Tri-Tech will build the treatment plant and transfer the ownership to Dongli Economic Development Area once construction is completed.

This is the first Tri-Tech use of the BTO model, which is similar to the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model except that transfer to the public owner takes place once construction is completed, rather than at the end of the franchise period.

For the project, Tri-Tech will use its Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) process. MBR is an efficient new wastewater treatment technology that combines biological treatment with membrane separation processes. Reclaimed wastewater discharged from the treatment plant will meet Class 1A standards as per the National Discharge Standard of Pollutants for Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant. The reclaimed wastewater is suitable for various reuses including roadway dust control, landscape irrigation and toilet flushing.

The contract covers wastewater treatment plant construction engineering and design, process equipment procurement, installation, construction management and start-up. The Dongli wastewater treatment plant will have a daily capacity of 3,000 tons. Tri-Tech expects to complete the construction by the end of February 2010.

Tri-Tech Chief Executive Officer Warren Zhao said, “This is the first time that we are using the BTO model in a public-private partnership to help our municipal clients tackle sewage discharge problems. We will continue to demonstrate both technical and financial capabilities to successfully compete for municipal wastewater treatment projects.

“The Dongli Economic Development Area is only 14 kilometers from downtown Tianjin, encompassing an area of 7.2 square kilometers. Since it was established in 1992, Dongli has attracted 150 manufacturing enterprises from 20 countries.

“The construction of this wastewater treatment plant is designed to ease the shortage of Dongli’s existing wastewater treatment capacity, improve the ecological environment in Dongli and further attract more investment opportunities for Dongli.”