This project at the City of Modesto’s Primary Sutter Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant has recently completed construction. The project involved constructing numerous 30-foot deep reinforced concrete junction structures tying into existing structures and pipelines, installation of several hundred feet of 60-inch diameter reinforced fiberglass mortar polymer pipelines, replacing all five Headworks bar screens, replacing all three bar screens at Pumping Plant No. 3, replacing screening washers/compactors, addition of a grit pump and grit chamber paddle, odor control improvements, and major electrical improvements that include replacing motor control centers (MCCs) and upgrading control systems with new PLCs to improve remote automated control via the existing supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system.
The scope of work included pumped bypasses, shutdowns, temporary systems, tie-ins, and startups requiring manipulation of existing system valves and gates to test the new system in a loop prior to incorporation into the process with short timelines for testing, startup, and commissioning. This work was performed while maintaining operation of the existing facility. Construction of the junction structures required control of high groundwater tables and complicated shoring systems, and temporary bypasses which were required in order to facilitate demolition of existing piping within the new tie-in structures, while minimizing impacts to the operation of the existing treatment plant processes.
Team Spotlight
J.P. Davis, PE, CCM, QSP
Construction Management Business Sector Leader
J.P. Davis, PE, CCM, QSP
Construction Management Business Sector Leader
“I am passionate about my job! I see my clients and the contractor on a day-to-day basis, face-to-face. I enjoy getting to know them and their work styles. My goal is to meet their needs so that the whole team can have a successful project. Start-up is one of my favorite phases because using my experiences from prior projects, I can head off challenges before they impact the project cost and schedule. It is rewarding to start from nothing, coordinate a large team, pull in large equipment, and bring a system to life!
I am proud of the successful completion of the City of Modesto Headworks, Dryden Box, Influent Flume Improvements Project this year. Working together with the City and Contractor to continue the Headworks project safely and effectively amidst the pandemic, which was quite a feat considering nobody on the project contracted the virus. I created a collaborative team and was able to show value to the City, which led to winning the River Trunk Realignment Project, so we can continue support to the City for the coming year.”
Jesse Shah
Resident Inspector (Group 2)
Jesse Shah
Resident Inspector (Group 2)
“I became an inspector after years in manufacturing and construction. I developed a knowledge base in all aspects of construction from soils to all of the structural aspects including concrete, steel, and masonry. I often reveal discrepancies in plans that save our clients money. But at the end, I want the pride in saying every project I was involved with was done right!
I am satisfied when our client and the contractor were pleased to work with me. I want them to feel I worked collaboratively and respectfully, and that I was fair, transparent, and had integrity to do what was best for the finished project. I’m proud when I create value while protecting the safety of every human being on or around the job site.”