Northern Treatment Plant (CO)

Highlights

  • $280 million design-build delivery of 24 mgd advanced wastewater treatment facility expandable to buildout capacity of 60 mgd
  • Treatment process will address anticipated increases to the State of Colorado’s nitrogen and phosphorus effluent discharge standards
  • Facility to be operational by 2015 and will discharge into the South Platte River
  • Scope of work included engineering, permitting, cost model development, construction, commissioning and startup

In July 2011, Metro Water Recovery (formerly Metro Wastewater Reclamation District) contracted with Jacobs to serve as the design-builder for the design, construction, and startup of the Northern Treatment Plant (NTP), a new regional wastewater treatment facility to serve the northern Denver metropolitan area. The owner selected design-build delivery in order to shorten the project schedule, streamline risk allocation, and establish project costs early to ensure cost certainty.

Jacobs holds 100% responsibility for delivery of the NTP project with support from construction subcontractor Garney Construction and engineering subconsultants Brown and Caldwell. Each member of the project delivery team is located within 60 minutes of the project site, ensuring that all project decisions are made locally in the best interests of the District.

Design flexibility planned to meet changing environmental requirements

A key component in the owner’s selection of design-build delivery was the anticipated changes to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment statewide nutrient criteria for total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP). The NTP’s selected delivery method and treatment process allow flexibility for the NTP to meet future requirements.

Jacobs’ scope of work for the Northern Treatment Plant included 2 phases of work. Phase 1 included:

  • Engineering and design development for the liquids and solids treatment processes, site and support facilities, and related infrastructure
  • Permitting support, including coordination of applicable regulatory permitting activities with the owner, documentation, and meeting attendance
  • Cost model development for a guaranteed maximum price contract

Phase 2 included:

  • Final design, construction, and construction-related activities for the NTP facilities, including self-performance and management of subcontractors and vendors
  • Securing of all necessary and applicable construction-related permits
  • Commissioning and startup of NTP facilities