HARRISBURG, PA, May 20, 2013 -- Gannett Fleming and Kentucky American Water received a Grand Honor Award in the American Council of Engineering Companies of Kentucky (ACEC-KY) 2013 Engineering Excellence Awards program for design and construction of the Kentucky River Station (KRS) II Water Treatment Plant in Owenton, Ky. Located at Hardin's Landing on the Kentucky River, KRS II helps Kentucky American Water meet increasing demands from nearly 120,000 water customers affected by recurring droughts and supply shortages.
A high-powered plant that was recognized in ACEC-KY's Water Resources category, KRS II is expandable to 30 million gallons per day (mgd) with a rated capacity of 20 mgd. The facility features a dual-media filtration system and a chemical treatment process that exceed Kentucky American Water quality goals. Led by Jeffrey Raffensperger, a vice president based in the firm's corporate headquarters in Harrisburg, Pa., the Gannett Fleming team designed KRS II to withdraw water from Kentucky River Pool 3.
"The plant's clean design exceeded our goals and serves as a model of performance efficiency," said Linda Bridwell, P.E., Kentucky American Water manager of rates and regulations.
KRS II also features innovative connections. In the river, three submerged intake screens pipe water to a raw water sump installed through jet grouting to a depth of 80 feet. A unique application for this type of construction, jet grouting enabled surrounding weak soils to support sump excavation. Pumps deliver raw water that traverses a steep river bluff through an elevated 42-inch pipeline to the plant. Connected to a flexible Kentucky American Water supply network with room for expansion, KRS II delivers finished water to Lexington, Ky., through a 31-mile transmission main.
During the project Gannett Fleming considered community stakeholders, facilitated regulatory approvals, and maximized available space in a lush river setting. Its sustainable source and expandable design enable KRS II to solve Kentucky's regional water needs through 2030 and beyond. The new plant is part of a Kentucky American Water system grid that now features 1,700 miles of main and three water treatment plants with a combined rated capacity of approximately 90 mgd.
ACEC-KY’s annual Engineering Excellence Awards program recognizes the achievements of the consulting engineering industry. A distinguished panel of judges reviewed the project entries for uniqueness and originality, technical value to the engineering profession, social and economic considerations, complexity, and success in meeting client goals. As a result of its high placement at the state level, KRS II advanced to the national ACEC competition.
