CDM Smith Solution Feed

Landmark Capital Improvements in Puerto Rico

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:39:14 -0600

In 2004, faced with rising costs, unsatisfied demand, aging facilities and potential multi-million dollar fines from federal and state regulatory agencies, the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) was at a crossroads. With extraordinary vision, PRASA’s management elected to transform the utility both internally and externally by establishing a long-term goal to become a world-class utility. Meeting this challenge required the planning and implementation of an unprecedented $2.3 billion capital improvements program with island-wide coverage, to be completed in a record 5 years. Complex program constraints resulted in an implementation model centered on five program management consortia (PMCs), each supporting a defined geographical region, later reduced to only two PMCs for the entire island.

Since 2005, CDM Smith, as PMC for the West and South regions of Puerto Rico, has been assisting PRASA implement a $750 million program portfolio comprising capital improvements for more than 100 projects— including water/wastewater treatment facilities, pump stations, pipe installation and residential and commercial service connections—all moving PRASA closer to its long-term objectives by improving service, creating much needed construction jobs and supporting economic growth.

Following an accelerated transformation schedule, PRASA again partnered with CDM Smith in early 2010 to implement an aggressive $100 million plant automation program for more than 150 facilities island-wide, putting in place technical and management services to deliver all projects by mid-2012. Through change management services to organizationally integrate PRASA into the new automated cluster-operation model, the program will help PRASA reduce operational costs, optimize staff productivity, improve compliance with regulatory agencies and deliver world-class service.

New Thinking for Addressing Water Issues

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:39:14 -0600

Water is essential to humans and nature alike. As a natural resource, water supports flourishing habitats and provides supplies for drinking water, agriculture, commerce, industry and recreation. As stewards of the planet, we must also ensure that our activities are sustainable to protect our waters. Everything that we do, from washing our dishes to fertilizing our gardens, has a consequence for our waters. The implementation of the Water Framework Directive across Europe heralds a change of thinking in the way that these water issues are addressed.

Supporting Ireland’s implementation of the directive, CDM Smith was appointed lead consultant for the Eastern River Basin District (ERBD), on an 8-year, €10 million water management program. As part of this management program, we published a river basin management plan and developed an implementation strategy for this 6,300-square-kilometer area, home to 1.6 million people. This plan describes the actions to ensure the protection of our waters over the coming years and represents a major milestone in environmental management. Based on an understanding of the hydrology, hydraulics, geology, surface and groundwater interactions, and the conflicting pressures in the district, it sets out how the aims and objectives of improving and protecting water quality and ecology can be achieved in a program of measures.

To support the plan and implement the program of measures, we developed a unique decision support tool, known as the River Basin Management System; it provides a flexible, web-based environment to deliver and track current information for officials, water managers and those tasked with the day-to-day implementation of the plan.

Each one of us uses clean water and creates dirty water. We, therefore, all have an important role to play in the sustainable use, protection and improvement of our waters. CDM Smith is playing a critical part in realizing the ambitious aims of the Water Framework Directive to improve and protect Europe’s precious water resources.

Clean Waterways for Ho Chi Minh City

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:44:54 -0700

The environmental improvement project includes a massive pumping station, as well as wastewater, drainage and solid waste components to clean and green the NLTN Basin—making the space attractive and safe for residents and tourists.

Developing Urban Infrastructure in India

We have partnered with several state governments in India to provide program management, design and construction supervision, and regulatory compliance for urban development plans in cooperation with the Asian Development Bank, which is funding and facilitating the work. Projects include water services, landfills and roads.

Less Brine, More Benefits

Through design-build delivery, CDM Smith implemented a first-of-its-kind, innovative water treatment and reuse system for Marathon Oil Company that reliably and safely meets all water discharge limits-—protecting the environment and fresh water supplies, controlling treatment costs, and enabling Marathon Oil to focus on their core business of gas operations

Supporting Military Preparedness

We partnered with the U.S. Marine Corps and the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest to design, build, operate and maintain this ongoing program at Camp Pendleton to enhance overall water and wastewater system operations and reliability.

