Wastewater Department

Wastewater Treatment Plant
475 South Nelson Avenue
(937) 382-2413

Rick Schaffer, Public Works Director

Wastewater treatment is the “last line of defense” against water pollution. Our goal at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is to provide clean water. The purpose of our plant is to treat the wastewater so it can be returned safely to the environment. We protect public health by disinfecting wastewater, eliminating many harmful organisms that can create disease causing bacteria and viruses. And, we also protect water quality by keeping our lakes, streams and rivers clean.

In the year 2010, the Wastewater Department treated 791 million gallons with an average daily flow of 2.17 million gallons per day (MGD). Removal rates of 98.6% for carbonaceous biochemical demand, 98.37% for total suspended solids, and 99.0% for ammonia have been achieved consistently.

The excess bacteria and solids generated in the system are further treated to produce a stable, beneficial by-product known as biosolids. The biosolids have fertilizer value and are applied to agricultural fields. In 2010 there were 244 dry tons of sludge removed from the plant, and applied to agriculture fiWastewater Treatment Plantelds.

The wastewater treatment plant’s staff is comprised of a superintendent, chief operator, operator, maintenance coordinator, maintenance I, environmental lab supervisor, and a part-time lab technician.

There are six sewer crew employees that maintain the operation and management of the sanitary and storm water collection systems, which are comprised of more than 72 miles of sanitary and over 100 miles of storm sewers, over 2,000 manholes, over 2,400 catch basins, driveway approaches, sidewalks, and curb replacements. The City has an approved pretreatment program which monitors the industries that discharge to the WWTP. In 1993 we received the National Award for Outstanding Pretreatment Management from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Our laboratory provides a diverse variety of analyses to include atomic absorption spectrophotometry, microbiological, biochemical, gravimetric, specific ion, and wet chemistry methods. With concerns such as potential litigation, environmental impact and future plant designs, it is essential that the data be accurate to the point of being legally defensible.

Mission

The mission of the City of Wilmington Wastewater Treatment Plant is to protect public health and the environment .

Important Links

To find out more information about our process and services, stop by our department and pick up the available brochures.

Wastewater Treatment Brochures  Wastewater Treatment Brochures  Wastewater Treatment Brochures

Annual Reports

Jet Vac

The Department purchased a new 3 cu. yd. jet/vac truck for cleaning sanitary and storm sewers. This will be used along with our 9 cu. yd. jet/vac truck. Due to the smaller size of the new truck, we will have access to more remote locations.