Chattanooga Launches Major Environmental Project to Create the World’s Largest MABR Facility

Chattanooga Takes Big Steps Towards a Greener Future!

In a fantastic move for the environment, city officials in Chattanooga have announced a major partnership aimed at revamping the Moccasin Bend Environmental Campus! Drumroll, please! The Archer Western-Stantec design-build team has been chosen to lead the charge, completing Phase 1 of a groundbreaking project focused on wastewater energy recovery and improvements to the wastewater treatment plant.

A Team Commitment to Sustainability

With Archer Western Construction stepping up as the lead contractor and the globally renowned Stantec taking charge of design and engineering, there’s a buzz of excitement surrounding what’s in store. This partnership promises to deliver innovative improvements that are good for both the city and the environment. Officials have shared that this progressive design-build initiative will introduce several state-of-the-art upgrades, including a Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THP) facility and enhancements to anaerobic digestion systems. Plus, a new conversion will transform a facility into a Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR), which is a fancy way of saying it will make wastewater treatment much more efficient and sustainable!

The World’s Largest MABR Facility

Here’s the kicker! When the project wraps up, it will boast the largest MABR facility in the world. Talk about making a splash! This technology is designed to be super energy-efficient, allowing the city to maximize the use of its existing tanks instead of needing to construct new ones. This not only cuts costs but also helps Chattanooga meet emerging nutrient limits for wastewater discharge. It’s a win-win!

Supporting the City’s Green Initiatives

But there’s more to this story than just innovative technology! The project aligns beautifully with Chattanooga’s commitment to sustainability. The improvements can greatly reduce waste and enhance biogas production while also cutting down on the volume of biosolids needing disposal. For the environmentally conscious folks out there, this is a big deal. The facility will generate Class A biosolids, which can be repurposed as a valuable soil additive for local farms. This means Chattanooga is truly working in harmony with nature!

Biogas will take the spotlight as well! Not only will it be reused to create steam for the Moccasin Bend campus, but any surplus will also be harnessed to generate power for the facility. Electrifying, isn’t it?

A Strong Partnership

Harold Schmidt, Stantec’s wastewater sector director, expressed enthusiasm for this partnership: “It’s a privilege for our team to support Chattanooga on its largest capital project under a U.S. EPA Consent Decree.” And he isn’t alone in his excitement. Archer Western’s vice president, David Walker, expressed his eagerness to work closely with Stantec and the city to bring these innovative upgrades to life. Together, they aim to maintain the highest standards of safety and quality—all while aiding the city’s goals of energy reduction and sustainability.

More Than Just Infrastructure

This project is about building a more sustainable Chattanooga. The city is on a mission with its six-goal climate action plan designed to tackle social and economic disparities while achieving net zero-carbon emissions by 2050. They’re looking at ways to achieve zero waste, improve natural resources, and establish themselves as a leader in the green economy. The POWER project is a significant step towards achieving these ambitious goals, making a tangible impact on the community and the environment.

A Decade of Collaboration

Believe it or not, Stantec has been working alongside Chattanooga for over a decade, offering invaluable on-call services. This latest project is their biggest undertaking yet, with Stantec having already designed more than 30 THP facilities worldwide—nearly 50% of those currently operational globally!

As the city moves forward with this vital infrastructure project, residents can expect to see some exciting developments unfold. So stay tuned, Chattanooga! Your journey towards a greener future is just beginning.