Under the Hard Hat

Tag: Real projects

  • Live Nation Canada unveils plans for new outdoor concert venue in Toronto

    Live Nation Canada unveils plans for new outdoor concert venue in Toronto

    Live Nation Canada is transforming Toronto’s live music scene with its latest project: Rogers Stadium—a new seasonal outdoor concert venue set to become a landmark entertainment destination. Planned for the former Downsview Airport lands, this innovative venue promises to bring world-class musical performances to Toronto, further boosting the city’s status as a hub for arts and culture.

    Render of the entrance to the new Rogers Stadium. Photo source: Rogers.

    Named “Rogers Stadium,” this seasonal concert venue will boast a capacity of 50,000, making it the largest purpose-built music venue in the Greater Toronto Area. Designed as a distinctive open-air space, it is set to welcome music fans by the summer of 2025.

    Rogers Stadium will be situated at the northern end of the former airport’s runway as part of a $30-billion redevelopment plan led by Northcrest Developments. This 370-acre site offers convenient access to 400-series highways and public transit, ensuring easy accessibility, according to Live Nation. The stadium is expected to become a visual centerpiece of the evolving area. Its construction and future operations are projected to create thousands of jobs, boost tourism, and support local businesses.

    The project is more than just a new addition to the city’s landscape; it represents a long-term investment in Toronto’s cultural scene. With its state-of-the-art facilities and acoustics, the venue will be able to host a variety of events, including music festivals, community gatherings, and performances by both local and international artists. This adaptability ensures that it will become a go-to destination for concertgoers of all tastes, further enhancing Toronto’s reputation as a world-class entertainment city.

    “The number of stadium-level acts touring today is unprecedented, with more acts than available nights at existing venues. That’s why we’re making this investment—to ensure Toronto fans don’t miss out on world-class artists,” said Erik Hoffman, President of Music for Live Nation Canada. “Rogers Stadium will not only meet this demand but also offer a premium stadium show experience, combined with the festival vibe that our fans love.”

    Aerial view of the new Rogers Stadium. Photo source: Rogers.

    Once operational, the venue is expected to offer various food and beverage options, highlight local vendors, and create a unique experience that complements the musical performances.

    Construction is slated to begin soon, with an opening date projected for the summer of 2025. This timeline reflects a coordinated effort between Live Nation Canada, Rogers, and the city of Toronto to ensure the venue meets high standards of quality and community value. When completed, the venue is expected to host numerous seasonal events, from summer concerts to fall festivals, offering residents and visitors a new place to enjoy live music under the stars.

    The venue promises to be a modern, multi-functional space that will draw artists and audiences from across the globe, enriching Toronto’s cultural fabric and reinforcing its place on the global entertainment map.

    “Rogers Stadium is a testament to our vision for this masterplan, which includes a series of communities, creating a space where people come together to experience the best the city has to offer,” said Derek Goring, chief executive officer of Northcrest Developments. “With development plans for these lands years away, this new venue serves not only as a premier concert venue but also reflects Northcrest’s commitment to creating a seasonal destination that brings much-needed infrastructure for the city’s arts and culture sector.”

  • Henry Ford Health breaks ground on $2.2 billion Detroit hospital expansion

    Henry Ford Health breaks ground on $2.2 billion Detroit hospital expansion

    Henry Ford Health has officially broken ground on its ambitious $2.2 billion hospital expansion in Detroit, marking a significant step forward in healthcare transformation. The expansion project, set to reshape Detroit’s medical landscape, includes a state-of-the-art hospital facility and a revitalized surrounding neighborhood. The new hospital will bring enhanced patient care and advanced medical technology to Detroit, positioning Henry Ford Health as a leader in healthcare innovation.

    Rendering of the new hospital. Photo source: Henry Ford Health.

    The plan involves building a new one-million-square-foot, 400-bed hospital tower adjacent to the existing Henry Ford Hospital. This development will serve as the centerpiece of Henry Ford Health’s campus, featuring the latest in healthcare design, enhanced patient amenities, and cutting-edge technology to provide the highest quality of care. The new facility aims to support a holistic approach to patient care, integrating modern medical advancements while fostering a more comfortable healing environment.

