“Operations, Performance, Costs: Optimizing Chemical Phosphorus Removal through Collaborative Implementation,” Zeena Williss, P.E.,P MP, Client Development Manager, Stantec, Denver, CO

The MWRD hosts a seminar series at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant that is open to the public. These seminars are eligible for Professional Development Credits/CEUs.

In person: Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, Lue-Hing R&D Complex, 6001 West Pershing Rd., Cicero, IL. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance by emailing MnRSeminars@mwrd.org or calling 708-588-4264 or 708-588-4059.

Virtual: Visit Seminars on August 28 for the seminar link. 

The seminar is eligible for Professional Development Credits/CEUs. 

ABOUT SOUTH PLATTE RENEW

South Platte Renew (SPR), the third-largest Water Resource Recovery Facility in Colorado, implemented a chemical phosphorus removal process to address growing regulatory requirements. SPR adopted a comprehensive approach to optimizing chemical dosing, providing a flexible design. Through collaborative efforts between the engineering and operations teams, SPR designed, constructed, and optimized a treatment process to achieve effluent phosphorus concentrations of less than 1.0 milligrams per liter (mg/L). The methodology adopted emphasized a holistic strategy to balance operational impacts, performance reliability, and cost efficiency, enabling the facility to proactively address operational challenges, such as chemical dosing optimization, sludge production management, and integration with existing treatment processes. Close coordination between operators and engineers facilitated rapid troubleshooting and informed data-driven decision-making. Additionally, the project contributed to staff training and knowledge transfer. More specifically, the results demonstrated that a dual-point dosing strategy was more effective and economical than a single-point. A potential 10 percent increase in solids production was indicated and the need for alkalinity addition and control. The results also defined optimum chemical dosing targets of 13.5 mg/L ferric sulfate in the headworks, combined with 18 mg/L alum in the Solids Contact Tanks (SCT). The results led to a dual-point dosing strategy, resulting in a 25-30% reduction in chemical cost compared to single-point dosing.