West Side Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements

The West Side Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is due for a significant upgrade, as its last modification took place in 2000. With most of its equipment nearing the end of its operational life, the plant faces challenges in maintaining efficiency and meeting current environmental standards. This project aims to not only upgrade but also expand the WWTP’s capacity to handle up to 200 million gallons per day (MGD). Such enhancements are expected to reduce combined sewer overflow (CSO) volumes by over 50%, significantly benefiting the surrounding environment and community.

Conducted at an early stage, the Value Study provided critical insights when the project was at the 10% design phase. This early analysis allowed the Value Team to explore various alternative arrangements for the building and its components, optimizing the use of the site. The WPCA and the design team developed a phasing plan that sited new preliminary and primary treatment facilities on portions of the site not occupied by current facilities. These early phasing recommendations then morphed into individual construction packages with CT DEEP approval that were essential as the project involved high costs and a lengthy construction timeline. Keeping the existing plant operational while adhering to permit requirements was a primary concern, and the Value Team proposed alternatives that would reduce both project costs and the schedule without disrupting current operations.

A subsequent Value Study at the 30% design stage focused on the project’s earlier phases, refining the recommendations made previously. The strategy of phasing the program improved the biddability and allowed for more detailed reviews. Although the scope of this study was narrower, it provided more specific guidance on several key issues, such as the routing of yard piping, interim solids management solutions, and the outfall replacement strategy. By focusing on these detailed aspects, the Value Team could make targeted recommendations that maintained the project’s goals while ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Throughout both design stages, the Value Team employed function analysis and Function Analysis System Technique (FAST) diagramming to prioritize the project’s core functions: timely replacement of aging assets, high flow management to reduce CSOs, improving water quality, and system resiliency. Early phases concentrated on preliminary and primary treatment, increasing the plant’s capacity to handle wet weather flows, thus reducing overflows. Maintaining current plant operations while ensuring effective pollutant removal was also a priority. The team provided a variety of recommendations to optimize design and facilitate construction to achieve the project’s objectives while controlling costs and minimizing disruption.