Solving the Sludge Problem: How Kaumakani Stopped Hauling Sludge and Started Saving Thousands

Nestled in the picturesque Kauai County of Hawaii, Kaumakani is a vibrant coastal town celebrated for its protected wildlife and thriving tourism industry. However, preserving the pristine ecosystem that fuels this prosperity has required innovative solutions for wastewater treatment. In 2019, Kaumakani partnered with Aquarius Technologies to implement the Nebula MultiStage Biofilm System (MSABFP), revolutionizing its secondary treatment process.

The Challenge: Outdated Systems and Stricter Regulations

As Hawaii introduced stricter wastewater effluent standards and banned several outdated treatment methods, Kaumakani’s municipal plant faced mounting pressure. The town needed a cost-effective, environmentally conscious secondary treatment system that could seamlessly integrate with its existing infrastructure.

The Solution: Nebula MultiStage Biofilm System

Aquarius Technologies, in collaboration with Laulea Engineering, delivered the ideal solution: the Nebula MultiStage Biofilm System. This advanced system was designed specifically to meet Kaumakani’s needs, featuring:

  • 10 Independent Treatment Stages: Each stage contains fixed media racks that support the growth of microbiology, forming biofilm critical to the treatment process.
  • Plug Flow Environment: The design facilitates a microbial food chain, where higher life forms progressively break down contaminants.
  • Sludge Reduction: The process minimizes sludge production, lowering operational costs and improving efficiency.
  • Integrated Infrastructure: The system integrates seamlessly with Kaumakani’s existing facilities, including a headworks screen, Imhoff tank, and final clarifier.

Results: A Game-Changer for Kaumakani

Since its installation, the Nebula MSABFP has delivered outstanding results:

  • Improved Effluent Quality: Effluent BOD5 and TSS levels were reduced by over 95%, far surpassing regulatory requirements.
  • Reduced Sludge Production: On-site sludge drying eliminated the need for trucking sludge to other facilities, saving thousands of dollars annually.
  • Environmental Sustainability: The system produces quality effluent safe for Kaumakani’s protected wildlife and reduces the plant’s ecological footprint.

Why Choose the Nebula MultiStage Biofilm System?

The Nebula MSABFP offers unmatched benefits for municipal wastewater treatment, including:

  • Cost-effectiveness through reduced sludge handling and transportation.
  • Simplified operation with advanced microbial food chain technology.
  • Superior integration with existing infrastructure, minimizing disruption.

Kaumakani’s success story is a testament to the power of innovation in protecting natural resources and enhancing community resilience. Interested in learning how the Nebula MultiStage Biofilm System can transform your wastewater treatment challenges? Contact Aquarius Technologies today.

Translate »