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Reclamation District 2035 Project
Miramar Water Treatment Plant Upgrade and Expansion Project
Terminal Island Wastewater Treatment Plant
Pure Water Monterey project
Orange County Water District Project
Hi-Desert Water District Wastewater Reclamation Project
San Jacinto Valley Regional WRF Expansion
Confidential Client – Small Projects General Contractors Program
Birmingham Bio Power Ltd. (BBPL)
Minworth Sewage Treatment Works
Ballville Dam Removal Project
Trinity River Authority Central Regional Wastewater System Project
Southeast Treatment Plant Biosolids Digester Facilities Project
Space Innovation and Development Center Headquarters
City of Cambridge, MA, Department of Public Works Program
Piedmont Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant
Ince Resource Recovery Center
Metro Wastewater Reclamation District
Spokane Riverside Park Water Reclamation Facility
Tallahassee Thomas P. Smith Water Reclamation Facility
Santa Ana Wastewater Treatment Plant MBR Expansion
Avon Lake Regional Water Pollution Control Center
North Davis Biosolids Process Expansion
LL Anderson Dam Spillway Modification
Denver Water Hillcrest Reservoir Basin and Pump Station
Fremont Water Pollution Control Center
The Dannon Company Wastewater Pretreatment System
Lick Run Greenway
Clay Mills Sewage Treatment Works
Sellwood Bridge Project
Cape Coral Facilities/Utilities Expansion Program
Clark County Dual Media Filters Upgrade and Expansion
Austin Water Treatment Plant No. 4

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Reclamation District 2035 Project

water

MWH was a subcontractor to Stantec on this project, Reclamation District 2035 (RD2035), providing construction management services for a new $49M intake facility located on the Sacramento River near Woodland, CA. The new facility provides water to irrigate over 15,000 acres of crops and serves the residents of the cities of Davis and Woodland, as well as the campus of the University of California, Davis. The intake features a complex fish screen system specially designed to protect the endangered Chinook Salmon, Steelhead Trout, and North American Green Sturgeon that migrate past the site. The new facility replaces RD 2035’s existing intake, which had been in operation since 1920, and was the largest unscreened intake on the Sacramento River.

The new facility can move 400 cubic feet per second (cfs) of river water, operating under two sets of hydraulic conditions.  The water for RD 2035 irrigation is pumped a short distance to an open irrigation canal system, while water to Woodland and Davis is pumped into a new pipeline and travels approximately 4 miles to a regional water treatment plant.

  • Improves water supply reliability for agriculture, municipal and industrial uses
  • Recognized for it’s potential to promote restoration of historical ecological conditions, along with the responsible management of water resources

Project Impact

As part of the demolition of the existing intake facility, the scope of work including the temporary relocation of County Road 117, and the excavation and removal of a 6-ft-by-6-ft concrete conduit through the Sacramento River levee. Concerned about the cost of the work and excavating through a 100-yr-old levee, MWH and the Owner worked with the US Corps of Engineers and the Central Valley Flood Protection Board (CVFPB) to allow the existing concrete conduit to be left in place. After a six-month submittal and review process, the CVFPB amended the in-levee construction permit to allow the concrete conduit to remain in place through an interior cellular grouting and exterior permeation grouting program.

Miramar Water Treatment Plant Upgrade and Expansion Project

water

MWH was selected by the City of San Diego to provide third-party construction management, monitoring, administration and inspection services for the Miramar Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Upgrade and Expansion. The $180M project consisted of six elements: two early start improvement phases followed by four construction contracts. Phase I of the early start improvements consisted of initial project components of the WTP perimeter to accommodate the upgrade and expansion. This included a 70-ft-deep, 1,600-ft-long, 84-in-diameter pipeline tunnel that crossed beneath San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) aqueducts, 54-, 48-, and 36-in pipelines, a valve vault structure and initial improvements to the existing Miramar Lake raw water pump station.

Phase II of the early start improvements included an 84-in treated water pipeline, a 90-in raw water pipeline, new connections to the SDCWA aqueducts, further improvements to the raw water pump station and improvements to the Miramar Lake recreation area. The final phases expanded the existing WTP capacity from 140 to 215-mgd, and included a deaeration basin, rapid mix facility, ozone system, 12 new filters, two new flocculation and sedimentation basins, new chemical feed system and a new administration building. The facility also included a tunnel under an existing flocculation sedimentation basin for a 72-in treated water pipeline.

  • American Public Works Association, San Diego Chapter, Project of the Year, 2008
  • Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc. Excellence in Construction Award, 2008
  • California Construction Best of 2008 Award
  • American Concrete Institute Marine/Water Resources Award
  • ASCE Best Projects of 2005
  • City of San Diego Construction Management Team of the Year, 2005

Project Impact

  • One million-man hours and over nine years of construction successfully completed with only one single lost time accident

Terminal Island Wastewater Treatment Plant

wastewater

The Advanced Water Purification Facilities (AWPF) Ultimate Expansion project will increase the advanced water purification treatment capacity from 6-to 1-mgd product water. The $60M project includes additional MF, RO, and AOP systems and a balance of upgrades to existing pumping stations and systems, chemical addition system, auxiliary systems, and utilities. The advanced oxidation process (AOP) System using ultraviolet irradiation/sodium hypochlorite (UV/NaOCl) will replace the existing Phase 1 disinfection system. To operate AWPF at a constant flow and maximize production, the project also includes a 2-MG tertiary effluent equalization tank upstream of the AWPF.

  • Doubles capacity of plant flow, producing 12 million gallons per day of advanced purified recycled water.
  • Recycled water from Terminal Island AWPF is currently used at the Dominguez Gap Barrier for seawater intrusion barrier injection, protecting the quality of the West Coast Groundwater Basin.

