As part of STV’s larger efforts to modernize Amtrak’s Ivy City Yard in Washington, D.C., the firm is delivering upgraded industrial water infrastructure that strengthens day-to-day maintenance performance across the Northeast Corridor.
STV’s water team designed upgrades to the yard’s Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant (IWTP) – a critical system that supports daily maintenance activities at one of Amtrak’s most active rail yards. These improvements increase treatment capacity, enhance operational continuity and better position the facility for Amtrak’s growing service needs.”
“Because STV is deeply involved in the overall modernization of Ivy City Yard, our team understands how systems like the IWTP keep rail operations moving every day,” said Wick Warden, water/wastewater senior project manager at STV. “Designing within an active facility required precise coordination to maintain full treatment performance and avoid service disruptions.”
STV is currently serving as lead designer as part of the Clark-Herzog design-build team for Ivy City’s modernization – the most significant overhaul of Amtrak’s repair and maintenance infrastructure in its 54-year history.
Supporting Rail Operations Through Essential Water Systems
The IWTP upgrades increase treatment capacity from approximately 65 gallons per minute to 125 gallons per minute, giving the facility the flexibility to meet current demands and support future growth. Key improvements include a second dissolved air flotation (DAF) unit operating in parallel with the existing system, along with modernized pumping, instrumentation and compressed air systems. Together, these enhancements add redundancy, strengthen process control and improve reliability, allowing the plant to accommodate increased maintenance activity without impacting rail operations.
Maintaining continuous treatment performance was a key project requirement. STV collaborated closely with Amtrak and the design‑build team to phase construction strategically, verify electrical loading and ensure full alignment with Amtrak engineering standards and discharge permit requirements.
The design maximizes the existing plant footprint and preserves current chemical inventories and hazard classifications. By qualifying as a Level 1 Alteration under the District of Columbia Existing Building Code, the project avoided changes to building occupancy, egress or fire protection – an important consideration in an active maintenance environment.
Integrated Design for a Critical Transportation Hub
The IWTP improvement is one component of Amtrak’s broader investment in Ivy City Yard, where new and renovated maintenance facilities, track and utility upgrades, and upgraded systems are currently being designed and constructed to support more efficient workflows and long‑term operational resilience.
By integrating water and environmental engineering within a complex, multi-facility transportation program, STV is helping Amtrak deliver infrastructure that performs reliably today and adapts for tomorrow. The Ivy City Yard IWTP upgrade demonstrates how well-designed support systems play a vital role in maintaining safe, efficient and resilient passenger rail service throughout the region.
