WasteWater Treatment Plant • From Beginning to End

Summary

This video takes viewers on an educational tour of Spanish Fork's wastewater treatment plant, explaining the processes involved in cleaning wastewater. From step screens that remove large solids to advanced aeration basins and digesters that treat sludge, the video highlights the critical role each stage plays in keeping the city's water system functional. The need for a new, modernized treatment plant is emphasized, as current equipment is outdated and no longer meets modern standards. Viewers are also encouraged to contribute by only flushing appropriate materials, helping prevent costly damage to the system.

Takeaways

• 🏭 The Spanish Fork wastewater treatment plant has been in operation since 1956 and has undergone significant upgrades.
• 💧 The plant processes between 4 to 5 million gallons of wastewater daily, necessitating the construction of a new facility.
• 🚫 Residents are urged not to flush inappropriate items like diapers, wipes, and feminine hygiene products to prevent backups and costly repairs.
• 🔍 The treatment process begins with step screens that remove large solids from the wastewater.
• ⚖️ Grit chambers allow heavier materials such as dirt and sand to settle out of the wastewater before further treatment.
• ⏳ Primary clarifiers use gravity to settle sludge, with sweeping arms removing floating debris and collected sludge sent to digesters.
• 🌱 The aeration basins utilize good bacteria and oxygen to treat wastewater in an aerobic process, which is vital for breaking down organic material.
• 🔬 Secondary clarifiers allow remaining solids to settle, with excess activated sludge returned to aeration basins for reuse.
• 🧪 Chlorine is used in the chlorine contact basin to disinfect the treated water before it is released into Dry Creek.
• 🌿 Solids from the treatment process are further treated in digesters and then dewatered to become nearly 18% solid, suitable for use as fertilizer or landfill disposal.

Q & A

What year did the Spanish Fork wastewater treatment plant begin operating?

The Spanish Fork wastewater treatment plant has been operating since 1956.

How much wastewater does the plant process daily?

The plant processes between four and five million gallons of wastewater every day.

Why is Spanish Fork city planning to build a new wastewater treatment plant?

The city is building a new wastewater treatment plant due to an increasing population and the need to replace old or damaged equipment and outdated processes.

What are some inappropriate items that should not be flushed down the toilet?

Items that should not be flushed include diapers, flushable wipes, feminine hygiene products, condoms, makeup kit accessories, clothing, and any other inappropriate materials.

What is the purpose of the grit chamber in the treatment process?

The grit chamber allows heavier solids such as dirt, sand, and rocks to sink to the bottom, ensuring that only wastewater flows to the next stages of the treatment process.

How are the primary clarifiers utilized in the wastewater treatment process?

Primary clarifiers use gravity to allow dense materials, called sludge, to settle to the bottom, while the wastewater flows up through the middle to be processed further.

What role do microorganisms play in the aeration basins?

Microorganisms in the aeration basins help treat wastewater by consuming the sewage as their food in an aerobic treatment process.

What is the purpose of the chlorine contact basin?

The chlorine contact basin allows chlorine to disinfect the wastewater before it is discharged into Dry Creek, ensuring the water is safe.

How is the sludge treated after it leaves the digesters?

After leaving the digesters, the sludge undergoes further treatment in a belt press, which increases its solid content from 4% to almost 18%.

What is the final use of the treated sludge?

The treated sludge is either used as fertilizer on farms or taken to the landfill, as it is processed to a level that is not attractive to pests.