STRATEGY 4: Operate The Collection System & Wastewater Treatment Systems So That The Maximum Conveyance And Treatment Capabilities Are Utilized

When more flow from sewers is treated at the Water Pollution Control (sewage treatment) Plant (WPCP) less wastewater discharged into rivers and streams through outfalls during CSO events. A reduction in flow going to rivers and streams from CSOs means the impact upon receiving waters is somewhat reduced. The idea behind this strategy is to get the most sewage possible to the Plant and treat it. In order to do this the WPCP must be operated in such a way that it can treat the maximum flow possible; bottlenecks that reduce capacity and keep sewage from getting to the WPCP must be identified and alleviated; and any available capacity within the sewer system for storage should be used to equalize flows to the WPCP.

Fort Wayne City Utilities will use the following three objectives to implement this Strategy:

• Maximize the rate of flow to, and through, the WPCP during and after wet weather events
• Utilize the existing collection system's storage and capacity to equalize and maximize flows to the WPCP and minimize CSO discharge volume
• Maximize the use and treatment capabilities of the stormwater pond

Accomplishments

Water Pollution Control Plant
The amount of sewage that can be sent to the Water Pollution Control Plant is determined by how much flow the Plant can take and still provide effective treatment. The Plant is currently rated to accept 60 million gallons of sewage per day. Also, a computer model has been used to analyze Fort Wayne's combined sewer system. Using the model, engineers can determine which areas lack capacity, which areas have excess capacity, and where bottlenecks exist.

In-System Storage
There are no programs in place to utilize the existing collection system's storage and capacity to equalize and maximize flows to the WPCP and minimize CSO discharge volume. Additional model runs will be used to help identify available storage within the sewer system itself.

Stormwater Ponds
The Water Pollution Control Plant has three large ponds located across the river fromt he Plant that are used to provide primary treatment of stormwater and some flow from combined sewers during wet weather. Instead of being pumped into the Plant, some of this flow is directed, through pipes, to the ponds. The ponds provide for removal of solids and floatable material and the water treated in the ponds is treated with chlorine for disinfection before the water is released into the Maumee River. The program to maximize the use and treatment capabilities of the stormwater ponds has been implemented.