Project Impact

The Phase 1 AWPF, completed in 2002, has been operated successfully with a production of 5 mgd of potable quality product water. The existing AWPF includes Microfiltration (MF), Reverse Osmosis (RO), Disinfection (chlorination) and post-treatment with lime addition. The MF system was expanded by two CMF skids in 2012 to secure MF pretreatment and Phase 1 AWPF design capacity of 6 mgd. Post-treatment treatment is being replaced with NaOH and CaCl2 for pH control and limited re-mineralization, respectfully.

Pure Water Monterey project

water

The $48M Monterey One Water (M1W), Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF) and Product Water Pump Station Project will provide a clean, safe and sustainable source of water for Monterey County. It emphasizes advanced water recycling  technology, replenishment of the groundwater supply and protection of the environment. Pure Water Monterey provides both purified potable water for domestic use, as well as a supply for irrigating one of the state’s most fertile agricultural areas in the Salinas Valley. The project will be the first of its kind to utilize not just wastewater, but stormwater, food  industry processing water, and impaired surface waters of the State. It is an environmentally sustainable solution for our area’s water supply problem.

  • Pure source of water
  • Drought Proof
  • Regional Water Supply Solution
  • Helps prevent Seawater Intrusion
  • Cost effective local control
  • Protects Monterey Bay Sanctuary
  • Low Carbon Footprint
  • Provides Sustainable Supply

Project Impact

  • Create a reliable source of water supply to replace existing water supply sources for the Monterey Peninsula in northern Monterey County.

Orange County Water District Project

water

Orange County Water District (OCWD) selected MWH to provide overall construction management and project administration services for GWRS.  The $492M project was jointly funded by OCWD and the Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD).  This system supports Orange County in achieving greater water independence by purifying highly treated effluent water from the neighboring OCSD treatment facility and using the water as a groundwater replenishment source and a seawater intrusion barrier. The project included the AWPF, which is one of the world’s most advanced water purification systems, using micro-filtration, reverse osmosis (RO), and ultraviolet disinfection (UV). The GWRS was built in three phases.

  • Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF): 70-mgd advanced water treatment plant with pumping stations.
  • Pipeline Units 1-3: 15-miles of 66- to 72-inch diameter welded steel pipeline through 17 micro-tunnels connecting the treatment facilities to existing recharge basins.
  • Seawater Intrusion Barrier Facilities: 1-mile of 30-inch diameter pipeline with 15 recharge wells.
  • Southeast Barrier Pipeline: 9-miles of 12- to 16-inch diameter pipeline with 15 recharge wells.
  • Interim Microfiltration/Site Power Distribution: an 8-mgd Pilot Plant effectiveness of the treatment process.

Project Impact

  • Provides a reliable supply of high-purity, near distilled water, even during drought.
  • Offers more cost-effective and energy-efficient strategies than importing water from distant sources.
  • Creates a hydraulic barrier that prevents seawater intrusion into drinking water wells.
  • Recharges groundwater supplies and minimizes overdraft.
  • Improves water quality in the basin.
  • Reduces the volume of treated wastewater discharged into the ocean and puts it to beneficial use.
  • Reduces the region’s need for imported water.

Hi-Desert Water District Wastewater Reclamation Project

wastewater

The $93M Hi-Desert Water District (HDWD), Wastewater Reclamation Project, Phase I Collection System project is comprised of a wastewater treatment and reclamation facility, a collection system, and private property connections that will help property owners comply with the State’s mandated septic discharge prohibition dates. It will take approximately 4 years to complete Phase 1 of the Sewer Project, with Phase 2 and 3 to follow in subsequent years. Providing full service construction management services and SRF funding Assistance for 4 bid packages with multiple headings in Phase I identified as Bid Package “A”, “B”, ”C” and “D”. Collection System –Over 75 miles of pipe that makes up the collection system, is currently being installed within the streets of Phase 1. Existing streets where pipelines are installed will be removed and replaced with new roads.

  • 24 miles of sewer pipeline, including gravity and pressurized force main systems
  • Three pump stations
  • Additional 25 miles of sewer pipeline

Project Impact

  • On May 13, 2015, property owners approved the formation of Assessment District 2014-1 to secure a loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The loan allowed property owners to finance their shared cost of the $150M project over 30 years on their property taxes.

San Jacinto Valley Regional WRF Expansion

water

The San Jacinto Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility (SJV RWRF) Expansion – Title 22 Tertiary Treatment Upgrade and Plant 2 Facilities Project is located at the existing RWRF site. The project is the latest upgrade and expansion project at the fully-operational SJV RWRF. The goal of the Project is to upgrade the existing tertiary treatment facilities to meet Title 22 standards and expand the existing Plant capacity from 11-MGD to 15.4-MGD (maximum 30-day average flow). The existing facility remained fully operational during construction of the entire project without a single unplanned outage. The SJV RWRF expansion project is divided into two design packages that are combined into one project; Title 22 Tertiary Treatment Upgrades and Plant 2 Expansion with Plant 1 Modifications.

  • New Flocculation basins
  • New Tertiary Chemical Building
  • Expansion of Chlorine Contact Basins
  • New Tertiary Effluent Utility Water pump station
  • Headworks and demolition of the old headworks
  • Primary Clarifier No. 6 and 7 and splitter boxes
  • Plant 2 Primary Sludge pump station
  • Plant 2 primary scum pump station
  • Ferric Chloride Chemical facility
  • Bio-filters odor control facility
  • Aeration basin No. 6

Project Impact

  • The Project upgrade on the existing tertiary treatment facilities was completed to meet Title 22 standards and expand the existing Plant capacity from 11-MGD to 15.4-MGD (maximum 30-day average flow).

