James River Treatment Plant-SWIFT Facility Virtual Presentation (December 2020)
SWIFT – Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow
- Water is a valuable resource and should not be wasted.
- HRSD has developed an aquifer recharge program, Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow (SWIFT), to protect this valuable resource.
- SWIFT WaterTM is used to replenish the depleted Potomac aquifer – deep below Hampton Roads.
- The initiative is highly successful at HRSD’s SWIFT Research Center and has progressed to Full Scale Implementation.
SWIFT – Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow
- Full-scale SWIFT will require upgrades to HRSD’s plants across Hampton Roads.
- SWIFT takes highly treated water that would otherwise be discharged into the Elizabeth, James or York Rivers and puts it through advanced water treatment to meet drinking water quality standards.
- SWIFT Water is then added to the Potomac Aquifer, the primary source of groundwater throughout eastern Virginia.
Why is HRSD doing this project?
- HRSD’s James River Treatment Plant at 111 City Farm Road in Newport News, VA is one of several plants which will be upgraded to include SWIFT treatment.
- Upgrades at HRSD’s James River Treatment Plant are an investment of over $400 million in the future of Hampton Roads.
What is the property acquisition request?
How much property is requested?
- A total of 9.6 acres is requested from the City.
- 5.3 acres will be used for infrastructure including the Administration Building.
- 4.3 acres will be placed in an Open Space Easement for the City.
- Plant upgrades will maximize usage of the existing parcels.
- A trail will be constructed within the easements.
What are the Direct Benefits for Newport News?
- Approximately 2 miles of new walking trails including public access to river views and the marina
- Administration building provides a buffer to the plant – parking, rest rooms and community use of a meeting space
- Open Space easement on the waterfront portion of HRSD property
- Cash payment - $10 Million
- Transfer of 10-acre site on G Avenue to the City
- Additional Funding – for City trail maintenance and other park assets
Where will the proposed Administration Building be?
- The Administration Building will provide a transition buffer to the former City Farm site.
- A meeting room will be available to reserve for community meetings.
- Parking and restrooms will be available for public usage during park hours.
What is the proposed project timeline?
Where are the proposed well houses?
- 10 well houses total are required.
- 6 well houses located in Riverview Farm Park.
What will the well houses look like?
- Well houses will be a similar architectural style to existing park structures and provide amenities to the public, such as:
- Educational Information
- Restrooms
- HRSD will gain City approval for the final architectural style of well house.
- Walking paths and landscaping will integrate the buildings with the park and trails.
What is inside the well house?
- Inside each well house is a pump and supporting equipment.
- The pump is used to clean well screens for 30 to 60 minutes per day.
What is the sound level outside the well house during pump operation?
Example – Suffolk 3 MGD water withdrawal pump
- Riverview Farm Park well houses are proposed with sound dampening materials to reduce the sound level heard outside buildings.
- You may still experience some sound directly adjacent to a well house.
- The photo shows an approximate decibel meter reading right outside a well house door in Suffolk. This measurement is similar to what would be considered sound heard from a conversation.
How will I continue to access park facilities during construction?
- Roadway modifications are proposed to provide separate access to Gymnastic Center and Dog Park.
- Pier trail entrance modifications will accommodate access from Riverview Pkwy.
- Construction activities may cause temporary closures of the pier trail as needed for public safety.
How will I continue to access park facilities during construction?
How will I continue to access the existing trails during construction?
- Existing trails will be rerouted and marked to minimize public interactions with the Upgrades.
- Restoration of disturbed areas will occur immediately after asset installation. Full restoration will occur when seasonally appropriate.
When will I have access to the proposed Trails?
- Phase I Trails will provide over 1 mile of new Trail by 2023.
- Ongoing SWIFT Upgrades at James River Treatment Plant require Trail construction phased for public safety.
- All trails will be completed by 2026, providing a total of almost 2 miles of new Trails in the City.
What will Riverview Farm Park look like after construction?
- Final restoration of SWIFT Upgrades by late 2025
- All new trails open by 2026
- Well house buildings with amenities, bathrooms, educational information, benches; finished by late 2025
- HRSD Administration Building provides public meeting space, restrooms and parking
What will Riverview Farm Park look like after construction?
Where Can I Go For More Information?
- Project Website:
- HRSD Public Information Specialist:
- Lisa Bolen at 757-460-7000
- To learn more about SWIFT visit:
- To participate in a live Zoom Q & A from 4 - 6 p.m. on December 16, please email Jennifer.klages@aecom.com to receive a link to join the meeting.