Startup Challenges Met for Award-Winning 41-mgdWastewater Treatment Plant in Medellín, Colombia

摘要

The Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EEPPM) in Colombia, South America, is embarking on amajor program for environmental enhancement for the City of Medellín. The San FernandoWastewater Treatment Plant is the first major plant to be constructed in the program. Thesophisticated 41 m3/s plant features primary and secondary treatment. Solids processes includeegg-shaped anaerobic digestion and centrifuges for both thickening and dewatering. The planthas received national awards in both the United States and Colombia for the concept, design,and scope.Construction on the plant began in December 1996 and partial startup occurred in December1999. This paper describes the planning for startup of the San Fernando Wastewater TreatmentPlant and the results of startup of the wastewater and solids handling facilities. Planningincluded training for the operations and maintenance staff, preparation of a Web-based on-lineoperation and maintenance manual, development of staff, and coordination with the contractors.Separate startup activities occurred for the wastewater and solids handling facilities.Results of the wastewater and solids handling facilities startup are presented showing the lengthof time required to obtain stable operation. Procedures are described to overcome some of thechallenges encountered.