WASHINGTON, DC, Dec. 1, 2014 -- The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority's (DC Water) Blue Plains advanced wastewater treatment plant (AWTP) is now operating the Cambi thermal hydrolysis process (THP) -- designed and built by CDM Smith and PC Construction Company in a joint venture (PC/CDM Smith) -- which serves as the first of its kind in the U.S. and the largest Cambi system in the world.
Cambi is an environmental technology provider based in the municipality of Asker, Norway. The DC Water facility, which began operations in October 2014, provides significant environmental benefits -- both as a source of renewable energy and a means of reducing carbon emissions over the previous systems.
The THP system is a key component of the updated biosolids main process train at the Blue Plains AWTP, designed and built by the PC/CDM Smith joint venture, which includes new facilities for biosolids blending, screening and pre-dewatering as well as four 3.8-million-gallon anaerobic digesters.
The project upgraded the facility's previous system, which produced Class B biosolids, to produce Class A biosolids. As a result, the utility will be able to generate power from biogas while significantly reducing the volume of biosolids hauled away.
In addition to reducing waste, generating energy and improving air quality, the project is projected to save residents of DC and surrounding metro areas an estimated $20 million annually -- $10 million in power savings and $10 million in reduced sludge disposal costs.
See also:
"DC Water to house world's largest deammonification system for advanced nitrogen removal"
"DC Water announces successful sale of $350M green century bonds"
About CDM Smith
CDM Smith provides lasting and integrated solutions in water, environment, transportation, energy and facilities to public and private clients worldwide. As a full-service engineering and construction firm, we deliver exceptional client service, quality results and enduring value across the entire project life cycle. For more information, visit www.cdmsmith.com.
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