Low-DO BNR: Research program looks at how to do it cost-effectively and at full-scale
The water industry’s first Digital Twin Readiness Guide to aid utility transformation
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — A diverse group of global utilities, solution providers, academia, and thought leaders have developed a groundbreaking Digital Twin Readiness Guide, the first-of-its-kind roadmap for Digital Twin implementation to advance the water industry.
Spearheaded by the SWAN Forum, Brown and Caldwell, DHI, and with contributions from numerous partners, the zero-cost guide was launched at the SWAN Annual Conference this week. At its core, the guide applies SWAN’s state-of-the-art Digital Twin architecture, the water industry standard for planning and implementing Digital Twins.
The SWAN Digital Twin Utility Advisory Group, consisting of representatives from Global Omnium, Sydney Water, Aarhus Vand, Clean Water Services, and DC Water, hailed the guide’s potential:
“As leading utilities, we believe the SWAN Digital Twin Readiness Guide can transform the water sector by enabling utilities and the industry to understand the foundation of a Digital Twin as they embark on or continue their implementation journey.”
A Digital Twin is a real-time digital counterpart of a physical object or process. Akin to an airplane’s co-pilot, Digital Twin uses analytical and predictive modeling to speed up and validate decision-making to automate time-consuming and manual engineering or operator processes.
Benefits to utilities include better prediction and preparedness for seasonal or climate-driven condition changes, asset and operational health analysis for investment optimization, and what-if scenario simulations for safer training environments.
While Digital Twin implementation is unique to each utility, deployment steps are foundational to achieving optimized, cost-efficient water and wastewater systems. Digital Twin readiness is scalable, iterative, and likely phased over time, depending on the utility’s unique needs, budget, infrastructure, and software requirements.
The Digital Twin Readiness Guide provides the framework, steps, and path to achieve essential insights leading to more intuitive water systems operations, making the utility more efficient.
Global case studies detailing the successful implementation of SWAN’s Digital Twin architecture are included in the guide. Projects include a Singapore-based water reclamation plant, an urban drainage project for Denmark’s largest wastewater utility, and several water treatment and network projects in Spain and Italy.
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About Brown and Caldwell
Headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, Brown and Caldwell is a full-service environmental engineering and construction firm with 52 offices and 1,800 professionals across North America and the Pacific. For 75 years, our creative solutions have helped municipalities, private industry, and government agencies successfully overcome their most challenging water and environmental obstacles. As an employee-owned company, Brown and Caldwell is passionate about exceeding our clients’ expectations and making a difference for our employees, our communities, and our environment. For more information, visit www.brownandcaldwell.com
About SWAN
The Smart Water Networks Forum (SWAN) is the leading, global hub for the smart water sector. Founded in 2010, SWAN is uniquely focused on increasing the awareness and acceleration of smart, data-driven solutions in drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater networks worldwide by bringing like-minded people together. By aligning industry thought leaders and fostering inclusive collaboration across municipal, commercial, academia, regulatory and non-profit sectors, we have become the key driving force in proactively influencing the smart water sector. Learn more at www.swan-forum.com/
About DHI
DHI is a leading, innovative, and global advisory company that integrates deep domain knowledge with advanced digital technology to enable new ways to use, manage and live with water and ecosystems. Headquartered in Denmark since 1964, DHI employs more than 1,000 professionals working from offices in more than 30 countries worldwide. For over 50 years, we have researched and worked on ways to save water, share it fairly, improve its quality, quantify its impacts, and manage its flow. As an independent and self-owned organization, we strive to make this knowledge globally accessible by channeling through our local teams and unique MIKE Powered by DHI software. Learn more about us at www.dhigroup.com
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Pioneering resource recovery study gets Water Research Foundation, utility funding
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Water Research Foundation (WRF) has granted $70,000 for project #5108 Acid+ Digestion, an applied research study to optimize acid gas digestion and test a novel process to benefit wastewater treatment and downstream waterways.
The Acid+ process recirculates wastewater sludge from methane-phase to acid-phase digesters, potentially accelerating and intensifying digestion capacity by 50%. Subsequently, improved production and quality of biosolids and biogas are produced, requiring less digestion volume.
Additionally, Acid+ has the potential to achieve cost-effective nutrient recovery while reducing operations and maintenance (O&M) costs with simple retrofits to existing tankage and equipment to protect from struvite fouling. Struvite, a compound that forms when magnesium encounters nitrogen and phosphorus under increasing pH conditions, can degrade pipes to the point of requiring full replacement to restore capacity. When harvested, struvite can be sold as fertilizer, reducing biosolids phosphorus concentration by half and turning an O&M nuisance into a revenue stream. Concurrently, enhancing nutrient recovery yields cleaner, regulatory-compliant water for environmentally safe release to downstream waterways.
