Waste Water Treatment Facility
Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission Waste Water Treatment Plant
Hurricane Sandy | New Jersey
Storm surge from Hurricane Sandy inundated the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission facility with salt water, flooding all motors and control systems. At 140 acres, this is one of the largest waste water treatment facilities in the country serving millions of residents in northern NJ. Among the many challenges for this project, were the technical complexity of this facility, the environmental impact considerations, and negotiations in partnership with state and PVSC counterparts. In addition to the $150M in repairs to damaged elements in the facility, $300M in hazard mitigation funding was allocated, making it the largest FEMA hazard mitigation project at that time. Our team, of which I served as the technical expert, conducted a benefit-cost analysis and approved hazard mitigation measures including the construction of a flood wall, elevation of motor controls, and onsite drainage improvements. Since the facility is the largest customer of power in NJ, the construction of a $45M power plant on the premises – to prevent blackout and ensure continuity – was determined to be necessary. I’m confident that these measures will ensure the facility is protected and that there’s a continuity of operations in the event of another Hurricane Sandy.