- Company: HART Engineering Corporation
- Industry: Water/Wastewater
- Location: Bristol, Rhode Island
- Expected Completion Date: June 3, 2016
- Project Website
The Bristol, RI WWTF Headworks and Miscellaneous Improvements is a $5 million upgrade of the existing treatment facility Screenings, Grit Removal, HVAC, Odor Control and Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) Systems. The existing Screenings and Grit Removal Systems in the Headworks Building were taken off-line, demolished, replaced and integrated without interruption to the treatment process. New FRP Exhaust Fans designed to handle the harsh atmosphere interlocked with a new Make-up Air Unit and new Gas Detection System were installed to protect operating personnel and extend the longevity of the new equipment and hardware. The project included the removal and replacement of ten (10) 12-foot diameter by 24-foot long Rotating Biological Contactors. The project was designed to replace outdated equipment with new versions offering increased energy efficiency, operator safety, automatic operation and remote monitoring capabilities.
What impact does this project have on America?
Clean water for the benefit of the public and the preservation of the environment that the plant discharges to. The project is located very close to Narragansett Bay and Bristol Harbor, and protection of those delicate ecosystems. Wastewater Treatment is essential to the responsible management of the water resource and a vital component to the protection our environment.
What interesting obstacles or unusual circumstances did you overcome to complete the project?
Stormwater and sewerage flow rates into the treatment facility vary greatly and are dramatically increased during rain events. Various structures and tanks would be available for work only during low flow, only to quickly then become unavailable shortly after it began to rain. Hart Engineering worked in close coordination with facility personnel to plan our work relative to the forecast and quickly adapt to an unforeseen changes. The entirety of the work was completed successfully without any instances of injury, incident or damage.
What dangers and risks did you encounter, and describe any extraordinary methods used to keep workers safe?
Installation of the Grit Removal System required working for extended periods in a confined space. HEC confined space entry program was integrated into the facility’s regular activity schedule. Daily, pre-shift meetings with the Treatment Facility personnel were vital to coordinating Contractor and Facility team activities, and the development of contingency plans for adverse weather and other unplanned events. HEC also supported the client by providing Confined Space Entry safety education and to the Facility Operations team members to develop their awareness of these workplaces hazards, understanding of the risks to personnel and how to address these in order ensure continued operational safety. This close team work and stewardship resulted outstanding relationship between the construction crew by the Facility Operations team, allowing us to complete the project without incidents of any kind.
How did you leverage new technologies to work faster and reduce waste?
HEC structured the Headworks Facility (Screenings, Grit Removal, Odor Control and HVAC Systems) construction schedule and subsequent commissioning schedule to enable the Owner to have beneficial use of the new equipment prior to the entire facility upgrade being online and integrated. This allowed us to turnover ownership of equipment very soon after completing installation and enabled us to reduce the duration of our warranty period and overall project completion date. We were also able to maintain a steady labor force and eliminate multiple mobilizations and demobilizations.
