A newly-completed $40 million project will improve wastewater treatment, environmental compliance and odor control at the Richmond Water Pollution Control Plant, according to Veolia North America.
Veolia, which has operated Richmond’s wastewater treatment plant since 2002, recently invited members of the local community to an open house to get a closer look at the recent upgrades.
The project replaced outdated or ineffective equipment at the plant. Two new mechanical fine screens were installed to filter out trash, rags and other large debris from the wastewater stream, preventing clogs to pipes and pumps and pollution in the Bay. Also, a new grit removal system will remove fine materials that settle to the bottom of treatment tanks, causing wear and tear on the machinery.
They are among several other significant upgrades. Ultimately, more efficient equipment were installed that will require less energy and lower levels of chemical treatment to operate, reducing the city’s costs and its greenhouse gas emissions, according to Veolia.
“These vital improvements will make a significant impact in how the wastewater treatment plant functions in the community, by improving the quality of treated water released into San Francisco Bay, delivering more efficient operations to the city, and better controlling the odors produced by the wastewater treatment process,” said Karine Rougé, CEO for Municipal Water at Veolia North America.
