Project

The North Bergen MUA recently completed improvements at its Woodcliff Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) that are being funded with approximately $19.7 million in loans from the NJ Water Bank, a joint low-rate funding program of the DEP and the NJ I-Bank. This project qualified for 25.39% principal forgiveness totaling $5 million as it improved conditions for combined sewer overflows (CSOs). Including interest cost savings, total savings for this project is estimated to be $9,941,995 over the 30-year term of the loan or 50% of the total project cost. In addition, this project created an estimated 236 direct construction jobs. 

The project included replacement of the secondary clarifiers with a membrane microfiltration system, and the installation of a related auxiliary power system. The faulty, leaking sludge storage tank was repaired, and a new mixing system was installed. Thickening facilities were rehabilitated and the WWTF’s sodium bisulfite dechlorination system and controls were replaced. Existing drives and columns in the two primary clarifiers were replaced and the existing facility electrical service was upgraded.

 This project mitigates CSO conditions and ensures compliance with the CSO Long Term Control Plan (LTCP) as well as meeting or exceeding all relevant DEP requirements at the treatment plant.

Senaotor Nicholas J. Sacco, Mayor of North Bergen Township, commended the project. “Our MUA is committed to efficient operations and strategic financing. Borrowing from the NJ Water Bank has resulted in health benefits for our community, CSO improvements for the environment, and financial advantages for our ratepayers.”

This project was designed by PS&S Integrated Services and constructed by Allied Construction Group.