Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida

Naval Air Station Pensacola was looking to implement a wastewater treatment system or method of disposal capable of meeting the requirements of an existing Consent Order - to eliminate its existing surface water discharge to the Pensacola Bay by 2007.

O’Brien & Gere was retained to conduct a Feasibility Study to assess the possibility of connecting the base wastewater collection system to the local municipal system, and to prepare a report comparing two zero discharge alternatives. The alternatives included implementing improvements and/or modifications to the existing wastewater treatment plant to allow for land application and water reuse of the wastewater treatment plant’s effluent; or, constructing a lift station and force main on NAS Pensacola for conveyance of all of NAS Pensacola’s wastewater to the Emerald Coast Utility Authority’s (ECUA) Bayou Marcus Wastewater Treatment Plant for ultimate treatment and disposal.

A cost-benefit analysis was developed comparing the alternatives, including capital and life cycle costs of both.