With its NPDES permit only two years away from expiration and a multitude of critical problems plaguing its 5 MGD wastewater treatment plant, the Clarksdale Public Utilities Commission brought in WGK, Inc., to work closely with MDEQ to evaluate the current status and prepare for long-term requirements like nutrient limits. WGK wrote a 20-year Master Plan to address immediate and long-term needs, helped develop a self-funded emergency project to restore operations and pursued multiple funding avenues future solutions. Focused plant design will fully utilize the headworks, disinfection and sludge handling in the long-term solution.
- Rehabilitation of headworks, influent pumps, automatically-raked screen and grit removal system that will eliminate aerated grit separation, saving a projected 32 percent in energy expenses.
- Replacement of clarifier drives and mechanical repairs.
- Proposed biocell pump replacement.
- Replacement of paddlewheel aerators with diffused aeration, saving a projected 37 percent in energy expenses.
- Installation of dedicated waste pump station.
- Replacement of UV disinfection system.
- Removal of accumulated sludge.
- Repair/replacement of anaerobic digester.
- Installation of SCADA controls.
- Rehabilitation of collection lift stations.
New wastewater treatment standards are here…
The release of new wastewater discharge permit limits next year could require extraordinary changes for smaller Mississippi towns operating treatment lagoons, while larger cities’ mechanical plants may also need some upgrades to meet the new restrictions.
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) is developing water quality standards for nutrients in order to meet court-mandated environmental reforms authorized decades ago by the federal Clean Water Act of 1972, but not fully implemented. The new regulations will require wastewater treatment systems to meet total nitrogen and total phosphorous limits for the first time, and could render some lagoons and plants obsolete overnight.
If you are unsure of how new nutrient standards will affect wastewater treatment in your city, town or industry, WGK can chart a course for your facility’s future. Call Greg Gearhart, PE, BCEE, CEE at 601-925-4444 for an assessment of your treatment operation.
