Metro Water Recovery receives flows from Second Creek Pipeline
Metro’s largest transmission project supports community and economic development
BRIGHTON — Metro Water Recovery’s Northern Treatment Plant has begun receiving flows from the Second Creek Pipeline, a pinnacle of infrastructure investment and future planning along the northern Front Range.
After years of preparation that included a complex permitting process, design and construction, the new pipeline connects to the existing South Platte Pipeline and conveys wastewater flows to the Northern Treatment Plant in Brighton.
This collaborative effort has been planned since 1982, when the Denver Regional Council of Governments identified the need for clean water facilities in the northern metropolitan region. The Second Creek Pipeline is the largest transmission project in Metro’s 60-year history.
“The Second Creek Pipeline project is a necessary investment in essential infrastructure to keep pace with the current and future growth of our region,” Chief Executive Officer Mickey Conway said. “For me, this project embodies our commitment to developing One Environment solutions that balance environmental, social and economic factors.”
The 17-mile-long pipeline uses a gravity-powered design that minimizes pumping and reduces energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and long-term maintenance costs.
“To deliver a complex project of this size is a testament to the foresight, hard work and dedication of our workforce, our Metro team members, our contractors and subcontractors, consultants and sub-consultants,” said Jon Wicke, Metro project manager.
This new pipeline will enable portions of Adams County, Aurora, Brighton, Commerce City, Denver and Denver International Airport to be served by Metro’s Northern Treatment Plant.
About Metro Water Recovery
Metro Water Recovery was formed under Colorado law in 1961. Metro is the largest resource recovery and clean water agency in the Rocky Mountain West, serving approximately 2.2 million people in an 817 square-mile area. In partnership with 62 local governments, including municipalities and special districts, we clean millions of gallons of water every day to be suitable for agriculture, aquatic life, recreation and water supply.