FEATURED PROJECT: Salitrillo Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion

ABOUT THE PROJECT

PROJECT DATES: October 2021-2023

LOCATION: San Antonio, Texas

PROJECT VALUE: $7.2M

CONSTRUCTION TYPE: Design-Build

HIGHLIGHTS: Capacity Expansion (3.96 MGD → 7.33 MGD), Live Plant Construction, Advanced Controls & SCADA Integration, Value Engineering Savings ($250K), Zero Safety Incident

Learn More: https://goalterman.com/. 

Project Description:

The Salitrillo Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion is a $7.2 million design-build project for the San Antonio River Authority that transformed an aging facility into a modern, high-performance treatment system serving nearly 18,000 connections across Converse, Live Oak, and Universal City. Originally constructed in 1966, the plant had reached its operational capacity and required expansion to meet increasing regional demand. The project successfully increased treatment capacity from 3.96 million gallons per day (MGD) to 7.33 MGD while maintaining continuous plant operations throughout construction.

The project was executed on a highly constrained site surrounded by a high school, active roadways, and Randolph Air Force Base airspace, requiring precise coordination, sequencing, and innovative construction strategies. This approach allowed the team to maximize efficiency, ensure safety, and maintain seamless operations for the surrounding community.

Alterman played a critical role in delivering complex electrical and controls infrastructure, including installation of a 2750 kW generator, UV disinfection system, advanced instrumentation, and fully integrated control systems. A key measure of success for the project was maintaining uninterrupted service to residents and businesses, an objective successfully achieved as the facility remained fully operational throughout construction.

The work required significant coordination across disciplines, including excavation for clarifiers exceeding 30 feet in depth and installation of underground electrical duct banks with reinforced concrete encasement. These efforts demanded precise planning and execution to align with structural and operational requirements.

Through a collaborative design-build approach, the team identified opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs. One notable innovation involved redesigning the generator and load bank layout, eliminating unnecessary conduit routing and reducing material and labor requirements. Once implemented, this solution resulted in approximately $250,000 in verified project savings while simplifying installation.

The project also showcased Alterman’s commitment to safety, quality, and self-perform excellence. By utilizing in-house teams for controls, instrumentation, and electrical installation, the project maintained consistent workmanship and accountability across all phases. This approach, supported by extensive training and safety protocols, resulted in zero safety incidents.

Today, the upgraded Salitrillo Wastewater Treatment Plant stands as a resilient and efficient facility that supports regional growth while protecting public health and the environment. This project demonstrates how collaboration, innovation, and technical expertise can deliver impactful infrastructure solutions within highly constrained and complex environments.

PROJECT TEAM:

Alterman Project Executive: Daniel Tanner

General Foreman: Richard Alvarez

Foreman: James Wiggins

Foreman: Max Gamboa

This is a featured project from our 2026 Gold Partner - Alterman Inc.