Confidential Client – Small Projects General Contractors Program

construction

MWH is the on-call design build contractor for a confidential semiconductor client completing over 2,000 projects including non-manufacturing maintenance, inside fabrication (clean room, sub-FAB and CUB) as well as general office refurbishment, laboratory and data center refurbishment, renovations and updates.

MWH has pre-qualified more than 300 new vendors and suppliers, and processes over 700 payment transactions per month. MWH has developed and deployed business intelligence tools to monitor and manage specific performance KPIs associated with this program.

Construction project locations include multiple sites within Oregon, California, Arizona, Texas, Virginia, Massachusetts, Washington, British Columbia and Ontario, Canada.

Project Impact

  • This client benefits from our streamlined, single-source program approach to capital construction.

Birmingham Bio Power Ltd. (BBPL)

energy

The Birmingham Bio-Power plant in Tyseley, just outside Birmingham, provides 9MWe (net) of renewable electricity to the national grid. This power will be eligible for Renewable Obligations Certificates under the UK government’s renewables incentive scheme.

The project was developed by Carbonarius Ltd, a successful private developer of local power production facilities. Birmingham Bio-Power was a special purpose vehicle set up by Carbonarius, for the Tyseley project with other equity investors and debt providers, including the UK Governments Green Investment Bank.

Power is raised using an advanced gasification technology provided by Nexterra Systems Corp. of Canada to gasify waste wood, raise steam and drive an efficient steam turbine unit. All emissions from the gasification process are treated and continually monitored to meet exacting EU requirements.

MWH Treatment’s (MWHT) role was the design development of the scheme and the formulation of an Engineer, Procure, Construct (EPC) commercial package for the project to meet both the project financial model and funders’ requirements. MWHT delivered the project to commence generation to the grid by February 2016, thereafter taking on an operation and maintenance role for the facility.

The core gasification technology has excellent credentials and a track record having been provided on similar applications in some very sensitive locations. The steam raised by the gasification process drives a Siemens steam turbine, a robust and trustworthy approach to raising electrical power. Emissions from the facility are treated with chemicals and filtered in a baghouse to meet strict WID emission requirements.

The site and its location presented MWHT with some design challenges, working within an existing planning envelope, satisfying the requirements of local stakeholders including the Canal & River Trust, and meeting tight noise and lighting criteria in what is a mixed industrial and residential area. 

  • Qualified as a UK Advanced Conversion Technology (ACT).
  • Project received the highest level of Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs).

Project Impact

  • Generates enough renewable energy to power 17,000 homes.
  • Project created some 100 construction jobs and supported local SMEs during construction, and currently provides 19 full-time jobs.
  • Meets stringent WID emission standards.

Minworth Sewage Treatment Works

wastewater

MWH Treatment (MWHT) were selected to design and build the Minworth Thermal Hydrolysis Plant (THP), Severn Trent Water’s largest sewage treatment works, serving a population of 1.75 million. The owner’s first THP, the plant utilized digital engineering and off-site construction techniques to increase the amount of renewable energy generated, saving 50,000 work hours on the project. Approximately 70% of the equipment was manufactured and assembled off-site (DfMA) to improve project efficiency and quality and shorten the program. Laser-scanning of assets, 3D models and fly-throughs, and 4D scheduling enhanced the quality and efficiency of the design and construction process from concept through commissioning.

The £125m upgrade scheme was successfully delivered by the MWHT North Midland Alliance from a site-based co-located office with Severn Trent, Pick Everard and a key supplier. In addition, the work included several capital maintenance schemes across the whole of the site including an extensive program of replacement, refurbishment and improvements to existing assets identified by operation and maintenance risk assessments. A key strategic intention of the project has been to increase the gas production performance of the 16 digesters and enhance the output of the existing site renewable power generating station has exceeded expectations.

As part of its submission to regulatory authorities in the UK, the Owner made a commitment to cut its total carbon footprint by 10% and convert 25% of all their biosolids to an enhanced status product. The Minworth THP helps accomplish this goal, delivering a third of Severn Trent’s 10% reduction target.

  • The plant utilized digital engineering and off-site construction techniques to increase the amount of renewable energy generated, saving 50,000 work hours on the project.

Project Impact

  • Our work reduced our client’s carbon footprint as part of their commitment to UK regulatory authorities.
  • The treatment works serve a population of 1.75 million.

Ballville Dam Removal Project

water

MWH started in July 2018 as the General Contractor on the removal of the Ballville Dam, which for the last 105 years, has occupied a stretch of the Sandusky River in rural Ohio, about an hour south of Toledo.

Crews chipped away at the 400-foot-wide and 34-foot-tall dam using track hoes with mounted jackhammers. The structure was successfully demolished at the end of August 2018.

MWH is now in the second phase of the project, managing the restoration of the riverbank which includes permanent seeding and tree and wetland planting on 21 acres upstream and at the dam site. That work is scheduled to be completed by the end of December 2018.

Project Impact

  • The restored riverfront will provide recreational activities as well as economic development opportunities which will benefit the city and surrounding communities.

 

Trinity River Authority Central Regional Wastewater System Project

wastewater

MWH was awarded a $196 million contract by the Trinity River Authority of Texas (TRA) to provide construction and start-up/commissioning support for the Phase III-B Solids Management Improvement Project for the Central Regional Wastewater System (CRWS), located in west Dallas. Upgrades to this facility will allow for the replacement of the lime stabilization process, provide a significant reduction in the overall volume of biosolids produced, and enhanced diversification of end uses for the biosolids.

