Sewage treatment plants in the United States, also known as wastewater treatment plants or water reclamation facilities, play a crucial role in treating and purifying wastewater generated by homes, businesses, and industries. These facilities are designed to remove pollutants, solids, and contaminants from sewage water before it is released back into the environment or used for other purposes. The specific design and capacity of sewage treatment plants can vary widely based on their location, population served, and regulatory requirements. Here’s an overview of how sewage treatment plants work in the USA:
- Collection: Wastewater is collected from various sources, including homes, businesses, and industrial facilities, through a network of underground pipes and sewer systems. Stormwater runoff may also be collected in combined sewer systems.
- Preliminary Treatment: In the first stage of treatment, large objects such as sticks, leaves, and debris are removed from the wastewater through screens and grit chambers. This helps protect pumps and equipment downstream from damage.
- Primary Treatment: During primary treatment, the wastewater is allowed to settle in large tanks or clarifiers. This process allows heavy solids and organic matter to settle to the bottom as sludge, while greases and oils float to the surface as scum. The separated sludge and scum are removed for further treatment or disposal.
- Secondary Treatment: Secondary treatment involves the use of biological processes to further treat the wastewater. Microorganisms, such as bacteria and protozoa, are introduced to the wastewater to break down organic matter and remove dissolved pollutants. Common secondary treatment methods include activated sludge, trickling filters, and lagoons.
- Tertiary Treatment (Optional): In some cases, a tertiary treatment stage is implemented to further polish the effluent by removing nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and other contaminants. Advanced treatment processes like membrane filtration, chemical precipitation, and UV disinfection can be used.
- Disinfection: After secondary or tertiary treatment, the effluent is disinfected to kill harmful pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. Chlorine, ultraviolet (UV) light, or ozone may be used for this purpose.
- Effluent Discharge or Reuse: The treated wastewater, now known as effluent, is either discharged into rivers, lakes, or the ocean in compliance with regulatory standards, or it may be further treated for reuse in non-potable applications such as irrigation or industrial processes.
Sewage treatment plants are operated and maintained by local municipalities or wastewater utility agencies across the United States. The design and level of treatment vary depending on factors like the population served, environmental regulations, and available technology. These facilities are essential for protecting public health and the environment by ensuring that wastewater is properly treated before being released into natural water bodies or reused for various purposes.
List of wastewater treatment plants along with their details:
Jean-R.-Marcotte Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Location: Montreal, Canada
- Year of Opening: 1984
- Dry-weather Capacity: 2,780,000 m³ per day
- Wet-weather Capacity: 7,600,000 m³ per day
- Area: 0.67 km²
- Notes: Secondary treatment planned for 2023.
Detroit Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Location: Detroit, USA
- Year of Opening: 1940
- Dry-weather Capacity: 2,460,000 m³ per day
- Wet-weather Capacity: 6,435,000 m³ per day
- Area: 0.53 km²
- Notes: Wet-weather secondary treatment capacity limited to 3,520,000 m³/day.
Stickney Water Reclamation Plant
- Location: Chicago, USA
- Year of Opening: 1930
- Dry-weather Capacity: 2,665,000 m³ per day
- Wet-weather Capacity: 5,450,000 m³ per day
- Area: 1.67 km²
Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Location: Washington D.C., USA
- Year of Opening: 1937
- Dry-weather Capacity: 1,450,000 m³ per day
- Wet-weather Capacity: 4,073,000 m³ per day
- Area: 0.62 km²
- Notes: Secondary treatment since 1959. Enhanced nutrient removal in 2014.
Deer Island Waste Water Treatment Plant
- Location: Boston, USA
- Year of Opening: 1968
- Dry-weather Capacity: 1,438,000 m³ per day
- Wet-weather Capacity: 4,542,000 m³ per day
- Area: 0.6 km²
- Notes: Full secondary treatment since 1995.
Abu Rawash Wastewater treatment plant
- Location: Giza, Egypt
- Year of Opening: 2021
- Dry-weather Capacity: 1,600,000 m³ per day
- Area: 1.39 km²
- Notes: Secondary treatment since 2021.
Atotonilco de Tula Plant
- Location: Mexico City, Mexico
- Year of Opening: 2015
- Dry-weather Capacity: 2,000,000 m³ per day
- Wet-weather Capacity: 3,000,000 m³ per day
Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant
- Location: Los Angeles, USA
- Year of Opening: 1925
- Dry-weather Capacity: 1,041,000 m³ per day
- Wet-weather Capacity: 3,000,000 m³ per day
- Area: 0.81 km²
- Notes: Wet-weather secondary treatment capacity limited to 1,821,000 m³/day.
Kuryanovo wastewater treatment facilities
- Location: Moscow, Russia
- Year of Opening: 1950
- Dry-weather Capacity: 2,200,000 m³ per day
Lyuberetskiye wastewater treatment facilities
- Location: Moscow, Russia
- Year of Opening: 1963
- Dry-weather Capacity: 3,000,000 m³ per day