    Dr. Steven Kalkanis, Executive Vice President and CEO of Henry Ford Hospital, emphasized that the project is more than just a structural change. “What we’re doing isn’t just a transformation of space,” he explained. “It’s a transformation of place, of potential and of impact.” He believes this development will position Detroit as a global destination for complex medical care, backed by some of the most talented professionals in the field.

    The site plan of Henry Ford Health’s new Detroit health campus. Photo source: Henry Ford Health.

    The facility features a 20-story patient tower, with three floors dedicated explicitly to intensive inpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation, in collaboration with the renowned Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. The emergency department will expand to 75,000 square feet and feature 100 private, flexible treatment spaces. The 432 patient rooms will have dedicated visitor space and high-tech amenities, such as touchscreen TVs and voice activation, providing comfort and convenience for patients and care teams. The new 28 operating rooms will handle complex surgeries, and five floors of specialized ICU units, including cardiovascular and neurological care, will enhance Henry Ford Health’s dedication to comprehensive treatment.

    Alongside the hospital expansion, Henry Ford Health also focuses on community revitalization. The project includes a new green space, retail shops, and additional housing opportunities to create a thriving district around the hospital campus. These efforts highlight Henry Ford Health’s dedication to improving healthcare services and Detroit’s social and economic health.

    Street view of Henry Ford Health’s emergency department. Photo source: Henry Ford Health.

    The project, expected to take several years to complete, reflects Henry Ford Health’s long-term commitment to the Detroit community. Hospital operations will continue during construction, ensuring ongoing patient care. This expansion will ultimately create a world-class healthcare destination that aligns with the Henry Ford Health vision of providing exceptional services to patients across the region.

  • O&G Industries and Tutor Perini $1.3B contract for Connecticut River Bridge Replacement project is underway

    O&G Industries and Tutor Perini $1.3B contract for Connecticut River Bridge Replacement project is underway

    Amtrak has awarded O&G Industries and Tutor Perini Corporation a contract to construct a new bridge over the Connecticut River. According to a press release from Tutor Perini Corporation, the $1.3 billion Connecticut Bridge Replacement Project broke ground on September 5, 2024, with “substantial completion” expected by 2031. 

    Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner joined U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, Representative Joe Courtney, Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, and other state and local officials to celebrate the start of construction for Amtrak’s new Connecticut River Bridge project on September 5, 2024. Photo courtesy of Amtrak.

    The existing structure, built in 1907 and spanning 1500 feet, often malfunctions when opening and closing for river traffic, leading to costly waits for the over 50 trains that use it daily. 

    The project receives most of its funding from the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA) through a $826.6 million federal grant awarded by the Federal Railroad Administration. Amtrak and the state of Connecticut will share the remainder of the costs.

    The new moveable bridge is being built just south of the existing structure. It will feature “modern track, signal, catenary, power, communication and other supporting rail infrastructure.” The bridge will also allow a 55% increase in maximum operating speed: 70 mph versus the current maximum of 45 mph. 

    The Connecticut Bridge Replacement Project is part of a larger $16 billion initiative to revitalize Amtrak’s infrastructure in the Northeast Corridor. On September 5th, the CEO of Amtrak, Stephen Gardner, broke ground on new bridge construction. Several government officials joined Gardner in celebrating the start of the project, including Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, and Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy.

    Photo courtesy of Amtrak.

    At the ground-breaking ceremony, Gardner said, “Amtrak is thrilled to join our partners to break ground on the new Connecticut River Bridge, a project decades in the making. When completed, this modern bridge will improve the customer experience by eliminating delays, providing faster journeys, and modernizing another critical infrastructure asset in Connecticut that benefits the entire Northeast Corridor.”

    In an earlier press release, Senator Chris Murphy said the bridge would provide benefits in several key areas: “Investing in the future of rail in Connecticut is a no-brainer – it makes life easier for travelers and commuters, boosts economic growth, creates good-paying jobs, and helps fight the climate crisis. Thanks to funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, this $1.3 billion investment to replace the aging Connecticut River Bridge will keep our railways safe, cut travel times, and improve Amtrak’s rail service for Connecticut riders.” 

  • LEGO starts construction on $1B eco-friendly factory in Virginia

    LEGO starts construction on $1B eco-friendly factory in Virginia

    The LEGO Group’s new $1 billion carbon-neutral factory in Chesterfield County, near Richmond, Virginia, is well underway. This facility is the Danish company’s first U.S. manufacturing plant and is set to be one of Virginia’s most significant economic development projects. Gray Inc. and Viriginia-based Hourigan will serve as general contractors for the manufacturing plant project.

