Aeration Optimization Program

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

Chesterfield County owns and operates two wastewater treatment facilities with a combined permitted capacity to treat 39 million gallons of wastewater per day. As with all municipal wastewater treatment facilities, it is a continuous challenge to provide safe, environmentally- friendly and cost-effective treatment. These wastewater facilities are advanced nutrient removal facilities, which employ an Integrated Fixed-film Activated Sludge (IFAS) process. Nutrient removal facilities with an IFAS configuration consume significantly more energy and chemicals when compared to traditional wastewater treatment facilities. The Aeration Optimization Program developed a systematic approach to minimize the energy expenditure associated with mixing and aeration. The Aeration Optimization Program provided safe and cost effective treatment of wastewater. Most importantly, the program is optimizing the removal of phosphorus and nitrogen to preserve our existing natural resources for future generations.