Asset Management of Sewerage Works

Urban Development

What is Asset Management

There is no legally set definition for asset management in sewerage works. However, the Sendai City Sewerage Works defines the term as follows: “When the present status of service, potential operational risks, and required budget are evaluated and kept in an ideal balance when operating sewerage works in order to keep them functioning as intended.” The overall framework, comprised by the various tools and techniques, etc. required for asset management initiatives, is referred to as the asset management system.

Acquisition of Japan’s First ISO 55001 Certification

In FY 2013, the Water Pipeline Construction Section of Sendai City sewerage business acquired Japan’s first certification under the international standard ISO 55001 Asset Management System.
While conducting asset management activities, it was made clear that sewage pipes and facilities could be maintained in sound condition for about 1.5-2 times longer than their standard service life, and it is anticipated that through implementing life extension measures and renewals at appropriate times, lifecycle costs can be reduced. Moreover, during the Great East Japan Earthquake, through the utilization of asset management and the information system implemented alongside it, it was possible to smoothly conduct damage investigations.
Improvement of most of the sewage facilities in Sendai had been completed by FY 2008. In future, it will be necessary to promote measures against disasters such as earthquakes and flooding in addition to facility maintenance and renovation. In spite of limited resources such as budgets and personnel, we intend to run the utility steadily and efficiently and ensure the safety of the facilities by utilizing asset management to prioritize the most important projects and estimate cost over the long term.

Technical Cooperation with the City of Izmir in Turkey

Conveying Experiences and Lessons Overseas

With the cooperation of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Sendai City provided technical cooperation with the City of Izmir in Turkey and other countries, via means such as domestic training, sending staffs, which are related to disaster risk reduction and asset management. Sendai City will continue to convey the valuable experience and lessons learned from the disaster overseas.

Links

DRR Practice⑧ Applying the Build Back Better strategy to sewage facilities (Minami-Gamo Wastewater Treatment Plant

Inquiries Business Planning Section,
Construction Bureau
ken010020@city.sendai.jp