Since 1947, Brown and Caldwell has been integral to the planning, design, and construction of water, wastewater, and stormwater systems across North America and the Pacific. Our foundational impact on early wastewater infrastructure has not only led to improved environmental outcomes, but also to the sustainable development of our future communities. BC’s rise to distinction in the marketplace is a story of growth and industry firsts fueled by the Clean Water Act, ranging from designing energy efficient treatment facilities to advancing innovative processes to meet water quality standards. Our modern milestones span the world’s largest resource recovery installations, industry-recognized smart utility frameworks, commitments to a more equitable workforce, and beyond. Our longevity and accomplishments are a testament to the talent of our people, the partnership with our clients, and the shared connections that create transformative results.
MODERN MILESTONE PLACEHOLDER JUMP LINK + GRAPHIC
Water Research Foundation #4917 first guidance released
The Water Research Foundation releases first guidance and case studies on utilizing smart water networks to manage pressure and flow for reduction of water loss and pipe breaks, a study led by Brown and Caldwell and the U.S. EPA, with involvement from more than 20 other utility, technology, and industry partners.
2022
BC recognized for LGBTQ+ workplace equality
Brown and Caldwell has earned a top score on the 2022 Corporate Equality Index®, the nation’s foremost benchmarking tool that measures corporate policies and practices related to workplace equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees.
BC launches BC:Opta
BC:Opta™ launched, BC’s unique approach to optimization that relies on a three-part framework: people+technology+adoption that achieves immediate and long-term impacts and improved utility performance.
BC partners with SEEQ to transform water sector data analytics
Bringing Seeq’s solutions to the water sector, Brown and Caldwell will help utilities better leverage SCADA data, lab analyses, asset databases, and metering data in real-time to accelerate digital transformation and positively impact the bottom line.
BC's Rod Pope elected DBIA Fellow
Brown and Caldwell Vice President Rod Pope has been inducted to the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) College of Fellows.
2021
BC earns a top score for disability inclusion
Brown and Caldwell has been recognized as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” by earning a top score on the 2021 Disability Equality Index® (DEI).
Engineering Legends
Brown and Caldwell releases the first episode in our Engineering Legends podcast, focused on sharing human interest stories and creating connection within the water, wastewater, and environmental industry.
Inaugural Balance and Belonging Report
Brown and Caldwell’s first Balance and Belonging annual report details the commitment to initiate change and cultivate a culture where belonging is a shared experience, not an initiative. We highlight the progress made to create a culture and space for employees to be their authentic selves—recognizing this is an ongoing journey.
BC launches Ntensify
BC’s Ntensify™—promising process intensification solutions—increases wastewater treatment plant capacity, reduces energy and chemical use, and helps meet stringent nutrient limits.
Chicago office opens
The new Chicago office further expands Brown and Caldwell’s growing Midwest presence, adding to its 12 regional locations. The firm’s Midwest history dates back to the mid-1990s. Notable projects include designing the country’s largest biological phosphorus wastewater plant in the Twin Cities, developing Northeast Ohio’s multimillion-dollar saving chemically enhanced high-rate wastewater treatment program, and designing the first thermophilic anaerobic digestion system in the country located in Duluth.
SWAN releases first Digital Twin architecture standard
Digital Twin will transform the water industry much like autopilot technology transformed aviation. To help prepare the water sector quickly and set a common reference architecture to implement, Brown and Caldwell worked with the Smart Water Alliance Network (SWAN), the leading global hub for the smart water sector, to develop the water industry’s first Digital Twin architecture standard: “SWAN’s State of the Art Digital Twin Architecture to Advance the Water Industry.”
2020
Guam Waterworks Authority $450 million construction program concludes
BC completes the multi-year PMO supporting Guam Waterworks Authority to rehabilitate and advance the island’s water and wastewater infrastructure through a $450M construction program.
British Columbia office opens
Brown and Caldwell’s history in the Lower Mainland dates back more than 60 years, including the development of Vancouver’s original sewerage plan, the Rawn Report, in 1953. In the decades since, the firm has delivered planning and engineering services on many of Vancouver’s most complex wastewater challenges. Projects include the design of the original Lions Gate Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and the Iona Island WWTP in addition to numerous upgrades at the Annacis Island and Lulu Island WWTPs.
Fulton County Department of Public Works begins construction of $300 million progressive design-build
Brown and Caldwell joint venture with Archer Western begins construction on the $300M Fulton County Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility Expansion—one of the nation’s largest wastewater progressive design-build projects.
New Tacoma, Washington office
Brown and Caldwell’s history in the South Sound dates back more than 60 years, including the development of Tacoma’s first sewerage and drainage report in 1955. In the decades since, it has provided innovative planning, engineering, and construction solutions to the areas most complex water and environmental challenges related to nutrient removal, aging infrastructure, and population growth. The firm has worked with Pierce County Public Works since the early 1990s, most recently leading the design and construction management of award-winning upgrades at the Chambers Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Carey Allen joins as integrated project delivery leader
Carey Allen joins Brown and Caldwell as senior vice president and leader of its integrated project delivery (IPD) practice. She brings over 25 years of construction and environmental industry experience.
