Jacobs selected for $200-million upgrades at San José–Santa Clara wastewater facility
Jacobs has been selected as the progressive design-build contractor for a $200 million modernization of biosolids infrastructure at the San José–Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility, one of the largest advanced wastewater treatment plants in the western U.S.
The project will focus on upgrading and replacing aging mesophilic digesters, a core component of the facility’s solids handling system. The improvements are intended to increase long-term reliability, reduce offsite biosolids hauling, and improve conversion of digester gas for on-site energy use. Construction is part of a broader capital program aimed at maintaining regulatory compliance and accommodating long-term population growth across the San José–Santa Clara service area.
According to project details, the upgraded digesters will enhance biogas production that feeds the facility’s existing cogeneration system, allowing the plant to offset a portion of its energy demand. The scope also includes construction of a new fats, oils and grease (FOG) receiving station, enabling the facility to accept high-strength waste from commercial sources and convert it into additional biogas.
Jacobs will deliver the work under a progressive design-build model, allowing design development and construction planning to advance concurrently. The delivery approach is expected to improve constructability, manage risk and limit operational disruptions at the active treatment facility. Walsh Construction and Structural Technologies are supporting the project as lead contracting partners.
Utility officials said the digester upgrades build on earlier capital improvements at the site and are intended to extend the facility’s service life through at least 2077. In addition to increased processing capacity, the modernization will address seismic resiliency and provide greater operational flexibility to meet future regulatory and growth-driven demands.
The San José–Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility serves multiple jurisdictions and plays a critical role in Silicon Valley’s wastewater and biosolids management system. Construction sequencing and integration with existing infrastructure will be a key focus as the project moves into detailed design and early construction phases.
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