Helping the City of Chattanooga save nearly $42 million over the 20-year planning period
The Moccasin Bend Environmental Campus (MBEC) treats wastewater flows from the City of Chattanooga and the surrounding region. The City invested in a pilot-scale study and business case evaluation where our team compared the capital improvements required and resulting annual operating costs of implementing conventional anaerobic digestion versus intensified anaerobic digestion via a thermal hydrolysis process (THP) pre-treatment.
We collected data via process monitoring, comprehensive sampling and analysis, and specialty testing. The study yielded valuable, site-specific data for developing a life cycle cost-based business case evaluation, which included pre- and post-dewatering polymer demands and dryness limitations, biogas production, pathogen destruction, volatile solids destruction, and dewatering sidestream impacts.
Our results provided sufficient data to de-risk uncertainties associated with MBEC’s solids handling planning and the recommended alternative, including restructuring the City’s Consent Order and incorporating THP into the solids handling approach, offered a potential savings of nearly $42 million over the 20-year planning period.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Client
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- City of Chattanooga
Mayra Giraldo, Process Engineer in Training
I always try to find efficient ways to work, and I try to put myself in the client’s shoes to predict their needs and questions.
Becky Hachenburg, Vice President, Regional Water Sector Leader
So grateful to be able to combine my love for the natural environment, water, and engineering design into a rewarding career.
Harold E. Schmidt, Jr., Senior Principal, Regional Practice Leader, Wastewater
Protecting our planet starts with us—by being stewards of the environment and staying in front of industry trends, we can make it happen.
Nicole Stephens, Senior Associate, Water
We are in the business of serving people; the work we do is about improving lives and leaving this planet better than we found it.
Stephanie Kopec, Civil Engineer
I love having a positive impact on communities by working with our clients to develop the best solutions for them.
Michael McWhirter, Vice President, Regional Business Leader, Community Development (US East)
I ensure that projects in developing and transitioning economies are delivered to the highest standards.
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