Sterling Natural Resource Center

The Sterling Natural Resource Center (SNRC) is more than just a wastewater treatment facility, it combines advanced water recycling, renewable energy generation and an attractive public gathering space into a single facility. Developed by the East Valley Water District (EVWD) in a disadvantaged neighborhood, the project sets a new benchmark in water resource management while also providing the surrounding community of over 600,000 residents with much-needed amenities such as a new community center, amphitheater, picnic area and gardens. 

The SNRC treats up to 8 million gallons of water per day and recharges the groundwater basin. This not only contributes to regional water sustainability but also creates a resilient, drought-proof water supply. A key innovation is its on-site renewable energy system, producing three megawatts of electricity through the co-digestion of wastewater sludge and locally sourced food waste. This process diverts organic waste from landfills, reduces carbon emissions and offsets operating costs while contributing power to the local grid. 

This project’s integrated Progressive Design-Build (PDB) approach allowed the team to absorb a 20% scope increase mid-project — including the addition of the co-digestion facility — without resetting the contract. Even COVID-era supply chain challenges became opportunities for long-term value, such as when a shortage of ductile iron prompted the team to shift to stainless steel piping, which was found to be more durable and corrosion resistant.

Design-Build Collaboration Extends to the Surrounding Community
Community engagement was embedded throughout the process. Public outreach included open houses, school programs and multilingual forums, resulting in features such as educational signage, shaded walking paths, and flexible indoor and outdoor gathering areas. The community center provides a customer service hub, banquet hall, conference rooms and public green spaces, while off-site improvements — new sidewalks, crosswalks, streetlights and repaved streets — extend the project’s benefits beyond its boundaries.

By carefully considering the needs of the neighboring community while also setting high standards for sustainability and innovation, the center not only provides a new reliable source of water for the region but also enhances the quality of life for local residents.

Winner – Best in Design – Engineering

This resource center is the first of its kind in California, using co-digestion to process both food and human waste, generating renewable energy that powers the site while returning clean water to the aquifer. The result is a plant that produces more energy than it consumes, saving millions in costs while adding public amenities like a community center and amphitheater. Jurors praised it as a model of engineering excellence, noting, “Sterling stood out for its technical execution and impact, prioritizing performance and public value on a single urban site.”

Design-Build Team

Photos