Theory and Reality: Balancing Conveyance, Storage and treatment Capacities in the Columbus Sewerage System

The Columbus wastewater collection and treatment system operates through careful control of wet weather conveyance, in-line sewer storage and balance of the flow distribution to two large wastewater treatment plants. Modeling simulation identified improvement opportunities and established key decision points. Many challenges had to be overcome to take model simulations and implement the physical and operational improvements to the collection and treatment system. These efforts have resulted in a reduction of both frequency and volume of CSO discharges as well as an overall increase in sewage system conveyance, storage and treatment utilization.