Parks, Open Spaces, & Greenways
- Connecticut Water Treatment Plant
the challenge The South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority’s (RWA) new water purification facility required sensitive design and construction techniques in order to enhance public access of all types into an industrial facility. Multi stakeholder satisfaction while incorporating educational benefits was paramount. This highly visible site is adjacent to historic sites within a residential neighborhood and is located on a sensitive tributary of Long Island Sound.
the interdisciplinary approach The Bioengineering Group worked as the sustainable design consultant in close collaboration with other project team members to identify opportunities and methods to integrate building, landscape, utility, and permitting needs. Site design elements incorporating best management practices were selected, scaled, and specified in order to achieve the targeted hydrologic functions. A site formerly occupied by an obsolete water treatment plant was re-used and demolished building materials were incorporated into the earth works. All excavated earth and land clearing debris were salvaged and reused on the site and new building materials were selected in keeping with sustainable design. Water treatment processes were selected for efficiency, relying on gravity instead of pumping for flow. Energy systems were based upon geothermal loops. Storm water handling was achieved through use of vegetated swales and treatment wetlands rather than catch basins and pipes. Accordingly, off-site impacts of the site such as energy demand, waste handling, and runoff were responsibly addressed.
the resultsIntegrating best management practices, the entire site, including green roof, vegetated swales, and treatment wetlands, serves as a state-of-the-art model for effective watershed stewardship. The new facility demonstrates low-impact site development compatible with recreation, habitat, and educational access. The green roof was designed to accommodate access to allow people to view down into the treatment facility and observe the various stages of the purification process.