TRA’s CRWS plant began operations in 1959 as the first regional wastewater facility of its kind, serving the Texas cities of Irving, Grand Prairie and Farmers Branch, plus a portion of western Dallas. The system is now one of the largest in Texas and has expanded to serve approximately 1.2 million people. CRWS is capable of providing treatment for 162 million gallons per day (mgd); the treatment process removes 99 percent of conventional pollutants from raw wastewater and can handle daily maximum flows of 335 mgd and a two-hour peak flow maximum of 405 mgd.

Project Completion is expected by September 2021.

  • Only the 3rd wastewater project in the U.S. to install the Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THP).
  • CRWS includes a treatment plant and more than 200 miles of collection system pipeline.

Project Impact

  • The project aims to produce clean, clear effluent that goes to the Trinity River through enhanced biosolids handling and processing, pre-dewatering and thickening, anaerobic digestion, thermal hydrolysis and leading-edge technology.
  • Utilization of the THP process will enable CRWS to produce higher quality biosolids, capture and treat odors more effectively, and maximize biogas utilization and energy recovery to produce heat, steam and energy.

Southeast Treatment Plant Biosolids Digester Facilities Project

wastewater

As the Lead Partner in a joint venture with Webcor Builders, MWH was awarded a $939M contract by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) to serve as construction manager/general contractor for the seven-year Southeast Water Pollution Control Plant Biosolids Digester Facilities Project.

SFPUC is the third largest municipal utility in California and the Southeast Water Pollution Control Plant (SEP) is the SFPUC’s largest wastewater treatment facility, treating 80 percent of San Francisco’s sewage and storm water flows. The SEP Biosolids Digester Facilities Project (BDFP) is part of the SFPUC’s Sewer System Improvement Program, a 20-year, multi-billion-dollar citywide investment to upgrade aging sewer systems.

The BDFP aims to replace existing digester facilities with new, expanded, reliable, modernized and relocated facilities, as well as improve energy recovery and maximize control of odors.

Construction is expected to begin Winter 2019.

  • MWH brings its global experience with the Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THP) to this project, which will enable the new facilities to produce higher quality biosolids, capture and treat odors more effectively, and maximize biogas utilization and energy recovery to produce heat, steam and energy.
  • The project will be constructed in two parts to allow for continued use of the facilities. Part one includes the demolition and site preparation of the eastern portion of the SEP and existing asphalt plant, and construction of the new facilities on the site.
  • Part two involves the demolition of the Central Shops and western portion of the SEP, with final completion of the new Biosolids Digester Facility following.

Project Impact

  • Will ensure a reliable, sustainable and seismically safe sewer system to accommodate the needs of a growing population.

Space Innovation and Development Center Headquarters

construction

The Space Innovation and Development Center Headquarters (SIDC) is a 52,850-sf, one-story communications facility that includes a Secured Compartment Information Facility (SCIF) of approximately 10,000 sf. The facility consolidates multiple group operations on Schriever Air Force Base (AFB) and Peterson AFB into a single facility comprising the SIDC of the US Air Force Space Command (AFSPC).

SCIFs are required to be unobservable and impenetrable from the outside, which entailed extraordinary security safeguards and innovative design and construction techniques. As a LEED-certified building, the project recycled more than 10 tons of construction waste that was diverted from the landfill equating to just under $800,000 of recycled materials.

High-risk activities included installing 25’ pre-cast concrete wall panels, placement of a 62,000-sf slab on grade concrete, placement of 40,146 sy of 8-in-thick concrete marshalling area, and placement of 50,000 yards of rapid drain base course.

 

  • A $19 million design-build project for USACE, Omaha District.
  • Saved an estimated eight weeks on the overall schedule using creative phasing of the DB packages.
  • Used locally manufactured products for nearly 20% of the total cost of materials.
  • Zero OSHA recordable cases and 170,000 work hours completed without a lost-time incident.
  • Recipient of the McGraw Hill, Mountain States, Gold Hard Hat Award, Best of 2010 Competition.
  • Recipient of the USAF Honor Award, facility design category, 2010.

Project Impact

  • We managed 30 subcontractors and exceeded small, disadvantaged and minority business subcontracting goals of 73.4%, achieving a high percentage of minority and disadvantaged firm participation.

City of Cambridge, MA, Department of Public Works Program

wastewater

The City of Cambridge Department of Public Works program includes more than $90 million worth of area-wide reconstruction and separation of combined sewers, replacement of water mains, substantial gas main relocation, nearly 200 sites of private property work for inflow removal, and system wide verification of illicit removal from the storm drain infrastructure. MWH is leading three of the four active construction projects within the program. Our teams work side by side with the design staff to resolve construction issues at a pace that keeps up with the demands of each contractor’s schedule.

  • The work also includes full reconstruction of an entire urban neighborhood – roadway reconstruction, ADA sidewalks, porous asphalt systems, other green infrastructure and surface improvements.
  • 84% reduction in sewer overflow.
  • This program includes the Alewife Reservation Stormwater Wetland project which won 4 National Engineering Awards including:
    • American Public Works Association (APWA) 2014 Project of the Year in the Environment $25 million – $75 million category.
    • Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) 2014 Best in Water/Environment: New England.

Project Impact

  • Resulted in a reduction of the combined sewer overflows to the Alewife Brook by 85%, improving the water quality of the Alewife Brook, the Mystic River and the Boston Harbor.
  • Created new wetlands habitats in this brand new ecological man-made filtering system.
  • The project included significant biodiversity benefits to the area, bringing back some of the original wildlife. More than 100,000 wetland native plants were planted to stabilize the newly landscaped terrain, and more trees and plants were placed along the bike path and entry way.

