North Clear Creek Water Treatment Plant

Demonstrating the power of innovative environmental solutions, the North Clear Creek Water Treatment Plant removes heavy metal contaminants from creek waters to safeguard water quality, restore aquatic habitat and support the region's recreational opportunities.

As part of the 400-square-mile North Clear Creek Superfund site that stretches from the Continental Divide to Golden, Colorado, the facility treats 150 to 600 gallons of water per minute to ensure contaminants are effectively removed, protecting both the environment and the people who rely on these waters.

Every day, the plant tackles the challenge of processing 359 pounds of heavy metals, including 259 pounds of iron, 60 pounds of manganese, 24 pounds of zinc and 4 pounds of copper. These efforts not only improve water quality but help restore aquatic ecosystems that once struggled to support life.

WSP operates the facility, providing water treatment operations and maintenance services for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

Location

Black Hawk, Colorado, USA

Client

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)

Architect

Bennett Wagner Grody

Project Value

$1.4M

Project Status

Operations ongoing

Recovering Valuable Resources

Years ago, North Clear Creek’s compromised water quality made it difficult for aquatic life to thrive, discouraging fishing and recreation. Today, thanks to the advanced treatment processes at the North Clear Creek facility, fish like trout swim just feet from the plant’s collection systems — a visible testament to the tremendous success of its work.

To address the primary contaminants — iron, manganese and zinc — the plant uses a high-density solids treatment process. By recycling sludge containing alkalinity, we reduced the reliance on mined lime, a costly and environmentally taxing chemical.

This approach not only cuts operational costs but also supports the circular economy, recovering valuable metals for reuse.

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Economic and Environmental Benefits

The construction and operation of the plant have fueled local economic growth, with $16.8 million invested in construction, $1.25 million in design and $1.2 million in oversight. The project has generated $260,000 in local building fees and $150,000 in special inspections, contributing to the regional economy.

With an energy efficiency rate of 92.7 percent, the plant exemplifies sustainable operations, minimizing its environmental footprint while maximizing impact. We are committed to continuous improvement and sustainability, embracing proactive maintenance, corrective actions and process innovations to keep the plant running safely and efficiently. We also invested in upskilling the facility’s operators — empowering them to earn certifications, deepen their expertise and advance their careers.

One of the ways that we provide sustainability at our facility is through preventative maintenance and corrective actions, staying with the thought that we are continuously trying to improve our process.

As environmental challenges evolve, so does the facility. The operations team at North Clear Creek Water Treatment Plant remains dedicated to refining its practices, maximizing resource recovery and minimizing environmental impact.

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Impact and Future Outlook

The North Clear Creek Water Treatment Plant stands as a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship and operational excellence. As global demand for sustainable metal recovery grows, this facility will continue to be a crucial player in protecting water quality, supporting ecosystems and strengthening the local economy.