PC Construction, Stantec, and Hazen and Sawyer have announced the successful completion of WSSC Water’s $271 million Piscataway Bioenergy Facility. Located in Prince George’s County, Maryland, this facility will transform biosolids into renewable energy, generating significant cost savings and revenue.
Touted as the largest and most advanced initiative in WSSC Water’s 106-year history, the facility utilizes state-of-the-art thermal hydrolysis process (THP) technology, making it one of just seven such facilities in the U.S. This groundbreaking technology improves efficiency, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and reduces operational expenses.
Set to be fully operational in early 2025, the Piscataway Bioenergy Facility is expected to generate around $4 million in yearly revenue and save WSSC Water customers approximately $3.4 million each year in operating costs. It will also be vital in minimizing the utility’s carbon footprint, aligning with Maryland’s sustainability objectives.
“This project is truly pioneering, leveraging thermal hydrolysis technology to cut costs while enhancing efficiency and sustainability,” stated Matt Cooke, president and CEO of PC Construction. “I am immensely thankful for the outstanding team that collaborated to bring this innovative project to fruition—from our partnership with WSSC Water and the leading design-build team in this specialized sector to the over 120 subcontractors and vendors, along with hundreds of skilled craft workers who dedicated their best efforts daily.”
The facility’s innovative design will process biosolids from all six of WSSC Water’s resource recovery sites, converting them into biogas. This biogas will power combined heat and power engines, partially supplying energy to the facility itself. Additionally, excess energy will be sold to Montgomery County to support its Ride On bus fleet, highlighting the facility’s broader community benefits.
In addition to energy production, the facility will create Class A biosolids, a cleaner, pathogen-free byproduct that can be used as a soil amendment. This positions the Piscataway Bioenergy Facility as a leader in sustainable wastewater management, delivering significant environmental and agricultural advantages.
The facility’s completion showcases the strong partnership between PC Construction, Stantec, and Hazen and Sawyer, supported by contributions from over 120 subcontractors and vendors, as well as hundreds of skilled workers.
“This has been an innovative and ambitious endeavor from the outset,” remarked Joe Uglevich, Senior Vice President and Director of Water Delivery at Stantec. “Achieving this milestone is incredibly rewarding for the entire team. We appreciate the chance to realize WSSC Water’s vision.”
The design and construction process emphasized inclusivity, with 34 Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Small Local Business Enterprises (SLBE) contributing to nearly 150 jobs.
Completed on time and within budget, the Piscataway Bioenergy Facility can treat up to 92 dry tons of biosolids daily. It marks a significant advancement for WSSC Water, Maryland’s largest water utility, establishing a new standard for environmentally responsible infrastructure.
Source :Stantec
