Building Smarter: A Case Study Using CMAR in Wastewater Infrastructure Design at the Ventura WRF

Presentation Description: The Ventura Water Reclamation Facility (VWRF) in Ventura, California, is currently subject to a consent decree aimed at reducing discharges into the Santa Clara River Estuary and lowering nitrogen levels in the effluent, while also promoting beneficial reuse. To address these challenges, Kennedy/Jenks is leading design efforts on a Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) and Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection upgrade at the facility. The project will replace aging wastewater infrastructure while elevating tertiary water quality standards.

The city has adopted a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) methodology which has proven beneficial and contributed to early design success. Early collaboration has improved cost control, value engineering, and most importantly - proactive risk management. This presentation will highlight project specific case studies that demonstrate the advantages of alternative delivery, including a major mid-design change that significantly reduced costs, shortened the construction timeline, and mitigated substantial potential risks. CMAR delivery has provided a distinct advantage in building smarter and more resilient infrastructure.