    The 340-acre site, expected to be completed by 2025, will feature 13 buildings, including production and office spaces and a high-bay warehouse​​​​​​.

    The factory is designed with sustainability in mind. It features ground and rooftop solar panels capable of generating 35-40 MW of energy, which is enough to power around 10,000 American homes. This aligns with LEGO’s goal of meeting its annual energy needs through renewable sources and reducing its global carbon emissions by 37% by 2032​​​​.

    The new factory is expected to create 1,760 jobs over the next decade. Initially, LEGO will hire up to 500 people for a temporary packing facility set to open in the first half of 2024. This project will boost the local economy and reinforce LEGO’s commitment to community engagement. As part of the groundbreaking celebrations, LEGO announced over $1 million in donations to support local children’s programs in the Richmond area​​​​​​.

    Preben Elnef reviews the model for the manufacturing campus (made of LEGO® bricks) with the Gray|Hourigan team. Photo courtesy of Lego.

    “We are working hard to reduce emissions at the LEGO Group and are really excited about our plans to build this solar plant as we push towards a better world for our children to inherit,” said Carsten Rasmussen, Chief Operations Officer of the LEGO Group. “Our new site will allow us to inspire millions of children across the Americas through play, and we can’t wait to get started.”

    LEGO has also involved local children in the project, inviting them to contribute ideas for the site’s landscaping. This initiative aims to make the area welcoming to wildlife and visitors and create a sense of community ownership and involvement​​​​.

    The Chesterfield factory will expand LEGO Group’s global manufacturing network, allowing the company to respond quickly to market demands and reduce its supply chain’s environmental impact. This facility is part of LEGO’s broader strategy, including new sites in Vietnam and expansions in Mexico, Hungary, and China​​​​.
    For more information, visit Meadowville.

  • M. Sullivan & Son Limited wins contract for $95M Prince Edward County Hospital redevelopment

    M. Sullivan & Son Limited wins contract for $95M Prince Edward County Hospital redevelopment

    M. Sullivan & Son Limited has been awarded a $95 million contract to build the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) in Ontario. This project represents a major milestone in the region’s healthcare infrastructure. This state-of-the-art facility will replace the existing hospital, significantly enhancing healthcare services for the local community. The new PECMH will feature a 24-hour emergency department, a helipad, a surgical suite, and specialized units, including a dialysis center.

    Image courtesy of PECMH

    Construction began at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital on August 1st, 2024, following a rigorous procurement process in March 2023 involving extensive evaluations and bids from four shortlisted companies. Through Infrastructure Ontario and Quinte Health, Ontario’s government is leading this redevelopment project, which is crucial for the local population and forms part of a broader strategy to modernize healthcare infrastructure across the province. The project is expected to bring substantial economic benefits, including job creation during construction and long-term healthcare positions once the facility is operational.

    The PECMH will serve the community’s needs with advanced medical services and a sustainable design. The hospital will include a modern 24-hour emergency department, ensuring round-the-clock access to urgent care. Additionally, it will house specialized units such as a dialysis center, which is vital for patients requiring regular renal care, and an up-to-date surgical suite to support a wide range of medical procedures. The facility will also have a helipad for rapid patient transport in critical situations.

    Other key features of the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital will include:

    • 20 inpatient beds with the potential for expansion to 23 beds
    • Diagnostic imaging facilities, including a CT scanner, x-ray, ultrasound, mammography, and cardio-diagnostics
    • Ambulatory care services, including clinics, medical day care, endoscopy, and medical device reprocessing
    • A central laboratory for comprehensive diagnostic services
    • An inpatient pharmacy

    These elements ensure that the hospital will meet the community’s current needs and be equipped to adapt to future demands, making it a cornerstone of healthcare in Prince Edward County.

    Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith highlighted the significance of this project, stating, “With an approved contract for M. Sullivan and Son Limited to build the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital, we’ve reached the finish line after a long journey together. Our government is turning its promise into action.” He also emphasized the project’s role in bringing advanced medical care to the area and supporting the community’s needs for future generations

    Peggy Payne, Chairperson of the PECMH Foundation, expressed her excitement about the project reaching this significant milestone, noting, “We always knew that the new build would keep sustainability in mind to serve many generations in this community.”

