Thinking Out of the Box – UV Disinfection Design/Build Delivery Solution

RJN Group, Inc. (RJN), headquartered in Wheaton, Illinois, has recently completed a $1.3-million design/build project for the City of Collinsville, Illinois (City).The project, designing and installing an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system, is the City's first project using the design/build project delivery method. The UV disinfection process is the next phase of the Collinsville Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion project. The treatment plant currently uses a chlorination disinfection system for the secondary treatment of the wastewater. The City has decided to eliminate the chlorination disinfection system and replace it with the UV disinfection system.The UV disinfection is a physical process rather than a chemical disinfectant, which eliminates the need to generate, handle, transport, or store toxic/hazardous or corrosive chemicals. Other benefits to using this system include:• no harmful residual effects to humans or aquatic life• user-friendly to operators• the UV disinfection equipment requires less spaceThe City accepted RJN's value proposition based on consideration of the core design/build principals:• reduced owner's risk• schedule acceleration• better value for the rate payersThis project had unique characteristics in that the City modified their procurement procedures to allow for design/build. This modification was an option since the City is a “home-rule” community in the State of Illinois. RJN lead the design/build team and provided the design services and project management. Working with RJN, Korte & Luitjohan Contractors provided the construction services. Faegre Baker Daniels provided statute review directly for the City.By utilizing the design/build method, the project delivery is anticipated to be 10 months faster than conventional project delivery of design/bid/build and result in a significant cost savings. Work on the project has reached substantial completion and is scheduled for closeout in October 2011.