PC Construction, Stantec, and Hazen and Sawyer Complete WSSC Water’s $271M Piscataway Bioenergy Facility

ACCOKEEK, Md. — The $271 million Piscataway Bioenergy Facility, a state-of-the-art project by WSSC Water, has officially reached completion, marking a significant milestone in sustainable energy production. The facility, located in Prince George’s County, Maryland, is designed to convert wastewater biosolids into renewable energy. The construction was carried out by a collaborative design-build team consisting of PC Construction, Stantec, and Hazen and Sawyer.

Projected to generate approximately $4 million annually in revenue, the facility will also help WSSC Water save around $3.4 million per year in operational costs, while significantly reducing the utility's greenhouse gas emissions. This is WSSC Water’s largest and most technically advanced construction project to date and one of only seven facilities in the U.S. to incorporate the advanced Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THP) for efficiently transforming biosolids. Once fully operational in early 2025, the facility will process biosolids from all six of WSSC Water’s water resource recovery plants, revolutionizing biosolid management for Maryland’s largest water utility.

“This project is truly groundbreaking, utilizing the thermal hydrolysis technology to reduce costs and increase efficiency and sustainability,” said Matt Cooke, President and CEO of PC Construction. “I am so grateful for the exceptional team that came together to deliver this innovative project – from our collaborative partnership with WSSC Water and the design-build team, who lead the industry in constructing these specialized facilities, to the more than 120 subcontractors and vendors and hundreds of skilled craft workers who brought their best work to the site every day.”

The facility, led by PC Construction with support from Stantec and Hazen and Sawyer, will transform wastewater biosolids into biogas, which will then be used by Combined Heat and Power (CHP) engines to help power the facility. A portion of the bioenergy generated will be sold to Montgomery County to fuel part of its Ride On bus fleet. Additionally, the facility will produce Class A biosolids that are cleaner and can be marketed as a high-quality soil amendment.

“This has been an innovative and ambitious effort from the start, with hundreds of engineers and scientists contributing over the course of the project,” said Joe Uglevich, Senior Vice President and Director of Water Delivery at Stantec. “Reaching this critical completion milestone is deeply rewarding for the entire team. This was a massive undertaking, and we are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside PC Construction to achieve WSSC Water’s vision and design this incredible facility.”

The design and construction of the Piscataway Bioenergy Facility supported hundreds of skilled craft workers, including participation from 34 Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Small Local Business Enterprises (SLBEs), creating nearly 150 MBE/SLBE job opportunities.

The project was completed on schedule and within budget, delivering a high-capacity regional facility that can treat up to 92 dry tons of biosolids per day.

About PC Construction‍

PC Construction is a leading general contractor, construction manager, and design-builder serving clients across the country. With a reputation for delivering quality projects on time and within budget, PC Construction operates primarily along the East Coast, with offices in Florida, Georgia, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, and the Mid-Atlantic region. The company specializes in a wide variety of projects, including complex water and wastewater treatment facilities. For more information, visit pcconstruction.com.

About Stantec

‍Stantec is a global leader in sustainable architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting, with a commitment to addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. The firm’s experts provide the technology, innovation, and solutions needed to help communities manage aging infrastructure, navigate the energy transition, and address climate change. Stantec’s diverse teams deliver thoughtful, sustainable designs that benefit clients and communities worldwide. Visit stantec.com to learn more.

About Hazen and Sawyer

‍For over 70 years, Hazen and Sawyer has been a trusted provider of water and wastewater engineering services. With expertise in safe drinking water and pollution control, Hazen helps clients design and manage large-scale water and wastewater projects. The company has been involved in some of the most significant infrastructure projects in the world, including the largest drinking water UV disinfection system. For more information, visit hazenandsawyer.com.

About WSSC Water

‍WSSC Water, established in 1918, is the largest water and wastewater utility in Maryland and one of the largest in the U.S. Serving nearly 1.9 million residents across Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, WSSC Water provides safe drinking water and treats wastewater to protect the environment. The utility operates with a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, working to reduce its environmental impact and preserve the region’s natural resources. For more information, visit wsscwater.com.