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Upgrading Salt Lake City’s Water Reclamation Facility for a Sustainable Future

Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

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AECOM is helping Salt Lake City modernize its critical water infrastructure through the second largest project in Salt Lake City’s history.

Salt Lake City’s Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) is undergoing a transformative upgrade to improve its operability, sustainability, and resilience. With an aging facility and environmental regulations becoming more stringent, the Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities (SLCDPU) recognized the need for a long-term investment in clean water infrastructure. AECOM was selected to support this significant undertaking, leading multidisciplinary efforts to modernize the existing facility into a state-of-the-art biological nutrient removal (BNR) plant.

Meeting the Challenges of Aging Water Infrastructure

The WRF rebuild project is the largest project in SLCDPU’s history and the second largest in the city’s history, behind the Salt Lake City International Airport reconstruction. The new facility is being built adjacent to the current plant and is designed to treat the same average daily flow of 48 MGD of wastewater but with higher efficiency, resilience, and odor control. Designed by AECOM and constructed under a Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) contract by joint venture Sundt/PCL, the plant is set for completion in 2026. This marks Salt Lake City’s first use of the CMGC delivery method, which has enabled a highly collaborative process focused on achieving the best long-term value for the community.

New water quality regulations, aging infrastructure, seismic resiliency requirements, and long-term conservation goals drove the full replacement strategy. One innovative decision—preloading the site with 800,000 tons of soil and 43,078 wick drains to dewater the area—helped avoid the need for costly 200-foot-deep piles, saving over $40 million.

To maintain operations and reduce odor impacts, a temporary mechanical dewatering facility was established in 2020 in place of the existing sludge drying beds that were in the footprint of the new WRF. This allowed operators to become familiar with the technology, and two of the final system’s four screw presses were used in training. Other cost-saving measures included early procurement strategies, proactive vendor engagement, and multiple rounds of value engineering.

Providing Comprehensive, Sustainable Water Reclamation Solutions

AECOM’s design integrates cutting-edge wastewater treatment systems with advanced BNR processes, ultraviolet disinfection, effluent heat recovery, and mechanical dewatering. Odor control was prioritized early and strongly reinforced by community feedback. The new enclosed dewatering facility ensures reduced foul air emissions, monitored by a comprehensive odor control system. With a new treatment process as part of the project, AECOM provided a demonstration pilot for operations staff to build familiarity with new technology.

Procurement of major long-lead equipment such as blowers and electrical gear was challenged by global supply chain constraints. The Sundt/PCL team initiated procurement years in advance to avoid schedule slippage. The four key blowers, critical to the BNR aeration system, took four years to arrive but were successfully installed a year ahead of full commissioning.

The project also includes six electrical rooms requiring enclosure and weatherproofing to proceed with installation of HVAC and complex electrical systems. Once operational, electricians will install miles of wiring through underground duct banks to connect systems across the site.

Milestones and Measurable Impact

The project recently celebrated the completion of all structural concrete. Current efforts focus on architectural finishes and enclosure of critical systems to keep the project on schedule for a 2026 commissioning. Over 2 million hours of craft labor have been logged, with key safety, power, and environmental milestones met.

The new facility will eliminate open-air drying beds, reduce odors, improve reliability, and support Salt Lake City’s long-term water sustainability goals. Designed with seismic resiliency and climate change adaptation in mind, the facility targets Envision Platinum certification.

The project team continues to prioritize transparency, community engagement, and long-term value through strategic planning, collaboration, and innovation.