The objective of this study was to improve energy efficiency of a mid-size wastewater treatment plant by upgrading the aeration system and controls. One of two treatment lines at the plant were upgraded with a new blower, aeration grid and process controls while the other line was kept intact with existing equipment installed during the plant construction in 1997.

Facility replaces trickling filters with VLR biological treatment system to meet capacity requirements and future phosphorus limits Economic development has its price, and sometimes calls for major upgrades to a community’s wastewater treatment facilities.  In Fort Dodge, Iowa, that was the case where expansion of new Cargill and CJ Bio America plants in a nearby industrial park required additional capacity and BOD and TKN removal capabilities at the Fort Dodge Water Pollution Control Facility (FDWPCF).