Piedmont Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant

wastewater

MWH built a new $42.4 million wastewater treatment plant to help the Saluda River meet new water quality standards. The new plant consolidated four 50+ year old treatment facilities – Pelzer, West Pelzer, Piedmont, and Grove Creek—which had outfalls on the Saluda River and were taken out of commission upon the launch of the new regional facility.

Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) chose to utilize membrane bioreactor technology, allowing the treatment process to remove a higher level of nutrients, specifically phosphorus and nitrogen. The Piedmont Regional WWTP is the largest of its kind to use this type of technology in the state of South Carolina.

  • $5 million savings to client.
  • 560 days/31,682 hours without a lost time incident.
  • Awards:
    • 2013 Best Project Award of Merit in water and environment by ENR Southeast
    • 2013 CMAA South Atlantic Chapter Project Achievement Award
  • MWH volunteered through the completion of the project at the Pendleton Place Children’s Shelter in Greenville, SC.

Project Impact

  • Improved water quality standards for the community.
  • Promoted a cleaner environment and protected the public health/water quality.
  • Provided and developed the necessary sewer infrastructure for the growing economy.
  • Established 100 percent of the prime contracts with local contractors, supporting the local economy, with many new jobs and a significant amount of associated revenue.

Ince Resource Recovery Center

energy

The MWH Treatment and Black & Veatch joint venture, MBV Energy Recovery, are constructing a $122 million waste-to-energy project in Cheshire, UK. Power on this facility is generated through an advanced gasification technology provided by Outotec Energy Products. It will be one of the final Advance Thermal Conversion Plants to be accredited under the U.K. government’s Renewable Obligation Certificate scheme. Following completion, MWH Treatment will provided operations and maintenance services under a separate contract.

  • A number of suppliers and subcontractors have been used from the local Cheshire/Merseyside population.
  • MBV Energy Recovery uses an engineer, procure, construct (EPC) model, which is used to deliver complex infrastructure projects.
  • Export 21.5 MW of clean power.
  • Uses over 150,000 tons of wood waste to operate.

Project Impact

  • The renewable energy plant, developed by CoGen U.K., at Ince Park Resource Recovery Centre will export 21.5 MW (megawatts) of clean, affordable power, utilizing over 150,000 tons of wood waste that would otherwise go to landfill.
  • A number of constraints specific to the site have introduced challenges, which the project team has worked collaboratively to overcome. These include poor ground conditions (marsh with peat layers), protected ecological species, numerous watercourses and an adjacent COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) facility. To overcome the ground conditions approximately 1,500 piles had to be driven to depths approaching 40 meters in some locations. Both the construction site offices and the permanent works include a toxic refuge shelter, which can be used in the case of an ammonia leak from the COMAH facility.

Metro Wastewater Reclamation District

wastewater

The Metro Wastewater Reclamation District in Denver, Colorado, has embarked on an exciting fifteen-year journey to a sustainable future for its water reclamation facility serving 1.8 million customers in the Denver metro region. MWH is the general contractor on this $52 million design-bid-build project consisting of improvements to the south headworks and grease processing building.

  • Modifications to the existing South Bar Screen Building.
  • Demolition of the two existing grit basins, and grit pump station.
  • Construction of South Grit Basins includes grit basins, grit pump station, and grit piping tunnel.
  • Construction of the South Grit Handling Building.
  • Modifications to the Grease Processing Building.

Project Impact

  • This facility will enhance the quality and ecology of the South Platte River.

Spokane Riverside Park Water Reclamation Facility

wastewater

Slayden is working on a $125 million upgrade to its Riverside Park Water Reclamation Facility. The upgrade will add a new filtration system at the plant, commonly called the Next Level of Treatment, and will greatly improve the quality of effluent that is released to the Spokane River. It will be designed to treat an average wastewater flow of 50 mgd. The project includes a new chemical facility, new primary clarifiers, a new primary solids pump station and modifications to the headworks, pumping facility and tunnels.

  • Will be the largest upgrade at the plant since 1970.
  • Will be one of the largest and most effective phosphate removal systems of its kind built in the U.S – removing more than 99% phosphorus.
  • The client had a budget of $35 million for Phase 1. Thanks to value engineering and constructability reviews, we found $3.9 million in savings, returning close to $4 million to the client. Phase 1 of the $126 million project is now costing the client $31 million.

Project Impact

  • This project is a major initiative to improve the health of the Spokane River. It will increase phosphorus removal from the effluent from 90% to 99%, which, in return, will help the oxygen levels in Lake Spokane, creating a more suitable environment for aquatic life.

Tallahassee Thomas P. Smith Water Reclamation Facility

wastewater

This $172 million CMAR project for the City of Tallahassee included preconstruction and establishing multiple GMPs, as well as the complete construction of facility upgrades. MWH tailored the project work packages to encourage participation by the local community. These outreach efforts provided employment to over 200 craft workers and created a substantial economic impact of more than $100M per year for the local Tallahassee economy.

The facility’s capacity was nearly doubled from 14.3 to 26.5 mgd, with a future upgrade to 30.5 mgd. The main project goal was to incorporate a more efficient enhanced nutrient removal treatment process to meet new environmental standards. These standards were not only met but exceeded state expectations.

  • Saved the owner $40 million.
  • 1 million work hours were completed without a lost time incident.
  • Florida-based subcontractors constructed more than 72% of the total project.
  • Used fuel efficient hybrid vehicles and golf carts on the project site.
  • Recycled more than 95% of all concrete and steel construction debris saving 2,500 yards of concrete debris and 300,000 pounds of reinforced steel from entering a landfill.
  • The City of Tallahassee Underground Utilities Department was named 2013 Team Showcase Champion by the Florida Sterling Council for its outstanding achievement in implementing a nitrogen reduction program. This first place award was given in recognition of the City’s commitment to implement Advanced Wastewater Treatment at the Thomas P. Smith Water Reclamation Facility.

