Luggage Point Advanced Water Treatment Plant recognized with the 2011 WateReuse International Award

 DENVER — CH2M HILL was awarded the 2011 WateReuse International Award from the WateReuse Association for the Luggage Point Advanced Water Treatment Plant Project (AWTP). The WateReuse International Award acknowledges international facilities that contribute significantly to the advancement of success within the water reuse industry worldwide. CH2M HILL accepted the award on Sept. 12 during the 26th Annual WateReuse Symposium held in Phoenix.

According to the WateReuse Association, “The Luggage Point Advanced Water Treatment Plant has demonstrated continued dedication to the international water reuse community and the WateReuse Association gratefully acknowledges the contributions they have made.”

The need for this project arose during a period of unprecedented population growth in Brisbane and South East Queensland (Australia), combined with a prolonged drought from 2002 to 2008, which created an acute shortage of water in the region. In response, the Queensland government implemented the Western Corridor Recycled Water Project, an AU$2.5 billion scheme that includes three advanced water treatment plants and over 200 kilometers of pipeline. The Luggage Point AWTP, a major part of this scheme, purifies secondary effluent from the adjacent wastewater treatment plant to a level that complies with drinking quality standards to augment the city of Brisbane’s largest potable water source, Lake Wivenhoe (when required), and to provide high-quality water to two power plants and other customers.

“It was a pleasure to be a part of this innovative project that drought-proofs Brisbane’s water supply for the foreseeable future. Successful delivery of this remarkable project in record time is a testimony to the hard work of all those involved,” said Larry Schimmoller, CH2M HILL Global Technology Leader of Water Reuse.

The Luggage Point Alliance (LPA) — consisting of the governmental agency Seqwater, joint venture partners CH2M HILL and Laing O’Rourke, and sub-alliance partners Aurecon (formerly Connell Wagner) and Hatch — designed, procured, installed, commissioned, and operated the Luggage Point AWTP. The 18.5 million gallon/day plant uses a multi-barrier treatment train that includes chemical precipitation, microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet disinfection/advanced oxidation. In addition to delivering water in less than two years, the plant also developed numerous technical innovations, produced water that complies with drinking water standards, and garnered public support through an extensive public outreach and education program. The plant is highly automated and efficient, and it significantly reduces the pollutant load to the receiving water. Final completion of the Luggage Point AWTP was achieved by the LPA in June 2011 with official handover to the owner for future operations.

“The Luggage Point Advanced Water Treatment Plant has been an amazing project and a wonderful journey. The successful delivery and handover of this facility to the owner along with this award and many others that have been received are a testament of the hard work and dedication of the people that have worked on the project from concept to completion,” said CH2MHILL’s Tony O’Neill, LPA Alliance manager.