Introduction The anaerobic digester gallery is arguably the most complex and hazardous environment within a Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF). Engineers are tasked with balancing two volatile forces: the biological/hydraulic requirement to keep sludge moving and heated, and the thermodynamic requirement to safely contain and manage explosive methane gas. A single specification error in either […]
The authoritative technical resource for the City of Columbia’s flagship treatment facility. FACILITY BASIC INFORMATION Plant Name: Metropolitan Wastewater Treatment Plant (Metro WWTP) Location: 1200 Simmon Tree Lane, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina Operating Authority: Columbia Water (City of Columbia) Design Capacity: 60 Million Gallons per Day (MGD) Current Average Flow: ~32-38 MGD Population Served: […]
Location: Springfield, Greene County, MissouriOperating Authority: City of Springfield Department of Environmental Services Facility Snapshot Design Capacity: 42.5 MGD Peak Hydraulic Capacity: 100+ MGD Population Served: ~165,000 residents Service Area: South Springfield, Battlefield, and Greene County Receiving Water Body: Wilson’s Creek (James River Basin) NPDES Permit: MO-0023132 Treatment Level: Advanced Secondary with Tertiary Filtration and […]
Introduction The safety and structural integrity of anaerobic digesters rely entirely on the precise management of internal pressures. For decades, the specification of gas safety equipment has largely been a binary choice in the North American market. Engineers evaluating Varec Biogas (Ovivo) vs Shand & Jurs for Digestion applications are navigating a landscape defined by […]
Introduction to Ozone System Engineering Ozone generation is one of the most chemically potent yet operationally complex technologies in the water treatment arsenal. Unlike UV or chlorination, ozone is generated on-site, requiring a sophisticated integration of power supply, gas preparation, cooling thermodynamics, and mass transfer mechanics. For municipal and industrial engineers, the challenge is rarely […]
FACILITY BASIC INFORMATION Plant Name: Blue River Wastewater Treatment Plant Location: 7300 Hawthorne Road, Kansas City, MO 64120 Operating Authority: KC Water (Kansas City Water Services Department) Design Average Flow: 105 MGD Peak Wet Weather Capacity: ~360 MGD (Secondary), ~960 MGD (Total Hydraulic) Population Served: ~300,000+ residents Service Area: Kansas City, MO (South of the […]
Introduction One of the most persistent operational headaches in municipal wastewater treatment is the gradual failure of anaerobic digester efficiency due to inadequate mixing and poor gas handling. Engineers often find themselves managing digesters that have lost 30-40% of their active volume to grit accumulation and scum blankets, necessitating dangerous, expensive cleanouts that can cost […]
FACILITY BASIC INFORMATION Plant Name: Lemay Wastewater Treatment Plant Location: 8000 South Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63111 Operating Authority: Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD Project Clear) Design Capacity: 240 MGD (Peak Wet Weather Secondary Treatment) Current Average Flow: ~67 MGD (Dry Weather) Population Served: ~400,000 residents equivalent Service Area: South St. Louis City, South […]
A Technical Review of St. Louis’ Largest Wastewater Infrastructure Asset FACILITY BASIC INFORMATION Plant Name: Bissell Point Wastewater Treatment Plant Location: 10 East Grand Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63147 Operating Authority: Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD Project Clear) Design Capacity (Secondary): 210 MGD Peak Hydraulic Capacity: >400 MGD Current Average Flow: ~145 MGD Population […]
Introduction One of the most frequent points of failure in decentralized wastewater treatment is the misalignment between the chosen technology and the operational reality of the municipality. Engineers often design for steady-state compliance, overlooking the fact that small-to-mid-sized plants—ranging from 0.05 to 2.0 MGD—often face the most volatile hydraulic loading and the leanest staffing levels. […]