Singapore’s DTSS Phase 2: Five key facts you need to know

June 10, 2014
It was during the bi-annual Singapore International Water Week that one of the biggest engineering projects was announced, not just for Singapore, but for the whole of Asia. We’ve put together the key five facts you need to know about the project..

It was during the bi-annual Singapore International Water Week that one of the biggest engineering projects was announced, not just for Singapore, but for the whole of Asia.

Utility PUB awarded Phase 2 of its Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS) to the consultancy joint-venture of Black & Veatch (B&V) and AECOM in what will be a multi-billion dollar project.

The contract is a multi-pronged project, involving not just a continuation of the earlier DTSS Phase 1 but also a new water reclamation plant and an integrated waste management facility.

We’ve put together the key five facts you need to know about the project:

1) There's no such thing as favourite The three shortlisted consultancies bidding to oversee the project included: Arup, CH2M Hill and a joint venture between B&V and AECOM. CH2M Hill could have been seen as favourite, having undertaken Phase 1 of the project and currently overseeing similar projects in Abu Dhabi (STEP) and Qatar (IDRIS). Following open pre-qualification and tender exercises called in March 2013 and August 2013 respectively, the B&V/AECOM joint venture emerged as the victor.

2) Reducing sludge costs in Tuas As part of the tunnel expansion, a new Tuas Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) and integrated NEWater factory will be built, likely on a design-build-own-operate basis (DBOO). PUB said it plans for the WRP to be more energy efficient than existing WRPs and generate less sludge, thereby reducing the cost of sludge disposal.

3) Waste not, want not As part of the project, the National Environment Agency (NEA) is planning to develop the next Private-Public-Partnership (PPP) waste to energy (WtE) plant at Tuas South Avenue 3. Currently there are four WtE plants in Singapore. It would be completed over two phases: the first by 2021 and the second by 2024. Once complete, 50% of Singapore’s waste would go to WtE plants. It will be co-located with the Tuas WRP, which could potentially off-take power generated by waste.

4) Deeper underground DTSS Phase 2 will extend DTSS to the western side of Singapore through a 30km long South Tunnel, 70km of link sewers and a 12km deep sea outfall. There will be three centralised collection and treatment points: Changi WRP in the east, Kranji WRP in the north and the new Tuas WRP in the west.

5) Team effort The B&V/AECOM joint-venture, as lead consultant, will begin feasibility studies and preliminary design on the projects. For Phase 1’s deep tunnel sewer tunnels, link sewers, Changi WRP and outfall, the work was broken down into nearly 50 main consultants and contractors and 300 sub-contractors and suppliers.

Read more

VIDEO: Top Five Announcements from SIWW 2014 Hear what the B&V/AECOM team had to say over the DTSS Phase 2 project win…

Digging Deep in Singapore: Getting Ready for DTSS Phase II With Phase 1 of Singapore's Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS) complete, what will Phase 2 mean for the island? How will this project revolutionise wastewater treatment in Singapore and link into the previous tunnel?

About the Author

Tom Freyberg

Tom Freyberg is an experienced environmental journalist, having worked across a variety of business-to-business titles. Since joining Pennwell in 2010, he has been influential in developing international partnerships for the water brand and has overseen digital developments, including 360 degree video case studies. He has interviewed high level figures, including NYSE CEO’s and Environmental Ministers. A known figure in the global water industry, Tom has chaired and spoken at conferences around the world, from Helsinki, to London and Singapore. An English graduate from Exeter University, Tom completed his PMA journalism training in London.

Sponsored Recommendations

WIN-911 Alarm Notification Software Enables Faster Response

March 15, 2024
Alarm notification software enables faster response for customers, keeping production on track

Automated Fresh Water Treatment

March 15, 2024
SCADA, Automation and Control for Efficient and Compliant Operations

Digital Transformation Enables Smart Water

March 15, 2024
During this webinar we will discuss factors driving the transformation to digital water, water industry trends, followed by a summary of solutions (products & services) available...

Smart Water Solutions: Transforming the Water Universe

March 15, 2024
Water is our most valuable resource, and efficient and effective water and wastewater handling is crucial for municipalities. As industry experts, you face a number of challenges...