Basic Features of the Treatment Process

• Aeration basins that provide for oxygenation and mixing of active microorganisms with raw sewage (the activation process).
• A basin or clarifier to separate solids from the treated effluent. Effluent is the term for liquid discharged from a treatment plant.
• Screens to remove debris from the raw wastewater as it enters the plant.
• A system to return solids (also known as activated sludge) from the clarifiers back to the aeration basins.
• A system to waste or remove excess solids from either the basin or clarifier thus controlling the solids mass.

Operational Controls

• Controlling the oxygen level
• Controlling the rate that activated solids are returned to the aeration basins
• Controlling the rate that solids are withdrawn from the process

Functions of the Process, or Treatment

• Oxidation of ammonia to nitrate
• Removal of carbonaceous organic material
• Removal of nitrate
• Removal of phosphorus

Treated Water Is:

1. Filtered to remove nearly all of the remaining solids
2. Chlorinated to kill any potentially harmful microorganisms
3. De-chlorinated to eliminate excess chlorine that could be harmful to natural organisms when the water is discharged into a stream

The chlorination and de-chlorination system is used continuously throughout the year. The treated plant water is discharged into the Coffee Creek Stream, of which, has recreational potential.
 

Biosolids

 
Biosolids are sludge compounds that have been wasted or removed from the primary treatment process and pumped directly into a sludge lagoon. After spending the required amount of time in the sludge lagoons, biosolids are tested and applied to local farm land for crops such as Bermuda-grass, other types of hay, wheat pasture, etc. for stock feed.