Getting More Out of Secondary Clarifiers - The Value of Full Scale Testing

The City of Columbus (City) is in the process of completing a number of wastewater treatment plant improvements aimed at increasing the peak wet weather capacity. The goal of the improvements is for Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plant (SWWTP) to be able to treat 330 million gallons per day (MGD) peak flow by July 2010. This included improvements to the final clarifiers aimed at increasing the peak capacity. Side by Side pilot testing was conducted between an existing clarifier and a retrofitted clarifier with the improvements. The pilot testing showed better performance under peak conditions for the retrofitted clarifier which should help the city meet their wet weather goals.