New York City’s wastewater treatment system is one of the largest in the world, treating 1.3 billion gallons of wastewater per day through a network of 14 wastewater resource recovery facilities (WRRFs), 96 pumping stations, and associated infrastructure. However, all 14 WRRFs and over half of these pumping stations are low-lying facilities close to the waterfront, making them vulnerable to flooding. The severity of this problem was made clear by Hurricane Sandy, whose storm surge severely impacted 10 WRRFs. To protect these critical facilities from future floods, storm damage, and sea level rise, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) has undertaken the $200 million NYC Wastewater Resiliency Program, which comprises numerous resiliency upgrades across these facilities.
EnTech is part of the AECOM-led CM team. The firm is providing construction management and inspection services–including environmental health and safety, scheduling, and cost control services–for this crucial program. EnTech has worked to date at six WRRFs: Hunts Point, in the Bronx; Newtown Creek, in Brooklyn; Bowery Bay and Tallman Island, in Queens; Port Richmond, in Staten Island; and Wards Island, in the East River. Together these six facilities serve 4.2 million New Yorkers.
The firm is providing civil, mechanical, and electrical inspection for critical upgrades including the installation of temporary and permanent flood gates, floodwalls, and other flood proofing measures; the relocation of critical equipment to higher elevations; refurbishment of pumps, electrical conduits, and other electrical and mechanical infrastructure; and upgrades of emergency backup power. Among other tasks, the firm has monitored the installation of 20 rock anchors drilled into bedrock at Hunts Point WRRF, to strengthen the facility against movement from erosion or floodwaters.
For these and other tasks, EnTech works with contractors, NYCDEP facility staff, and other CM team members to coordinate construction activities and ensure that tasks are completed in compliance with contract specifications and NYCDEP standards. The team implements QA/QC procedures, monitors manpower and equipment on-site, oversees the implementation of safety plans, and recommends construction solutions to field issues.ent projects at Cadman Plaza Oval, in Brooklyn; St. Mary’s Park Recreation Center, in the Bronx; Socrates Sculpture Park, in Queens; and Owl Hollow Field, in Staten Island, among others.
