Biological Treatment

A pipe bridge supporting two 40-inch diameter pipes across the Cayadutta Creek carries effluent from the primary tanks to four (4) aeration tanks equipped with fine bubble diffused aeration systems. In the aeration tanks, microorganisms remove food and convert ammonia to nitrate (nitrification) during an approximate 12 hour detention time. Plant operators ensure that the microorganisms process the wastewater in the most efficient way possible by adjustments at the aeration tank and at the Blower Complex.

Effluent from the aeration tanks flows to four (4) final settling tanks where biological solids are settled and removed. Some of the solids are “wasted” to the solids holding tank, while the balance of the solids are “recycled” back to the aeration tanks.