Keeping The City of Stamford Flowing
- Charlie Parks
- Jun 27
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 6
Stamford Stormwater Management Department utilizes advanced equipment to perform stormwater and sewer maintenance throughout the city
Stamford, Conn., located just 30 minutes north of New York City, is a bustling urban center with a population of approximately 140,000 residents spread across 54 square miles. Stamford’s geography poses unique challenges, with a mix of urban areas and natural waterways, including Long Island Sound. To keep the city’s infrastructure functioning smoothly, the Stamford Stormwater Management Department has implemented a rigorous stormwater maintenance program.
Tyler Theder, Regulatory Compliance and Administrative Officer for the Stamford Stormwater Management Department, underscored the critical nature of the department’s work.
“Our goal is to ensure that the water discharged from over a thousand outfall pipes all across the city is as clean as possible,” Theder explained. “Without our maintenance efforts, the city could face significant flooding issues, especially during heavy rains.”
The department’s focus on routine and emergency maintenance ensures that Stamford’s extensive stormwater system remains in top condition, protecting both the city’s residents and its environment.
Essential Equipment
To tackle the complex challenges of stormwater management, the city of Stamford relies on a fleet of advanced equipment, including four Vactor 2100i combination sewer cleaners, an IBAK RapidView camera system, and three Elgin Pelican broom sweepers. These machines play vital roles in maintaining the city’s stormwater infrastructure.
The Vactor 2100i’s 12-yard debris body and 1,500-gallon water tank make it an essential tool for keeping Stamford’s storm drains clear and functioning efficiently.
“This truck is by far the best machine for this job,” declared operator Joey Hoyt. “With its powerful suction and hydro excavation capabilities, we can clear out debris and repair lines without causing extensive damage to the surrounding area.”
The IBAK RapidView camera system is another critical piece of equipment because it allows the team to inspect pipelines and identify issues before they become major problems.
“We’ve had the IBAK system for nearly 10 years, and it’s been a reliable tool for us,” Hoyt said. “It allows us to see exactly what’s going on inside the pipes, saving us time and resources in the long run.”
The Elgin Pelican broom sweepers round out the fleet, ensuring that debris is removed from the streets before it can clog storm drains.
“These machines are user-friendly and reliable, making them an invaluable part of our operation,” stated Fleet Manager Bill Klous.
Stamford’s investment in these machines is not just about efficiency but also about safety and environmental protection. The Vactor 2100i’s ability to handle both heavy-duty cleaning and delicate hydro excavation means that the team can work around underground utilities without risking damage, which is crucial in a city with such dense infrastructure.
“The precision we get from the Vactor’s controls, especially with the wireless remote, allows us to operate safely and effectively, even in the most challenging environments,” noted operator Liam Kenny.
Moreover, the combination of the Elgin Pelican sweepers, the IBAK RapidView camera system, and the Vactor 2100i’s jetting capabilities ensures that Stamford’s stormwater pipes are not only cleaned but also thoroughly inspected. This triple-headed approach allows the team to address potential issues before they escalate, leading to fewer emergency repairs and a more reliable stormwater system overall.
“By using these tools together, we can be proactive rather than reactive, which is a huge benefit for the city,” said Kenny. “It’s all about making sure the water flows smoothly and that we’re not caught off guard by unexpected problems.”
Strong Partnership with C.N. Wood
The success of Stamford’s stormwater management efforts is bolstered by a strong partnership with C.N. Wood. This relationship has been instrumental in keeping Stamford’s fleet operational and ready to tackle any challenge.
“C.N. Wood has been a reliable partner for us,” commented Theder. “C.N. Wood has been great in terms of supporting the product, training our staff to safely operate the equipment, maintenance, and helping us stay on the road. They’re always there when we need them, ensuring that our machines are up and running when it matters most.”
Klous echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of C.N. Wood’s service.
“When we have an issue, they’re quick to respond,” Klous said. “Their service team is knowledgeable and efficient, ensuring that our equipment has minimal downtime. This level of support is crucial to our operations, especially when dealing with critical infrastructure like stormwater management. You need reliable equipment, and you need the support that goes with that equipment, and that’s what C.N. Wood delivers.”
The relationship between Stamford and C.N. Wood extends beyond simple transactions, evolving into a true partnership.
“It’s more than just a business relationship,” Klous concluded. “C.N. Wood is a partner we can rely on, and that trust is invaluable in our line of work.”
Looking to the Future
As Stamford continues to grow and evolve, so too will its stormwater management needs. The department is committed to maintaining its high standards of service while adapting to new challenges and technologies. This includes exploring the potential for expanding its fleet and incorporating even more advanced equipment to keep up with the city’s demands, so its strong relationship with C.N. Wood will continue to be essential to the department’s success.
“As we move forward, I’m thankful to have a trusted partner like C.N. Wood,” Theder said. “Their support ensures that we can keep Stamford’s stormwater system functioning at its best, even as we face new and emerging challenges.”
The department is also focused on training and equipping the next generation of operators, ensuring that Stamford’s stormwater management team is prepared for the future.
“It takes years for our workers to fully master the equipment and the seasonal demands of this job, but with the right training and support, we’re confident that our team will continue to meet the city’s needs for years to come,” Theder stated.
Stamford’s commitment to innovation, maintenance and strong partnerships positions the city to effectively manage its stormwater infrastructure, ensuring that its residents and environment are protected now and in the future.
Check out our Stamford Stormwater Management 3-part video series
Video 1:
Tyler Theder, Regulatory Compliance and Administrative Officer for the Stamford Stormwater Management Department, explains how the city ensures that stormwater is as clean as possible as it flows through its extensive system of over a thousand outfall pipes. Tyler also discusses the importance of CleanCatch basins, which are designed to capture debris and pollutants before they reach the stormwater system. These efforts are essential in preventing flooding and protecting the environment, especially during heavy rain events.
🎥 Watch the full Customer Salute episode here: ▶️
Video 2:
Liam Kenny, an operator with the Stamford Stormwater Management Department, gives a rockstar review of the Vactor 2100i combination sewer cleaner. Liam details how this powerful machine helps the department efficiently maintain stormwater infrastructure, ensuring that storm drains stay clear and operational. With its 12-yard debris body and 1,500-gallon water tank, the Vactor 2100i is a vital tool for cleaning stormwater pipes and performing hydro excavation without causing damage to surrounding infrastructure.
🎥 Watch the full Customer Salute episode here: ▶️
Video 3:
Joey Hoyt, an operator with the department, gives an in-depth review of the IBAK RapidView camera system. Joey explains how this high-tech inspection tool allows the team to inspect stormwater pipelines, identify potential issues, and take proactive measures before problems escalate. With nearly 10 years of service in the department, the IBAK system has proven invaluable in saving time, reducing costs, and preventing major infrastructure failures.
🎥 Watch the full Customer Salute episode here: ▶️
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