Water Infrastructure Excellence: R.E. Badger Facility Upgrade Receives ACEC California Honor Award
SAN DIEGO, California (February 28, 2024) – The R.E. Badger Facility Upgrade project has been honored with an Engineering Excellence Honor Award by the American Council of Engineering Companies, California (ACEC California). The project encompassed the R.E. Badger Treatment Plant and San Dieguito Reservoir, which are jointly owned by Santa Fe Irrigation District (SFID) and San Dieguito Water District and managed by SFID. ACEC California’s Honor Award underscores the project’s outstanding quality, innovation, and value within the engineering community.
Kleinfelder served as the prime consultant on the project which aimed to enhance the long-term reliability and cost-effectiveness of the water filtration plant’s infrastructure. The improvements included enhancing mechanical dewatering and filter washwater systems; retrofitting the 1 MG washwater tank for seismic resilience; seismic upgrades to the 13 MG clearwell; and concrete refurbishment and safety upgrades at San Dieguito Dam.
Innovative engineering solutions were at the heart of this project’s success. Notably, the development of a temporary filter backwash system, which was seamlessly integrated into SFID’s SCADA system, ensured continuous water delivery to approximately 60,000 residents during the rehabilitation of the washwater tank.
The project’s complexity was further underscored by the approach to relocating the 86-foot-high washwater tank, originally constructed in 1970. Instead of costly replacements or in-place modifications, the team implemented an innovative system for lifting and transporting the tank to a temporary location, ultimately expediting construction, improving quality control, and reducing costs.
Moreover, meticulous excavation around the clearwell, conducted in a sequential manner, enabled uninterrupted water storage throughout construction, averting disruptions to plant operations.
Beyond technical achievements, the SFID R.E. Badger Facility Upgrade project upheld a commitment to social, economic, and sustainable design considerations. Efforts to minimize disruptions to the local community through consistent communication, noise and light reduction, and preservation of sensitive habitats have bolstered a positive public perception of both SFID and the engineering industry.
The project’s alignment with SFID’s strategic plan has fortified the district’s resilience and sustainability in water supply. Operational efficiencies achieved through the energy-efficient mechanical dewatering system not only curb greenhouse gas emissions but also minimize water waste, contributing to sustainable water management. Additionally, the seismic improvements to the washwater tank and clearwell ensure the protection of life and property during seismic events, access to a reliable potable water supply for residents, and availability of water for battling wildfires.
“The upgrades at Santa Fe Irrigation District’s R.E. Badger Facility showcase both engineering excellence and a commitment to community well-being through the maintenance of reliable, energy-efficient treatment standards,” commented Kleinfelder Senior Program Manager Nick Fontaine. “Kleinfelder is proud to have played a pivotal role in the successful completion of this project.”
Kleinfelder. Bright People. Right Solutions. Founded in 1961, Kleinfelder is a leading engineering, design, construction management, construction materials inspection and testing, and environmental professional services firm. Kleinfelder employs over 3,100 professionals and operates from over 100 office locations in the United States, Canada, and Australia. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California. Poised for growth, Kleinfelder continues to provide high-quality solutions for our diverse client base. Visit Kleinfelder.com or follow us on LinkedIn/Kleinfelder.
