Joppatowne WWTP UV Disinfection System Design/Build

The Joppatowne UV project was a Design/Build project converting the existing plant from Chlorine gas disinfection to Ultraviolet Light disinfection for Harford County at the Joppatowne WWTP. We partnered with RK&K on this project, who we have worked successfully with on several Design/Bid/Build jobs. This project was the result of a Value Engineering Proposal we had initially proposed on an earlier ACE project, the Joppatowne WWTP ENR Upgrade. Specifically, the project involved conversion of the old Chlorine Contact Tank into a single train, three unit UV system with a cleaning dip tank, and new effluent level controls and flow monitoring.

ACE and RK&K were selected out of 8 contractor/engineer teams. Both our technical and price proposal were rated 2nd out of 8, so the overall score was the highest of any team. The contract was valued at $732,000.

Features

Our team implemented many facets of the Building To Last philosophy on this project. The three most impactful measures were our strong & cohesive team, developing trust with the client and engineer, and our innovative value engineering ideas.

Early on, we developed a strong working relationship with RK&K during the bid process. We were able to generate 65% design drawings during the three-week bid process and included those with our proposal. This paved the way for our selection as the winning team.

Our detailed approach during design development allowed us to accurately estimate all aspects of the project and communicate with the subcontractors and vendors on our team with little to no allowance needed for unknown risk or contingency.

We worked proactively with MDE permitting to gain the permits in a rapid fashion and allow us to get early approval and release of key process equipment.

During the project, when obstacles were encountered, we immediately brought them to the attention of the entire team and got input from all on the optimal solution. This demonstrated to the owner that our team was trustworthy and was always looking to provide the best solution to an issue.

Benefit

The strong relationship we developed with Harford County throughout the project resulted in their trust in us to implement cost saving ideas. The end result is that there were no change orders on the project due to design or construction issues and the entire contingency fund was given back to Harford County. Harford County relied on our innovative value engineering ideas and, as a result, saved money on capital construction costs.

Proof

The project came in on schedule and budget. The client was pleased, not only with the end product, but also with the collaboration exhibited by the entire project team. As a result, we received a glowing testimonial letter from Harford County.

Client Testimonial

There was a confidence level in the talent and abilities amongst all team members which fostered the project success. The ACE Team brought ideas, options, and solutions when conflicts or problems were found. I would highly recommend ACE for wastewater or water plant construction projects. Their staff knows and understands the processes utilized by our industry and grasps the impact construction activities can have on facility operations.

— David E. Pergrin
Harford County Division of Water & Sewer