City Of Omaha Papillion Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant

FACILITY BASIC INFORMATION

• Plant Name: Papillion Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility (formerly Papillion Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant)
• Location: 15705 Harlan Lewis Road, Bellevue/Omaha, NE 68123
• Operating Authority: City of Omaha Public Works Department (Sewer Maintenance Division)
• Design Average Flow: 32 MGD (Average Daily Flow capacity)
• Peak Design Flow: 70 MGD (Secondary Treatment) / 100+ MGD (Total with HRT)
• Population Served: Approximately 250,000+ residents
• Service Area: Papillion Creek Basin (West/South Omaha, Papillion, La Vista, Ralston, Bellevue)
• Receiving Water Body: Missouri River (via Papillion Creek confluence)
• NPDES Permit Number: NE0022373
• Year Commissioned: 1978 (Major expansions in 2008, 2018-2022)

TARGET AUDIENCE

• Municipal consulting engineers evaluating wet weather management strategies.

Read more10 Surprising Benefits of Upgrading Your Aeration Tank System
• Wastewater treatment plant operators and superintendents.
• Environmental regulators and NDEE compliance officers.
• Engineering firms pursuing CSO (Combined Sewer Overflow) abatement projects.
• University researchers specializing in nutrient removal and high-rate treatment.

1. INTRODUCTION

The Papillion Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility (PCWRRF) stands as a critical pillar of environmental stewardship for the metropolitan Omaha region. As one of the two major treatment facilities operated by the City of Omaha, the PCWRRF serves the rapidly growing Papillion Creek watershed, which encompasses the southern and western portions of the metro area. While the original plant was commissioned in the late 1970s, the facility has evolved into a sophisticated 32-MGD advanced treatment complex.

The facility is particularly notable for its integration into the “Clean Solutions Omaha” program—a federally mandated initiative to reduce Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO). With recent capital investments exceeding $100 million, the PCWRRF now features state-of-the-art High Rate Treatment (HRT) capabilities to manage extreme wet weather events, ensuring the protection of the Missouri River water quality. By transitioning from a traditional “wastewater treatment plant” to a “water resource recovery facility,” the site exemplifies the modern shift toward energy efficiency, nutrient management, and biogas utilization.

2. FACILITY OVERVIEW

A. Service Area & Coverage

The PCWRRF services the Papillion Creek Basin, a geographically diverse area covering approximately 150 square miles. The service area includes the western and southern expansion corridors of the City of Omaha, as well as the wholesale contract communities of Papillion, La Vista, Ralston, and portions of Bellevue. The collection system feeding the plant is a hybrid network, consisting of separate sanitary sewers in newer western developments and combined sewer systems in older sections of South Omaha. This hybrid nature necessitates a highly flexible hydraulic design capable of handling significant diurnal variations and massive wet-weather peaking factors.

B. Operational Capacity

The plant is designed for an Average Daily Flow (ADF) of 32 million gallons per day (MGD). However, due to the nature of the combined collection system, the facility must manage peak instantaneous flows significantly higher. The biological secondary treatment train is rated for approximately 70 MGD. To address flows exceeding this biological capacity, the facility utilizes a dedicated High Rate Treatment (HRT) train, bringing the total peak wet weather hydraulic capacity to over 100 MGD. Historical data indicates a steady increase in base flow due to the rapid residential and commercial development in Sarpy and Douglas Counties.

Read more4D-Printed Smart Materials For Water Treatment

C. Discharge & Compliance

Treated effluent is discharged near the confluence of the Papillion Creek and the Missouri River. The facility operates under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE). Key compliance parameters focus on Ammonia-Nitrogen (NH3-N), E. coli, Carbonaceous Biochemical Oxygen Demand (CBOD5), and Total Suspended Solids (TSS). The facility has consistently maintained compliance, receiving multiple Platinum and Gold Peak Performance Awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA).

3. TREATMENT PROCESS

The PCWRRF utilizes an advanced biological treatment train designed to handle variable loading while preparing for future nutrient limits. The process flow is split between conventional treatment and wet-weather management.

A. PRELIMINARY TREATMENT

Raw influent enters the headworks where it undergoes coarse screening and grit removal. The facility utilizes mechanically cleaned multi-rake bar screens (typically 6mm to 10mm spacing) to remove rags and large debris, protecting downstream pumps. Following screening, flow enters vortex grit removal chambers where centrifugal force separates inorganic solids (sand, gravel) from the organic wastewater stream. The grit is washed and dewatered before landfill disposal. The headworks is fully enclosed with chemical scrubbers for odor control.

