RVE Receives ACECNJ Grand Honor Award for GCUA CHP Project

RVE was recognized at the American Council of Engineering Companies of New Jersey (ACECNJ) 55th Engineering Excellence Awards Banquet, receiving a Grand Honor Award for our WWTP Combined Heat and Power System Using Biogas project for the Gloucester County Utilities Authority (GCUA). This is the highest honor for the State Competition. Accepting the award (from left to right in the photo above) was Dan Tranchina of Scalfo Electric, the project's Electrical Contractor, and RVE's Dennis Yoder, PE, PP, CME, LEED-AP, Kali Cipolla, EIT and Greg Sullivan, PE, PP, CME.

For the project, RVE provided engineering design and construction management services for the furnishing and installation of a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) System at the GCUA Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in West Deptford, NJ. The project consisted of four contracts: biogas treatment to remove sulfides and siloxanes; biogas storage; replacement of WWTP switchgear; and CHP engine power system, complete with ancillary components including site work, process and piping, mechanical, plumbing and electrical controls and structural construction at the WWTP.

The GCUA changed their sludge processing to anaerobic digestion and this project was the second phase to use biogas for power generation. This solution was not only cost-effective, but also significantly reduced pollution and created renewable energy production from the methane-rich biogas produced from the breakdown of the sludge. The GCUA is now able to produce 80% of their power needs, reducing reliance on the electrical grid.

This project is unique as it was the first instance in the United States of dual fuel source Caterpillar CHP engines using natural gas and biogas as the fuel source. It also qualified for a $2.3 M clean energy savings grant. Overall, the project was a significant achievement for the GCUA, creating a sustainable solution that utilizes biogas that would otherwise be burnt in a flare.

Remington & Vernick Engineers Scholarship Presented to Allison Amadio

At the event, we also had the opportunity to present an honor of our own, awarding the Remington & Vernick Engineers Scholarship to Allison Amadio as part of 2025-2026 ACEC Research Institute’s program. RVE takes pride in being an active member of ACECNJ and contributing to their ongoing efforts to support students in STEM programs, which not only provide opportunities for talented individuals but also strengthens our workforce. The scholarship award was presented by RVE's Joseph Ragusa, PE.

This year’s scholarship was awarded to Allison Amadio, an upcoming junior at Rutgers University who is studying Mechanical Engineering. Allison has proven herself to be an exceptional student. She is a Division I athlete and has earned numerous academic achievements. She has also displayed impressive volunteer and leadership skills, volunteering with Elijah’s Promise supporting food insecure families in the community. She is a member of the Engineering Government Council and the Society of Women Engineers. Congratulations Allison!