Attention Arlington residents! You might have noticed some changes happening at the Wastewater Treatment Plant lately, and we're here to fill you in on what's been going on.
Since its inception in 2007, the Arlington Plant has been diligently working to ensure the town's wastewater is treated efficiently and responsibly. Recently, we embarked on an upgrade project, made possible by funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP). We understand that this may have caused some inconvenience, but we believe it's a necessary step forward.
The focal point of this project is the installation of new fine bubble diffusers in the plant's sequencing batch reactor (SBR) tanks. These tanks play a crucial role in treating wastewater by infusing it with air and helpful microorganisms to remove impurities before it's discharged. By upgrading to fine bubble diffusers, we're enhancing the aeration process, leading to a more effective treatment method.
While this upgrade has temporarily reduced our operational capacity to one tank at a time, the benefits are already evident. Odors, which were a concern during the upgrade process, have significantly decreased with the improved system in place in tank 1.
But that's not all! As part of this project, we're also focusing on safety and efficiency. We've installed handrails at the top of the SBR tanks to ensure the safety of our operators and to facilitate easier movement around the tanks. Additionally, a fourth influent pump is being installed as a backup, providing redundancy and allowing scheduled maintenance on the existing pumps that have been in operation since the plant's inception.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time of transition. These upgrades are vital for maintaining the quality of our wastewater treatment process and ensuring the health and safety of our community and environment. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us. Together, we're moving towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for Arlington.