The $210,000 project is partly funded by WRF’s Tailored Collaboration and contributions from supporting utilities. Led by a research team of Chris Muller (Brown and Caldwell), Chul Park (University of Massachusetts Amherst), and John Fillos (City College of New York), optimized acid-gas and Acid+ processes will run in separate laboratory-scale experiments with conventional methane digestion as a control. The research will explore the benefits of retrofitting processes upstream of existing methane digesters to achieve lower O&M costs, higher-quality biosolids and biogas products, and cost-effective nutrient recovery.
The project is sponsored by the City of Columbus, which has successfully implemented acid phase digestion improvements at its Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plant, saving the city upward of $1M annually. Support includes contributions from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, Gwinnett County/The Water Tower, and the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati.
“Our applied research and technical innovation focus allow Brown and Caldwell to explore new solutions with academia and technology partners to create cost-saving breakthroughs for clients. By making minor upgrades to existing equipment, Acid+ could be accessible to the wider wastewater industry, equipping utilities with enhanced, sustainable processes while protecting downstream waterways.”
Chris Muller, Brown and Caldwell innovation and technology lead – biosolids and energy
Following a 21-month research process, a final report with Acid+ recommendations will be made available for industry dissemination.
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About The Water Research Foundation
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public. For more information, visit www.waterrf.org
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Rainstorms and fallen leaves
North Texas Municipal Water District looks to the future with wastewater facility upgrades
ALLEN, Texas — The North Texas Municipal Water District (the District) is proactively upgrading its Wilson Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (RWWTP) to service a growing population while maintaining environmental compliance.
The District provides wastewater services to 24 communities and 1.4 million residents of North Texas. Its wastewater system consists of more than 226 miles of large-diameter pipelines, 23 lift stations, and 13 wastewater treatment plants to convey and treat approximately 163+ million gallons of wastewater per day (mgd). With a service area projected to double by 2050 to more than three million residents, the District maintains its wastewater treatment plants to meet the needs of one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.
The 64-mgd Wilson Creek RWWTP is the largest plant in the regional system and the backbone of the District’s treatment capabilities.
As part of the District’s capital improvements plan, and in alignment with a recently-completed Wilson Creek RWWTP master plan, the project includes replacing mechanisms and evaluating the covers of primary clarifiers, replacing aging aeration blowers, and expanding solids dewatering. Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection capacity will increase by utilizing higher intensity UV lamps and increasing the flow through three channels, allowing the plant to reliably meet discharge permit requirements. Furthermore, a new aeration control building will house electrical gear to serve the new blowers and provide energy-efficient blower control for the aeration process.
A key design element is the careful sequencing of construction activities to facilitate continuous operations during site works.
Once complete, the upgrades and replacement of aging equipment will improve plant reliability, optimize process performance and energy efficiency, and increase flexibility of the plant. Moreover, the improvements will help the plant meet current wastewater regulatory permit requirements.
Recently underway, the detailed design and engineering of the upgrades is being led by prime consultant Brown and Caldwell.
“We applaud the District for taking proactive steps to ensure its customers continue to receive exemplary levels of service. Our highly qualified team is honored to bring proven and new technologies to transform the facility in alignment with the District’s long-term goals.”
Brown and Caldwell Principal-in-Charge Adam Evans
Following completion of the design phase by November 2023, construction close-out of the upgrades is scheduled for March 2026.
Brown and Caldwell to develop sewage and rainwater management plan for Vancouver
VANCOUVER — The City of Vancouver is embarking on a once-in-a-generation project to re-think and leverage critical infrastructure investments to make the city a more healthy, resilient, and inclusive community. To this end, a team of planners, engineers, and public engagement specialists led by Brown and Caldwell in partnership with Kerr Wood Leidal has been engaged to develop the Healthy Waters Plan: Adapting and Integrating Sewage & Rainwater Management in Vancouver (“the plan”) for British Columbia’s largest city.
The City provides sewage and drainage services to homes and businesses, managing over 2,000 kilometers of underground storm, sanitary, and combined pipes, 45,000 stormwater catch basins, over 100,000 service connections, and 25 pump stations.
Over the next two decades, Vancouver is expected to welcome 150,000 new residents and 60,000 new jobs.
Population growth combined with aging infrastructure, seismic risks, and climate change represent significant challenges related to water, wastewater, and stormwater management, but also a chance to re-think how water is managed as described by City Director of Urban Watersheds, Sewers & Drainage Jimmy Zammar:
“The challenges we face provide an opportunity to recreate healthy and resilient urban watersheds that help restore and revitalize natural, social, and cultural systems while delivering critical water infrastructure to provide residents with affordable and reliable services.”
The two-part plan aims to guide policy, regulation, advocacy, and long-range investments in Vancouver’s sewer and stormwater management while supporting equity for all Vancouverites and reconciliation with Indigenous communities. It will leverage Vancouver’s Rain City Strategy to integrate rainwater and sewer infrastructure policies, projects, and programs using a One Water approach to find the right balance of green and grey infrastructure for increased water quality benefits based on scientific analysis and community values.
