Dryden Wastewater Treatment Plant

The Dryden wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) had deteriorated and was nearing capacity. Due to high inflow in the sewage collection system, the plant couldn’t accommodate flows during wet weather events, and the pumping station capacity was often exceeded, allowing raw sewage to flow directly into the Wabigoon River.

We worked with the city to make a unique facility. Odor was virtually eliminated by enclosing the tanks in a building and reduced further using a bio-filter. Inside, the floors are heated using heat exchange technology from the two large primary treatment tanks. During the winter season, having the floors over the tanks enables latent heat to warm them, resulting in reduced requirements on the HVAC system. Windows were designed to maximize daylight and reduce electricity use, and the interior fixtures have been outfitted with sensors to gauge how much light to give off. These design features along with many others, were incorporated to reduce energy requirements and associated operating costs.

With innovative programming and LEED certification, this project was completed with the belief that each municipal project plays a role in cultivating a rich quality of life for its citizens.