Tetra Tech, Inc. provided facility evaluation, planning, detailed design, and construction administration services for the Municipality of Anchorage’s (MOA’s) Department of Solid Waste Services (SWS) Central Transfer Station (CTS). The CTS campus, with an estimated cost of about $106 million, has a capacity of more than 1,600 tons per day and spans more than 28 acres. In addition to providing commercial and residential waste management and recycling services, the facility is used for collection of bulky appliances and household hazardous waste. The campus also includes a household hazardous waste-reuse center, an administration building, vehicle maintenance building, warm storage building, residential and commercial scale complexes, refueling center, and housing of the SWS collections and transfer fleet. The CTS addresses immediate facility and site needs and includes assets and functionality that will accommodate the MOA’s material management strategies for the next 40+ years.
Educational elements are integrated into the complex through an “Engineering on Display” room positioned in the administration portion of the building. This elevated area allows the community to witness the solid waste operations of the facility through a viewing window. Further, educational displays explain the life-cycle of waste products, best practices for recycling, and how to divert materials from the landfill in order to preserve its longevity, a growing concern for the residents of Anchorage.
Tetra Tech used its industry-leading solid waste expertise to conduct an initial feasibility study, which included an evaluation of an existing aging facility, and assisted with the decision to buy a new property to house a state-of-the-art facility. The team engaged stakeholders regarding site layout and function; provided architectural and engineering design services to support the full construction bid package; prepared capacity analysis calculations and facility-specific construction details; and provided guidance on operations and equipment evaluation.
Tetra Tech also provided full construction administration, including oversight, submittal review, and contract coordination. Additional work included preparation of an organics management feasibility report, reviewing short-term and long-term options for organics collection and processing, as well as an evaluation of the existing vacated facility for future repurposing to further recycling and recovery activities within the municipality.
“We are pleased to have been part of the realization of this unique facility, which is the culmination of a forward-thinking community’s vision for state-of-the-art long term solid waste management,” said Chris Coleman, Tetra Tech’s project manager. “Designed as a true public utility, the stunning campus is seamlessly integrated with a community education mission where tour groups can view active operations.”