A Reservoir in the City

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:43:59 -0700

Singapore’s Marina Barrage, a low-level dam, reliably accommodates excess precipitation, provides effective flood control, and enhances water supply and quality. The complex’s technical and architectural features support and enhance the lifestyle and economic development of Singapore’s urban center.

Making Every Drop Count

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:47:01 -0700

The RIAL program has helped Jordan meet water use challenges with a series of projects to reuse wastewater. Addressing agricultural, industrial, and urban needs, efforts advanced Jordan toward its goal of 100-percent water reuse to protect water supply, public and environmental health and socioeconomic development.

Quenching a Desert Community's Thirst

North America’s largest desalination facilities apply reverse osmosis membranes to treat brackish groundwater and uses deep-well injection for inland disposal of concentrate—delivering reliable, economical drinking water to a growing desert community.

Restoring Montenegro’s Critical Infrastructure

This complex design-build project addressed Montenegro’s water and wastewater infrastructure needs—advancing water supply, protecting the environment and sustaining economic vitality for this coastal tourist area.

Technology and Sustainability Meet

Implemented with design-build delivery and intelligent 3D and 4D design, the sustainable Arbennie Pritchett water reclamation facility produces high-quality reclaimed water, protects dwindling resources, and contributes to the area’s economic vitality.

Waste Not, Want Not

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:57:27 -0700

Orange County’s groundwater replenishment system produces potable water for indirect reuse from highly treated wastewater—conserving and recovering limited water resources, reducing energy consumption and supporting economic vitality.

Wastewater Upgrades for Warsaw

The Czajka wastewater treatment plant is being expanded for improved treatment efficiency and reduction of biosolids. CDM Smith has been supporting this project, starting with the master plan for the improvement of Warsaw’s water supply and sewage disposal systems, through the preparation of an environmental impact assessment.

Flood Protection on the Rhine

When the Ministry of Environment and Conservation determined the need to rehabilitate the flood protection in the area of the Rhine arch Muendelheim, we submitted a design combining the technical specifications with the interests of adjacent communities, and boundary conditions for sensitive waste and water lines.

Cleaning Contaminated Groundwater in Place

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:47:05 -0700

Enhanced anaerobic bioremediation, which leverages naturally occurring bacteria, boosted by simple lactate, is the sustainable, effective remedy that Rockwell Automation was looking for to clean contaminated groundwater in Florida.

Cleaning House in a Large Contaminated Site

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:26:18 -0600

Years after converting a former chemical plant in Germany to a residential site, it was discovered that the area was highly contaminated, posing environmental and health risks for its many residents. A site rehabilitation plan will assess dangers, remediate soil and groundwater, and track progress.

Looking Deep to Remediate Perchlorate

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:26:17 -0600

CDM Smith’s patented gaseous electron donor injection technology is an innovative, versatile and environmentally friendly in situ approach to remediate perchlorate and nitrate contamination, protecting groundwater; minimizing expensive drinking water treatment technologies; and treating many other contaminants.

New Life for a Former Industrial Port

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:43:37 -0700

Reclaiming unused industrial space, a new residential and commercial district is being developed on the site of a former river port in Germany. A rehabilitation and development strategy will clean soil and groundwater contamination, control costs, and meet all regulatory requirements.

Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:26:18 -0600

Symbolizing a gateway to revitalization, this brownfields remediation project is a critical piece of a citywide redevelopment plan in Lawrence that will return properties to beneficial reuse, including a much-heralded landscaped parking facility.

Restoring Hope in Libby

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:26:18 -0600

The pristine views from Libby, Montana, make it difficult to imagine that a public health crisis has unfolded here. But it has, and serving as prime contractor, we are leading this unprecedented $80 million investigation and Superfund cleanup to boost the local economy and protect public health.

