(Left) Water is being pressed out of the sludge, and (Right) the cake, a more solid byproduct of wastewater treatment than sludge, is being formed by the belt filter press.
The City of Rehoboth‘s long-term effort to modernize its wastewater treatment system has hit a key milestone with the completion of Phase 3 of the 10-year project, marked by the installation and operation of a new dewatering facility.
The newly installed belt filter press, which began operating last month, significantly improves the efficiency of the treatment process.
Unlike the previous system that produced a watery sludge composed of just 2% solid material, the new system yields a denser byproduct known as “cake,” which is about 20% solid.
The cake can be disposed of in landfills, reducing transportation needs and associated costs.
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City officials say the upgrade not only improves cost efficiency but also enhances the overall effectiveness of the wastewater treatment process.
The liquid separated from the cake during dewatering undergoes further treatment, ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
The project will lead to meaningful improvements in both operations and cost savings.
As Phase 3 wraps up, the city is now preparing for Phase 4 of the project.
Bidding for this next stage is currently underway, with a contractor expected to be recommended to the Board of Commissioners at its August 15 meeting.
Construction is scheduled to begin this fall.
Phase 4 will include a wide range of upgrades, including the installation of new plant controls, replacement of chemical feed systems, sludge and scum pumps, HVAC systems, and various water pumping and flow control equipment.
Renovations are also planned for the dewatering building and three large storage tanks, along with other architectural improvements.
The city has earmarked approximately $14 million over three fiscal years in its capital improvements budget to fund Phase 4.
The multi-phase wastewater treatment upgrade project aims to ensure the city’s infrastructure keeps pace with environmental regulations and growing service demands, while improving operational sustainability for the future.
Raised in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Jarek earned a B.A. in journalism and a B.A. in political science from Temple University in 2021. After running CNN’s Michael Smerconish’s YouTube channel, Jarek became a reporter for the Bucks County Herald before joining Delaware LIVE News.
Jarek can be reached by email at jarek@dimgrey-peafowl-504880.hostingersite.com or by phone at (215) 450-9982. Follow him on Twitter @jarekrutz and on LinkedIn.
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