Stantec selected to oversee water infrastructure improvements in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Through a compact between the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the Mongolian Government, the project is designed to increase water supply by 80 percent

EDMONTON, Alberta and NEW YORK and WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has selected Stantec to provide advisory services during the preparation and implementation of its US$350 million Mongolia Water Compact with the Mongolian Government. The compact’s Water Supply Project aims to provide viable, sustainable bulk water supply solutions for the Mongolian people and is designed to increase the water supply to the capital city by 80 percent, servicing Ulaanbaatar’s population of more than 1.4 million people.

“Ulaanbaatar faces urgent issues related to its water supply and infrastructure that mirror challenges experienced in other parts of the world. Our team’s technical expertise in the water sector will allow us to help ensure the community thrives for years to come,” said Rebecca Grandi, business operations manager for Stantec’s North American International Development Team. “Since 2006, we’ve supported the mission of the Millennium Challenge Corporation on projects around the globe and we look forward to building on our record of success.”

The population of Ulaanbaatar has tripled in the last 30 years and the influx of new residents has significantly strained the city’s water supply to the point that demand could exceed supply as soon as 2021. A water shortage of this magnitude would restrict economic growth and impede quality of life. In addition to rapid urbanization and insufficient water infrastructure, climate change has had a significant impact on the city’s natural water supply.

In its advisory role, Stantec will make recommendations to MCC regarding the appropriateness, accuracy, and completeness of the various elements of the project, including compliance with accepted international standards as well as MCC’s guidelines and technical requirements. This includes the construction of new groundwater wells, a water purification plant, a wastewater recycling plant, and nearly 100 kilometers (62 miles) of large diameter pipelines. Stantec will also advise MCC on the implementation of policy, regulatory, and institutional reforms to ensure the long-term sustainability of the city’s water supply.