An Update on the Nashville Design/Build Biosolids Project

The Nashville Metropolitan Water Services (MWS) Department needed rapid completion of major solids handling facilities. The previous incineration system was shut down in 1994. MWS had attempted on-site composting and off-site contracted composting which were unsuccessful. The current practice of dewatering raw sludge and hauling to landfill is odorous and costly, and required prompt, efficient attention. MWS decided that a design/build delivery approach would enable control of project quality with the quickest time to project completion. The team of Earth Tech and Archer Western was selected from the two bids received for design and construction of the improvements. Early and frequent communication between the design/build team and MWS enabled rapid contract completion and initiation of the design/build teams' efforts. The use of design/build accelerated the design and initiation of construction as there was only approximately 4-1/2 months for completion of the 50% design and another 3 months to take a majority of the project to the 90% design level. A positive team relationship, innovative approaches, and excellent planning resulted in a highly successful project to date. We anticipate continued success through ongoing coordination, planning, and communications.