Wastewater treatment consists of a series of processes needed in the proper treatment of all sewage, citywide, in order to safely return it to the Chattahoochee River for the preservation of wildlife, and to allow our neighbors downstream to take and produce safe drinking water for their communities.
Wastewater Collection
The Wastewater Collection Division employs approximately 14 employees and is responsible for maintaining the city’s sanitary sewer collection system. These individuals are responsible for taps, leaks, blockage detection, and sanitary main maintenance through a process of cleaning the lines and treating for grease and roots within the lines that will cause blockages. They are subject to being called in 24 hours a day throughout the calendar year.
This operation also maintains over 30 lift stations throughout the city and is under the supervision of a certified Alabama Department of Environmental Management (A.D.E.M.) supervisor. This division replaced 2,850 linear feet of sanitary sewer mains in 2015.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
The Wastewater Treatment Plant employs 11 employees, and can currently treat more than 3 million gallons per day. Once the current plant upgrade project is complete, by the end of 2016, it will then be able to properly treat 6 million gallons per day. A.D.E.M. is the regulatory agency that issues the operating permit and is responsible for enforcing that the Grade III sewage treatment meets the permit levels.
Plant Operation
The Wastewater Treatment Plant is operated and maintained by Grade IV operators who are A.D.E.M.-certified. They must participate in continuing education in order to renew their certification every 3 years. The plant superintendent, maintenance supervisor, and one operator are all certified in both wastewater and water.
Plant Awards
The Wastewater Treatment Plant has been recognized with the following awards:
Best operated Plant Award won in: 1968, 1984, 1997-1999, retired from competition 2000-2001, won in 2002-2004, retired from competition 2005 and 2006