Fuss & O’Neill was hired by the Town to investigate and address high bacteria levels at Warren Town Beach, located adjacent to the Warren River, and west of Water Street. Town Beach, an EPA-designated flagship beach, experienced frequent closures due to elevated levels of bacteria.

After conducting a study to identify sources of water quality impacts, we identified urban runoff from the municipal drainage system and leaking sanitary sewers as the primary sources of bacteria. We then assisted the town in developing a funding package for the project design and construction.

Our team implemented a series of public participation and stakeholder input meetings with a consensus-building workshop. We used innovative facilitation techniques and a mini-charrette to locate traffic calming and water quality management practices.

The result was an innovative solution that incorporated public input into a retrofit design of Water Street that addressed the water quality impacts.