FEATURED PROJECTS

Oooguruk Island ODS CampWater/Wastewater - VEI provided design and construction management services for the water and wastewater systems at Oooguruk Island, a 13-acre man-made gravel island located 6 miles offshore in the Beaufort Sea (North Slope, Alaska).  The water system provided potable water for the 140-man camp and fresh water for drilling and industrial uses.  Two saltwater wells were drilled through permafrost into a brine pocket about 100 feet below the seabed.  These serve as the island’s water source.  VEI designed a reverse osmosis treatment system to produce the needed water. Wastewater treatment used a Membrane Bio-Reactor (MBR) and effluent BOD and TSS were consistantly less than 5mg/L. Project Owner: Caelus Energy Alaska.  

Oliktok Point/Spy Island Water Source Development - VEI conducted a feasibility study for the development of salt water wells at this North Slope location for Eni Petroleum.  VEI evaluated a vast library of soils borings data and subsurface information to identify a potential water source and outline a method for tapping into that source.  The challenge on this project was to find a salt water aquifer that was located outside of the permafrost and seasonal frost zones, and that could be tapped from an upland site. VEI designed four slant wells that are providing trouble free service.  

Kotzebue Water Supply and Treatment Improvements, 1997 - VEI served as a subconsultant to EDC, Inc. on this project.  VEI assisted with design modifications to Kotzebue’s water system to improve water supply and water treatment.  Improvements consisted of piping modifications at Devil’s Lake Pumphouse and replacement of pumps and piping at Vortac Lake Pumphouse to deliver more water to the filter plant.  This was a follow-up to the water treatment plant design completed by VEI in 1984.

Deering Water/Wastewater Systems Feasibility Study - VEI evaluated water source alternatives, looking specifically at a year-round river intake to replace the existing community well source which experienced saltwater intrusion periodically. We provided on-site surveying, mapping, soils testing, Drogue testing, bathymetry, and modeling for an wastewater outfall to Kotzebue Sound.   Based on local conditions, we recommended a looped water system using waste heat from the system generators and a vacuum sewer collection system with a community septic tank and marine outfall. We estimated per household utility costs and went house-to-house to assess community interest and user ability to pay.  After approval of the study, VEI developed a preliminary design and worked with City staff to secure funding.

Caelus OTP Kalubic Camp - Water source investigation / water & wastewater design

Caelus Nuna Camp - Water and wastewater commissioning and certification