Project Impact

  • As a supportive corporate partner, MWH donated $50,000 among the following Tallahassee charities: Children’s Home Society of Florida, Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend, Boys and Girls Club, American Red Cross, Mothers in Crisis, The Shelter, and Catholic Charities Christmas Connection. Each project team member also volunteered sixteen hours per year to one or more of these organizations.
  • Utilized sustainable construction wherever possible thereby being environmentally conscious to the surrounding community.
  • The water reclamation facility reduced the nitrogen levels in the water to a record low which helps to improve the water quality of area lakes, streams and springs, preventing the growth of invasive plants, such as hydrilla and algae.

Santa Ana Wastewater Treatment Plant MBR Expansion

wastewater

MWH, in a joint venture with Brycon Construction, was awarded a $19.7 million design-build contract to expand The Pueblo of Santa Ana’s wastewater treatment capacity to accommodate short and long-term growth. This project will ultimately increase the capacity of the existing WWTP in 2 phases with an initial 0.40 mgd expandable to 0.80 mgd average daily flow to accommodate regional expansion for the next 20 years. We will utilize Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technology, providing a high quality discharge for reuse that meets New Mexico Class 1A requirements.

This project won the 2018 AGC Build America Award and the 2017 Excellence in Construction Award from the ABC New Mexico Chapter.

  • Through the Design-Build delivery method, we provided the Pueblo with roughly $10 million in savings from the original concept.
  • We flipped the structure 180 degrees to take advantage of the natural landscaping and reduce excavation and backfill.
  • The original design called for 2 standby back-up generators. We were able to modify the design to provide a single source backup system. This saves on operation cost as maintenance is required for only one piece of equipment.
  • Completed a virtual reality walk through with headsets before construction began. This walk through gave the owner the ability to see things such as the location and height of pipes and valves before construction began—when it was still economical to change the locations if necessary. This also gave an idea of how operators would work in the plant, giving us the ability to incorporate safety through design by looking at hand clearances and maneuverability.

Project Impact

  • Building aesthetically pleasing architectural and landscaping features that complimented the natural environment was a prominent component to the design. As a result, Brycon-MWH approached this project with the utmost consideration in maintaining the Pueblo’s efforts of preserving and protecting the 79,000 plus acres where the Tamaya people call home.
  • Included Tribal Protégé and hired tribal enterprises to perform skilled tradework.

Avon Lake Regional Water Pollution Control Center

wastewater

This was a $33 million hard bid project consisting of a new headworks facility, a new grit removal system, replacement of the primary sludge collection system with new chain and flights; a new alum sludge pump building and gravity thickener. The overall project also included a new UV system, SCADA system, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems.

  • After developing the pre-bid schedule, MWH concluded that the project duration could be shortened. The project was completed ten months ahead of schedule.
  • Additionally, the MWH team was contracted as the CMAR to procure and construct a 3.0 million gallon elevated composite tank.

Project Impact

  • Provides more reliable water and wastewater service while reducing overflows into Lake Erie.

North Davis Biosolids Process Expansion

wastewater

MWH served as the CMAR on this $49.4 million expansion project to increase the North Davis Sewer District’s digestion capacity. The project included construction of a new primary sludge screening and thickening facility, a new cogeneration facility, new primary digesters, dewatering process expansion, and upgrades to the existing secondary digesters. MWH implemented and managed all health and safety processes.

  • After the project was completed, both 100% of the plant’s process heating needs and 65% of the plant’s total energy needs were met.
  • There were 120,000 hours worked without a lost time incident.
  • MWH added approximately $900,000 in additional value or scope changes.

Project Impact

  • With the new Biosolids Expansion Project upgrades, the North Davis Treatment facilities removed more than 95% of pollutants from wastewater flow before it is released into the Great Salt Lake, while generating energy and providing treatment capacity through the year 2035.
  • The project team was dedicated to keeping the work local – 100% of the work was constructed by local subcontractors and vendors.

LL Anderson Dam Spillway Modification

water

MWH was contracted to perform construction management for this dam project for the US Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with MWH engineering’s design services. The 231-ft-high dam forms the 136,000 acre-ft French Meadows Reservoir and is part of the Middle Fork American River Project. The dam was modified to bring it into compliance with current standards, which mandated that its spillway must pass the recently increased probable maximum flood in order to eliminate the possibility of overtopping failure of the dam.

The project included many sensitive environmental constraints and accessibility challenges due to its remote location and severe weather impacts. Onsite aggregate and concrete production were among the innovative methods employed to complete the project on schedule and under budget.

  • $4.3 million in civil works design and construction management for dam project in USACE SPD area.
  • Awarded:
    • 2013 National Project Achievement Award (Construction Management Association of America)
    • 2012 Project of the Year in the $10 million – $50 million small agency division, in the structures category (American Public Works Association – Sacramento chapter)
    • 2011 Heavy Civil Construction Project of the Year
  • Provided hydraulic engineering expertise to focus and optimize spillway widening design efforts.
  • Utilized cutting edge digital photogrammetry techniques to efficiently map and evaluate spillway channel rock slopes.
  • Optimized channel widening design to eliminate benches in rock wall, saving approximately $900,000.
  • MWH construction cost estimate was within less than 1% of the successful bid.

Project Impact

  • Provided increased safety while continuing to bring clean water and sustainable power to the region’s residents.
  • Reduced the risk of catastrophic flooding.
  • Included improvements such as fencing to prevent public access to dangerous drop-offs in and around the spillway channel.
  • In addition to a new parapet wall on the upstream portion of the dam crest, a new guardrail was installed along the downstream side of the dam crest roadway, providing an upgraded roadway past the spillway structure and across the dam crest. Gates were added to the access roads in and around the dam and spillway site, restricting public access to areas potentially dangerous to those unfamiliar with the site.

