McCarthy Building Companies has completed a $74.3 million modernization project at the Kansas River Wastewater Treatment Plant in Lawrence, Kansas, upgrading one of the city’s most important wastewater facilities to meet stricter environmental regulations and improve long-term operational efficiency.
The project, delivered in partnership with engineering firm Black & Veatch, marks a significant milestone for both the contractor and the City of Lawrence.
Major upgrades improve water quality
The modernization focused on enhancing the plant’s ability to remove nutrients from wastewater before it is discharged into the Kansas River.
Key improvements included converting four existing aeration basins into advanced biological nutrient removal (BNR) basins, helping reduce nitrogen and phosphorus levels that can negatively impact rivers and aquatic ecosystems.
The project also introduced a new Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, allowing operators to monitor and manage plant operations in real time. Additional work included electrical upgrades and improvements to supporting infrastructure throughout the facility.
Facility now meets updated environmental standards
Originally commissioned in 1956, the Kansas River Wastewater Treatment Plant treats approximately 8 million gallons of wastewater each day, accounting for roughly 80% of Lawrence’s daily wastewater flow.
City officials launched the modernization to address the aging infrastructure while ensuring compliance with updated National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements established by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
The improvements position the facility to meet current regulatory standards while supporting reliable wastewater treatment for years to come.
First CMAR wastewater project for Lawrence
The project also marked the first time the City of Lawrence used the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery method for a wastewater infrastructure project.
CMAR has become increasingly popular for complex public infrastructure work because it encourages collaboration between owners, designers and contractors during preconstruction, helping reduce project risks, improve cost certainty and streamline delivery.
“As the City’s first CMAR wastewater project, this effort demonstrated how a collaborative delivery approach can strengthen coordination, reduce risk and create better outcomes from planning through completion,” said Kerry Klausner, senior project director at McCarthy.
Expanding water infrastructure portfolio
The Lawrence project adds to McCarthy’s growing portfolio of water and wastewater infrastructure work across the United States.
Earlier this year, McCarthy and Black & Veatch reached a major construction milestone on a $168 million water treatment project in Mesa, Arizona. In June, a joint venture between McCarthy and Jacobs also began construction on a $185 million water infrastructure project in Torrance, California, reflecting continued investment in modernizing aging water systems nationwide.
