March 2025 – The Laguna County Sanitation District (District) Wastewater Reclamation Facility Upgrade Project was recognized by the American Public Works Association (APWA) Central Coast Chapter. The project won the following awards:

• 2024 Overall Project of the Year
• 2024 Environmental ($25-$75 Million Category) – 1^st Place

The District’s wastewater reclamation facility serves the community of Orcutt and portions of unincorporated southern Santa Maria, while also serving the new Santa Barbara County Jail. The District implemented this upgrade project to modernize the facility, comply with the Regional Water Quality Control Board requirements, and bring aging infrastructure up to current standards.

Cannon worked with Carollo Engineers for over 7-years to provide electrical, instrumentation, structural, and surveying services. Cannon assisted with the engineering consulting for the following:

• Plant-wide Hydraulic Profile calculations
• Headworks Planning and Design (5 mgd structure)
• Equalization Basin for final Ultraviolet treatment
• Vortex grit chamber
• Aeration basin splitter box
• Several new pump stations and pump station upgrades
• System Integration and SCADA upgrades

Improvements included an activated sludge treatment process; secondary clarifiers; final equalization tank for ultraviolet disinfection consistency for final tertiary treatment; on-site stormwater facilities; and a new SCADA system to support existing and new facilities. Additionally, a new laboratory and operations building were constructed for monitoring and managing the plant’s operations.

Congratulations to the District and the project team on the successful completion of the project!