Committee on Public Works, Sanitation, and Environment Meeting - March 10, 2026

The New Orleans City Council Committee on Public Works, Sanitation, and Environment met on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, to discuss several key items, including updates on the Lincoln Beach project, the Department of Sanitation's budget and operations, the Morrison Road project, and a presentation from the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO). A significant portion of the meeting focused on SWBNO's recent water main breaks, system aging, and the need for a comprehensive plan.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda items 3, 4, and 6 were deferred and not taken up at this meeting.
• Agenda item 2 (adoption of minutes) was approved unanimously (4-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sage Michael Pillay thanked the Department of Sanitation for its work on illegal dumping and cleanup events. He called for a comprehensive, community-based strategy to reduce waste and create a "culture of cleanliness."
• Renata Collins suggested implementing a composting program to reduce costs and proposed using waste tires for community events with children.
• Annie Moran, a Seventh Ward resident, urged the city to expand curbside recycling by transitioning to an opt-out program instead of the current opt-in program.
• Chris Lang criticized the city for withholding federal EPA funds that could provide recycling carts to the 58% of households that do not have them but are paying for the service.
• Ben Bagwell advocated for a "real cycle" approach focused on organics and recyclables like aluminum, noting that current co-mingled recycling systems are broken.
• Lily Kane, a constituent of Councilmember Harris, emphasized the need to use available grant funds for recycling and composting, and to hold contractors accountable.
• Keighley Lewis stressed the missed opportunities for job creation and a circular economy through proper recycling and composting.
• Renata Collins (on the Morrison Road item) asked about quality assurance and timelines, noting a history of poor construction in New Orleans.
• Dreamer Goldsmith proposed using utility bill spikes as indicators of underground leaks, requested a minimum payment option for residents with high bills from leaks, and asked for better emergency alerts for flooding.

Discussion Items

Lincoln Beach Project Update

• Megan from the city provided an update. Contracts for digital engineering and CMOR consultant/contractor (Renegade) have been executed. A design kickoff occurred on December 15, 2025. The project is moving toward the 60% design milestone.
• To save costs, the project has been split into three construction packages. Parking lot construction design will be finished by August 2026, with construction anticipated by the end of 2026. Community design meetings are planned for early April (before Earth Day) and in June.

Department of Sanitation Overview

• Director Torrey presented a detailed overview. The department has 61 FTEs (5 administrative, 5 enforcement rangers, 51 field operations) and a 2026 adopted budget of $70.4 million, with $55.9 million dedicated to curbside collection contracts. The department has 12 vacancies from a 2026 allocation of 73.
• Illegal dumping remains a major issue. In the first two months of 2026, 411 illegal dumping sites were remediated (average 70 days to close); 541 requests are pending. In 2025, approximately 3,700 sites were remediated, including the removal of over 46,000 waste tires.
• The sanitation fee ($24) has not increased since 2012, leading to a $24 million structural deficit. Neighboring parishes (Jefferson, East Baton Rouge, Lafayette) charge fees that cover the cost of service, with rates ranging from $26.63 to over $35 per month.
• Councilmember Green highlighted changes since 2012, including a shift to once-a-week trash collection, new automated trucks, grapple trucks for bulk items, flatbed trucks for tires and e-waste, and improved worker protections. Only 2% of households have requested a second free trash cart, and only 42% have opted into curbside recycling.
• On the question of twice-a-week summer collection, Director Torrey noted it would cost an additional $1 million per month ($12 million annually) and is operationally very challenging for contractors.

Morrison Road Project (DPW 574)

• The $23.6 million project (80% federal, 20% bond-funded) involves pavement rehabilitation, sidewalk repairs, bridge repairs, and a new two-way protected greenway path along the eastbound side of Morrison Canal between Mayo and Reed. This lane reduction triggers a city ordinance (complete streets) requiring council notification.
• Construction began March 9, 2026, after a delay. Contractor Renegade stated the project will be completed on time. DBE participation goal is 13%, and contractors have signed subcontracts to meet that goal. The project phase 1 (concrete repairs) is underway between Wright and Bullard.
• Councilmember Green expressed skepticism from residents and stressed the need for accountability, timely completion, and quality work. Renegade representatives stated the company is willing to host a local job fair.

Sewerage and Water Board (SWBNO) Report on Water Main Breaks

• SWBNO reported on multiple recent water main breaks, including a 48-inch main at Carrollton and Panola (March 10, 2:15 a.m.) that caused a citywide precautionary boil water advisory (lifted March 10); a 30-inch main at Magnolia and Jackson (February 23); and a 48-inch main at Claiborne and Toledano (February 23).
• Over 34% of the city's transmission mains are over 100 years old. While 115 miles of water lines (7% of the system) have been replaced under the FEMA JRRR program, funding for four additional projects is not yet secured.
• Executive Director Randy stated SWBNO is working on an audit of the system, including in-pipe review and new technologies, but a timeline for the audit was not provided. He noted meetings with federal legislators to request earmarks, including $10 million for drinking water main replacement.
• SWBNO reported that bids for lead service line replacement program management were due March 6, and they are working on state legislation to allow use of SRF funds on private property.
• SWBNO reported nearly 16,000 fire hydrants; about 3% (454) have leaks or need repair, which is within industry standard.
• Councilmembers expressed frustration over the frequency of breaks (calling it a "crisis"), the lack of a comprehensive plan, delayed repairs on reported leaks, and poor communication. Councilmember Hughes noted he has not received a formal plan from SWBNO. Councilmembers also raised issues with the pay-by-phone system, which SWBNO said had only five reported incidents but has since increased server capacity.
• SWBNO clarified that no employees are furloughed. On claims for property damage from water main breaks, they stated each claim would be evaluated individually with consideration of legal immunity.

Key Outcomes

• The Department of Sanitation will continue to provide monthly updates on operations and illegal dumping.
• The Morrison Road project is under way; Councilmember Green will monitor progress and expects direct notification of any delays.
• SWBNO committed to providing a comprehensive list of water leaks, including reported leaks at Gravier and Norman C. Francis Parkway, Magazine Street, and Taladano and Coliseum, with updates by the end of the week.
• SWBNO will provide water quality test results for the Dwyer Canal area later on March 10.
• Councilmembers will work with SWBNO and state officials to advocate for increased funding for infrastructure repairs.
• The committee will continue to hold SWBNO accountable and requires a comprehensive plan to address the aging water system.