Ralph Brennan WTP Gravity Filter Upgrade

Achieving reliable water production and regulatory compliance.

Location
Daytona Beach, FL
Delivery Method
Design-Build
Client
City of Daytona Beach, FL
Year Complete
2023
Region
Southeast

Project Overview

Preconstruction on this $6.6 million design-build project began in 2021 to upgrade the existing filter complex and replace the aging Leopold filter underdrain system. Through design, permitting and construction, the team identified and incorporated a new system capable of meeting the plant’s permitted capacity of 24 mgd, extending the useful life of the facilities while promoting reliable water production and regulatory compliance. Work included the addition of an air scouring system and associated infrastructure to improve the operational capabilities of the filter structure. New blowers, instrumentation and control panels, and SCADA upgrades were also incorporated into the facility. Extensive MOPO and planning was required to complete installation of the new filter equipment while the remaining filters remained in operation.

This is the first design-build contract for the City of Daytona Beach’s utility department, and the PC team worked hand-in-hand with the owner at every step to ensure everyone understood the process that would lead the design progression and procurement for an on-time project delivery. Throughout construction, we worked closely with the City to continue to tailor the scope and make adjustments to best meet their needs at no additional cost, adding tremendous value to the resulting project.

To meet demand, the plant had to keep five filters operating around the clock. This required close coordination with plant operations staff to ensure the invasive piping and valve installations on common pipelines shared by operational filters did not limit plant capacity. It was also crucial that the operating filters were not exposed to contamination from construction demolition and the reinstallation of filter internals on adjacent filters. PC focused on isolating the construction of the affected filter from the others in operation by building full enclosures that were inspected and maintained on a daily basis.

Extensive MOPO and planning was required to complete the installation of the new filter equipment. The scope of work required over 45 individual shutdowns. The PC team developed a thorough understanding of the plant and its operational needs to ensure the work associated with each shutdown was completed swiftly and efficiently without impacting the required plant capacity.

Recognition

  • Sherwin Williams Water and Wastewater Impact Award Honorable Mention

75

Contract Value Self-Performed by PC

24

MGD Water Treatment Plant Capacity

5

Construction Project Sequence Phases

Our Clients

PC has proven to be a great team player and collaborator. PC is highly committed to being available to City staff, spending time with operations and maintenance staff to ensure they are involved in every step of the project. They have taken the time to become intimately familiar with the facilities they work on the ensure plant operations are maintained at all times. Based on our experience with PC, and the consistent and exceptional services they have provided to the City, we have confidence that they will bring the same level of service and quality to any project they work on.

Eric Smith, P.E.

Deputy Utilities Director • City of Daytona Beach