2019
BC joins the SWAN Forum
Joining the SWAN Forum reinforces Brown and Caldwell’s dedication to accelerating innovation across the industry to solve the most complex water-related issues. As forum participants, we look forward to collaborating and sharing knowledge for the betterment of the industry.
City of Boise first to remove total phosphorous
The City of Boise has collaborated with Brown and Caldwell to deliver a first-of-its -kind solution to remove total phosphorus at Boise’s water renewal facilities.
BC Blue implemented at Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District
Harnessing the power of emerging technologies, including Internet of Things and sensors, to collect and exchange data, BC Blue enables a broader understanding of operations and systems data and identifies organizational efficiency improvements. The approach equips staff with powerful sets of tools, user-friendly interfaces, improved data quality, and artificial intelligence-enhanced analytics for heightened utility performance. Brown and Caldwell collaborated with Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District to implement the BC:Blue approach.
Rich D'Amato promoted to CEO
As part of its planned succession of leadership, Craig Goehring has transitioned from Brown and Caldwell’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Executive Chairman, and Rich D’Amato, President and Chief Operating Officer, has been promoted to CEO.
2018
GBB, Guam Solid Waste Receivership collaboration continues
Brown and Caldwell selected to monitor and maintain the post-closure of Guam’s Ordot Closure Facility in a multi-year $6.17 million agreement.
Blueprint for One Water released
Brown and Caldwell and the Water Research Foundation developed and released the Blueprint for One Water, a practical guide for agencies seeking to manage water resources holistically and sustainably.
2017
Guam Waterworks Authority awards 5-year $180 million contract
Brown and Caldwell selected for the Northern District Wastewater Treatment Plant project management/construction management contract.
2016
BC grows to 1500 employees
DC Water Unveils Blue Plains Facility
Brown and Caldwell served as program manager and lead developer and designer for this design-build project, using the first North American installation of the CAMBI® thermal hydrolysis process. At the time, the Blue Plains facility was the largest thermal hydrolysis installation in the world.
2015
Organized to deliver for private sector clients
Brown and Caldwell formalized the Private Sector Enterprise to better serve and deliver on the needs of private/industrial clients.
2014
BC partners with the University of Guam
Brown and Caldwell pledged $25,000 in scholarships to UOG for a five-year collaborative program to advance promising students pursuing degrees in the sciences.
2013
East Bay Municipal Utility District becomes first net energy producing WTWTP
Brown and Caldwell’s digestion improvements help California’s East Bay Municipal Utility District become the first WWTP in the country to be a net energy producer.
Guam Waterworks Authority program to advance the island's infrastructure
Brown and Caldwell begins supporting GWA to rehabilitate and advance the island’s water and wastewater infrastructure through a $450 million construction program.
2012
DC Water embarks on ambitious biosolids project
Brown and Caldwell collaborated with DC Water to lead the program to develop the world’s largest Thermal Hydrolysis/Digestion system, creating class A digested biosolids. This project was completed in 2015.
Investing in alternative project delivery
Brown and Caldwell invested in strategic hires to build our Integrated Project Delivery service to meet the growing needs for creative collaborative design and delivery.
2011
National solid waste client explores solar landfill cover
BC designs and permits a solar landfill cover system, the first in New England, for a national solid waste company.
2010
Fulton County's zero-impact MBR plant wins multiple awards
The John’s Creek Environmental Campus design-build project is recognized with multiple national industry awards for state-of-the-art, zero-noise, zero-odor wastewater treatment plant — the largest MBR facility of its kind in the U.S. at the time.
2009
BC creates Navajo Nations scholarship
Brown and Caldwell’s scholarship is designed to encourage and support students who are enrolled members of the Navajo Nations that have a desire develop skills and knowledge in preparation for a career in the environmental profession.
BC partners with Water for People
Originally targeting $15,000, Brown and Caldwell’s workplace giving program exceeded expectations raising more than $22,000 and has turned into a long-term partnership that we proudly continue with Water For People today.
2007
Palm Beach County Solid Waste Authority expansion
Brown and Caldwell designs and permits the award winning Southwest County Transfer Station to manage 1,500 tons of waste per day
2006
City of Atlanta receives national recognition
Brown and Caldwell received the first national DBIA award for the City of Atlanta’s Nancy Creek Pump Station.
2005
Columbus Water Works ARES-generation is first in U.S.
Brown and Caldwell installed the United States’ first “ARES-generation,” high efficiency, internal combustions engines on digester gas for Columbus Water Works. Leading the investigation of the CBFT3 process reduced required Class-A thermophilic batch times from EPA’s 24 hours at 55 degrees to only 30 minutes.
2002
BC Water Jobs begins as an industry staffing resource
With more than 2 million views annually, BC Water Jobs features hundreds of jobs from organizations, water and wastewater utilities, and gives hiring agencies exclusive access to thousands of qualified job seekers.
