Northwest Wastewater Treatment Plant

The Northwest Wastewater Treatment Plant can treat approximately 17.5 million gallons per day (MGD) of wastewater from residential and industrial sources in the west and northwest parts of the city. The plant is an extended aeration activated sludge treatment plant that uses both electric and gas powered air blowers in the treatment process to take advantage of the continually fluctuating market values for natural gas and electricity. Other innovative treatment technologies include the use of Ultraviolet Radiation as a means of disinfection of treated effluent, caustic air scrubbers as a means of controlling odors, and the use of the treated effluent in the Northwest Wastewater Reclamation Facilities Project.

Since the initial start-up of the plant in 1984 and expansion to its present capacity in 1994, the plant has been nominated for 5 EPA Operations and Maintenance Excellence Awards. In 1992, the plant and its personnel were recognized for their commitment to safety by being awarded the Water Environment Federation's George W. Burke Award for Safety. It has also received 10 Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies' (AMSA) Gold Awards, and 6 AMSA Silver Awards. In 2003, the plant received the AMSA Platinum Award for 5 consecutive years of perfect permit compliance.