Aeration Basin Clean Out
Since September, crews have been hard at work cleaning out our 2 aeration basins at the wastewater treatment plant. Basin one was first to be cleaned out, and the images below are before, during, and after of the process. These basins have not been cleaned to this extent in the 40 years of their operation.
Aeration basins are the first step in the process of mixing waste solids with air before they’re separated into biomass and non-potable water discharge at our plant. Each basin is about 20 ft. deep and full of biosolids and liquid when in operation. Solids come into the basin, and air is forced through the bottom of the pipes you see in the images. This air aids in the digestion of the solids. When these pipes are unable to distribute air properly, the process does not work effectively.
The material you see hanging from the pipes is a mixture of things that do not belong, FOG (Fat, Oil, and Grease) and flushable wipes. When complete, each basin will have be drained, cleaned, and refilled. Basin one has been completed, and basin two will be soon.
The cost of this project is approximately $70,000 and will come out of the Public Works Maintenance and Repair budget.
This project will keep us up and running for years to come. Special thanks to our Public Works Director Rod Hainey and the crew at Power Scoop for overseeing the work.
