Plant Upgrade Project

THE PROJECT
The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning’s Division of Sewerage Management (DSM) sought to replace the existing influent bar screens  and the enclosing structure at the East Aurora Water Resource Recovery Facility.

Erdman Anthony was selected to provide design services, and prepare plans, specifications, and an engineer’s opinion of probable cost for the project. Erdman Anthony also assisted DSM in obtaining bids for the project, provided recommendations of bidders, and provided construction administration services.  

FEATURES/SOLUTIONS
Project services included:

• Obtaining existing survey information, record plans, and vendor contacts 
• Reviewing all available record plans and documentation for the existing facility  
• Conducting site investigations and surveys to assess conditions and verify record-plan data
• Discussing preferred equipment possibilities with vendors suggested by DSM  
• Reviewing the discussion’s results with DSM and obtaining its concurrence
• Discussing prefabricated structures with manufacturers and reviewing with DSM
• Meeting with DSM to establish the options selected for further evaluation and pricing

Project features included:

• Replacement of the existing building with a new prefabricated structure. The new structure was larger than the existing structure to accommodate the new equipment. 
• Two new influent bar screens.
• Interior and exterior lighting and fixtures, insulation, an exhaust fan, electric heat, and a new water service
• Retention of the existing concrete influent channels
• A new concrete slab and connections to the existing concrete foundations/channels
• Grading and a new retaining wall to accommodate the expansion
• Design of a new 480V, three-phase power source to the screen building, routed underground from an existing building  
• Design of the controls for start/stop and speed, plus an overflow alarm
• Design of a grounding system for the expanded screen building 
• Provisions for temporary electrical service and maintenance of influent flow

IMPACTS
The completed project supports the agency’s mission to maintain facilities that provide cost effective, customer-oriented wastewater service that protects public health and enhances the natural environment. 

Awards

2021 Silver Award

American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of New York

Construction/Repair Project of the Year

APWA, New York Chapter, Western Branch – 2020