BROWNWOOD WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

CLIENT: CITY OF BROWNWOOD

PROJECT SUMMARY

This project was to rehabilitate the City of Brownwood’s wastewater treatment plant with a new aeration system and a new headworks structure. The project sequence was challenging because the plant was already approaching full capacity and we had to determine a way to bypass flow without over-exerting the plant and breaking permit levels on the effluent. We were tasked with developing a Class 2 cost estimate, complete project schedule, and full constructability review.


As we developed a schedule for the project, we made multiple trips to discuss the limitations of the plant with plant operations staff so we could devise a well-developed plan that was both cost effective and efficient. Because the aeration system would employ new technology and we needed understand what the installation would require, this project required extensive coordination with equipment manufacturers. We also had to identify procurement and submittal timelines for the schedule. Without this information we wouldn't be able to apply the necessary cost to install the equipment and plan out the schedule effectively.


For the constructability review, we conducted a site visit (as we do with all of our projects) to identify any potential conflicts that the plans wouldn’t show. We found a number of possible issues for plant operations and determined a feasible shut down sequence. The cost estimate we provided included a complete project scope with all new electrical components and control improvements called for by the design.


During our review process, we identified the cost-saving option of re-positioning the headworks structure so the existing influent line could stay and we wouldn't have to bypass 100% of the plant flow around the construction of the headworks structure. This resulted in a cost savings of approximately 15%. By removing the bypass requirements, we could also reduce the construction duration and allow the contractor to increase production during concrete forming and pours for the headworks structure.


Our construction budget for this project was less than 1% from the successful low bidder. We helped the City of Brownwood budget the correct amount of funds for these improvements, which, in turn, allowed them to plan and fund other city improvements without delays. Having to take funds from one project to aid in funding another is difficult on city budgets and can be eliminated with our services.