Uniting to Clean a Tarnished Legacy

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:45:17 -0700

The Avoca copper mines were closed after 2.5 centuries of operation, leaving significant site and water pollution. Our integrated efforts helped coordinate remediation, engage area stakeholders and study the effects on this unique location in Ireland.

Accelerating a Major Traffic Route

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:47:13 -0700

Trains will soon be running faster through Europe’s largest terminal train station in Leipzig, Germany. One of the most challenging geotechnical construction projects of our time, we are helping to accelerate local trains and reduce travel time by optimizing public transportation to the city center.

Closing the Loop

The I-485 outer loop project will help the North Carolina Department of Transportation ease traffic and increase mobility in the Charlotte metropolitan area. We are helping increase safety and speed project time with innovative interchange design and design-build delivery.

Composing an Expanded Airport

Built in 1933, the Fryderyk Chopin Airport, Poland's largest and busiest, is constantly seeking ways to modernize and expand. For over 10 years, we have helped to provide the most efficient and effective facilities that support the airport’s continued growth.

Connecting a Congested City

Responding to tremendous population and employment growth, the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority is leading several corridor studies to improve the city’s rail transit system, decrease traffic congestion, and increase sustainability.

Easing Transport on a Major River

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:47:15 -0700

The Neckar River in Germany carries maritime traffic to three major trading ports, but is the only water route along the Rhine basin that cannot be navigated by large ships. To expand this river passage and accommodate larger cargo traffic, we are helping to repair locks and upgrade overall stability.

Fast Track Success

We partnered with the Utah Transit Authority to expand and upgrade the light rail system, adding 70 miles of new light and commuter rail. Other plan improvements include modernizing the existing rail system and introducing intermodal stations to provide better access for commuters.

Flying Clean to Improve an Industry

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:47:15 -0700

Los Angeles World Airports launched an industry trend-setting initiative to build sustainable practices into its business model. This ambitious program will further enhance the airport’s role as a key driver in national and regional economic growth, social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Hot Lanes, Cool Travel

We partnered with the Minnesota Department of Transportation to design, develop, implement and operate the MnPASS express lane system, which uses an innovative new tolling design to offer additional capacity of existing high occupancy vehicle lanes to single occupant vehicles.

Improving Mobility in a Growing County

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:47:15 -0700

The Butler Transit Authority responded to growing traffic challenges by designing an intermodal transit center to increase mobility options for its residents. Located on a brownfield site, the center creates modern solutions out of the county’s industrial history while improving sustainability.

Making a High-Speed Connection in Germany

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:47:16 -0700

The high-profile Stuttgart-Ulm rail project is connecting Southern Germany to other major European cities. This project will bring a new level of rail service to Germany, provide better access throughout Europe, and drive economic and cultural growth for the Stuttgart metropolitan area.

Teaming up for Interstate Solutions

We partnered with the Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri departments of transportation and the Federal Highway Administrations to study potential updates to an 800-mile stretch of Interstate 70 that runs through the four states. Recommended updates include dedicated truck lanes.

The Road to Community Development

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:47:16 -0700

The Route 1 transportation improvement project includes critical updates to a bustling traffic corridor north of Boston while redeveloping a brownfield site around sensitive ecosystems. This unique public-private partnership’s design-build approach maximizes economic resources and expedites project execution.

Cogeneration at Columbia Boulevard

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:37:43 -0600

Columbia Boulevard’s new cogeneration facilities—which provide 1.7 megawatts of power—center on two 850-kilowatt internal combustion engine generators, equipped with the latest in lean-burn technology. Since startup of the new facilities, the plant has purchased approximately 40 percent less power than in previous years.

Digging Deep for a Sound Investment

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:45:12 -0700

Geothermal power plants tap the Earth’s natural heat to supply heating and electricity. We assisted Axpo AG, a leading Swiss energy company, to assess economic, technical, and legal considerations of geothermal technology in southern Germany.