BC grows to 1000 employees
2001
CGK Environmental, Inc. acquired
The integration of CGK Environmental, Inc. with Brown and Caldwell expands the geographic presence and resources in New England.
Orange Water and Sewer Authority designs first U.S. Class-A TPAD digestion
Brown and Caldwell led the design of Orange Water and Sewer Authority’s first U.S. Class-A TPAD digestion process at the WWTP in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
BC creates minority scholarship to increase industry representation
Brown and Caldwell’s Atlanta office launched the first minority scholarship awarded to Manouchka Jean, a senior majoring in civil engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
2000
Unique approach saves University of Georgia $20 million
Brown and Caldwell negotiated, designed, and constructed a first-in-Georgia hazardous waste landfill RCRA-compliant cap that saved the University more than $20 million dollars in cost relative to the state-preferred excavation, transportation, and disposal approach.
1999
BC Water News is started by vice president Ken Harlow
From a casual start as an informal email with links personally sent to friends and colleagues, BC Water News remains a free industry publication bringing national water news headlines and exclusive content to subscribers.
RISE TO DISTINCTION - JUMP LINK + GRAPHIC
New Standard Reflects Innovations in Pump Intake Design
After years of effort, the Hydraulic Institute has published the new “Pump Intake Design Standard.” Brown and Caldwell was a major force in providing the ideas and information that led to the revisions—in particular, Dave Caldwell, who originated the trench-type and self-cleaning wet wells, and Garr Jones, who applied these concepts to constant-speed pumping stations.
1998
Acquired Eckenfelder Incorporated
This partnership launched Brown and Caldwell’s Industrial Water practice and advanced treatability testing capabilities with an independent in-house laboratory. The Laboratory has been a key component to many of BC’s research and innovation breakthroughs and industry firsts.
1997
Metro Vancouver’s Annacis Island completes upgrades
Brown and Caldwell designed the energy efficient TF/SC process, tight hydraulic profile, and innovative digester and cogeneration systems to make this the most energy efficient secondary treatment plant of it’s size in North America.
BC expands to Hawaii
Brown and Caldwell opened our first Hawaii office in Maui.
1995
Craig Goehring appointed CEO
1994
Completion of first design-build project
Brown and Caldwell completes the first design-build project as at-risk/prime design-builder on a pump station and pipeline project in the Pacific Northwest.
1993
Brown and Caldwell Constructors
Brown and Caldwell incorporates Brown and Caldwell Constructors (BCC) to start priming construction on design-build projects.
1990
BC begins working in Guam
Brown and Caldwell began work on the island in 1990 and has since earned a reputation for its collaborative approach, proactive solutions, and supportive partnerships across the Pacific.
1988
Orange County pioneers first combined-cycle WWTP cogeneration system
Brown and Caldwell designed the first Combined Cycle IC engine Cogeneration System for Orange County.
1983
Advancing students with the University of California
In honor of David H. Caldwell, a scholarship fund was established at the University of California to support students in civil engineering.
1981
Colorado office opens
Brown and Caldwell opened the Denver, Colorado office with a team of 4 employees.
1980
Dallas-Fort Worth office opens
Brown and Caldwell opens Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas office with a staff of 4 engineers.
1979
BC grows to 510 employees
Brown and Caldwell has 7 offices along the west coast and Arizona employing 510 people.
1978
Atlanta office opens
Brown and Caldwell expands east of the Mississippi river and opens an office in Atlanta, Georgia.
1975
Expanding into industrial water
Brown and Caldwell’s work at an Iowa corn processing plant marked the beginning of BC’s Industrial Water practice.
FOUNDATIONAL IMPACT PLACEHOLDER
1960
Vancouver's Iona Island Sewage Treatment Works Plant comes online
Brown and Caldwell led the design of this Vancouver, British Columbia, primary treatment plant with anaerobic digestion and energy-saving cogeneration, unique for this time.
Environmental engineer
In the 1960’s sanitary engineers took on a new title: environmental engineer.
Expansion to Southern California
Brown and Caldwell expanded into Southern California.
1958
Brown and Caldwell incorporated
On November 7, 1958 incorporation papers executed and Ken Brown was elected president of Brown and Caldwell.
City of Santa Rosa first significant project
The 6.5-mgd College Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant in Santa Rosa, California was Brown and Caldwell’s first significant project.
1953
Vancouver Rawn Report
Brown and Caldwell helped to develop Vancouver’s original sewage plan, the Rawn Report.
1948
Pioneered "submerged" floating digester covers
Brown and Caldwell pioneered the construction of “submerged” floating digester covers to minimize foam and scum accumulation in San Jose, California.
First chemical-civil engineer employed
In August, Brown and Caldwell employed John Norgaard, the first chemical-civil engineer on payroll.
Long Bell Lumbar Company first design job
Brown and Caldwell’s first design job was the Long Bell Lumber Company Wastewater Treatment Plant in Weed, California.
1947
Heritage
On April 1, 1947, Ken Brown, a chemical engineer with California’s first private state-approved water quality laboratory and Dave Caldwell, with his doctorate in sanitary engineering, formed Brown and Caldwell in San Francisco, California.