Algae Treatment Process for Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project for Biotown? USA (Town of Reynolds, Indiana)

摘要

In 2009, the Town of Reynolds, Indiana (Population 547) issued an RFP to construct a newwastewater treatment facility to replace their existing 0.08 mgd (303 m3/d) controlled dischargewaste stabilization lagoon facility. The existing lagoon facility was constructed in the early1970’s with no major improvements or maintenance since it became operational, and, even withexpensive upgrades, would not meet future regulatory limits for ammonia removal. Reynolds,also known as Biotown? USA due to a State designation and goal to make the Town a modelgreen community that is energy self-sufficient, reviewed options for the new facility. Sinceconventional wastewater treatment plants consume large amounts of electricity and generatesignificant amounts of greenhouse gases, conventional wastewater treatment processes were notin keeping with Biotown’s goals. They wanted a facility that would treat their wastewater in anenvironmentally sound and energy conscious manner, while at the same time providing usableend products. Therefore, the Town Council of Reynolds decided to construct an algae-basedsystem to address their wastewater treatment needs and fulfill the primary green objectives ofBiotown. Algaewheel Technologies, LLC and Thieneman Construction, Inc. were contracted tobuild an Algaewheel Wastewater facility for the Town. Construction began on June 1, 2009 withfacility startup in late January 2010.This paper will provide the results of the Biotown project to date. Data on operation of the algaetreatment system are presented as well as lessons learned in the operation. Operational costsavings will be discussed including energy savings, reduction in sludge generation, and reductionin chemical usage. Additional benefits of using algae to treat wastewater will be discussedincluding reducing or eliminating several key processes typically found in conventionalwastewater treatment plants such as secondary clarifiers, return sludge pumping, sludgedigesters, and post aeration. Analyses of the algae biomass generated will also be discussed.