Wastewater Expansion Project

In its pursuit of sustainable and efficient wastewater management, the City of Clinton has embarked on a groundbreaking expansion project that aims to transform its current treatment capabilities. Spearheaded by the prosperous Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), the project is not only a testament to Clinton's commitment to environmental stewardship but also a significant step towards meeting stringent regulatory standards set by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

Justification for Project

With an average daily flow of 7.4 Million of Gallons per Day (MGD), ADM has recognized the pressing need for a substantial upgrade to its wastewater treatment facility to adhere to the IDNR Compliance Schedule, which mandates all regulatory requirements to be met by December 31, 2024. ADM had a choice to make, either making significant upgrades their independent facility or become a significant industrial user of the City of Clinton Regional Water Reclamation Facility (RWRF). ADM is covering the costs of the expansion project. 

Facility Plan and Recommended Plan

Crafted by Veenstra & Kimm, Inc. in February 2021, the Facility Plan underwent a meticulous review of the current RWRF treatment capacity. It presented an all-encompassing strategy to accommodate the needs of industrial users such as ADM. The proposed enhancements entail the integration of an advanced anaerobic pre-treatment system known as the ADI-BVF Reactors. Additionally, the plan emphasizes the inclusion of additional aeration basins, strategically designed to facilitate the reduction of biological and nutrient pollution. To ensure the highest standards of water quality, the plan recommends the incorporation of a robust disinfection system aimed at sterilizing bacteria before the treated water is released into the Mississippi River.

Furthermore, a pivotal aspect of the plan revolves around the transition to centrifuges, replacing conventional methods to significantly enhance sludge production. This development is complemented by the addition of a cutting-edge dryer, poised to produce Class A biosolids with reduced pathogens, thereby serving as an effective soil conditioner for the agricultural fields in our region. Accompanying these structural improvements, the plan also addresses the crucial need for an augmented pumping capacity and increased force main volume, solidifying its commitment to incorporating state-of-the-art equipment and pioneering solutions in the domain of wastewater management.

Design Process

The design process for this project boasts a meticulous approach, integrating a conventional wastewater treatment design, accommodating the current average daily flow of 3.4 MGD, alongside ADM's significantly higher flow rate of 7.4 MGD. The incorporation of an Industrial Pretreatment system through an Anaerobic System has been proposed, catering to the substantial increase in Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) loading. The use of a cutting-edge ADI-BVF Reactor has been chosen as the ideal solution for managing the high-strength waste, ensuring that the wastewater is brought down to domestic strength effectively.

ADI-BVF reactor and its Innovative Processes

The ADI-BVF Reactor stands as the central component of this ambitious wastewater management project. By harnessing the BVF reactor process, it effectively treats wastewater containing high levels of organics, total suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, and degradable fats, oils, and greases. The innovative distribution system within the reactor facilitates the conversion of the feed into biogas, with the external blowers ensuring efficient biogas collection. The reactor's unique design, including the insulated floating cover, not only minimizes heat loss but also curbs the release of odors and greenhouse gases, ensuring a safe and environmentally sound process.

Bio-Scru: A Sustainable Solution

The transition from Fourier Presses to Centrisys Centrifuges underlines the project's commitment to sustainable and efficient operations. The adoption of the Bio-Scru system guarantees environmentally sustainable and economically viable operations. Its ability to create a nutrient-rich soil additive for various applications, coupled with its low operational costs and low odor, ensures a seamless and odor-free process, marking a significant leap forward in the realm of sustainable waste management practices.

The wastewater expansion project undertaken by the City of Clinton, in collaboration with ADM, signifies a bold step toward environmental consciousness and responsible industrial practices. By integrating cutting-edge technologies and sustainable solutions, this project sets a standard for future endeavors in the sphere of wastewater management, emphasizing the significance of striking a balance between industrial growth and environmental sustainability.