In 1995, Seattle decided to develop its new 120 MGD Tolt Water Treatment Facility using an innovative
project procurement approach. Design-Build-Operate, or DBO. This facility would treat the high
quality, previously unfiltered Tolt surface water source located on the western slopes of the Cascade
Mountains. The project would be delivered by one company responsible for the design, permitting,
construction and at least 15, but up to 25, years of operations. In 1998, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU)
signed a DBO contract (Service Agreement) with Azurix/CDM for this project. Much has been written
about the DBO procurement process and about the design and construction phases of the project.
Nothing has yet been reported on the "O", operations, phase of the project. From December 2000 through mid February 2001, the new ozonation and filtration plant was brought
on line, adding significant new water treatment to the previous chlorination, fluoridation, pH and
alkalinity adjustment of this supply. Water quality, water supply, staffing and drinking water quality
regulatory transitions were managed during this period, culminating in a formal, comprehensive, 14-day
facility Acceptance Test. Although the plant operating staff has dealt with a few operational challenges
during start-up and the first year of operations, the overall performance of the plant has met or
exceeded all of the City's expectations. This paper presents the transition to operations and the first
year's operating experience. Revisions to the Service Agreement reflecting initial operational
experience are also be highlighted. Includes 3 references, figures, appendices.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 370 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 18 |
| Published : | 06/16/2002 |
