Green River’s wastewater treatment plant got approval to continue running following two site visits conducted by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.
The facility was originally built in 1962, utilizing a sewer lagoon system to treat wastewater before being discharged into the Green River. The system consists of two pre-aeration cells, three aerated lagoons and two polishing ponds.
According to information found on the city’s website, residents generate approximately 1 million gallons of wastewater daily, which equates to nearly 75 gallons from each resident. Most sewage flows downhill through a network of pipes measuring nearly 55 miles to the plant. Sewage flows through screens designed to remove objects larger than three-fourths of an inch, then moves to a 20-foot deep tank designed to let heavy particles separate and fall to the bottom as water moves through.
Water is then moved to the aeration cells and lagoons, which introduce microorganisms and air into the wastewater to treat it. The oxygen allows for the microorganisms to grow and feed off the waste in the water, which accounts for 85% of the entire process.
Afterward, the polishing lagoons allow those microorganisms to settle at the bottom of the lagoon before the water is discharged. Samples are regularly taken and tested to ensure the process is working and meeting state and federal standards, with those results being sent to DEQ and the EPA.
The facility’s last upgrade was completed in 1989 and despite continuing to meet DEQ requirements, the system has outlived its scheduled lifespan. Speaking to the Green River City Council in 2019 prior to the governing body applying for a $27.6 million loan application from the state to fund a new wastewater treatment plant, Finance Director Chris Meats said the city faces a potential catastrophe the longer the system is in use.
Repairs to the facility’s equipment have become more costly because much of the equipment is no longer produced and requires custom rebuilds to repair.
Future requirements by DEQ and the EPA are also at play as the current plant is unable to meet future wastewater standards being set by the EPA.
The planned wastewater treatment facility will be built next to the current facility and utilize a mechanical process to treat the wastewater. While the facility was originally proposed to start construction in 2020, Jason Palmer, the city’s environmental systems superintendent, said site work will not begin until spring 2022 in a press release issued by the city.
Palmer said the plans are being reviewed through the state fire marshal’s office and anticipates the request for bids to be issued later this summer, with the bid award anticipated for the fall.
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