Denver Water Hillcrest Reservoir Basin and Pump Station

water

In the early 1960s, Denver Water originally constructed the Hillcrest water storage facility. Since the area’s population has continued to grow, it has placed increased demand on the storage and pumping facilities.

MWH was awarded a $100 million contract to provide facility upgrades that will increase water storage capacity by removing two existing storage basins with a combined capacity of approximately 30 million gallons and replacing them with three new circular concrete tanks with a combined capacity of approximately 45 million gallons. Construction also includes the replacement of the existing pump station with a new facility.

  • Savings of $2 million with Value Engineering.
  • Exceeding MBE/WBE goal.
  • Extensive public outreach program was established.
  • Denver Water provided discounted water rates after first phase for affected neighbors.
  • Window cleaning service provided to adjacent properties.
  • Improved fencing including installation of sound attenuation blankets on the new fences.
  • Enhanced final landscaping to improve aesthetics.

Project Impact

  • 5% of the work is being done by local businesses.
  • “This project is a good example of Denver Water investing in the future of our system, so when you turn on your tap you don’t have to think twice about it. These tanks should have a life expectancy of 100 years.” – Martin Garcia, Design Project Manager, Denver Water

Fremont Water Pollution Control Center

wastewater

This $63.5 million CMAR project included upgrading and expanding the existing wastewater collection system, which was originally built in 1949. The system is a combined sewer overflow that conveys dry weather flow to the wastewater plant at approximately 6 million gallons per day (mgd). The reason for the renovation is to increase the capacity of the Wastewater Treatment Facility from 10 million gallons per day to 24 million gallons per day.

  • Saved the client $6 million through value engineering.
  • Doubled the city’s capacity in rain events to meet the Clean Water Act.
  • Largest project in city’s history.
  • One of the first projects of its kind where a general law city, such as Fremont, utilized the CMAR project management method pursuant to a recent change in Ohio law.

Project Impact

  • Used local businesses.
  • Enhanced environmental protection and the health and well-being of all residents in the region.
  • Reduced the amount of raw sewage and storm water that flows into the Sandusky River.

The Dannon Company Wastewater Pretreatment System

industry

To keep pace with product demand, Dannon significantly expanded the capacity of their West Jordan, UT, yogurt processing facility from 145 to 242 tons annually, with expansion up to 500 tons. MWH was contracted to design and build the wastewater pre-treatment plant in just six short months. The facility was needed to support the increased yogurt production and treat the wastewater created during the manufacturing process. The pre-treatment process design exceeded all performance criteria, established odor control in the surrounding area, and complied with environmental requirements for discharge to the South Valley Publicly-Owned Treatment Works.

  • Substantial completion was achieved in March 2011 after just 110 days of work.
  • Enabled a long-term plant expansion for Dannon.
  • MWH was awarded the Design-Build Institute of America Rocky Mountain Region’s 2011 Design-Build Award for this project. MWH was honored in the Industrial/Process/Research Facilities category.

Project Impact

  • The expansion enables Dannon to meet the supply needs of customers.
  • Creates jobs for the local community.

Lick Run Greenway

wastewater

MWH is providing construction management services for the Lick Run Greenway project, which will help keep stormwater out of the Metropolitan Sewer District’s (MSD’s) combined sewer system and reduce combined sewer overflows (CSOs) into the Mill Creek. The project includes a variety of gray and green infrastructure projects across the watershed, including new storm sewers, bioswales, stream restoration, stormwater detention basins and bio-infiltration gardens.

  • When completed, the project will eliminate nearly 400 million gallons of Combined Sewer Overflow and ensure that 88% of the flows during a typical year of rain will either reach the Mill Creek Treatment plant or be discharged as stormwater to the Mill Creek.
  • The Greenway also includes the creation of a mile-long bio-engineered creek in a park-like setting, which will wind through the valley corridor and mimic a natural stream.

Project Impact

  • This project will improve water quality, create new jobs, and provide opportunities for neighborhood revitalization.

Clay Mills Sewage Treatment Works

wastewater

Clay Mills is a large filter works serving a domestic population of around 100,000 in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire UK. MWH was responsible for the design and construction of a new activated sludge plant at Clay Mills. The principal driver for the project scope was phosphorus removal, although sludge treatment was also improved. 

  • The project successfully recycled 100% of waste produced, as well as reducing their Co2 emissions by 25%.
  • Saved over £450,000.
  • UK’s Environmental Agency regulations stipulate the removal of 80% of phosphorus from waste, in order to improve digestion, increase green energy generated from biogas, as well as to adhere to regulations. The plant upgrade also included a new sludge thickening works, an acid phase digester and CHP (Combined Heat and Power).
  • Won three Silver awards at the National Considerate Constructors Scheme Awards.
  • MWH was awarded the Gold Considerate Constructors Award in 2015.

Project Impact

  • A more effective treatment process has been adopted to minimize the odor from the new Bio-P (phosphorous recovery) activated sludge plant.
  • The team has closely cooperated with local farmers to install land drains and repair sludge pipes to prevent flooding.
  • The project was further involved in modifying the Environmental Agency Flood Barrier and carrying out a high voltage power upgrade to the works, while working near a busy railway crossing and close to local residents, businesses and farmers.
  • The team constantly worked to help local charities, the Parish Council and farmers, as well as provided school talks and assisted in the preservation of the Victorian Pumping Station. Such engagement with the community, as well as regular communication with residents, has ensured excellent community relations.
  • The Clay Mills project, which was located on the River Trent flood plain, has been especially considerate towards wildlife in the surrounding environment, by relocating a badger sett and retaining a storage lagoon to provide a haven for wild birds and newts.

