The James River SWIFT Facility Treatment Plant and Advanced Nutrient Reduction Improvements Project is the first in a series of groundbreaking projects being undertaken by HRSD to replenish aquifers in the Hampton Roads area. The SWIFT program unlocks the water resources available in area wastewater treatment plant effluent, treating the water to potable standards and injecting it deep underground. In addition to improving sustainability of the area's water resources and reducing nutrient loading to surface waters, the SWIFT® projects aim to mitigate subsidence of the land surface that is occurring due to aquifer depletion.
The scope of each SWIFT project will be determined in part by the quality and quantity of the existing wastewater effluent. For the James River WWTP, the project is essentially two projects in one, with the SWIFT advanced treatment facility being completed concurrently with an upgrade to the existing plant that will improve the quality and consistency of the effluent. Key elements of the wastewater plant modifications include building two new clarifiers, a new junction splitter box, a new RAS pump station, and a new flow distribution channel. The SWIFT facility, located immediately adjacent to the wastewater plant, includes several state-of-the-art treatment methods, including ozone, BAF, GAC, and UV treatment.
The project included a highly collaborative design process with HRSD and close coordination with multiple related, separately-administered projects. Engagement with the City of Newport News is a key aspect to project success, with the new facilities located within and adjacent to a public City park. Access to the large, busy project generates increased traffic volume through a residential area, further necessitating open communication.
Ulliman Schutte is proud to serve HRSD as a key partner in this landmark Progressive Design Build Project. Our US-A team includes JV partner Alberici, design partners HDR and Black & Veatch, and key subcontractor MEB.
