This project will contribute to the broader Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow (SWIFT) Program, which will add advanced water treatment processes, producing highly-treated water (SWIFT Water®) that meets drinking water standards and is suitable for recharge of the Potomac Aquifer.  Once complete, the projects at the Nansemond Treatment Plant will improve the existing plant effluent in addition to producing up to 34 million gallons per day of SWIFT water.

This program will help reverse declining groundwater levels, reduce saltwater intrusion, slow or reduce land subsidence, and significantly reduce the amount of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus entering the Chesapeake Bay, thereby helping to ensure HRSD’s ability to protect public health and the environment for decades to come.

Disruptions to traffic will be minimal, and in most cases, all lanes of traffic will be maintained. No detours are planned or anticipated, but flagging may be used to help direct traffic as needed. All aspects of the project work may be located within HRSD property. The only impacts to traffic will be due to construction equipment entering and leaving the Nansemond Treatment plant via College Drive, between Interstate 664 and Armstead Road, and Armstead Road from College Drive to the treatment plant.

Work will typically take place Monday through Friday during daylight hours (7 a.m. - 4 p.m.). However, there may be occasions when extended hours, work at night, or weekend work may be necessary. 

There should not be any interruptions to the water or sewer service in the area.

The construction will not affect the existing pavement. All construction traffic will be permitted to travel on the public roadway.

Typical construction noises such as equipment engines, back-up alarms, materials being delivered, diesel generators, air compressors, sawing, and associated activities should be anticipated.

The contractor will have offices and tool storage facilities on site for the duration of construction. Equipment that is being installed as part of the work may be stored on the plant for short periods of time before it can be located in its permanent location. There will not be any materials or equipment stored in the public right-of way.

Construction workers will park in designated spaces within HRSD property. No personal or company vehicles will be permitted to park on public streets.

The estimated cost for the project is $952 million. The ANRI Facility is approximately $300 million, the SWIFT facility is approximately $570 million, and the recharge wells are approximately $82 million. These projects are financed at the low interest loans from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan Funds and the wastewater treatment fees paid by HRSD customers.

Regular project updates are posted on the HRSD website at www.hrsd.com/construction-status. You may also sign up at www.hrsd.com/subscriptions to receive an email notification when there are website updates. To learn more about SWIFT or to schedule a tour of the SWIFT Research Center (located at HRSD’s Nansemond Treatment Plant in Suffolk, VA), or take a virtual tour, please visit www.hrsd.com/swift.