    This redevelopment is part of a larger $27 billion investment by the Ontario government in hospital infrastructure across the province, aimed at upgrading facilities and ensuring that all Ontarians have access to high-quality healthcare services.

  • Coastal Construction leads Marina Pointe

    Coastal Construction leads Marina Pointe

    Coastal Construction has been chosen to lead the pre-construction planning for the next phases of Marina Pointe at Westshore Marina District in Tampa Bay, signaling a significant milestone for this luxury waterfront project. Known for their expertise in upscale developments, Coastal Construction’s involvement represents the high standards that have been set for this ambitious venture.

    Founded in 1988 by the Murphy family, Coastal Construction is a family-owned and operated business that has earned much respect through its various construction projects, including single-family residences, hotels, and luxury clubs. 

    Marina Pointe, designed by Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design and developed by BTI Partners, aims to expand Tampa’s luxury residential offerings. The upcoming phase centers on the construction of the second tower, scheduled to begin later this year. This tower will add 151 condominiums to the district, with units ranging from 1,100 to 3,300 square feet. Alongside these condos, seven single-family “Harbour Homes” will also be included, each home approximately 3,300 square feet, further enhancing the development’s appeal.

    Positioned on a private peninsula within the 52-acre Westshore Marina District, Marina Pointe is a key feature of the area. The development offers residents direct access to shopping, dining, and various outdoor activities, including boating and water sports. The district’s design promotes an active, outdoor lifestyle, making it an attractive choice for those seeking both luxury and convenience.

    Noah Breakstone, CEO of BTI Partners, expressed confidence in Coastal Construction, citing their reputation for delivering high-quality luxury developments. “Their unmatched expertise aligns perfectly with our vision for this iconic project,” Breakstone said, highlighting the collaboration’s potential to elevate Tampa’s high-end real estate market. 

    Sean DeMartino, President of the Central and North Florida Division for Coastal Construction, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the company’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. “We are incredibly honored to have been selected for this prestigious project,” DeMartino said. He noted that the team is eager to create an exceptional living experience that reflects the luxury and elegance of Marina Pointe’s waterfront location.

    The development is not just about luxury living spaces but also about providing a full suite of amenities that cater to an upscale lifestyle. Tower Two will offer one- to four-bedroom residences, with prices starting in the high six figures and extending into the millions. Residents will enjoy access to a private full-service marina, 24-hour concierge services, a fitness center, resort-style pools, an entertainment room, and even a virtual golf simulator. The development also includes 1.5 miles of urban trails and parks featuring public art and outdoor programming.

    A notable feature of Marina Pointe is its private marina, which sits on a 13-acre deep-water basin. This marina is designed to accommodate yachts ranging from 40 to 90 feet and offers options for private boat slip ownership, adding a unique dimension to waterfront living.

    Located along Westshore and Gandy Boulevards, Marina Pointe offers gorgeous views of Old Tampa Bay, enhancing its appeal. The first tower, already completed, includes 118 condominiums and seven Harbour Homes. The third tower will provide additional units ranging from 1,600 to 3,700 square feet, continuing the project’s expansion.

    With Coastal Construction at the helm, the next phases of Marina Pointe are set to further establish the development as a premier destination for luxury waterfront living in Tampa Bay.

  • Bobcat breaks ground on $300M manufacturing facility in Mexico

    Bobcat breaks ground on $300M manufacturing facility in Mexico

    Bobcat Company has set out to revolutionize its production capabilities by building a $300 million manufacturing facility in Salinas, Victoria, near Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Construction began after a ceremonial groundbreaking on June 13, 2024. 

    Images courtesy of Bobcat

    The 700,000-square-foot facility will feature cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices aimed at achieving LEED Silver certification. The plant is projected to generate 600 to 800 jobs, boosting the local economy and reinforcing Bobcat’s commitment to innovation and growth.

    This ambitious project promises to deliver on the surging demand for its products in North America but also expand Bobcat’s global presence, increasing production capacity and capabilities for compact track and skid-steer loaders. The strategic location will also allow quick and efficient transportation thanks to the shorter distance for shipping goods. This ultimately means lower transportation costs and faster turnaround times.

