The City of Reynolds, Georgia, faced a common challenge: increasingly stringent effluent discharge limits. Their existing aerated lagoon system at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) needed an upgrade to meet these new, stricter NPDES requirements. They needed a solution that not only provided improved treatment but also offered simplicity and required minimal operator attention, given their limited staff.
After careful consideration and collaboration with their consulting engineer, Carter & Sloope, the City of Reynolds chose Aquarius Technologies’ NEBULA® MultiStage Activated Biofilm Process (MSABP). This decision, made in 2013, has proven to be a resounding success.
Why NEBULA® MSABP?
The City of Reynolds considered conventional activated sludge systems but found them too time-consuming for their limited operator staff. The NEBULA® MSABP stood out due to its:
- Simplicity: Easy to operate and maintain.
- Minimal Operator Attention: Reduces the burden on staff.
- Reduced Sludge Production: A key factor in lowering costs and operational complexity.
- Reduced Capital and Operating Expenditures: Providing a cost-effective solution.
Under the Cover: A Staged Biofilm Advantage
While the system appears as a typical covered rectangular aeration basin, the magic happens beneath the surface. The treatment basins contain multiple stages with fixed biofilm textile nylon media. This hydrophilic media provides a vast surface area for biofilm to attach and thrive.
The fixed biomass efficiently consumes contaminants like BOD and ammonia, resulting in high-quality secondary effluent and significantly reduced sludge production compared to alternative systems.
The Secret to Sludge Reduction
The staged treatment with fixed biofilm media is key to minimizing sludge. Biomass remains attached to the media until air scouring causes it to slough off, becoming a food source for subsequent treatment stages. This process, combined with endogenous respiration and microbiology within the system, creates an environment where sludge production is naturally minimized.
Tangible Benefits for the City of Reynolds
According to Scott Jones, the City of Reynolds Public Works Director, the decision to go with the NEBULA® MSABP has been a game-changer. “The City did not want to deal with sludge, so the system works very well,” Jones stated. “By not having to handle sludge, the City saves tens of thousands of dollars associated with having equipment, electricity, workforce, and disposal required to manage sludge.”
Beyond sludge reduction, the system’s simplicity has been a major advantage. Maintenance is primarily limited to the drum screen and auger, with occasional blower maintenance. Jones also noted that he runs both Nebula MSABP systems all the time and has not had any issues within the treatment stages of the MSABP plant itself.
Exceeding Expectations
The original aerated lagoon plant was not designed to meet the current NPDES discharge limits for BOD and TSS. The NEBULA® MSABP system consistently exceeds these standards. The City of Reynolds is designed to treat a daily wastewater flow rate of 400,000 gallons. Reynolds is required to meet treatment standards for BOD < 20 mg/L, TSS < 20 mg/L, and ammonia-N of 1 mg/L. Data from 2022 to 2024 shows the following impressive results:
- BOD5 Removal: Influent 307 mg/L, Effluent 5.7 mg/L, 98.2% Removal
- TSS Removal: Influent 531 mg/L, Effluent 13.5 mg/L, 97.5% Removal
- Ammonia (NH3) – N: Effluent 1.0 mg/L
Conclusion
The NEBULA® MSABP at the City of Reynolds, GA WWTP, is a testament to its effectiveness. It consistently meets NPDES discharge standards and provides significant savings in capital and operating expenditures related to sludge management. This installation truly embodies the Aquarius Technologies tagline: “Treat More Water. Manage Less Solids.”
Is the NEBULA® MSABP Right for You?
If you’re seeking a wastewater treatment solution that offers increased treatment capacity, meets stringent effluent requirements, and reduces sludge production, contact Aquarius Technologies today to learn how the NEBULA® MSABP can benefit your plant.
