Elevating Quality Results on Award-Winning Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion
Waterproofing is always challenging — but even more so when the project is for a wastewater treatment facility, where millions of gallons of water move through the structures for clarification, treatment, and distribution. Baker Construction was up to the task.
In January 2023, Poole & Kent contracted Baker to execute a comprehensive structural concrete package for the South District Wastewater Treatment Plant (SDWWTP) in South Miami-Dade, Florida. The plant is operated by the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department, which provides drinking water and wastewater services to nearly 2.4 million residents and thousands of visitors.
Miami-Dade’s aging wastewater treatment facilities were unable to meet growing demand, so the county leveraged the Ocean Outfall Legislation Program to help fund a massive renovation and expansion. Our $11.7 million scope of work encompassed five separate structures: a clarifier, filter, transfer bypass pump station, junction box, and a return-activated sludge (RAS) pump station.
Expert Delivery on Complex Projects
Every structure at the SDWWTP plays a unique role in the water treatment process. Construction had to be executed perfectly — often above conventional standards — to ensure the structures functioned properly.
For example, Baker’s scope included an expansion of the clarifier and filter systems to increase the plant’s capacity. The tanks required specialized building materials and expert engineering to withstand immense water pressures and perform optimally. The filter structure included six deep-bed sand mono-media wastewater filters, cast-in-place concrete basins, a filter underdrain system, and wash water troughs.
For waterproofing, Baker installed three types of water stops (hydrophilic, PVC, and retrofit) inside the cast-in-place walls, beams, and slabs. These installations met strict specifications, including American Concrete Institute 350 water tightness testing standards. We also incorporated irregular concrete mix designs, crack mitigation and injection procedures, protective coatings, expansion joints, and sealants.
Across the project, Baker constructed concrete auger-cast pile caps, mat foundations, slabs on grade, shear and core walls, elevated slabs, columns, beams, topping slabs, tremie slabs, underground pipe encasements, and equipment support pads.
Meticulous Planning Paid Off
Baker self-performed 85% of the work and managed the remaining tasks through six subcontractors and suppliers. We also worked closely with the project’s general contractor, architect, and owner to ensure seamless planning and execution.
Because the wastewater facility remained operational during construction, there was a constant flow of traffic inside the plant. Baker’s full-time onsite team meticulously planned every concrete pour to minimize interruption. In addition, the team coordinated daily truck routes, access points, and gate entrances to minimize traffic and disruption. Strict cleaning protocols were enforced for all trucks before leaving the site.
Multiple design changes were introduced during the project, which affected the schedule. The Baker team adapted quickly to ensure safety, quality, and production weren’t compromised. Despite these obstacles, the project was completed ahead of schedule and without a recordable safety incident.
Quality Matters
These infrastructure improvements are essential to secure the future of water treatment in Miami-Dade County. With increased capacity and efficiency, the SDWWTP is better equipped to meet the region’s growing water treatment needs.
This project underscores Baker’s ability to tackle complex infrastructure challenges with technical expertise and innovative solutions. By delivering a high-quality final product, Baker played a critical role in delivering clean water to millions of residents and visitors in South Florida — for decades to come.
Baker’s attention to getting the job done right and on time earned the team a 2024 Eagle Award from ABC Florida East Coast.