The Wastewater Treatment Plant is responsible for the operation and maintenance of an advanced level treatment system utilizing Biological Nutrient Removal technology. The plant is designed for 5 MGD (million gallons per day), but can handle in excess of 15 MGD during rain events. Currently the treatment process removes 98% of the pollutants in the raw wastewater.
The Wastewater Plant operates an in house laboratory that analyzes all required testing. Wastewater staff also dewaters bio-solids generated for off-site disposal by a contractor. The staff also operates a septage pre-treatment facility that is financially supported by Carroll County. Recyclables and residuals from the septage facility are further treated through Westminster’s processing along with associated bio-solids dewatering and ultimate disposal at the County landfill.
Engineering for the treatment plant upgrade to meet the Enhanced Nutrient Removal requirements of 3.0 mg\l total nitrogen and .3 mg\l phosphorous is underway. A completed design is expected in 2015. The upgrade will include the addition of effluent biological sand filters, additional aeration capacity, a new relocated control and aeration tank blower building and a bio-solids drier. Construction of the upgrade is expected to take 3 years.