ORLANDO, Fla., Feb 3, 2003 -- Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. announced Monday that a subsidiary company and its joint venture partner, CDM, reached an agreement with Orange County Utilities and began the second phase (Phase IVB) of construction to complete the expansion and upgrade of the South Water Reclamation Facility.
To reliably meet existing demand and to accommodate growth in the service area, Jacobs and CDM are completing the improvements in two phases as a design-build project.
Officials valued this portion of the contract at $38.7 million. Completion of this expansion program in April 2004 will provide enough capacity to serve the area until 2020.
Located in southern Orange County, Fla., the project expands and improves the existing wastewater treatment plant, which is an integral component of the Water Conserv II system. Water Conserv II is a nationally recognized water reuse facility administered jointly by Orange County and the City of Orlando. Using reclaimed wastewater to irrigate citrus groves and recharge the Floridian Aquifer among other things, Water Conserv II is the largest water reuse project of its kind.
This phase of the South Water Reclamation Facility Expansion adds new clarifiers and upgrades the conventional activated sludge portion of the plant. Other improvements include upgrading the influent pump station, effluent filters, sludge digestion, and dewatering facilities. The team is maintaining operation of the facilities during all stages of construction, which is particularly important during the winter months when the citrus irrigation system serves double duty as freeze protection for citrus trees worth millions of dollars.
Orange County Utilities Wastewater Division operates 7 water reclamation facilities, 500 pump stations, and 900 miles of wastewater pipeline that serve over 100,000 customers in unincorporated Orange County and the cities of Belle Isle and Edgewood. The facilities treat 15 billion gallons of wastewater per year, reclaiming and reusing all of the treated wastewater to irrigate citrus groves and golf courses, create wetlands that provide habitat for endangered and threatened species, recharge the aquifer, and provide cooling water to Orlando Utilities Commission's Stanton Energy Center.
In making the announcement, Jacobs Group Vice President Mike Higgins stated, "We are pleased and excited to continue our involvement in this important wastewater treatment program. The opportunity to provide design-build services to Orange County further strengthens our commitment to helping Florida meet its critical infrastructure needs."
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. is one of the world's largest providers of technical professional services. With more than 35,000 people, the company offers full-spectrum support to industrial, commercial, and government clients in diverse markets. Services include scientific and specialty consulting as well as all aspects of design, construction, and operations & maintenance.
