Treatment
The mission of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is to protect the health and well-being of customers and and the local environment, especially the Tygart Valley River, by treating wastewater to a high standard of cleanliness before releasing it to the river.
The staff of the WWTP are well trained, holding required state certifications as wastewater treatment works operators. As a requirement of their certifications, all WWTP staff must seek ongoing continuing education.
- The Elkins Wastewater Treatment Plant is a Class III wastewater plant that provides advanced secondary treatment for the City of Elkins, Leadsville Public Service District, and Midland Public Service District.
- The plant has the capacity to treat an annual average daily wastewater flow of 4.99 million gallons per day (MGD) and pass peak hydraulic flows of 10.0MGD.
- Treated water from the plant is discharged continuously to the Tygart Valley River and is regulated under federal and state legislation through a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES Permit).
Laboratory Services
The Wastewater Treatment Plant operates a state regulated and inspected wastewater laboratory. The laboratory helps determine if the plant’s treatment processes are meeting effluent standards and if the operation is going according to control guidelines. Laboratory processes also help detail possible future changes in the treatment process.
The laboratory is also used for reporting purposes to help keep the necessary regulatory agencies informed about the operation of the plant. Monthly Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMR’s) are sent to keep these agencies informed of plant activities and processes.
The Elkins Wastewater Treatment Plant Laboratory provides these services to approximately 35 clients in the local area along with analyzing samples for the Elkins WWTP Plant.
How the Plant Works
The plant has the capacity to treat an annual average daily wastewater flow of 4.99 million gallons per day (MGD) and pass peak hydraulic flows of 10.0MGD. Wastewater is brought to the plant by three wastewater pumping stations whose force mains flow directly into a mechanically-cleaned bar screen and grit removal chamber. As wastewater moves through the preliminary treatment of grit removal it is then piped to the oxidation ditch. The oxidation ditch is a boomerang shaped closed loop reactor which treats the wastewater with microorganisms that feed on the nutrients contained in the water.
The wastewater (commonly called mixed liquor) travels around the loop propelled by three rotors that mix the water surface much like a paddle wheel. The rotors also provide aeration to the wastewater which gives oxygen to the microorganisms for the treatment process. The mixed liquid flows by gravity to three clarifiers. Solids are settled out in the three clarifiers and transferred to two decant tanks for holding and gravity thickening before dewatered by two filter presses. Lime is added to the filter press product and transferred to a local farm as Biosolids for a soil amendment. Clarifier effluent is reaerated in the post aeration tank followed by ultraviolet light disinfection. After disinfection, the treated wastewater (effluent) is discharged into the Tygart Valley River.
The effluent that is discharged into the Tygart Valley River is regulated under federal and state legislation through a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES Permit). Federal and state legislation specify the maximum allowable limits for the WWTP’s effluent and any diversions from these limits must be reconciled and corrected in the quickest best possible manner. Close monitoring is required to keep track of how well each area or stream is being taken care of and the effectiveness of total treatment. Biosolids and farm application are also monitored under the NPDES permit.
For More Information
All wastewater employees are certified through the state and must have proper training and licensing to be considered a wastewater operator.
Whitney Hymes
Wastewater System Chief Operator (Class IV)
Wastewater Treatment Plant
401 Davis Avenue
Elkins, WV 26241
304.636.1122 (office)
whymes@cityofelkinswv.com
Thomas Howell
Assistant Wastewater System Chief Operator - Class III
401 Davis Avenue
Elkins, WV 26241
304.636.1122 (office)
thowell@cityofelkinswv.com
