The South Orange County Wastewater Authority (SOCWA) makes ongoing improvements to their water treatment plants to ensure infrastructure never fails.

At the Coastal Treatment Plant Facility Improvements project, we upgraded systems and equipment, including chemical-feed and electrical systems and the secondary sedimentation basin. We investigated potential barriers to progress early on and put forward a range of solutions after uncovering a few anomalies on-site. A 3D model helped the authority and the engineer completely redesign a shoring system, which conflicted with below-grade utilities at the ferric chloride containment area. We used 35-foot-deep, cast-in-place concrete piles in lieu of replacing weak soil under the structure.   

The Coastal Treatment Plant shares a boundary with the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, and SOCWA works to protect this natural environment. A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan is part of any wastewater treatment project, and a creek adjacent to the facility made this requirement for the Coastal Treatment Plant especially strict. Adding to the site’s complexity, access and working hours were limited and the site had no internet or phone service due to its location near the wilderness park and its steep hills.  We optimized our construction efforts to maintain schedule and ensure the park and creek were protected throughout the project. 

In addition to facility improvements, we also helped the client improve their fall protection safety system by leveraging our industry leading safety standards. The Wastewater Authority and its member agencies support the upgrades, and feedback has been positive. These upgrades will allow the plant to run more efficiently while protecting the environment and ensuring the continued safe treatment and disposal of wastewater in Orange County.