Modernizing Clifton's Wastewater Treatment System
Upgrading critical wastewater treatment infrastructure in Clifton, Arizona, to improve reliability, treatment performance, and long-term system operations.
KE&G partnered with the Town of Clifton to modernize its wastewater treatment plant through a CMAR delivery approach that aligned the project with the Town's available funding. The project replaced aging treatment components, upgraded solids handling processes, installed new treatment equipment, and rehabilitated existing infrastructure to improve the facility's long-term performance.
Project Overview
The Town of Clifton needed to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant while working within limited project funding. Early project estimates exceeded the Town's budget by nearly double, making collaboration during preconstruction essential to delivering a practical solution. Using the CMAR delivery method, KE&G partnered with the Town and the design team to refine the project scope to a design that met operational needs while remaining within the available budget.
Construction focused on replacing aging treatment infrastructure and improving multiple stages of the wastewater treatment process. Existing facilities were selectively demolished, rehabilitated, and repurposed to support new treatment equipment while minimizing unnecessary reconstruction. The completed improvements provide the Town with a modernized treatment facility designed to support reliable operations for years to come. Approximately 70% of the work was self-performed by KE&G, allowing the project team to maintain control over quality, scheduling, and coordination throughout construction.
Scope of Work
- Demolished the existing clarifier and trickling filter ring wall.
- Repurposed the existing trickling filter foundation to support new dissolved air flotation (DAF) units.
- Constructed a new 80,000-gallon sludge storage tank to meet ADEQ requirements.
- Installed a new grit chamber and Raptor screen in the headworks.
- Installed two 5.5-horsepower influent pumps within the recoated wet well.
- Rehabilitated the existing wet well.
- Installed a new HDPE liner in the existing lagoon.
- Coordinated specialty process equipment installation.
- Completed facility upgrades through the CMAR delivery process.
Our Approach
The CMAR delivery method allowed KE&G to become involved early in the project, working closely with the Town of Clifton and the design team to develop a solution that balanced project needs with available funding. By refining the design during preconstruction, the team helped deliver a project that aligned with the Town's budget while preserving the facility improvements needed for long-term operation.
Construction required careful sequencing as existing treatment structures were demolished, rehabilitated, and incorporated into the new facility layout. Repurposing the trickling filter foundation for the new DAF system reduced unnecessary reconstruction while supporting the upgraded treatment process. New headworks equipment, sludge handling facilities, pumps, and lagoon improvements were integrated into the existing plant to maintain project continuity. The project's remote location created additional coordination challenges for equipment deliveries and material availability. KE&G worked closely with suppliers and subcontractors to manage logistics throughout construction while maintaining progress on this important wastewater infrastructure improvement.
Built on Ownership
As a 100% employee-owned company, every project we deliver reflects the commitment of the people who own the outcome. Our employee owners take pride in building lasting infrastructure, solving challenges collaboratively, and delivering work that strengthens the communities we serve. That ownership mindset drives accountability, quality, and long-term relationships on every project.
