The Challenge of Regulatory Compliance and Multiple Facility Upgrades - A Progressive System Approach

This paper describes the Business Case Evaluation (BCE) performed by Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) in the course of its Biosolids Resource and Recovery Master Plan Project. Given the numerous challenges, uncertainties, and risks affecting HRSD's biosolids management program, a progressive systems approach was taken to evaluate alternatives. Guiding principles ensured the final alternative was consistent with HRSD objectives. Collaborative brainstorming sessions incorporated all long-term possibilities and did not limit the scope of consideration which allowed for HRSD internal buy-in. Triple Bottom Line (TBL) and Net Present Value (NPV) of Cost analysis provided a holistic perspective to narrowing down the final Best-Fit system alternatives. Finally, BCE quantified economic and implementation risk to provide a more complete decision analysis. The progressive system approach provided HRSD a defensible, consistent, and reliable approach to identify a long-term preferred system alternative for HRSD to meet its customer needs.