Piscataway WRRF Bioenergy Project
Accokeek, Md.
EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABILITY and Water/Environment Merit Award
Sent by: PC construction
Owner: WSSC water
Leading design firm, civil and structural engineer: Stantec
Designer and builder: PC construction
Mechanical engineer of structures and processes: Hazen and Sawyer
Structural Engineer: Albrecht Engineering Inc.
Electrical Engineer: EPCM Inc.
Mechanical/HVAC design: CSA Central Inc.
Architect engineer: SP Arch Inc.
Owner Advisor: HDR
Digester tanks D110: Tanks DN
Mechanical design/air conditioning of the building: CSA Central Inc.
Subcontractors: Change; Curtis Power Solutions; Durr Systems; Holland; Nitterhouse Concrete Products; Norair Engineering Corp.; Varec Biogas, a division of Ovivo USA; Veolia Water Technologies; Wunderlich-Malec services
The first-of-its-kind regional renewable energy and biosolids treatment facility is among a handful of facilities in the country that incorporate a thermal hydrolysis process (THP) to efficiently transform biosolids into renewable natural gas (RNG).
This RNG is used by a combined heat and power system consisting of three 1.5 megawatt engines that help power the facility. A portion of the RNG may be sold to Montgomery County to power its transit bus fleet.
Photo by Multivista and PC Construction
Because THP is a complex technology and fairly new to the US, the project team encountered many unknowns, requiring a level of problem solving that was often closer to invention than typical problem solving.
As the design progressed, a plant in the UK equipped with the same process came online, providing valuable lessons that helped shape the rest of the project and enabling the team to deliver an innovative and highly complex installation on time and within approved budget parameters.
Photo by Multivista and PC Construction
Designed with LEED Silver certification, the project offers a sustainable workplace that supports evolving mission needs. The $269 million project was completed under budget and on schedule.
