Environmental Concerns
Our team provided engineering consulting services from the initial evaluation of treatment facility upgrade options, through the final selection, design, and construction of the facility upgrades, including the EVOQUA BioMag® technology and Jet Aeration systems within the Activated Sludge system. There was significant concern about construction in a wastewater facility floodplain setting located directly next to a prized trout stream, which limited the selection of solutions that could fit within the current developed footprint with little to no risk of plant upsets and potential construction flooding events. The evaluation process involved extensive research to review current treatment options (Replacement RBC’s, Integrated Fixed Film, and Additional Activated Sludge Tankage) and develop a strategy for a treatment technology and overall project that was fully acceptable to the authority and plant staff.
Choosing BioMag®
The Century team helped BBA with the BioMag® system choice. The system uses the world’s fastest proven settling clarification technology for biological floc, allowing capacity expansion and performance improvement with minimal plant modifications at the lowest cost possible. Our team was able to implement this innovative and environmentally conscious solution despite initial environmental concerns and location limitations.
Backed by Results
BioMag®, which uses magnetite (fully inert iron ore particles) to enhance the clarification process, was incorporated into the existing BBA plant tanks and has provided excellent clarification performance at higher clarifier loadings while the increased biological treatment population in the tanks has produced very low ammonia results. Based on the improvements, the new capacity for the facility has been increased by 41 percent, providing the capacity to treat a higher influent organic load. In addition, the overall sludge treatment has been significantly improved with cleaner, better screened biosolids with little to no odor. This project is a prime example of our teams’ ability to deliver the results that clients want to see.
Project Facts
Owner
Bellefonte Borough Authority (BBA)
Location
Centre County, PA
