Town of Andrews Breaks Ground on Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Modernization
On March 23, 2026, the Town of Andrews celebrated a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of its Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Upgrade and Modernization project — an investment that will strengthen infrastructure, improve environmental performance, and support the community’s future growth.
Mayor James Reid captured the significance of the moment, sharing, “I feel like a kid on Christmas morning knowing how much this means to the Town. Every person, entity, and business in Andrews will benefit from these improvements.”
Originally constructed in the 1950s, the existing facility has served the Town for decades. With $15 million in funding secured from North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), this project represents a transformative step forward, where the Town is replacing aging systems and introducing modern treatment technologies designed to enhance reliability and efficiency.
Investing in Resilient Infrastructure
At the heart of the project is the replacement of the plant’s trickling filter system with a new three-channel Orbal oxidation ditch. This advanced biological treatment process will provide simultaneous nitrification and denitrification — improving water quality while increasing operational flexibility.
Additional improvements include upgrades to existing secondary clarifiers, new return and waste activated sludge (RAS/WAS) systems, electrical enhancements, and expanded yard piping — all designed to bring the facility in line with current performance standards and future demands.
Project Highlights
Key components of the modernization include:
- A new 1.5-million-gallon oxidation ditch with high-efficiency aerators
- Screening and compaction equipment for the influent pump station
- Upgrades to clarifiers with improved sludge removal systems
- New RAS/WAS pumps and flow splitter box
- Installation of a 24-inch outfall sewer
- Advanced sludge dewatering equipment with covered infrastructure
- A 400kVA standby generator to enhance system resilience
- Comprehensive electrical upgrades across the facility
A Collaborative Effort
The groundbreaking ceremony brought together community leaders, project partners, and stakeholders to celebrate the start of construction. Remarks were shared by Town officials and McGill leadership, highlighting the importance of partnership in delivering projects that serve communities for generations.
Supporting the Future of Andrews
This investment builds on previous upgrades completed in 2018 and 2023, continuing the Town’s commitment to maintaining safe and dependable infrastructure. By modernizing the wastewater treatment plant, Andrews is better positioned to meet regulatory requirements, protect local waterways, and support long-term community growth.
At McGill, we are proud to partner with communities like Andrews to deliver infrastructure solutions that strengthen resilience and improve quality of life. Projects like this reflect our commitment to shaping communities together through thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and engineering solutions.
