The Hong Kong Water Supplies Dept. has awarded AECOM a $55-million design and construction services contract to reconstruct and upgrade the Sha Tin Water Treatment Works, one of Asia’s largest water treatment plants.

Sha Tin consists of two treatment trains. AECOM will oversee the expansion of the South Works to 145 million gallons per day from 95 mgd. The North Works has a capacity of 232 mgd but is not being upgraded. The overall capacity of the two plants will increase to 377 mgd from 327 mgd. Sha Tin provides water to two million people.

AECOM will provide detailed design and construction supervision. Common facilities for the existing plant—including inlet works, a chemical house, pumping station and the administration building— will be reconstructed, and a new visitor center will be built.

The tenders inviting bidders will be issued in January 2012, and construction will begin in June 2012. The project is expected to be completed in 2016. The overall cost is estimated to be $500 million.