New York City Department of Environmental Protection Pilot
- Analyzed 20,000 ft of CCTV footage
- Provided 162 repair suggestions
- 68% faster than current methods
The Environmental Tech Lab (ETL), a collaboration between the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Partnership Fund for New York City, was launched in May 2023 to address challenges in managing the city’s expansive water and wastewater network.
With a focus on innovation, the ETL seeks to source and implement cutting-edge solutions to enhance operational efficiency and data utilization within DEP.
Project Snapshot
VAPAR.Solutions analyzed 20,000 ft of CCTV sewer pipe footage and provided 162 automated repair suggestions to help DEP prioritize repair schedules.
The platform was able to make repair recommendations 68% faster than current methods.
After receiving nearly 100 applications from around the world, the ETL selected eight growth-stage startups to participate in a proof of concept. ETL worked closely with DEP to test and implement solutions aimed at improving critical infrastructure and ensuring the continued delivery of safe drinking water to New Yorkers.
About the Network
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) oversees one of the most extensive and complex sewer networks in the world, serving over 8 million residents and countless visitors.
With over 6,000 miles of sewer mains, the NYC DEP ensures the efficient and sustainable management of wastewater across the city’s five boroughs.
NYC Department of Environmental Protection Pilot
In this pilot study, approximately 20,000 feet of CCTV inspection footage was efficiently processed using VAPAR.Solutions. The platform facilitated the review of defects and automated repair suggestions, aiding in the confirmation of final further works decisions for each pipe asset.
Additionally, what-if scenarios and cost estimations were conducted to support investment decision-making. The detailed dashboarding provided insights into the root causes of pipe network failures, enhancing overall understanding and management of the infrastructure.
You can learn more about the results of the Environmental Tech Lab here.
How Vapar is used in other councils
Trusted by councils & engineering teams around the world
“VAPAR has helped us understand the complexity of using AI for CCTV review, and we are now better positioned to start implementing this technology to improve data quality and asset management processes.”
“As this is a true digital solution we were able to complete the first trial despite the current pandemic through true global collaboration. We have had some extremely promising results from the initial work and look forward with the potential expand the trials.”
“VAPAR provides accurate and effective condition rating to council’s stormwater CCTV video, allowing for significant cost and time savings.”
“We’ve discovered so many improvements and efficiencies using VAPAR as opposed to keeping the status quo. We are really setting ourselves up for success well into the future.”
"The work Trility carried out for CCTV inspection assessments / analysis would usually take months to complete. With the implementation of Vapar, the same task took just weeks.”
United Utilities is always on the lookout for ways we can provide world-class services to our customers. We are interested in partnering with companies like Vapar, who stand out because of their agility, technical skill and willingness to work collaboratively.