Veolia North America Partners with City of Sapulpa to Elevate Wastewater Treatment and Environmental Security
Veolia North America, a leading provider of environmental services in the United States, has announced a significant partnership with the city of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, to operate and maintain the community’s wastewater treatment infrastructure. This agreement marks a key milestone for both parties as they collaborate to improve water quality management, ensure environmental compliance, and support the city’s growth and sustainability goals.
A Strategic Partnership for Sapulpa’s Environmental Future
Sapulpa, a vibrant city of approximately 23,000 residents, is located just 15 miles southwest of downtown Tulsa. Known for its rich history and steady population growth, Sapulpa faces increasing demands on its infrastructure, particularly its water treatment systems. Recognizing the need for specialized expertise and modern management, the Sapulpa City Council voted unanimously on April 21 to enter a five-year contract with Veolia North America. This agreement grants Veolia responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the city’s wastewater treatment plant, along with its 21 pump stations distributed throughout the community.
The contract officially commenced on May 1, with options for renewal up to three additional five-year terms, subject to mutual agreement. This flexibility allows both Veolia and the city to build a long-term relationship focused on continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving environmental standards and community needs.
Veolia’s Commitment and Capabilities
Rory Munns, President of Municipal Water Operations for Veolia’s Central Region, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Working with the city of Sapulpa to reach this agreement has been a meaningful experience, and we are very excited to partner with Sapulpa to create the wastewater treatment performance that its residents and businesses deserve.” Munns emphasized Veolia’s combination of global expertise and local dedication, which positions the company as a strong ally for Sapulpa in managing its water resources.
Veolia North America brings decades of experience operating in Oklahoma and across the Central United States, offering proven solutions tailored to the region’s unique challenges. These challenges include frequent drought conditions and unpredictable weather patterns, which can impact water availability and wastewater treatment effectiveness. By leveraging advanced technologies, rigorous operational standards, and a commitment to sustainability, Veolia aims to enhance the city’s environmental security and protect this vital resource for future generations.
The Importance of Wastewater Treatment to Sapulpa
Effective wastewater treatment is essential to public health, environmental protection, and economic development. Sapulpa’s wastewater treatment plant currently processes an average of 3.5 million gallons of wastewater daily, with the capacity to handle twice that volume during peak demand. This facility ensures that the water returning to the environment meets strict regulatory standards, safeguarding local ecosystems and the quality of water available downstream.
As Sapulpa grows, the demands on its wastewater infrastructure will only intensify. Population increases, expanding industrial activity, and heightened environmental regulations require a reliable and adaptive wastewater management system. The new partnership with Veolia will provide the technical expertise and operational excellence necessary to meet these demands head-on.
Mayor Craig Henderson Welcomes the Partnership
Craig Henderson, Mayor of Sapulpa, voiced strong support for the collaboration, highlighting its timely importance: “I’m excited to welcome Veolia to the City of Sapulpa. We are at a point where we need the hands-on technical assistance and direction this nationally recognized company offers.” Henderson underscored the critical role of water infrastructure in the city’s ongoing growth and development, adding, “As our city continues to grow, the demands on all our water facilities will continue to be of utmost importance, and this is just another step we need to make to ensure compliance and to make our systems efficient and top quality.”
The city’s decision to partner with Veolia reflects a strategic approach to infrastructure management—one that prioritizes expertise, innovation, and long-term sustainability. This move aims to secure safe, effective wastewater treatment while preparing Sapulpa to meet future environmental challenges.
Capital Improvements and Long-Term Planning
Beyond day-to-day operations, Veolia’s role will extend to advising the city on capital needs related to maintaining and upgrading the wastewater treatment plant. This includes assessing infrastructure conditions, recommending investments in technology and equipment, and helping prioritize projects that improve operational efficiency and environmental compliance.
By collaborating closely with city officials and stakeholders, Veolia will help Sapulpa develop a comprehensive capital improvement plan. This plan will ensure that the wastewater treatment facility remains capable of meeting future capacity needs and regulatory requirements, protecting water quality and public health over the long term.
Veolia’s GreenUp Strategy and Environmental Leadership
This partnership aligns with Veolia’s global “GreenUp” strategy, which seeks to accelerate the ecological transformation of industries and communities worldwide. Through GreenUp, Veolia focuses on improving water quality, advancing hazardous waste treatment and disposal, driving decarbonization efforts, and deploying cutting-edge technological innovations.
By implementing sustainable practices and leveraging innovative treatment methods, Veolia aims to reduce the environmental footprint of wastewater operations while enhancing their effectiveness. This is particularly important in regions like Central Oklahoma, where water resources are precious and often strained.
Veolia’s commitment to sustainability includes energy-efficient technologies, optimizing resource recovery from wastewater, and supporting circular economy principles that turn waste into valuable products. The company’s approach ensures that wastewater treatment goes beyond regulatory compliance to contribute positively to the environment and community well-being.
A Model for Community Partnership
The Veolia-Sapulpa agreement represents a model of successful collaboration between a local government and a leading environmental services provider. By combining municipal oversight with private sector expertise, the partnership aims to deliver high-quality wastewater services that protect public health, support economic growth, and enhance environmental stewardship.
As the city of Sapulpa navigates its growth trajectory, the dependable operation and continual improvement of its wastewater infrastructure will be a cornerstone of community resilience. This partnership will not only address today’s operational challenges but also prepare Sapulpa for future demands, regulatory changes, and environmental uncertainties.
