Large Urban WWTP Controls H₂S and Satisfies Regulators and Community Concerns

The Newtown Creek WWTP, managed by the NY City DEP, is nestled in a mixed residential, commercial and light industrial community with no buffer zone and it treats an average waste water flow of 310 mgd (49,000 m³/h). Due to the age and the facility’s in ability to meet federal and state effluent discharge standards, Newtown Creek had to undergo a complete facility upgrade while maintaining treatment at current levels. The upgrade would take more than ten years, and the community was deeply concerned that they would be subject to nuisance odors and other nuisance related issues throughout construction and beyond. Recognizing that they would have to work closely with the community during construction, the DEP initiated an outreach program to keep the community informed and to work out problems that arose.This manuscript will discuss the necessary steps undertaken by the DEP to identify and reduce nuisance odors. The DEP strived to be a “Good Neighbor” throughout the construction, and with the newly installed odor control systems, they look to continue after construction is finished. The following steps will be discussed:• Odor investigations perform ed on ex is ting facilities to estimate the odor potential of the new unit operations.• Air/Odor dispersion modeling to demonstrate compliance with State and local requirements, and to assist in the selection of odor control technology and discharge stack heights.• Methods for capturing and containing the odors at plant process units.• Odor control selection and installation.• Public Out reach Program▪ Newtown Cr eek Monitoring Commit tee▪Nature Walk▪Visitor ’s Center