Northwest Regional Water Reclamation Facility Expansion

A facility expansion was completed in 2013 increasing the design average capacity from 9.0 million gallons per day (MGD) to 12.0 MGD. The newly constructed facility also provided biological and chemical nutrient removal through greater energy efficiency means. Additionally, a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) application was included to monitor and regulate the functions of the equipment within the plant.

Phase II was performed under two separate contracts, IIA and IIB by Maxim Construction of Volo, Illinois. Phase IIA considered the “Process” portion of the expansion included modifications to the aeration system, chemical storage and feed system, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and replacement and rehabilitation of older infrastructure. High efficient equipment and process modifications provided a 26% reduction of the facility’s electrical energy needs, a major expense of the operation. Engineering was performed by Clark Dietz Inc. whom also assisted the Village in obtaining energy grants. $307,831.00 of Funding for high turbo aeration blowers will be provided through an Illinois Department of Commerce Economic Opportunity (IDCEO) Grant.

Phase IIB, the “Solids Handling” portion of the expansion included the addition of a fourth primary digester, SCADA to accomplish the semi automation of sludge pumping and transfer, biogas conditioning and cogeneration, and replacement and rehabilitation of older infrastructure. Biogas cogeneration is the conversion of process methane to electricity and the reuse of the heat generated to warm the sludge digesters. The biogas cogeneration system partially funded through a $200,000.00 IDCEO grant and improvements to the digester mixing systems will reduce electricity needs of the facility by an additional 12%. The automation provided greater flexibility of the operation enabling optimization of the digestion process reducing digester upsets and increasing performance.

At completion of construction the Region will have a highly efficient “green” waste water treatment system with a reduced carbon footprint, reduced nutrient loading on the Fox River Watershed capable of protecting the environment and economically meet the user’s needs well into the future. The cost of both Phases of the project was approximately $8,300,000.00. Being fiscally responsible no loans, bonds or tax dollars are being used to fund the expansion. Self-funded through efficient operation practices, frugal spending and planning the expansion is made possible using grants and reserve funds collected through connection fees.