Reducing negative impacts of the Nogales Treatment Plant on the Santa Cruz River and surrounding communities
With the completion of the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant, the impact upon the community was immediate. Many fish species have returned to the Santa Cruz River, where aquatic life was negatively affected by the existing plant’s discharge, and local citizen and environmental groups complimented the city on the effluent quality and significant improvement in the river's health.
The original facility, which receives 70 percent of its flow and load from Mexico, was unable to meet effluent permit limits, and a lawsuit was filed in 2000. The city and International Boundary and Water Commission tried several times over ten years to construct a new plant, but bid prices consistently exceeded the budget, which was very limited given the requirement to construct a 14.74 millions of gallons per day facility for less than five dollars per gallon when capacity of that size typically costs $10 per gallon.
The project was completed on budget and ahead of schedule despite an owner initiated change order increasing the plant’s capacity. The project went so well that we were able to add sludge stabilization facilities and UV upgrades, with more than $1 million in annual operations and maintenance savings.
At a Glance
- Award
- 2011 Design-Build Institute of America Western Pacific Region, Excellence Award
- Award
- 2010 Design-Build Institute of America National Project Awards, Merit Award
- Award
- 2010 American Public Works Association, Project of the Year, Environment Category, $25-$75 million
Reno Fiorante, Senior Vice President, Water
Ensuring a clean water supply and protecting waterways from the wastewater we generate benefits our communities for generations to come.
Rob Simm, Senior Vice President, Emergent Sector Leader, Water
Sewage should no longer be viewed as only a waste product. From energy generation to fertilizer production, I help our clients maximize the potential of their wastewater.
Maria Brady, Senior Principal, Water
All of our communities rely on water. Adapting design and construction to provide a safe and reliable resource is always a top priority.
Tracy Anderson, Senior Principal
I work with the best team in the industry, supporting our clients to maintain their water systems with increasingly scarce resources.
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