B. PRIMARY TREATMENT

Primary treatment consists of rectangular primary clarifiers equipped with chain-and-flight sludge collection mechanisms. These tanks reduce flow velocity, allowing settleable solids to drop to the bottom (primary sludge) and fats, oils, and grease (FOG) to float to the surface for skimming. The primary clarifiers typically achieve 60-70% TSS removal and 30-40% BOD removal, significantly reducing the organic load on the secondary biological stage.

C. SECONDARY TREATMENT (Activated Sludge)

The core of the treatment process is a conventional activated sludge system. The aeration basins are configured to support nitrification (conversion of ammonia to nitrate) to meet strict ammonia toxicity limits.
Aeration: The basins utilize fine-bubble diffused aeration grids powered by high-efficiency turbo blowers. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) probes and Ammonia sensors provide real-time feedback to the SCADA system, optimizing airflow to match biological demand and reducing energy consumption.
Clarification: Mixed liquor flows to circular secondary clarifiers where biological floc settles. Return Activated Sludge (RAS) is pumped back to the aeration basins, while Waste Activated Sludge (WAS) is sent to solids handling.

D. WET WEATHER MANAGEMENT (High Rate Treatment)

A distinctive feature of the PCWRRF is its High Rate Treatment (HRT) facility. During heavy storm events where influent flow exceeds the biological treatment capacity, excess flow is diverted after preliminary treatment to the HRT system. This system typically utilizes physical-chemical treatment—enhanced settling often aided by polymer or coagulant addition—followed by disinfection. This prevents the biomass in the secondary system from “washing out” while ensuring all discharged water receives primary-equivalent treatment and disinfection.

E. DISINFECTION

To eliminate pathogens, the facility employs Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection rather than chlorination. The UV system consists of banks of low-pressure, high-output lamps submerged in channels. This method eliminates the need for hazardous gas storage and dechlorination chemicals (like sulfur dioxide), ensuring the effluent is safe for the aquatic life in the Missouri River.

F. SOLIDS HANDLING & BIOSOLIDS

Thickening: Primary sludge and WAS are thickened separately—often using gravity thickeners for primary and Gravity Belt Thickeners (GBT) or dissolved air flotation for WAS—to reduce hydraulic volume.
Digestion: Thickened sludge is stabilized in anaerobic digesters. These mesophilic digesters break down volatile solids, reducing pathogen counts and generating methane gas (biogas).
Dewatering & Disposal: Digested sludge is dewatered using high-solids centrifuges to achieve a cake solid concentration suitable for land application. The Class B biosolids are applied to local agricultural land as a nutrient-rich fertilizer.

4. INFRASTRUCTURE & FACILITIES

A. Physical Plant

The site spans a significant footprint along the Papillion Creek levee system. The campus includes the main operations building, a fully equipped laboratory, maintenance shops, and the expansive tankage of the treatment trains. The architecture is utilitarian industrial, with recent additions focusing on resilient materials to withstand the humid, corrosive wastewater environment.

B. Energy Systems & Cogeneration

The PCWRRF is a leader in energy recovery. The facility utilizes Combined Heat and Power (CHP) cogeneration units fueled by the biogas produced in the anaerobic digesters. These engines generate electricity to offset grid consumption and produce waste heat, which is captured via heat exchangers to maintain the optimal temperature (98°F) in the digesters. This circular energy loop significantly reduces the plant’s operational carbon footprint.

C. Odor Control

Given the proximity to recreational trails and growing residential zones, odor control is paramount. The facility employs a multi-stage approach, including biotrickling filters and activated carbon adsorption units at high-generation sources like the headworks and solids handling building. Negative pressure is maintained in these buildings to prevent fugitive emissions.

5. RECENT UPGRADES & MAJOR PROJECTS

The City of Omaha has invested heavily in the PCWRRF as part of the Clean Solutions Omaha (CSO) program.

PCWRRF Phase II Expansion & HRT Implementation (2018-2022)

• Project Scope: The primary objective was to increase wet weather treatment capacity to reduce combined sewer overflows. The project involved the construction of a dedicated High Rate Treatment (HRT) facility, upgrades to the headworks, and improvements to the solids handling train.
• Approximate Budget: ~$60 Million (Part of the larger CSO portfolio).
• Funding Sources: A mix of Revenue Bonds and low-interest loans from the Nebraska State Revolving Fund (SRF).
• Key Contractors: Engineering design led by firms such as HDR and Jacobs; construction by major heavy civil contractors operating in the Midwest.
• Technical Highlights: The HRT system utilizes Compressible Media Filtration (CMF) or ballasted flocculation technologies (depending on the specific phase implementation) to achieve rapid settling at high surface overflow rates.
• Results: The plant can now treat wet weather flows exceeding 100 MGD, capturing the “first flush” of storm events and significantly reducing pollutant loading to the Papillion Creek.

