Bee Ridge Water Reclamation Facility Expansion & Conversion to Advanced Water Treatment

Garney, serving as construction manager at risk (CMAR) with Carollo as the lead engineer, is leading a multi‑year expansion increasing the Bee Ridge Water Reclamation Facility’s treatment capacity from 12 to 18 MGD and delivering Florida’s largest membrane bioreactor (MBR) system. The project includes building new facilities and upgrading major components of the existing plant, along with significant electrical and automation improvements, all delivered while keeping the plant fully operational through coordinated bypass pumping and planned tie‑ins. The expansion also includes a new visitor center designed to strengthen public education and community engagement.

The upgraded facility reduces nutrient loads, improves regional water quality, and increases the production of high‑quality reclaimed water for irrigation and future reuse applications, helping conserve Sarasota County’s potable water supply. Strengthened stormwater, power, and treatment systems support reliable operation during severe weather and long‑term resilience. Together, these improvements give Sarasota County a modern and dependable treatment facility built to serve future growth and environmental needs.

Solutions 

Advanced Treatment Processes: The project combines biological nutrient removal with MemPulse™ Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) systems to deliver high‑quality effluent meeting advanced treatment standards. Upgrades include new headworks with coarse and fine screens, grit removal, flow equalization basins with mixing and odor control, chemical feed systems, and refurbished chlorine contact.

Nutrient Reduction & Water Quality Improvements: The integrated BNR and MBR process significantly reduces nitrogen and phosphorus levels, helping protect Florida’s bays, estuaries, and gulf waters. The facility now produces reclaimed water suitable for irrigation and salinity barrier well injection to support aquifer restoration. Improvements to reclaimed water storage and pumping include a new 2-MG prestressed concrete tank that expands reuse capacity. The reject storage pond and stormwater system upgrades improve operational reliability and long-term environmental resilience.

Weather & Operational Resilience: Designed for severe weather, the upgraded plant features elevated structures, additional stormwater ponds, and systems rated for hurricane‑force winds. Reliability improvements include new electrical control panels, upgraded power distribution equipment, enhanced automation and monitoring systems, and four 1,750-kW generators with 10,000-gallon fuel tanks. Site improvements—including new duct banks, process piping, paving, grading, and wetland mitigation—support safe access, long‑term durability, and consistent operation during extreme conditions.

Project Status

The North Plant received substantial completion on December 24, 2025 prior to the Consent Decree deadline.