A progressive design-build approach
The project was able to meet a fast-track schedule through extensive collaboration throughout the project.
Client
Joint Base Lewis McChord
Location
Tacoma, Washington
Markets
Meeting discharge limits and driving net-zero for a military facility in an environmentally sensitive area
Located on the banks of the Puget Sound, Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) was faced with meeting the needs of a growing population with a 60-year-old wastewater treatment facility and more stringent discharge limits. CDM Smith worked with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to design-build a new 4.4 mgd wastewater treatment facility within 2 years on a greenfield site adjacent to the existing wastewater plant. The new facility also supports future zero liquid discharge goals.
Sustainability as a priority
The team achieved 45% water use reduction, optimized energy performance and improved stormwater management.
Advanced treatment technologies
State-of-the-art treatment not only met discharge goals but also set up JBLM for future net-zero and energy projects.
Recognized for safety
The project received two National Safety Council awards for its excellence in safe project delivery.
Because of the design-build approach, CDM Smith and USACE were able to engage with stakeholders early and collaborate throughout the project to fast-track the schedule. Design-build also gave the team extra time to optimize the layout of the facility, while still maintaining the potential to expand in the future. The streamlined site design involved co-locating the thickening and dewatering facilities, positioning the main electrical building near the largest electrical loads and separating the administration building from the main plant traffic. The end result was an efficient and operator-friendly layout, which reduced the facility footprint.
The plant was successfully started and commissioned with simultaneous decommissioning of the old plant. The new plant has quickly achieved effluent quality that meets with Washington discharge limits and is capable of achieving further nutrient removal and reuse water quality to fully support a zero discharge facility. The project will continue to serve JBLM’s needs well into the future and support the base’s goal of being a reliable environmental steward in the northwest and the Puget Sound watershed.
Client
Joint Base Lewis McChord
Location
Tacoma, Washington