Cloward H2O Receives Danfoss EnVisioneer Award for Montgomery Whitewater Center

Cloward H2O Triumphs at the <b>Danfoss EnVisioneer Award</b>

Cloward H2O, an expert in aquatic design, has secured the Consultant category in the 15th Annual Danfoss EnVisioneer Award for its significant contributions to the Montgomery Whitewater Center in Alabama, US.

Danfoss initiated the EnVisioneer of the Year competition in 2010 to address the growing need for recognition of dedication to enhanced standards for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Sustainable Water Use

Alabama’s new Montgomery Whitewater Center features a state-of-the-art recirculating river system designed for sustainable water use. It includes two channels: a 1,600-foot Olympic-standard competition channel and a 2,200-foot creek channel, both of which mimic natural river environments while employing a closed-loop water management system to conserve water and reduce environmental impact. Additionally, the facility supports local tourism and outdoor recreation, contributing to community health and economic development.

The project was executed by Cloward H2O in collaboration with S2O Design and Engineering, BNA Consulting, Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC), Liquid Design, Motus Management, and others.

Allen Clawson, principal and managing partner at Cloward H2O, expressed, “Each of these partners brought specialised knowledge, passion, and a commitment to sustainability that made the Montgomery Whitewater Center the extraordinary facility it is today. While Cloward H2O is honoured to receive the Danfoss EnVisioneer Award from the Danfoss team, we recognise that it is truly a shared achievement. This project stands as a shining example of what can be accomplished when industry leaders unite with a common goal of innovation and environmental stewardship.”

A Hub for Adventure & Sustainability

The Montgomery Whitewater Park project represents a significant milestone in eco-friendly outdoor recreation. This attraction incorporates advanced technologies that minimise water usage and enhance energy efficiency, resulting in a smaller environmental footprint compared to previous whitewater facilities.

Danfoss’ superior drive technology and control systems for managing water recirculation and other operational requirements played a crucial role in the project’s environmentally friendly strategy. Furthermore, a unique partial siphon system was implemented by the design team and Cloward H2O, which reduces the operating power of the Mass Flow Pumps once a steady state flow is established, thereby minimising waste.

The Cloward team also introduced a backwash recovery system to limit water loss during cleaning, retaining approximately 95% of the backwash volume. With this technology, annual water loss due to backwash is reduced to around 480,000 gallons, compared to approximately 14,640,000 gallons without the system. The holding tank also serves as makeup water recovery, further decreasing total water loss.

Cloward H2O collaborated with landscaping experts to manage grading and prevent runoff into the pond, and worked with civil engineers to ensure proper drainage. The firm focused on reclaiming and purifying dirty water for reintroduction into the pond.

Additionally, the firm installed 24 high-rate horizontal media filters with Activated Filter Media (AFM) for filtration down to one micron, capable of handling 18,000 gpm of total treatment flow. AFM enhances clarity by eliminating tiny particles. An automated monitoring system was also set up in the mechanical room to boost maintenance efficiency.

Reliability is essential for a facility with high usage. The system includes redundancy for worst-case scenarios but operates efficiently at 50% capacity under normal conditions, ensuring water quality. This flexibility allows it to swiftly manage peak loads.

Meanwhile, Montgomery Whitewater Park can continue to provide crystal-clear water in the off-season by maintaining its recirculating system in the lower pond. Cloward H2O’s goal with every project is to uphold a high-quality environment throughout the year.

Innovation & Collaboration

The project team comprised:

S2O Design and Engineering. Renowned for their work on Olympic-standard whitewater venues globally, S2O played a vital role in developing the competition and creek channels central to the Montgomery Whitewater Center, creating an experience that mirrors natural river settings while ensuring the highest levels of safety, performance, and sustainability.
BNA Consulting. BNA Consulting’s expertise in power engineering was crucial in ensuring that the Montgomery Whitewater Center achieved its ambitious energy efficiency targets. Their extensive knowledge in control systems, automation, and electrical infrastructure enabled the consultancy to optimise energy usage and ensure the complex systems operate efficiently while minimising environmental impact.
Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC). The Montgomery Whitewater Center is not only visually appealing but was also designed with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. GMC, a multidisciplinary design firm, played a significant role in the civil engineering and landscaping efforts that preserved the area’s natural beauty while reducing the centre’s environmental footprint.
Liquid Design. The architecture and atmosphere of the Montgomery Whitewater Center were crafted by Liquid Design, which created buildings and spaces that blend with their surroundings while providing a modern, cutting-edge experience.
Motus Management. Motus Management’s unparalleled expertise in managing complex recreational facilities facilitated the design and construction processes at the Montgomery Whitewater Center.
Danfoss. Danfoss was instrumental in revolutionising the integration of variable frequency drives (VFDs) within mechanical systems and assisted in configuring the mechanical space to incorporate these systems. Their expertise in VFDs ensured seamless integration with the mechanical equipment, optimising performance.
J.M. Williams and Associates (JMWA). JMWA president James Williams significantly contributed to the success of the Montgomery Whitewater Center. The project benefited from Williams’ exceptional structural engineering expertise, which ensured the longevity of its water systems.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with these outstanding teams and look forward to future projects that push the boundaries of sustainable recreation,” says Clawson. “Together, we have not just created a venue; we have laid the groundwork for a new generation of whitewater facilities.”

“The project’s success is a testament to the remarkable contributions of our trusted partners. Their expertise, creativity, and dedication to pushing the boundaries of sustainable design have truly been at the forefront of this achievement.

“We are incredibly proud to be part of this collaborative endeavour, but we recognise that our role was just one part of a much larger effort. The visionary work of our partners not only made the project possible but elevated it into a groundbreaking model for eco-conscious recreation.

“Congratulations to Montgomery Center on an outstanding year of success! Their commitment to implementing innovative ideas and fresh business strategies is truly inspiring. As they continue to attract more customers and explore new initiatives, the positive impact of these efforts is eagerly anticipated.”