Envirogen Technologies, Inc. announced that system construction has begun under a contract with the borough of Ashland, Pa. to design and deliver a fluidized-bed bioreactor (FBR) system for nutrient removal at the borough's wastewater treatment plant (WWTP).
Funded in part by an Innovative Technologies grant under the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's (PA-DEP) "Growing Greener" program, the new system will remove nitrates from the plant's effluent prior to discharge and help the borough keep its treated wastewater well below the state's new regulatory limits, scheduled to take effect in 2012. In addition, Ashland will gain nutrient credits that can be sold to other dischargers under a system recently adopted by PA-DEP, further offsetting treatment costs and creating an additional revenue source for the borough. The system is scheduled for delivery in summer of 2010.
"In critical estuary habitat areas such as the Chesapeake Bay, it's essential that we all come together to optimize treatment technology and minimize nutrient releases as much as possible," said William Guarini, east region director for Envirogen. "The people of Ashland had the foresight to identify nutrient treatment opportunities before regulations forced the issue. With the help of its engineering firm and Envirogen, Ashland was able to take advantage of the state's grant program and develop an innovative technology solution that will meet its future environmental needs and perhaps form a new source of revenue for the borough."
Ashland's Envirogen FBR system will consist of an FBR, chemical feed system and PLC-based process controls. The Ashland WWTP is permitted to treat 1.3 million gal per day (mgd) but currently runs at an average flow of 0.8 mgd, with a nutrient cap load of 6 mg/L, or approximately 24,000 lb/year. The Envirogen FBR system will be capable of removing nutrients from the plant's effluent at a rate of 50 to 60 lb/day.
Source: Envirogen Technologies Inc.
