Achieving Nutrient Removal and a Cleaner, More Energy Efficient Future
The Town of Southington was faced with overhauling its 7.4 million gallon per day water pollution control facility (WPCF) that was built in the late 1950s and saw its last major renovation in the early 1980s. The town needed to identify areas of sewer expansion, quantify future flows, and define a future sewer service area consistent with the requirements of the State of Connecticut’s Plan of Conservation and Development.
Southington also needed to comply with the state’s new stringent phosphorous limits, which take effect in 2022, on how much phosphorus can be discharged into the Quinnipiac River. Without this, the town would lose significant Clean Water Grant Funding and a 2% interest loan, as well as be subject to fines.
Assessing the Situation
To address these issues, our team completed a facilities planning study to evaluate the condition and capacity of the WPCF and collection system. The goal was to develop a phased plan for addressing the town’s wastewater infrastructure needs over the next 20 years.
This task ultimately resulted in recommendations to upgrade the WPCF, as well as the development of a water pollution control plan and a sewer service area map for the town.
Designing, Repairing, Replacing
Following the review and approval of the wastewater facilities plan, our team designed the recommended plant upgrade improvements. Upgrades included a new ballasted flocculation phosphorous removal system and ultraviolet light disinfection system, as well as energy efficiency improvements to equipment and processes. Raw sewage tanks were covered, and odor control units added to control odors for nearby residents.
Other upgrades included replacing electric motors with more efficient units to reduce electricity costs, and repairing deteriorated and cracked concrete tanks. We also included a computer control and alarm system to monitor equipment and flows, detect issues and notify plant operators of problems.
Once these upgrades were complete in September 2021, the Town of Southington hosted a dedication ceremony attended by state and local officials as well as the project team.
Services Snapshot
Besides comprehensive planning and design, Tighe & Bond’s services included cost analysis, permitting, funding application assistance, and construction services. In addition, we provided process modeling and troubleshooting, as well as hazardous materials management planning and permitting.
