PC Construction is well into the $42 million Plate Settler Basin and Solids Handling Improvements project at the Hanahan Water Treatment Plant in Charleston, South Carolina. This first phase of Charleston Water System’s Capital Improvements Program includes replacing aged infrastructure and providing additional optimization to the coagulation and flocculation process, which was originally constructed in 1904. The construction management-at-risk delivery method was selected to expedite construction and facilitate integration of new facilities with minimal disruption to plant operations, all while maximizing the scope of improvements within the project budget. Once complete, the facility will more efficiently serve over 400,000 people in the Charleston area.
The project recently reached an important milestone: the first of the three new cast-in-place concrete settling basins, basin #7, was completed and leak tested in preparation for the installation of flocculation and sludge equipment. With installation of the flocculation and sludge equipment complete, we will be able to startup and commission liquid train #7, which will replace the flow from existing basin #1.
Once liquid train #7 is online, demolition will begin on existing basin #1 to make room for the two remaining new concrete settling basins and water effluent flume. Before work can begin on these structures, significant ground improvements will be made, including the addition of stone columns to stabilize the soil since Charleston is located in a high-seismic activity zone.
Construction Equipment Guide recently talked with our team about the project and the booming population growth it will serve. Click here to read the story and see more photos of the work in progress.