Program Upgrade for the Next Generation of Biosolids Management

Arlington County has initiated an upgrade of its biosolids management facilities. We are providing program management services for this comprehensive program including engineering, design, construction, and startup and commissioning services. The new solids handling processes are a complete reimagination of existing processes, focusing on adding sustainable equipment and systems to effectively recover the County’s renewable resources, produce a Class A biosolids product and utilize the biogas.  

We have collaborated with County staff to refine and develop the conceptual implementation of the work while also evaluating project delivery and project packaging alternatives. Our risk-based evaluation took a holistic look at the current alternative delivery models, with the decision to deliver the bulk of the program through design-build delivery. Once this method was selected, we assisted in developing procurement documents and procedures. 

We also developed a conceptual design for the entire solids handling process, including thorough operational analyses to determine the redundancy and sizing for new infrastructure to maximize resiliency and operability. 

We completed a comprehensive biogas utilization study including multi-criteria analysis, Monte Carlo simulations, and greenhouse gas impacts. Through the study, the team concluded that generation of renewable natural gas best meets the needs of the County.

We are also supporting community engagement with the development of brand and marketing materials, including the creation of the Arlington Re-Gen brand and website. We facilitated a County Biosolids Advisory Panel, which includes multiple outside stakeholders from local neighborhoods and County commissions. The Advisory Panel provides feedback on the critical design and construction decisions.

Our use of the Envision sustainability rating system guided decisions and provided transparency to the sustainable aspects of this key infrastructure project, in alignment with Arlington County policies. The program aims to achieve a minimum Silver Envision verification.