A wastewater treatment plant on a sensitive natural tract

This project consisted of a new 0.5 MGD hollow fiber (GE ZeeWeed) membrane bioreactor (MBR) plan constructed on a very sensitive tract of unused land surrounded by a golf course and residential properties.  This site required construction on an extremely small footprint and continued operation of the existing wastewater treatment plant during construction.  All effluent from the plant is reuse for beneficial irrigation of adjacent golf courses.  The Fripp Island Public Service District (FIPSD) MBR Plant generally consisted of design of influent force main, fine screens (2 mm), aerated grit chamber, equalization basin, aeration basins, MBR basins, ultraviolet disinfection, plant water system, sludge digestion and sludge hauling station.  Plant included reuse of effluent for various process needs, odor control, control room and effluent storage pond.  The FIPSD MBR was designed for 0.75 MGD and began operation with an initial capacity of 0.5 MGD of membranes. Hussey Gay Bell also provided design alternatives for expansion of this facility to 0.75 MGD in 2014.  Concepts include replacement of GE membranes, installation of GE LEAP technology, improved blower efficiency, modification to influent screens and additional sludge thickening.