Evansville, Ind., Completes Wastewater Treatment Plant Project

Aug. 24, 2009
Project, worth $23.5 million, will help city deal with heavy rain and reduce CSOs

In a first for the State of Indiana, Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel recently dedicated the new biological aerated filter (BAF) project at the West Side Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Evansville. The BAF operates at a higher removal rate than the traditional process. It also takes up less area and treats more water.

"This technology is going to greatly benefit the residents of Evansville. The increased capacity means we will be able to more effectively deal with heavy rains and reduce the number of combined sewer overflows," Weinzapfel said. "We will also be protecting our environment because we will be able to treat more wastewater instead of having the overflow go into the Ohio River during large storm events."

The West Side WWTP's capacity had been 20.6 million gal per day (mgd). Using an innovative secondary treatment process, the BAF will allow for the treatment of 30 mgd. During peak storm events, like the September 2006 floods, the plant's capacity will double to 40 mgd. The use of the BAF is a significant step toward addressing combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and alleviating flooding. Sewers north and west of Pigeon Creek, including the Highway 41 corridor, flow into the west side plant.

The cost to treat wastewater using the BAF is less than $1.20 per gallon; that is one-quarter of the cost it would take to use a more traditional treatment method. The total project cost is $23.5 million, which is being funded as a direct result of Weinzapfel’s decision to cancel plans for a $63 million treatment plant on the north side. That plant would have had very little impact on CSOs or flooding. Future capacity needs will be met by the West Side WWTP expansion.

The BAF project is part of the $120 million the Weinzapfel administration has spent or committed to fix flooding and sewer issues in the city over the past five years.

Source: City of Evansville

Sponsored Recommendations

Benefits of Working with Prefabricated Electrical Conduit

Aug. 14, 2024
Learn how prefabrication of electrical conduit can mitigate risk, increase safety and consistency, and save money.

Electrical Conduit Cost Savings: A Must-Have Guide for Engineers & Contractors

Aug. 14, 2024
To help identify cost savings that don’t cut corners on quality, Champion Fiberglass developed a free resource for engineers and contractors.

Get Utility Project Solutions

June 13, 2024
Lightweight, durable fiberglass conduit provides engineering benefits, performance and drives savings for successful utility project outcomes.

Energy Efficient System Design for WWTPs

May 24, 2024
System splitting with adaptive control reduces electrical, maintenance, and initial investment costs.