The Jamaica Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility is a 100-MGD plant that serves a large portion of Southeast Queens and plays a critical role in protecting local waterways. To strengthen the plant’s ability to operate through grid disruptions and severe weather, the NYC DEP is upgrading its emergency power systems. As part of this effort, ELECSYS is providing electrical design and design services during construction as a subconsultant on a roughly $40 million program to replace aging equipment and improve resiliency.

The project includes two new 2-mW, 5-kV standby generators in a hardened enclosure, new medium-voltage paralleling switchgear, and a reconfigured emergency distribution system that can support current operations and future process upgrades.

ELECSYS developed one-line diagrams, equipment layouts, feeder routing, and grounding and lightning protection schemes, and coordinated closely with the prime engineer, civil and structural teams, and NYC DEP to integrate the new systems into an active, 24/7 facility. Careful staging and temporary power strategies help keep critical treatment processes online while existing equipment is removed and new gear is brought into service.

Beyond design, ELECSYS is supporting design services during construction, including submittal reviews, responses to Requests for Information, field inspections, and support for testing and commissioning. The upgraded emergency power system will provide more reliable, flexible backup power for the Jamaica Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility, helping NYC DEP maintain regulatory compliance, protect the environment, and serve the surrounding community even during major storms and utility outages.