Wastewater Consent Decree Program Management and Construction Management Services

Known for its vibrant culture, warm climate, and abundant outdoor recreation, Miami-Dade County has grown significantly over the past few decades. The population has increased by nearly 114% since 1969; today, over 2.5 million people call it home.  

However, this growth, combined with the county’s low-lying geography and proximity to sensitive coastal ecosystems like the Florida Everglades and Biscayne Bay, has made it vulnerable to environmental challenges. Aging sewer pipelines, which transport organic matter and wastewater, have become susceptible to leaks, failures, and sanitary sewer overflows, posing serious risks to public health and the environment. 

Between 1995 and 2011, the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) invested $1.8 billion to expand its sewer system capacity and reduce sewage overflows. This investment increased the ability to manage billions of gallons of wastewater to keep pace with the region’s population surge and improve resilience to climate impacts and extreme storm events like hurricanes, successfully reducing overflows. 

Nevertheless, aging infrastructure continued to challenge the system, leading to further sanitary sewer overflows and underperforming treatment plant processes. In response, Miami-Dade County entered a 15-year, $1.6 billion federally mandated consent decree to implement capital improvements to address the wastewater collection and treatment plant processes. 

In a subconsultant role, our team is providing professional services for the programmatic implementation of the consent decree program during the preconstruction and construction of 82 capital projects. The projects span three major wastewater treatment plants, 33 pump stations, and numerous pipeline replacements, all under tight deadlines imposed by the consent decree.

Delivering the consent decree program requires a team of experts who understand the regulatory mandates and technical challenges and can work collaboratively. Our team of project managers, construction managers, engineers, and construction inspectors collaborates closely with WASD’s leadership, operations and procurement teams, and regulatory bodies to ensure timely and compliant project execution. 

Document control platforms include Proliance, SharePoint, and e-Builder to streamline processes, enhance communication, and minimize project risks. Through workshops and strategic planning, we’ve helped develop a robust program framework tailored to WASD’s needs. 

Each project undergoes rigorous oversight, from initial engineering verification through design development and risk management, ensuring milestones are met. During construction, our managers oversee contractors to maintain compliance with contract documents, manage safety requirements, monitor progress, and handle change orders. Our ability to manage projects effectively is critical to meeting the compressed deadlines and ensuring the program’s long-term success.