The WSSC Water Piscataway WRRF Bioenergy Project officially has its first win under its belt after being honored this morning with a 2026 Baldwin Group Build America Award at the AGC Annual Convention. This recognition marks a major milestone for a project that has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation and environmental stewardship.
The Piscataway WRRF Bioenergy Project is the largest and most technically advanced undertaking in WSSC Water’s 100-year history. As the design-build lead, PC Construction worked alongside a world-class team—including Stantec, Hazen and Sawyer, and HDR—to transform a traditional wastewater facility into a cutting-edge bioenergy powerhouse. The project was delivered on time and under budget—a monumental feat for a $269 million facility involving some of the most complex systems in the industry.
The facility is one of only seven in the United States to utilize the Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THP). This technology breaks down biosolids from five regional plants, creating a ripple effect of benefits:
- Renewable Energy: The process generates methane gas, which is captured and upgraded into renewable natural gas (RNG). This fuel helps power the facility’s Combined Heat and Power (CHP) engines and is also sold to Montgomery County to power part of its Ride On bus fleet.
- Class A Fertilizer: The remaining solids are transformed into high-quality, pathogen-free Class A biosolids—a clean, nutrient-rich fertilizer that can be sold and returned to the earth.
- Environmental Impact: By reducing biosolids volume by over 50%, the project slashes greenhouse gas emissions by 15% and significantly reduces the need for heavy truck hauling to landfills.
- Economic Efficiency: The facility is projected to save customers $3.4 million annually in operating costs.
The Build America Award doesn’t just recognize the “what”—it recognizes the “how.” This project was WSSC Water’s first foray into progressive design-build delivery. This collaborative model allowed the team to manage high-risk technical challenges, supply chain hurdles, and complex commissioning requirements with total transparency. From checking 2,740 hard input/output points to managing 14 separate 24/7 operational demonstration tests, the commitment to quality was relentless.
Winning the 2026 Build America Award is a proud moment that proves that with the right combination of innovation, collaboration, and planning, we can build infrastructure that protects our waterways, supports our communities, and powers a greener future.
Congratulations to the entire Piscataway WRRF Bioenergy team on this exciting recognition!