Akron Wastewater Treatment Plant and Sewers
The Akron Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and sewer system serve as vital infrastructures for the city of Akron, Ohio. This extensive network not only supports public health and the environment by treating wastewater but also ensures the continued sustainable growth and development of the city. Serving a substantial population, managing significant volumes of wastewater, and constantly innovating to meet environmental standards, the Akron WWTP stands as a testament to modern engineering and community engagement.
Population Served and Wastewater Volume
The Akron Wastewater Treatment Plant primarily serves the city of Akron, which has a population of approximately 197,000 people, as well as surrounding suburban areas. This brings the total population served to around 275,000 individuals. Given Akron’s diverse industrial, residential, and commercial sectors, the plant manages an incredible volume of wastewater daily.
On an average day, the Akron WWTP treats about 80 million gallons of wastewater. However, during heavy rainfalls, throughput can significantly increase due to stormwater inflow and infiltration, highlighting the importance of the plant’s capacity to handle fluctuating volumes.
Treatment Capacity and Process
The Akron WWTP, located along the Cuyahoga River, boasts a treatment capacity of up to 2.5 billion gallons per year, emphasizing its significance as a critical pillar in wastewater management in the region. The treatment process is divided into several stages:
Preliminary Treatment
In the preliminary phase, large debris and grit are removed from the wastewater through screening and settling tanks. This reduces potential damage and clogging in downstream equipment.
Primary Treatment
Primary sedimentation tanks allow solids to settle out, forming sludge. The settled primary sludge is then removed and sent to digesters.
Secondary Treatment
Secondary treatment involves biological processes where microorganisms break down organic matter. The activated sludge process is most commonly used, where air or oxygen is introduced to maintain bacterial growth that feeds on organic pollutants.
Tertiary Treatment
To ensure wastewater is safe for discharge into the Cuyahoga River, tertiary treatment processes further remove nutrients, solids, and pathogens. This stage typically includes filtration, nutrient removal, and disinfection, ensuring that effluent quality meets or exceeds state and federal standards.
Sludge Treatment
The removed sludge undergoes further treatment through digestion, thickening, and dewatering, transforming it into biosolids. These biosolids can be repurposed for land application or, in some cases, as a renewable energy source.
Recent Local News and Developments
Recent years have seen significant investments and upgrades within the Akron Wastewater Treatment Plant and its affiliated sewer systems. In compliance with a consent decree from the EPA aimed at addressing combined sewer overflows (CSOs), the city of Akron has embarked on several ambitious projects.
The Ohio Canal Interceptor Tunnel (OCIT)
One of the most significant recent projects is the Ohio Canal Interceptor Tunnel (OCIT), a massive underground tunnel designed to prevent combined sewer overflows into the Cuyahoga River. Completed in 2018, the tunnel stretches nearly 6,000 feet long and 27 feet in diameter, capable of holding over 25 million gallons of stormwater and sewage during heavy rain events until it can be properly treated.
Integrated Planning Approach
Akron has also adopted an integrated planning approach as seen in their "Blueprint Akron," which focuses on green infrastructure and sustainable solutions to manage stormwater. This includes rain gardens, permeable pavements, and bioswales, which naturally absorb and filter stormwater, reducing the burden on the sewer system.
Smart Sewer Technology
The city’s adoption of smart sewer technology further showcases its commitment to modernization. Smart meters and sensors placed throughout the sewer network provide real-time data, allowing for more efficient monitoring and management of wastewater flows and identifying potential issues before they become critical problems.
Key Projects
Several key projects exemplify the plant’s ongoing commitment to innovation and efficiency:
Bio-Energy and Recovery Project
One standout project is the Akron Bio-Energy and Recovery Project, an initiative converting biogas from the anaerobic digestion process into renewable natural gas (RNG). This renewable energy is used to power the plant and even supply the local grid, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs.
Phosphorus Removal Initiative
To address nutrient pollution, particularly phosphorus, the Akron WWTP has implemented advanced phosphorus removal technologies. Enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) and chemical precipitation methods ensure that discharged water meets stringent nutrient standards, protecting downstream ecosystems from harmful algal blooms.
Community Engagement
Recognizing the importance of public awareness and engagement, the Akron WWTP has prioritized robust community outreach programs.
Educational Tours and Workshops
The Akron WWTP regularly hosts tours for schools, community organizations, and the general public, providing insight into the wastewater treatment process and the importance of water conservation and environmental protection.
Public Meetings and Transparency
Through public meetings, workshops, and an open-door policy, the plant maintains transparency about ongoing projects, future plans, and environmental compliance. This fosters trust and encourages community members to take an active role in water stewardship.
Volunteer and Internship Programs
Engaging local students and volunteers, the Akron WWTP’s internship programs offer hands-on experience in environmental science, engineering, and public policy, nurturing the next generation of water management professionals.
Looking Forward
The future of the Akron Wastewater Treatment Plant and Sewers looks promising, with several projects and initiatives on the horizon.
Continuous Infrastructure Upgrades
Continued investments in infrastructure upgrading will remain a priority, ensuring that the system can handle increasing urbanization and climate change impacts. This includes expanding treatment capacity, upgrading aging pipes, and implementing cutting-edge treatment technologies.
Advanced Data Analytics
Leveraging big data and advanced analytics will further enhance the plant’s operational efficiency and predictive maintenance capabilities, allowing for proactive management of the sewer system.
Enhanced Community Engagement
To cultivate a more water-literate community, the Akron WWTP plans to expand its educational and outreach programs. This includes integrating digital platforms, interactive exhibits at local museums, and partnerships with schools and universities.
Conclusion
The Akron Wastewater Treatment Plant and sewers stand as a cornerstone of public health and environmental protection in the region. By managing vast volumes of wastewater, adhering to stringent treatment processes, and continuously innovating, the plant plays a critical role in safeguarding water quality and supporting sustainable growth. Through significant recent projects and strong community engagement, the Akron WWTP exemplifies a model of modern wastewater management, highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation in tackling the challenges of the future.