Owls Head Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility is one of New York City’s largest plants, treating up to 120 million gallons per day and serving hundreds of thousands of residents in western Brooklyn. To improve resiliency and long-term reliability at this 24/7 facility, the NYC DEP is replacing and modernizing major electrical power infrastructure.

ELECSYS is providing electrical design services as electrical engineer of record for the main substation and engine house electrical upgrades. The project replaces aging 4.16 kV main switchgear and engine-generator output switchgear with new medium-voltage generator-paralleling switchgear, new 4.16 kV main switchgear, associated transformers, and new 480 V main switchboards within the upgraded engine house.

ELECSYS is also designing replacement of outdated motor control centers and switchgear in the primary settling tanks building to support primary sludge and scum pumping systems and other essential process loads.

Because the facility must remain in operation throughout construction, the team is developing phased cutover plans and interim-power strategies that maintain continuous treatment while equipment is installed, tested, and commissioned. The upgrades are being designed in accordance with NYC DEP standards, the National Electrical Code, and applicable utility and safety requirements—supporting improved reliability, enhanced operator safety, and capacity for future process upgrades and resiliency measures.

By modernizing critical power systems at Owl’s Head, ELECSYS is helping NYC DEP extend the life of a cornerstone facility that protects local waterways and supports regulatory compliance for the surrounding communities.