Crowder Construction Finished Neuse River Energy Project
The $205.4 million Bioenergy Recovery Project at Raleigh’s wastewater facility recently earned an industry Award of Merit.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Construction
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Crowder Construction Co. completed the Bioenergy Recovery Project at the Neuse River Resource Recovery Facility in Raleigh. This initiative transforms wastewater biosolids into renewable natural gas using advanced thermal hydrolysis.
Why it matters
The project enables the facility to significantly reduce waste volume while generating renewable energy. These improvements ensure the plant meets high environmental standards for biosolids reuse.
The completed project represents a $205.4 million capital investment in regional infrastructure. The upgrade successfully reduces total biosolids volume by 50% through improved anaerobic digestion.
The players
Crowder Construction Co.
This firm specializes in infrastructure development and served as the lead contractor for the bioenergy facility project.
Neuse River Resource Recovery Facility
This facility is a primary wastewater treatment plant serving the Raleigh area.
The details
Engineers utilized thermal hydrolysis and anaerobic digestion to optimize biogas output and ensure all residual biosolids reach EPA Class A standards for unrestricted reuse. The team overcame site challenges by preloading soils with local borrow material and crushing subsurface boulders to create an aggregate base.
Timeline
October 14, 2026: Announcement of the project's Award of Merit recognition.
Market Landscape
This project aligns with the growing industry shift toward circular economies where wastewater treatment plants function as energy producers rather than just disposal sites. The facility’s ability to meet EPA Class A biosolids standards positions Raleigh at the forefront of municipal resource recovery.
Residents benefit from a more efficient waste treatment process that converts local wastewater into renewable energy. The project’s ability to meet strict safety standards for byproduct reuse supports long-term environmental health in the community.
The takeaway
The successful implementation of this facility shows how municipal infrastructure can leverage advanced technology to turn waste into a valuable energy asset. Communities can replicate these site-specific soil management strategies to reduce project costs and foundation depth requirements.
Further reading
For more information on regional development, visit the Construction section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine.
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