NEIWPCC recently published a newly revised 2026 edition of the “Technical Report 16 (TR-16): Guides for the Design of Wastewater Treatment Works.” The publication is used for planning and designing wastewater treatment facilities. This edition replaces the 2016 version, providing essential updates for engineers, planners, and municipalities navigating a changing environmental landscape. The TR-16 is available for purchase on the NEIWPCC website as a PDF download and hardcopy book.
Marking the fifth edition of this essential guide, this update builds off the efforts of the original 1962 version to standardize and ensure consistent design among the new wastewater treatment plants being constructed across the United States. This comprehensive update integrates modern regulatory standards, current best practices, and critical lessons learned from recent extreme weather events.
The 2026 report incorporates significant revisions to flood elevation standards, backup power requirements, and equipment protection to ensure facility stability during emergencies. New guidance on contaminants of emerging concern, such as PFAS, microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and endocrine-disrupting compounds are also included. Another key enhancement focuses on modern operations with updated chapters on Instrumentation and Controls, Resource Recovery, and Residuals Management. The report also offers expanded technical support, such as new insights on bench- and pilot-scale studies, literature reviews, and treatment limitations.
The 2026 edition of the TR-16 was revised using the expertise of the following chapter chairs and their teams:
- Jim Barsanti, Hazen and Sawyer
- Joe Boccadoro, town of Westborough
- Paul Dombrowski, Woodard & Curran
- Mike Headd, Woodard & Curran
- Karilyn Heisen, CDM Smith
- William Lengyel, CDM Smith
- Tim Maynard, Woodard & Curran
- Bill McConnell, CDM Smith
- Ben Mosher, CDM Smith
- Eric Spargimino, CDM Smith
- Craig Wagner, CDM Smith
- Kristie Wagner, CDM Smith
More information about the new report can be found on the NEIWPCC website.