developed once the pipe condition assessment and data analysis has been undertaken and used to inform the Stormwater Management Area Plans. Asset upgrades are included in the capital programme and the costs apportioned between growth, renewal and improved level of service (see Appendix 2 – Stormwater Operational Budget Projection 2015-25. 4.5 Creation/Acquisition/Augmentation Plan All capital upgrade projects for the stormwater infrastructure follow a process from inception though to construction and commissioning:- Identification of Need – New infrastructure maybe required to meet forecasts of growth in demand, issues with level of service recognised through performance monitoring and customer feedback. Project prioritisation – Projects are prioritised through a risk management process of likelihood/consequence but is also influenced by the overall objectives of Stormwater Area Management Plan, by cost and timescale and the structural integrity of the drainage areas. Alternatives and Options – Alternative solutions including non-infrastructure solutions are considered before examining different design options Once an outline design solution has been agreed detailed design can proceed. Further options or unforeseen problems maybe encountered at this stage and the decision making process may need to be reviewed. Additional specialist consultancy and peer review continues through the process. Project Approval – Realistic design options are evaluated by the engineering hierarchy and presented to the Council Asset Services Standing Committee for approval. The outline budget costs and the sources of funding are also considered at this time and aligned with the objectives of the Long Term Plan. The decision of the A & S Committee is tabled at the full Council meeting for ratification. Detailed Design – An approved project will progress to detailed design. Specialist engineering consultants are often employed as they have greater experience in the design of major works. Draft designs are submitted to the engineer and maybe passed on for peer review. Generally all engineering works are designed to national or international specifications and standards. The standards may be amended to local conditions. The design criteria set out in the draft document ‘Procedures for Reviewing Blenheim Stormwater Capacity and Providing for New Areas’ is likely to provide the sound basis for future infrastructure projects. Tender - Once a final design has been proposed and agreed with council engineers most construction projects are sent for competitive tender. The council has a rigorous procurement policy which was recently subject to scrutiny from an independent lawyer following unsupported allegations of corruption. His findings were that Council’s procurement systems were very robust and no corruption was found. Returned tenders are evaluated on the basis of a series of pre-determined weighted attributes. The weighted attribute methodology is designed to provide the best possible overall outcome and may consider such matters as health and safety, value for money, productivity, certainty of outcome, previous experience, innovation and risk. It is usual for specific contracts to be prepared for every tender. Each one is up-dated to include the latest standards, materials and techniques. A specialist contract lawyer is employed to check and review contracts prior to tendering. Construction - The construction phase is normally managed by council project engineers supported by specialist consultant project managers and supervisors. A risk register is compiled Page 49