Leading the Way in Transforming Omaha’s Wastewater Future

In 2021, HDR partnered with the City of Omaha to chart a bold course for the future of the city’s wastewater infrastructure. Through the development of a comprehensive master plan, our team identified strategic improvements for both the Missouri River and Papillion Creek Water Resource Recovery Facilities (MRWRRF and PCWRRF). The plan prioritizes regulatory compliance, replacement of aging infrastructure, and cost-effective rehabilitation to minimize sunk costs. Near-term improvements include implementing aerobic granular sludge (AGS) for liquid treatment. Long-term plans focus on sidestream nitrogen removal and phosphorus recovery to meet future effluent limits.

A key innovation in the modernization effort is the adoption of AGS — a state-of-the-art advancement in activated sludge technology. AGS is composed of dense, compact granules that settle quickly and efficiently, allowing for simultaneous biological removal of organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus in a single reactor. This results in a smaller footprint, reduced energy consumption, and improved process stability compared to conventional systems. AGS also offers greater resilience to load fluctuations and operational simplicity, making it an ideal solution for future-ready wastewater treatment.

As the project enters a pivotal phase, our team is finalizing the design of a twelve-tank AGS system, which will become the largest AGS facility in the United States, designed to meet projected flows and loads through 2050. Supporting infrastructure includes a new AGS pump station and blower building, while select existing facilities will be decommissioned or repurposed. Final clarifiers will be upgraded to manage waste-activated sludge and internal flows, and site integration work will verify seamless operation of the new processes.

To deliver this transformative project, the City is utilizing a construction manager at risk (CMAR) collaborative delivery model. We will continue to lead engineering efforts through construction, startup, commissioning and closeout, ensuring the PCWRRF evolves into a resilient facility that serves Omaha for decades to come.