MWRD Enhances Environmental Stewardship with the Largest “Greenfield” Progressive Design-Build Wastewater Treatment Facility in U.S.

Metro Wastewater Reclamation District Enhances Environmental Stewardship with the Largest“Greenfield” Progressive Design-Build Wastewater Treatment Facility in US

Brighton, Colorado–As a result of 35 years of wastewater planning for the northeastern Denver metropolitan area the Metro Wastewater Reclamation District’s (Metro District) $475M Northern Treatment Plant (NTP) Program and its $280M NTP Facilities Project (the Project) embody the spirit of regional, intergovernmental, and regulatory cooperation. This project is the largest “greenfield” water or wastewater treatment facility in the United States to be constructed using progressive design-build (PDB) delivery and the State of Colorado’s first. Furthermore, the construction of the advanced wastewater treatment facility and the 78-inch pipeline to convey flows to the facility was the most environmentally responsible and cost-effective solution to allow Metro District to continue providing service to 1.8 million people.

CH2M (now CH2M/Jacobs) was selected as the Design-Builder in 2011 based on qualifications to provide design, permitting, construction, and start-up services. The project consisted of:

• 24-mgd advanced wastewater treatment facility (expandable to 60-mgd)
• 7-mile, 78-inch diameter South Platte Interceptor to convey wastewater to the new facility
• Administration Building with Visitors’ Center
• 12-acres of natural effluent channel, wetlands, and community trails
• Facilities Support Building with operations center, offices, lab, facility/vehicle maintenance, and warehouse.

Carollo Engineers, Inc. and Jacobs Engineering served as Owner’s Advisor while working closely with CH2M and its subcontractor, Garney Construction,throughout the completion of design, construction, and commissioning of the NTP. The project represents a unique opportunity to provide leadership in addressing wastewater treatment and permitting challenges through a facility design that makes use of the latest, proven wastewater treatment technologies and due to the collaboration of all team members was delivered on schedule and under budget. The project is designed to accommodate potential changes to these requirements in the future, as well as to have the ability to expand treatment capacity overall. The project will play a critical role in the region’s water management and preservation of downstream water quality.