Alcosan advances $1.5M plant drain study and Allegheny River Tunnel construction management

Alcosan advances $1.5M plant drain study and Allegheny River Tunnel construction managementThe Allegheny County Sanitary Authority has authorized a 20-month master drain study to address plant system bottlenecks while shortlisting two firms to manage construction for its upcoming river tunnel project.

GPD received a $1,496,520 service authorization to conduct mapping, modeling, and recommendations for the Plant Master Drain Study over a 20-month period.

Aldea Design Services and EPC Consultants were shortlisted for construction management of the Allegheny River Tunnel, with a final board recommendation expected in September 2026.

The authority authorized a $77,000 evaluation by Hatch to review industrial waste surcharge fees for the first time in over 15 years.

The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (Alcosan) is moving forward with critical engineering and construction management contracts to support its expanding wastewater infrastructure. During a May 7 committee meeting, officials advanced a comprehensive study of the treatment plant's drainage system and narrowed the field for a major tunnel construction management role. The committee recommended approval of a $1,496,520 service authorization for GPD to perform the Plant Master Drain Study. The 20-month project will involve mapping and modeling to develop recommendations for resolving existing pain points in the plant's drain system. The work is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Simultaneously, Alcosan is preparing for the next phase of its regional conveyance expansion, shortlisting two firms—Aldea Design Services and EPC Consultants, Inc.—for construction management of the Allegheny River Tunnel. According to the Director of Engineering and Construction, requests for proposals will be issued in mid-May. Following interviews in August, a final recommendation will be brought to the board in September. In addition to major capital projects, the authority is taking steps to update its revenue structures. The committee recommended a $77,000 service authorization for Hatch to conduct an Industrial Waste Surcharge and Fee Evaluation. Staff noted that industrial waste fees have not been reviewed in at least 15 years, and the evaluation will ensure the authority's costs align with current industry standards. Alcosan is also upgrading its asset management capabilities, announcing a request for qualifications for an implementer for its Trimble Unity Maintain software. The system will integrate with existing construction management software to support compliance-driven activities across the conveyance network, including combined sewer overflow (CSO) monitoring, system televising, and manhole inspections.