Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) Newport News, Virginia, United States

Design-build facilities supporting a sustainable source of groundwater

Recharging the Potomac Aquifer

The Alberici / Ulliman Schutte Joint Venture is the design-builder for two concurrent projects: Advanced Nutrient Reduction Improvements (ANRI) at the existing James River Treatment Plant and the new James River Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow (SWIFT) Facility. These projects are critical to HRSD’s broader SWIFT program of up to five full-scale SWIFT facilities that will recharge the Potomac Aquifer with up to 100 million gallons of water per day. This program will ensure a sustainable source of groundwater while addressing environmental challenges such as Chesapeake Bay restoration, sea level rise, and saltwater intrusion.

Bringing wastewater to drinking water quality standards

The James River Treatment Plant ANRI project will improve secondary treatment at the existing wastewater treatment facility, including nutrient reduction measures, providing a stable source of water that meets the influent requirements of the SWIFT Facility. The SWIFT facility will apply advanced water treatment to the already highly-treated wastewater effluent to produce SWIFT Water™, bringing it to drinking water quality standards. The SWIFT Water™ will be added to the Potomac Aquifer, the primary source of groundwater in eastern Virginia.

Cost savings through collaboration

The Joint Venture worked with HRSD prior to award of the contract to provide $20 million in savings through value engineering, including a redesign of the Secondary Clarifiers arrangement within the ANRI facility.

Positive impact on community and environment

In support of HRSD’s commitment to provide a lasting, positive impact on the local community and waterways, our team has developed an extensive community commitment plan. This plan will run through the duration of the project and will include philanthropic efforts, community education and engagement, volunteerism, corporate responsibility, and workforce development.

Community benefits include:

  • Approximately two miles of new walking trails, including public access to review views and the marina
  • Administration building including parking, rest rooms and community use of meeting space
  • Open space easement on the waterfront portion of HRSD property
  • Funding for City trail maintenance and other park assets