"Biological Chemically Enhanced Primary Treatment Compared to Traditional Activated Sludge Secondary Treatment During Wet Weather Flows," Steve Baytos, Water Reclamation Facility Manager, City of Akron and, Mike Starkey, P.E., Burgess & Niple, Akron, Ohio.

The City of Akron was required by Consent Decree to install a Biological Chemically Enhanced Primary Treatment (BioCEPT) facility at the Akron Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) capable of treating a minimum of 60 million gallons per day (mgd) of flow. This is one of (if not) the first full scale facility to provide biological treatment ahead of chemically enhanced settling to achieve the equivalent of secondary wastewater treatment. Objectives of this presentation include: an explanation of the BioCEPT Treatment process; key design/performance parameters; project background; lessons learned; and performance of the system as observed via the completion of the Consent Decree required Demonstration Study.

Much of the presentation will be dedicated to discussing the observed results from the Demonstration Study and the ability of the BioCEPT treatment process to achieve the equivalent of secondary treatment and its overall performance compared to the City's traditional activated sludge secondary treatment process in the treatment of both pathogen (Campylobacter, Enterococcus, Salmonella, Fecal Coliform, Cryptosporidium and Giardia, and Coliphage) and conventional pollutant parameters (Alkalinity, CBOD , Chemical Oxygen Demand, E. coli, Phosphorus, Soluble BOD , and TSS).

The MWRD hosts a seminar series at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant that is open to the public. These seminars are eligible for Professional Development Credits/CEUs.

In person: Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, Lue-Hing R&D Complex, 6001 West Pershing Rd., Cicero, IL. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance by emailing Dr. Heng Zhang at zhangH@mwrd.org or call 708-588-4264 or 708-588-4059.

Virtual: Visit Seminars on April 25 for the seminar link. 

The seminar is eligible for Professional Development Credits/CEUs.