Multiple municipalities are cooperating to shape the future of wastewater management in this fast-growing region.

Charlotte Water has teamed with the City of Mount Holly and the City of Belmont to launch a groundbreaking initiative to transform wastewater management for communities in northwestern Mecklenburg and eastern Gaston Counties. By constructing two new pumping stations to transport wastewater to the cutting-edge Stowe Facility, this partnership not only provides cost-effective solutions for today’s residents but also ensures the infrastructure is in place to meet the region’s future growth and wastewater needs.

The Stowe Regional Water Resource Recovery Facility (SRWRRF) is a more than $500 million critical infrastructure project that will replace aging systems and better manage wastewater flows by consolidating treatment processes and improving environmental standards. As part of this significant regional effort, Haskell was selected to upgrade Mount Holly’s plant, including constructing crucial pumping stations and force mains vital in transferring wastewater efficiently between different parts of the facility. By aligning with the SRWRRF’s overarching goals of sustainability and operational efficiency, our work supports the project’s long-term vision of delivering modern, effective water management solutions to the community.

The project meets demand with comprehensive infrastructure.

A progressive design-build solution valued at $238 million, the new structure sits on a compact existing facility site and is 55 feet below ground level. It encompasses the design and construction of critical infrastructure, including new headworks, influent pump stations, force mains and storm equalization facilities. The construction also involves upgrading the existing Long Creek Pump Station to handle peak wastewater flows during heavy rain events. To minimize disruption of plant operations, Haskell utilized horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to install two 26-inch HDPE force mains 3,050 linear feet under the Catawba River, ensuring a seamless connection between the Mount Holly Pump Station and the new SRWRRF. Two 42-inch HDPE force mains, 1,141 linear feet under Long Creek, were also incorporated.

A phased project approach helped mitigate the effects of inflation and supply chain and labor challenges.

Given the scale and complexity of the SRWRRF project, our team developed four Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) contracts to mitigate challenges associated with hyperinflation, supply chain disruptions and labor shortages and to optimize federal funding requirements. Phasing the project allowed for early procurement and construction in key areas, accelerating the schedule while maintaining flexibility for future phases still in design or preconstruction. Additionally, coordination was crucial as the project spanned multiple active construction sites, requiring seamless collaboration among teams. Also, part of the project was located on the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) brownfield property, which required strict adherence to environmental management plans to avoid contaminating the surrounding area.

The project focuses on environmental responsibility throughout.

Given the project’s proximity to Charlotte’s largest outdoor recreational facility, careful planning was required to manage pedestrian, cyclist and vehicle traffic while minimizing disruptions to the public. Haskell implemented advanced environmental protocols to reduce the project’s environmental footprint further, ensuring no contaminants left the brownfield site. As part of the sustainability focus, the SRWRRF was the country’s first greenfield wastewater treatment plant to use densification technology, ensuring it operates efficiently and meets future demands.

Continuous collaboration among stakeholders produces significant cost and time savings.

The success of this project can be attributed to Haskell’s phased project approach, which allowed for flexibility in scheduling and procurement alongside innovative engineering solutions that minimized disruptions and maximized efficiency. Continuous collaboration with stakeholders was key to navigating the project’s complexities, resulting in significant cost and schedule savings. Most importantly, our commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and community engagement ensured that the project met immediate regional needs and set a sustainable foundation for future growth.