Jacobs to design resilient wastewater project in Mayagüez
Infrastructure firm Jacobs has been selected by the Puerto Rico Aqueduct & Sewer Authority to design the Mayagüez Ocean Outfall Replacement, part of PRASA’s capital improvement program.
The 1.1-mile pipeline carries treated wastewater from the Mayagüez Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant into the Atlantic Ocean and was severely damaged during Hurricane María in 2017.
Jacobs will provide planning, permitting and design services for a more resilient system intended to withstand future storms and limit environmental impacts.
“This project is a powerful example of how resilient infrastructure can help protect communities and ecosystems in the face of climate-driven challenges,” said Katus Watson, executive vice president at Jacobs.
“With our deep knowledge and experience in coastal and wastewater systems, we’re focused on delivering solutions for PRASA that stand up to the next storm and serve Puerto Rican communities for generations,” Watson said.
The design will include oceanographic and geotechnical analysis, diffuser optimization and a mix of trenchless and open-cut construction methods to improve dilution of treated wastewater while protecting marine habitats.
Jacobs also manages PRASA’s capital program and has worked on infrastructure projects at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Its other resilience projects include the Port of San Francisco Waterfront Resilience Program, post-earthquake recovery efforts in the Philippines, recovery initiatives in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster support.
