Sustainable solutions drive the expansion of JEA Nassau Water Reclamation Facility.
The JEA Nassau Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) in Fernandina Beach, Florida, underwent a comprehensive expansion to meet the increasing demands for wastewater treatment in the region. With a project budget of $114 million, Haskell oversaw the expansion under the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) model. The facility upgrade enhances capacity and efficiency by incorporating innovative technologies such as UV disinfection, a 5-stage Bardenpho oxidation ditch and advanced reclaimed water storage systems. The project not only addresses current capacity needs but also ensures future scalability and environmental sustainability, maintaining continuous operations throughout construction.
Preconstruction and value engineering drove efficiency and cost savings.
Haskell identified cost-saving opportunities and key project optimizations during the preconstruction phase. Managing the construction permitting process, including dewatering and building permits, ensured smooth coordination with local authorities and minimized delays. The team also implemented innovative value engineering solutions to reduce costs and enhance efficiency. The use of auger cast piles instead of driven piles significantly reduced foundation costs. At the same time, prestressed post-tension tanks were selected for the clarifiers and storage tank, optimizing material use, lowering construction costs and minimizing labor risks. These strategies contributed to the project’s overall financial sustainability while maintaining the facility’s high operational standards.
Strategic solutions addressed operational complexity and environmental constraints.
The project faced several significant challenges. The facility’s location on a 15-acre site, surrounded by protected wetlands, presented strict environmental constraints. Haskell employed precise planning and ecological strategies, ensuring wetlands were undisturbed while coordinating closely with the plant’s operational staff to manage the use of the rapid infiltration basins (RIBs).
Maintaining operational continuity of critical water treatment services required meticulous coordination, phased construction and creative scheduling. Haskell’s strategic approach enabled the construction of new systems, a reclaimed water storage tank and UV disinfection systems, while eliminating disruptions to ongoing treatment operations.
The project experienced delays caused by supply chain disruptions and rising material costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Haskell adapted with early flexible procurement strategies, alternative materials and remote coordination, keeping the project on track despite challenging conditions.
Advanced sustainability and disaster-resilient design safeguard operations.
The JEA Nassau WRF integrates key sustainability features and disaster-resilient designs to ensure long-term reliability. Advanced systems for reclaimed water storage and UV disinfection allow the facility to manage wastewater while efficiently minimizing its environmental impact. RIB modifications further enhance the site’s ability to manage treated water sustainably.
Haskell constructed the facility to withstand extreme weather events, constructing robust, disaster-hardened infrastructure to ensure continuous operations. By safeguarding critical water treatment functions, the JEA Nassau WRF is prepared to provide uninterrupted service to the community, even in challenging environmental conditions.
