Project: North Vacuator Rehabilitation (NEW)

The WRRF’s North Vacuator structure, built in 1958, has been out of service for more than a year and needs repair. When in use, the vacuator removes grit and floating debris (grease/scum) from raw wastewater prior to primary treatment. When the vacuator process is out of service, WRRF staff must bypass flows directly to the primary clarification process where in addition to removing primary sludge, grit and grease must also be removed. This leads to additional wear and tear on plant components/facilities and increases the possibility of pipes clogging during wet weather events.

The Phase II Project at the WRRF includes plans for a new grit facility to replace the vacuator process. However, these Phase II upgrades will not be operational for several years. Because of the maintenance and operational issues caused by not having a grit/scum removal system, it is necessary to make the repairs needed to get the North Vacuator back online so that the WRRF treatment system can continue to perform as intended, and to minimize maintenance issues. Specifically, the North Vacuator project includes repairs and new coatings to interior concrete surfaces and metal components. Estimated completion is August 2025.