Author: Lana Piskorowski
Nestled in the heart of Washoe County, the South Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility (STMWRF) 2020 Expansion Project is underway. Collaboratively led by joint venture partners MWH Constructors and KG Walters (MWH&KGW, a Joint Venture), this venture seeks to increase plant capacity, ensuring the county’s wastewater and reclamation needs are met well into the future. This article sheds light on the project’s progress, exemplary concrete work, innovative solutions, and the team’s commitment to positively impacting the community.
A Sustainable Future Through Water Reuse
At the heart of this expansion is an unwavering focus on water reclamation, a concept gaining significance in today’s environmental landscape. The STMWRF goes beyond conventional treatment through the process of sending treated water into a reservoir, where it receives additional treatment before being distributed to the local community for farm and landscape irrigation, making it a prominent water reuse facility.
One of the standout technologies employed in this journey is the Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) process, which removes nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater before its discharge into the ecosystem. The facility’s commitment to advanced treatment processes ensures the water supplied is clean and suitable for irrigation.
Exemplary Concrete Work & Strategic Planning
MWH&KGW began the STMWRF 2020 Expansion Project with a strong focus on delivering exceptional quality. Taking on the challenge of self-performing all concrete work at the reclamation facility, the team has poured a remarkable 8500 cubic yards (about twice the volume of an Olympic-size swimming pool) to date for process structures such as bioreactors, wet well, grit structure, blower building, Vactor dump station, and more. Before pouring concrete, the team developed 15 different batch mixes that underwent rigorous testing to ensure they met the highest quality, durability, and longevity standards. The team aims to save time and resources by eliminating the need for rework, ultimately contributing to the project’s success. “I’m truly impressed with the strong relationship we have with our joint-venture partner, KG Walters. Our coordinated efforts, seamless teamwork, and capability to self-perform and manage critical path elements has bolstered our efficiency and success. This collaboration has been truly outstanding,” shared Corey Maxfield, MWH Project Executive, as he reflected on the collaboration’s strength.
Challenges have arisen during the project, particularly a high groundwater table eight feet below the site’s surface. Drawing upon the experience of our JV partner KG Walters’s decades of experience at this site, MWH&KGW was able to save Washoe County $950,000 through strategic planning and execution of the dewatering system. The goal is to ensure smooth and efficient progress, saving Washoe County valuable funds. Supply chain issues and budget constraints have posed additional challenges. “The project’s parameters have encouraged us to explore innovative, cost-effective solutions while enabling the client to achieve their project goals. In addition, we’re addressing supply chain hurdles, particularly in acquiring electrical equipment, to ensure project timelines remain on track,” said Corey Maxfield.
I’m truly impressed with the strong relationship we have with our joint-venture partner, KG Walters. Our coordinated efforts, seamless teamwork, and capability to self-perform and manage critical path elements has bolstered our efficiency and success. This collaboration has been truly outstanding.
Corey Maxfield
Project Executive, MWH
Impacting the Community: Nevada Cares Campus Partnership
Amidst their dedication to the STMWRF expansion project, MWH&KGW has shown unwavering commitment to the community. In a remarkable gesture, the team contributed 20,000 cubic yards of excavation spoils towards constructing the Nevada Cares Campus in Reno. The Nevada Cares Campus provides counseling for people experiencing drug addiction and shelter for people experiencing homelessness while providing crucial case management support to facilitate their transition into stable and independent housing.
As the project progresses, the team continues to extend its support beyond the boundaries of the STMWRF. Their involvement with the Nevada Cares Campus showcases their dedication to positively impacting the lives of their fellow residents. By addressing societal challenges and supporting those in need, the MWH&KGW team exemplifies the spirit of community engagement and social responsibility.
The South Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility 2020 Expansion Project remains a beacon of progress, driven by collaboration, innovation, and community care. As construction continues, MWH&KGW’s commitment to delivering high-quality concrete work and strategic planning sets the stage for a successful outcome. This expansion will increase the plant capacity by 48%, with an average daily flow of 6.86 million gallons of wastewater per day – ensuring that Washoe County can meet projected needs well into 2040 and beyond. MWH&KGW paves the way for a brighter and more sustainable future for Washoe County by weaving together their expertise, innovation, and community engagement.