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share program and maintains the fleet of city vehicles. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1.