Digester Gas Conditioning & CHP Upgrades

• Scope: Installation of gas conditioning skids (siloxane removal) and new cogeneration engines.
• Technical Benefit: Improves the longevity of the power generation equipment and maximizes the caloric value of the biogas.

Future Projects (2025-2030)

Planning is underway for nutrient removal upgrades. While current permits focus on ammonia toxicity, future regulations will likely mandate Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus limits, requiring conversion to BNR (Biological Nutrient Removal) processes such as A2O or Bardenpho configurations.

6. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE & ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE

A. Permit Requirements

Operating under NPDES Permit NE0022373, the facility is subject to strict monitoring.
Ammonia (NH3-N): Seasonal limits, typically ranging from 1.5 mg/L to 8 mg/L depending on temperature and river stage.
E. Coli: Geometric mean limits during the recreation season (May-Sept).
BOD5/TSS: Standard secondary treatment limits (30 mg/L monthly average).

B. Compliance History

The PCWRRF maintains an exemplary compliance record. It is a frequent recipient of the NACWA Peak Performance Awards, recognizing facilities with zero violations over calendar years. The implementation of the HRT system has been instrumental in maintaining this record during extreme precipitation events.

7. OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Staffing: The facility is staffed 24/7 by a team of licensed operators, maintenance mechanics, and instrumentation technicians. Nebraska regulations require key personnel to hold Class IV Wastewater Operator certifications, the highest level in the state.

Automation: A robust SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system monitors thousands of I/O points. Operators utilize this system to trend data, automate DO control, and manage sludge ages. The integration of “digital twin” concepts or predictive modeling for wet weather flows is an emerging focus area.

8. CHALLENGES & FUTURE PLANNING

The Nutrient Horizon: The most significant technical challenge facing the PCWRRF is the anticipated tightening of nutrient standards (Nitrogen and Phosphorus) to address hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. Retrofitting existing aeration basins for BNR while maintaining hydraulic capacity for wet weather flows presents a complex engineering puzzle.

Aging Collection System: While the plant is modern, the older combined sewers in South Omaha contribute high grit loads and trash, stressing the headworks equipment. Ongoing separation projects upstream are gradually changing the influent characteristics, requiring operational adaptability.

Biosolids Management: As regulations regarding land application (PFAS concerns) evolve nationwide, the facility must maintain flexible long-term solids disposal strategies.

9. COMMUNITY & REGIONAL IMPACT

The PCWRRF is vital to the economic health of the region. By ensuring reliable wastewater capacity, it supports the rapid residential and commercial expansion of Sarpy County. Furthermore, the Clean Solutions Omaha program has improved the aesthetic and recreational value of the Missouri River waterfront, a key focal point for city development. The facility maintains transparency through public tours and coordination with the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District.

10. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS SUMMARY

11. RELATED FACILITIES

• Missouri River Water Resource Recovery Facility: The larger sister plant serving the northern and eastern basins of Omaha (approx. 40+ MGD ADF).
• Lift Station 18: A critical conveyance component moving wastewater toward the Missouri River facility.
• Burt Street and Burt-Izard Pump Stations: Key elements of the CSO control network.

12. FAQ SECTION

Technical Questions

Q: Does PCWRRF perform biological nutrient removal (BNR)?
A: Currently, the plant operates primarily for ammonia removal (nitrification). Full BNR (denitrification and phosphorus removal) is part of future facilities planning to meet emerging state and federal guidelines.

Q: How does the High Rate Treatment (HRT) system work?
A: The HRT system diverts flows exceeding the biological capacity. It uses physical-chemical processes (rapid settling often aided by coagulants) and disinfection to treat the water to permit standards before discharge, bypassing the sensitive biological reactors.

Q: What is the primary energy source for the plant?
A: The plant is connected to the OPPD grid but supplements its energy needs significantly through the combustion of biogas (methane) produced in the anaerobic digesters via on-site cogeneration engines.

Public Interest Questions

Q: Does the plant smell?
A: While wastewater treatment inherently involves odors, PCWRRF utilizes advanced biological scrubbers and carbon filters to capture and treat odorous air from key process areas, minimizing impact on neighbors.

Q: Is the discharged water safe to drink?
A: The treated effluent meets strict environmental standards for discharge into the river, but it is not potable (drinking) water. It returns to the water cycle to be naturally purified further downstream.