Biosolids Handling Improvements at Metro Syracuse WWTP

The 84.2 mgd Metropolitan Syracuse Wastewater Treatment Plant (Metro) has recently undergone a major upgrade to provide advanced ammonia-nitrogen and phosphorus removal. Seasonal limits for ammonia are 1.2 mg/L NH3 summer and 2.4 mg/L NH3 winter, and the limit for phosphorus is a 12-month rolling average of 0.12 mg/L. Biological aerated filters (BAFs) by Krüger were added for ammonia removal and the ballasted flocculated settling process, ACTIFLO (also by Krüger) was added for phosphorus removal.To address the increased biosolids produced at Metro, Environmental Engineering Associates, LLP (EEA – a joint venture of Stearns & Wheler, LLC, O'Brien & Gere, and Blasland, Bouck & Lee [now ARCADIS]) was retained to develop the necessary biosolids handling improvements.The project includes:Replacing existing belt filter press dewatering system with high solids centrifugesInstalling gravity belt thickeners (GBTs) to thicker WASProvide sludge blend tanks to blend thickened primary sludge and thickened WAS prior to digestionProvide a cogeneration system that utilizes digester gas to generate electricity and recover heat.