Sellwood Bridge Project

industry

In a joint venture with Sundt Construction, Inc., Slayden was contracted to replace the original, deteriorating structure with a wider, pedestrian-friendly bridge that could accommodate the area’s growing traffic volume. The project team utilized a bold approach to construct the new bridge without shutting down traffic flow. The approach involved lifting the old bridge deck and truss with hydraulic jacks and moving it to one side, then placing it on a set of temporary piers and connecting it to temporary approach spans so that traffic could continue to use it while the new bridge was constructed. The 1,100-foot-long steel bridge truss was moved in a single 12-hour operation and became one of the longest bridge sections ever to be moved.

  • The new bridge complements the immediate surroundings and features two vehicle lanes in each direction, has two six-foot-wide bike lanes, and two 12-foot-wide sidewalks.
  • The 2,000-foot-long bridge, originally built in 1925, is the community’s only crossing over the Willamette River for many miles in each direction, making it the state’s busiest two-lane bridge as well as an iconic piece of architecture.
  • Named “2017 Project of the Year” and “1st Place Transportation Project” by the Daily Journal of Commerce at the annual Top Projects competition.
  • The Sellwood Bridge is the first registered project in Oregon to pursue Greenroads certification. Greenroads is an independent certification process for sustainable transportation projects similar to the LEED program for buildings.

Project Impact

  • The new Sellwood Bridge was designed to the latest seismic standards and construction engineering which address both 500 and 1,000-year recurrence period earthquakes.
  • Arched form fits the natural setting and is appropriate to neighborhood scale.
  • Sustainable – components are made of recycled steel.
  • Increased safety and traffic performance.

Cape Coral Facilities/Utilities Expansion Program

wastewater

MWH was the designer and CMAR for this $872 million Utilities Expansion Program and Facilities Expansion Program for the City of Cape Coral, led by Project Manager Larry Laws. This program included over 700 miles of pipelines and 34 pump stations over seven large project areas. The entire program was completed on time and under the City’s budget.

  • Nearly 80 separate projects totaling $872 million had to be coordinated to extend existing water, wastewater and irrigation services to nearly 20 square miles of residential areas while simultaneously expanding the existing treatment plant capacities to keep pace with the City’s explosive growth.
  • MWH created a “Customer First” program that was successful in keeping residents informed about the project which resulted in reduction in calls about the project.
  • MWH achieved 3.3 million hours with only one lost time incident and delivered the program ahead of schedule.
  • Saved $12 million.

Project Impact

“Customer First Program” included:

  • Neighborhood ‘street’ meetings to provide a forum for discussing issues particular to the affected areas.
  • Public information meetings.
  • Distribution of factsheets, which offer more detailed information about the program.
  • Door hangers to notify residents of specific construction activities and schedules.
  • 24-hour/7-days-a-week hotline available for citizens to call with questions or concerns (averaged 300 calls/ month).
  • A website to provide information on the program and deliver construction status updates as the program progressed (averaged 2,000 hits/month).
  • Follow-up to customer concerns and requests.
  • Outreach to numerous committees and agencies.

Clark County Dual Media Filters Upgrade and Expansion

wastewater

MWH, in a joint venture with Tiberti Construction, delivered this $94 million CMAR expansion project, which was the first CMAR project for the Clark County Water Reclamation District. It is a 40 mgd brownfield wastewater treatment upgrade and refurbishment comprising a new filter inlet pump station, 16 new filters and associated chemical treatment facility, filter backwash system refurbishment (civil and mechanical), expansion of the existing UV disinfection capacity, new equalization basin and demolition of redundant facilities. MWH self-performed approximately 40% of the work.

  • $2M in savings to the client.
  • County serves more than 248,000 business and residential accounts.
  • New facility will have a capacity of over 100 million gallons of wastewater.
  • Through the collaborative CMAR process, NWS was able to conduct interactive five dimensional (5D) design and constructability review at 60 percent design development.

Project Impact

  • The project helped create jobs while both firms applied their expertise in the industrial water/wastewater process improvements by investing in the community’s infrastructure. The Clark County Wastewater Reclamation District is the largest wastewater agency in the State of Nevada, serving more than 248,000 business and residential accounts. The District’s collection system (network of pipes and pumps) totals more than 2,000 miles of pipeline and 27 pumping stations to deliver the wastewater from the homes and business to one of the seven treatment facilities.

Austin Water Treatment Plant No. 4

water

The City of Austin required a new water treatment plant and pump station to respond to its rapidly growing population and selected MWH to complete the $379 million project. Plans included the construction of a marine raw water intake, tunnels, a pump station, conveyance systems, and water treatment facilities with an initial 50-mgd capacity. The new treatment plant takes raw water from nearby Lake Travis and connects to a pump station via a 9-ft finished diameter tunnel.

  • 2.6 million man hours with only one lost work day injury.
  • Completed project on time and $2 million under budget.
  • Attained LEED Silver rating.
  • Recycled all harvested native vegetation for mulch throughout the site and re-purposed all suitable excavated materials. Over 200 truckloads of excavated rock were utilized on other City projects.
  • Recommended more than $75 million in cost reductions, of which $30 million were accepted.

Project Impact

  • A local land owner voiced concerns about the building not fitting in within his housing development. To address his concerns, MWH added rock face exterior walls with false windows and balconies into the design and construction. This Spanish/Italian design flair helped the pump station blend more smoothly into the surrounding community.
  • MWH awarded more than 200 separate contracts totaling more than $50 million to local minority and women-owned businesses during the life of the project. We also maintained a robust community relations program to keep affected stakeholders informed.
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