CONTENT EXPIRES: December 31, 2025

Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) decided to replace the existing 1990s vintage pilot plant at the 400 mgd Lake Huron WTP with a state-of-the-art system designed for the next 20 years. GLWA needs the pilot plant operational to evaluate enhancements, like biofiltration and chemical application upgrades, associated with future improvements at the plant. GLWA used a fixed price design-build mechanism, a delivery tool they have used for over 20 years but built-in the flexibility to expand innovation capabilities that the plant staff might find beneficial. Two events happened during the project that tapped into GLWA’s flexibility: GLWA SCADA Standard implementation and supply chain challenges. GLWA anticipated incorporating their SCADA Standards into the project award price by using allowances. Brown and Caldwell (BC) worked with GLWA staff during the design period to incorporate the SCADA standards and develop a pilot system that addressed their requirements. Using the allowance, GLWA made more effective use of the available space and adjusted the original design to better meet their needs. Delivery chain issues have impacted the final construction schedule of the project; however, the project team continues to find creative ways to advance the delivery, which we will elaborate on in the presentation.