    A win-win for North American businesses and consumers.

    Geewon Park, Vice Chairman of Doosan Group, emphasized the strategic benefits, highlighting Mexico’s strong manufacturing infrastructure and skilled workforce as key factors in the location choice.

    This facility is expected to boost Bobcat’s North American production capacity by 20%, solidifying its leadership in the compact equipment industry. The decision to expand in Monterrey was made after thorough evaluations of potential sites worldwide, reflecting Bobcat’s forward-thinking approach to meeting growing customer demands. Mexico’s proximity to the United States offers unparalleled logistical and cost efficiencies that China, despite its manufacturing power, cannot match long-term.

    Mike Ballweber, President of the Doosan Bobcat North America, shared his excitement by saying, “We look forward to growing our manufacturing footprint in the Salinas Victoria community for its excellent industrial sector, skilled workforce, and strong business environment.”

    This facility represents a significant trend of North American companies shifting their manufacturing operations to Mexico. Many more are expected to follow suit.

  • Google to build data center campus in north central Indiana

    Google to build data center campus in north central Indiana

    Google has officially announced a monumental investment of $2 billion to construct a new data center campus in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Dubbed “Project Zodiac,” this ambitious project will feature a 12-building campus spanning over 892 acres, solidifying Fort Wayne’s place on the technological map.

    Indiana, traditionally not known for housing major technological companies, has recently made a strategic move by leveraging tax incentives to attract leading industry players. The Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC) has provided Google with a 35-year data center sales tax exemption for the first $800 million invested, with potential extensions for up to 50 years, showcasing the state’s growing influence in the tech industry.

    The long-range plans for the site include constructing 12 buildings, occupying an area comparable to about 765 football fields. This expansive campus will add to Google’s existing network of 24 data centers worldwide, 14 of which are in North America. These centers will help power Google’s digital services like Google Cloud, Workspace, Search and Maps, and its AI innovations, serving businesses and customers worldwide.

    Image courtesy of Google

    The site is strategically positioned a mile north of the I-469 exit for Marion Center Road, making it accessible from major urban centers such as Indianapolis, Chicago, and Columbus. Moreover, the new data center is expected to create up to 200 jobs, including positions for data center technicians and support staff. This significant job creation will boost the local economy and provide valuable opportunities for the community. 

    Google also plans to introduce its Skilled Trades and Readiness (STAR) program in the area. This program will offer paid training and networking opportunities to help participants secure jobs in data center construction.

    To meet its sustainability goals and power the data center, Google has partnered with Indiana Michigan Power Company (I&M) to help build a local power source using clean energy. Details of the partnership with I&M were limited, but the companies intend to increase clean energy contributions to the local electricity grid.

    Steve Baker, president and COO of Indiana Michigan Power, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are excited to collaborate with Google to provide future energy needs and help support their corporate sustainability goals.”

    This collaboration is part of Google’s broader initiative to run all its data centers and campuses solely on carbon-free energy by 2030.

    Local and state officials have expressed their excitement about the project. Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker highlighted that this investment is not just about infrastructure but about building a stronger future together. Governor Eric J. Holcomb emphasized Indiana’s strategic priority to cultivate the economy of the future, with Google’s investment playing a crucial role in this vision​.

  • Kyowa Kirin to build $530 million facility in NC

    Kyowa Kirin to build $530 million facility in NC

    Japan-based pharmaceutical company Kyowa Kirin recently announced plans to build a new biologic facility in Sanford, NC. When built, the facility will cover 171,700 square feet and have two reactors that will speed the development and production of biological therapies for patients with rare and serious diseases.

    The disruption of supply distribution lines during the COVID epidemic has prompted yet another company to invest in a production facility in the U.S.

    Biologic therapies will be the focus

    The facility will manufacture biologic therapies for the company’s planned clinical trials and future commercial use and create more resilient supply lines. The planned 75-acre campus in Sanford, NC, will allow for future expansion.   

    Construction of the facility will begin this year and is expected to be fully operational by 2027. Kyowa Kirin’s investment of up to $530 million will be supported by Leaders in the Tarheel State, who wholly back the facility plans and provide $10 million in performance-based state and local incentives to Kyowa Kirin over 12 years. According to the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the investments should grow North Carolina’s economy by $1.05 billion over 12 years. 

