At a Glance
-
0.2
mg/L
- Location
- Village of Waterbury
- Offices
-
- Location
- Village of Waterbury
- Offices
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While not harmful to people, effluent phosphorus, which is rising in waters across North America, has a negative impact on plant life. We were assisting the Village of Waterbury in assessing reduction options for their lagoon system to reach the state guideline of 0.8 milligrams per liter, when we found out the EPA would likely be targeting 0.2 milligrams per liter – sending us back to the drawing board.
In response, we reviewed several different types of low phosphorus treatment steps, and pilot tested two ballasted flocculation systems never before been used in Vermont – Siemen's CoMagTM and Kruger's Actiflo®. We studied how well they met effluent limits under high flows, how effectively they used coagulants, how much power they consumed, and how easy they were to manage and maintain. We also included preliminary engineering and a basis for final design for each technology. CoMagTM was ultimately recommended for upgrading the plant, which we designed, from the processes themselves to the new building, equipment storage, and sand drying beds.
This proactive effort made the Village of Waterbury a leader in the state and provided a model for other towns, which will face the same challenge when the new phosphorus limits are set.
At a Glance
-
0.2
mg/L
- Location
- Village of Waterbury
- Offices
-
- Location
- Village of Waterbury
- Offices