• Project to enhance environment and serve growing population
KANSAS CITY, MO, March 3, 2008 -- Black & Veatch, a leading global engineering, consulting and construction company, announced today that it has been selected by the city of Olathe, Kan., as the consulting engineer for the expansion of the Cedar Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Black & Veatch will provide engineering services for the initial study phase of the capital improvement project to implement advanced nutrient removal processes and boost the plant's wastewater treatment capacity to keep pace with Olathe's growing population. The expansion is expected to triple the Cedar Creek plant's existing capacity of three million gallons per day.
"Olathe is one of the fastest-growing communities in Kansas, and we are extremely excited to work as their partner in planning this facility expansion," said Dan McCarthy, President and CEO of Black & Veatch's global water business. "Our professionals' expertise will provide a sustainable solution on biological nutrient removal treatment options, while helping to enhance water quality for the region."
The reduction of nutrient levels from discharges in the Mississippi River basin has been a primary focus of regulatory efforts to remedy hypoxic conditions in the Gulf of Mexico. Hypoxia refers to the absence of oxygen reaching living tissues. In coastal waters, it is characterized by low levels of dissolved oxygen that result in a loss of marine plants and animals.
"Black & Veatch has a track record of high-quality work for our community. We are looking forward to its efforts on this project that will protect the environment, serve the city's wastewater customers and sustain the quality of life today and in the future," said Don Seifert, Director of Municipal Services for the city of Olathe. "The company's knowledge of wastewater treatment and expansion options, as well as its strong understanding of regulatory guidelines, were significant factors in it being selected for this project."
The Black & Veatch team will work closely with city staff during the next five months on the project planning phase. The initial work will focus on evaluating alternatives and cost development for the plant expansion. The study's goal is to identify the most cost-effective, phased expansion plan while meeting anticipated discharge limits for phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations.
Black & Veatch is a leading global engineering, consulting and construction company specializing in infrastructure development in energy, water, telecommunications, management consulting, federal and environmental markets. Its global water business provides innovative, technology-based solutions to utilities, governments and industries worldwide.
###