The Brown and Caldwell/Kerr Wood Leidal team will catalog the current system understanding and knowledge gaps, in particular the extent and causes of combined sewer overflows and the associated impacts on receiving water bodies. This assessment will make recommendations to Vancouver’s approach to pollution management and the development of a Priority Action Plan, including proposals to enhance biodiversity and achieve accelerated water quality outcomes via natural systems. Additionally, a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process will be developed to bring partners, stakeholders, and the community into the decision-making process to set Vancouver on a path toward a more equitable future.
“We congratulate the City for taking this pivotal step to set in motion new paradigms for managing urban water systems and making Vancouver a more resilient, ecologically healthy, and beautiful place to live,” said Brown and Caldwell Project Manager Rosey Jencks. “Our team is honored to be part of this landmark moment in Vancouver’s history.”
With Part I recently underway, the plan is scheduled for completion by the first quarter of 2024.
Safulko scoops best technical paper award
Pioneering research led by Brown and Caldwell Senior Environmental Engineer Andrew Safulko has been distinguished with a 2022 Best Paper Award by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the American Membrane Technology Association (AMTA) at the 2022 AMTA/AWWA Membrane Technology Conference.
In a collaboration with the Colorado School of Mines and Dupont Water Solutions, Closed-circuit high-pressure membrane systems for the separation of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances studies the PFAS rejection performance of four commercially available membranes, spanning the characteristic separation range between loose nanofiltration and tight reverse osmosis.
The technical paper evaluates the removal of perfluoroalkyl acids in a full-scale closed-circuit desalination pilot module operating at 97% recovery.
Furthermore, AWWA and AMTA awarded Membrane Treatment Best Paper to Managing and treating PFAS in membrane concentrates, a research paper for which Andrew was a co-author with a host of industry leaders.
Previously published in AWWA Water Science, the paper analyzes established and emerging management approaches for PFAS-impacted high-pressure membrane concentrates.
“I am thrilled that both sets of authors’ hard work and technical excellence have been recognized by these awards. Meaningful collaboration between academia and industry enables the environmental engineering community to leverage applied science and peer-reviewed research to positively influence and shape the emerging contaminant landscape for the betterment of our communities.”
Brown and Caldwell Senior Environmental Engineer Andrew Safulko
Click here to learn more about Brown and Caldwell’s emerging contaminants and PFAS expertise and services.
SFPUC project earns Envision Platinum award
Brown and Caldwell targets LA growth, welcomes experienced leader
LOS ANGELES — Leading environmental engineering and construction firm Brown and Caldwell today announce Suad Cisic has joined the company as managing director, client services. The hire supports the firm’s strategy to expand its share of LA’s water and wastewater market.
A seasoned executive with over 30 years of engineering and construction consulting experience, Cisic has a proven track record of positioning for, capturing, and delivering highly technical projects and programs. Throughout his career, he has successfully led the strategic growth of new geographies, markets, and client relationships both domestically and overseas. Notable projects include major water and wastewater treatment plant upgrades, large-scale pump station and water conveyance system design and construction, and water reclamation and reuse implementation.
Brown and Caldwell has a rich history of delivering environmental projects to enhance LA’s communities. Cisic will build on this foundation and partner with municipal and private clients, aligning the firm’s technical solutions to help overcome complex challenges related to water scarcity, aging infrastructure, and dependence on imported water supplies.
“I am delighted to welcome a respected leader in Suad to our growing LA business. His experience, technical knowledge, and results-oriented approach will greatly benefit our clients in making investments go further and safeguarding LA’s water future.”
Brown and Caldwell Senior Vice President Dan Bunce
A California-licensed professional engineer, Cisic holds a master’s in civil engineering from the University of Zagreb (Croatia), a sanitary engineering diploma from the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education (Holland), and a water and wastewater treatment plant operator certificate from the Fondation de L’eau (France).
Meeting the challenge of climate change
Celebrating 75 years of connecting with communities
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — For 75 years, Brown and Caldwell has been connecting with clients, communities, and ideas as an integral part of planning, permitting, designing, and constructing water, wastewater, and environmental systems across North America and the Pacific. Since our founding in 1947 by Ken Brown and Dave Caldwell, our passion and purpose remain: to make a difference in our communities.
During this anniversary year, we celebrate our rich history and success, thanks to the talent of our past and present employee-owners, lasting relationships with clients, and the shared connections with communities to create transformative results.
This milestone is a testament to the dedication and technical excellence of our people. Stretching over seven decades, our renowned service and innovative solutions have helped communities overcome the most complex water-related and environmental challenges. These are the qualities our founders carried forward as the world changed and Brown and Caldwell grew into the leading environmental engineering and construction firm we are today.
From honoring the contributions from former professionals and celebrating our people, to the power of helping others grow and strengthening our community through a history of mentorship, we are proud of where we came from while remaining focused forward.
Our legacy of connecting with communities would not have been possible without our staff, clients, partners, and support from the industry. On behalf of Brown and Caldwell, thank you, and let’s celebrate together!
Rich D’Amato
Brown and Caldwell CEO
Southern California city seeks to end reliance on imported water