    The plant is expected to create more than 100 new high-paying local jobs, with an average salary of $91,496. 

    Images courtesy of Kyowa Kirin

    Research Triangle sweet spot

    Kyowa Kirin said part of the reason the company chose North Carolina is the area’s existing base of skilled workers.

    “The extraordinary complexity of the medicines we manufacture requires specialized skills and resources that are in plentiful supply in Sanford and the Research Triangle region,” said Paul Testa, Executive Vice President, Regional Head of North America/EMEA Manufacturing, Kyowa Kirin North America. “We’re excited to collaborate with area colleges, universities, businesses, and civic leaders to ensure that our plans align with Sanford’s vision for growth, anchored in a rejuvenated manufacturing economy that offers diverse job opportunities and returns value to the community.”

    Another impetus behind this considerable investment is the company’s desire to help treat rare diseases that affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

    “Our North American presence continues to grow through strategic investments that are adding new capabilities, new therapeutic expertise, and new talent to our global organization, all in service of meeting patients’ needs,” said Steve Schaefer, Kyowa Kirin North American President. “Among the many qualities that drew us to North Carolina are our shared values, such as harmony and teamwork—known as Wa—which is deeply ingrained in our culture at Kyowa Kirin, evident in our longstanding corporate partnerships, and fundamental to high-quality pharmaceutical manufacturing.” 

    Kyowa Kirin’s global manufacturing network includes sites in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, Ube City, and Yamaguchi Prefecture in Japan.

    The planned facility in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park region, home to universities and community colleges offering specialized curricula and training, will enable the company to tap the human talent available there. Kyowa Kirin will also benefit from the network of biomanufacturing resources already present.

    The Research Park Triangle is home to many pharmaceutical companies, including Impact Pharmaceutical Services, Cloud Pharmaceuticals, Inc., PharPoint Research, Inc., Aerie Pharmaceuticals Inc., and others. The area also has about 450 life science companies, including Eli Lilly, Novartis, and GlaxoSmithKline.

    Advancing methods through investment

    Kyowa Kirin’s investment in North Carolina will enhance the company’s manufacturing productivity by building upon its methods and technologies. 

    “The new facility will be scalable with our Takasaki Plant in Japan to help ease technology transfer between the two plants and add production capacity. We believe this will help accelerate drug development and production,” said Toshiyuki Kurata, Chief Supply Chain Officer, and Global Manufacturing Head at Kyowa Kirin.

  • Honolulu begins work on $174M wastewater project

    Honolulu begins work on $174M wastewater project

    Honolulu announced it has begun upgrades to the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, the state’s largest facility. The $174-million project will focus on upgrading the plant’s in-vessel bioconversion facilities, a move that will increase efficiency and boost capacity. 

    The upgrades come as welcome news to residents of Honolulu, as aging wastewater treatment plants elsewhere in Hawaii are making headlines for being ill-maintained and plagued with issues. The EPA recently raised the alarm about the results of an inspection at the wastewater plant in Hilo, stating that it was at risk of “catastrophic failure.” The same inspection also found “acute problems” with treatment facilities in Kulaimano and Papaikou. 

    Honolulu’s Sand Island plant has also experienced issues. In May, elevated levels of enterococcus bacteria were detected in treated effluent. Enterococcus bacteria can cause a multitude of different infections, including UTIs and endocarditis. Effluent from the treatment plant is released into a deep ocean outfall located less than two miles from the shoreline, and signs were posted warning the public not to enter the water. 

    According to a press release issued by the City & County of Honolulu, upgrades to the treatment plant will include :

    • Relocating and reconstructing the effluent water reuse pump station
    • Removing the old pump station and various underground utilities, and supplying power to Maintenance and Lab Buildings
    • Building new underground utilities, electrical improvements, and site civil work
    • Adding two new anaerobic digesters, two sludge storage tanks, a Digester Control Building, and a new tunnel and basement
    • Installing a new boiler system and hot water pumps; modifying existing digesters and piping; and relocating and installing flares, a propane gas tank, and new chemical dosing systems

    Synagro-WWT, Inc. will be the project’s design-build contractor, with Hensel Phelps taking care of construction and Yogi Kwong Engineers, LLC serving as the project’s construction manager.

    Construction is scheduled for completion in October 2028.