MUSCATINE, IOWA, Jan. 2, 2015 -- In an effort to improve its overall reliability and efficiency, as well as help protect it from flooding, the Fort Madison, Iowa, wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is scheduled to soon undergo an extensive renovation. The upgrade is currently under design by Stanley Consultants, a global consulting engineering firm headquartered in the city of Muscatine, Iowa.
Fort Madison's WWTP, originally constructed in 1965, serves a population of 11,000 and can process 6.2 million gallons of wastewater per day. At the request of the city, Stanley assessed the condition of the aging facility and evaluated the plant's processes in order to develop recommendations for improvement. Construction of the $14-million project is expected to begin with the initial phase starting in April 2015 and the second phase being completed by May 2017
The renovation is designed to maintain the plant's viability, improve energy efficiency, address nutrient reduction requirements, and provide flood protection. The upgrade will include a complete overhaul of the influent pump station and extensive replacement of the facility's treatment equipment, some of which is 50 years old.
Process improvements include a higher performance grit removal system, a highly efficient new aeration system, new rotary drum thickening of biosolids, and biosolids storage tank that will improve the plant's treatment processes and increase biosolids storage capacity. The addition of a dechlorination process will facilitate operation of the existing chlorination disinfection system.
In keeping with the Iowa's nutrient reduction strategy, the upgrade will position the facility for future improvements to further reduce nutrients discharged into the environment. Initially, operational adjustments to the existing treatment processes will be utilized to optimize reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus minimizing initial capital expenditures.
The plant is located adjacent to the Mississippi River and is regularly impacted by floodwaters. A critical part of the renovation includes a new flood-protection system consisting of a combination flood wall with demountable portions and a levee. As a critical facility and in consideration of climate change impacts, the chosen flood-protection level is the 0.2 percent probability event.
See also: "AWWA to Congress: Nutrient pollution reduction key to preventing cyanotoxins"
About Stanley Consultants
Founded in 1913, Stanley Consultants is a global consulting engineering firm that provides program management, planning, engineering, environmental and construction services worldwide. Recognized for its commitment to client service and a passion to make a difference, the company brings global knowledge, experience and capabilities to serve clients in the energy, water, transportation, and federal markets. Since 1913, Stanley has successfully completed more than 25,000 engagements in all 50 states, U.S. territories and in 103 countries. For more information, visit www.stanleyconsultants.com.
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