Jacobs Secures Major Contract to Upgrade Key Wastewater Treatment Facility in California

Jacobs Wins Contract to Modernize a Major Wastewater Treatment Facility

Jacobs has landed a crucial contract as the design-build contractor tasked with modernizing one of the largest advanced wastewater treatment facilities in the western United States - the San José–Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility (RWF) in California. Valued at approximately $200 million, this extensive project aims to bolster the infrastructure integral to waste treatment, ensuring its reliability and efficiency as the facility continues to serve a growing population.

The San José–Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility processes a significant amount of wastewater generated by the region, making it essential for public health and environmental sustainability. Jacobs will focus on upgrading aging systems, notably by replacing older mesophilic digesters, which are crucial for the treatment process. This enhancement is expected to mitigate the quantity of waste transported offsite for disposal while improving the facility's ability to convert generated biogas into clean energy.

As emphasized by Jacobs’ Executive Vice President Greg Fischer, the modernization is pivotal as San José anticipates an influx of new housing and job opportunities. “Reliable wastewater infrastructure is foundational to safeguarding public health and fostering economic growth,” Fischer remarked. The enhancements will leverage innovative design and biological optimization techniques that aim to significantly increase biogas output, potentially by as much as 36%, and reduce solids production by around 74 wet tons per day - akin to the weight of 50 mid-sized cars.

Under this project, the facility will also introduce a new Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) receiving station. This station will accept high-strength waste generated by local businesses, facilitating the conversion of such waste into renewable energy while minimizing the need for conventional natural gas. This eco-friendly approach promises not only cost savings but also a reduced carbon footprint through lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Collaboration will be key as Jacobs partners with Walsh Construction and Structural Technologies to execute the upgrades. According to Kapil Verma, Deputy Director of the San José–Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility, this collaboration is an essential step in the ongoing journey towards reinforcing the infrastructure, ensuring a sustainable future for the community. “Partnering with Jacobs allows us to build upon our past successes and commit further to sustainable systems that benefit our residents for years to come,” he stated.

Jacobs is recognized as a leader in water-related innovations, backed by over 25 years of experience and a portfolio featuring more than 150 design-build projects. Their work includes multiple modernizations at significant water facilities, cementing their status as a key player in advancing water treatment technologies.

This project represents not only a local advancement but a shift towards smarter, more resilient infrastructures across the country. Jacobs’ mission extends beyond immediate project outcomes; they aspire to create lasting solutions capable of addressing increasingly complex challenges in various domains across the globe. As they work on the San José facility, Jacobs continues to look toward innovation and sustainability, striving to evolve the landscape of water management in the United States.