Frederick-Winchester Service Authority wastewater upgrade

Wastewater treatment plants in the Chesapeake Bay watershed are challenged to remove nutrients that would degrade water quality and contribute to algal blooms in the bay. The Frederick-Winchester Service Authority of Virginia needed to upgrade its aging wastewater facility and implement an improved treatment method for removing nitrogen and phosphorous to the current level of technology.

Upgrades improve water quality

Ramboll identified biological nutrient removal (BNR) and enhanced nutrient removal (ENR) processes for removing nitrogen and phosphorus down to levels that are among the lowest in the watershed. The advanced treatment technologies use microorganisms to consume nutrients and organics, improving water quality in the receiving stream and addressing the downstream algae bloom concern.

Facility achieves nitrogen and phosphorus removal

The approach removed more than 90 percent of the nitrogen and phosphorus from the water before it reaches the Chesapeake Bay, meeting state regulations for nutrient removal and helping to improve water quality. The project also increased the treatment capacity of the facility to support industrial growth in the region.