The design-build team of PC Construction, Stantec, and Hazen and Sawyer has completed construction of WSSC Water’s $271 million Piscataway Bioenergy Facility in Prince George’s County, Maryland, where biosolids will be transformed into green energy. This groundbreaking facility is projected to generate $4 million annually in revenue, save $3.4 million per year in operating costs, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions for WSSC Water, Maryland’s largest water utility.
As the largest and most technically advanced project in WSSC Water’s 106-year history, the facility incorporates an advanced thermal hydrolysis process (THP)—one of only seven such facilities in the U.S. Once fully operational in early 2025, it will process all biosolids from WSSC Water’s six water resource recovery facilities, revolutionizing biosolid management across the region.
“This project is truly groundbreaking, utilizing thermal hydrolysis technology to reduce costs and increase efficiency and sustainability,” said Matt Cooke, President and CEO at PC Construction. He credited the success to the collaborative partnership between WSSC Water, the design-build team, 120+ subcontractors, and hundreds of skilled craft workers.
The facility uses THP to convert wastewater biosolids into biogas, which powers combined heat and power engines, reducing reliance on external energy. A portion of the bioenergy will be sold to Montgomery County, helping to power its Ride On bus fleet. Additionally, the facility produces fewer, cleaner Class A biosolids that can be marketed as a soil amendment.
“This has been an innovative and ambitious effort from the start, with hundreds of engineers and scientists contributing throughout the project,” said Joe Uglevich, Senior Vice President and Director of Water Delivery at Stantec. “Reaching this milestone is deeply rewarding for the entire team and aligns with WSSC Water’s vision for sustainability.”
Key features of the Piscataway Bioenergy Facility:
- Treats up to 92 dry tons of biosolids per day.
- Incorporates thermal hydrolysis technology for efficiency and sustainability.
- Supports green energy production and powers facility operations.
- Creates marketable Class A biosolids as a soil amendment.
- Provides bioenergy to Montgomery County for public transit.
The project was completed on budget and on schedule with significant participation from 34 Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Small Local Business Enterprises (SLBE), creating nearly 150 MBE/SLBE jobs. The construction process also supported hundreds of skilled workers, emphasizing diversity and community impact.