Food Waste to Fuel

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:37:40 -0600

Adding fat, oil and grease to anaerobic digestion at Riverside’s regional water quality control plant increases methane gas production for beneficial reuse and reduces the amount of solid waste conveyed to landfills.

What Lies Beneath

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:45:21 -0700

A top priority for R+V—the first company in Wiesbaden to use geothermal energy—was to find an alternative to traditional temperature regulation and be independent from rising energy costs. We partnered with the company to optimize the performance of its new geothermal system.

Heat Recovery for Safer Sidewalks

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:47:22 -0700

The system will capture heat from wastewater treatment plant effluent to heat a hot water loop system. The heated water will travel through insulated, shallow, underground pipes to melt snow on busy sidewalks—saving town resources and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors.

Hidden Resources

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:47:23 -0700

To meet new federal renewable energy objectives—as well as limit environmental impacts, reduce demand on energy systems, decrease operations and maintenance costs, and increase the reliability of power systems—we are working to pilot test a food waste anaerobic digestion system for the Air Force Academy.

Meeting Electricity and Heating Demands

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:47:23 -0700

Combined heat and power creates heat and electricity at one source and boasts a nearly 85-percent efficiency rate. To efficiently meet energy needs and save money, we have been putting CHP projects in place throughout Poland.

Powering the Winds of Change

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:47:24 -0700

Wind power is gaining ground as a renewable energy source in Poland. In Orla, we are partnering to assess environmental impacts, identify potential opportunities, and obtain the necessary permits to build a successful wind farm.

The Benefits of Biogas

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:37:41 -0600

Offering flexibility and optimal advantages for the Gold Bar WWTP and the surrounding community, the biogas master plan integrates boiler operation and cogeneration, as well as biomethane and vehicle fuel generation.

Waste-to-Energy Facility Powers Hillsborough County

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:47:29 -0700

Hillsborough County’s expanded waste-to-energy facility reduces greenhouse gases, cuts landfill waste by 90 percent, and generates enough electricity to power thousands of residential homes and the adjacent wastewater treatment plant.

Biomass Replaces Coal for a Better Environment

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:45:21 -0700

The residents of Stalowa Wola, Poland, are enjoying a cleaner environment now that biomass has replaced coal to fuel their power plant. We designed and oversaw the environmental impact to retrofit this plant with more efficient, environmentally friendly technology to burn biomass, a pure and renewable fuel source.

Beyond Bricks and Mortar

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:47:32 -0700

Harvard University’s Allston campus development is a model of environmental stewardship, and our green utility delivery system will provide all thermal, electrical and wet utilities—serving as a model of sustainable design for other institutions and communities.

Bringing Water Recovery and Reuse to Life

Using advanced membrane technology, this compact, innovative water recovery and recycling facility is helping Frito-Lay's Casa Grande snack food plant reclaim and reuse most of the facility’s process water for other cleaning and production needs—-producing nearly zero waste.

Going for the Green

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:15:44 -0700

Chicago’s household hazardous waste drop-off facility—the first-of-its-kind community recycling center to use green technology concepts—is keeping the city on the fast-track to a more sustainable urban environment.

Landlocked Lesotho Builds Landmark Dam

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:47:38 -0700

Lesotho will receive relief from its water shortages with the Metolong Dam water infrastructure program. The project will supply raw water for Lesotho’s capital, Maseru, and surrounding towns, improving water delivery to domestic users and textile operations and stimulating the business and economy.

Making Room for the Future

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:44:21 -0700

Opening a new book in school design, we are providing the planning, design and construction oversight for 128 new or rehabilitated schools in Jordan—enhancing the learning experience, making better use of available space, and increasing overall functionality for students and the community.

Mining New Nuclear Solutions

A former iron ore mine in Germany is being converted into a repository for radioactive waste. Applying our unique experience in shaft excavation and numerical analysis, we are planning, designing, assessing and supervising site construction to ensure secure, long-term disposal.