The Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) treats all the City’s wastewater. Since implementing biological phosphorus removal, the WRRF experienced a significant struvite buildup.

Struvite is a crystal precipitate composed of ammonia, phosphate, and magnesium. Magnesium is found in the groundwater supply while ammonia and phosphate are released during anaerobic digestion, creating ideal conditions for struvite formation.

Through pilot testing and detailed evaluation, it was found that a side stream phosphorus treatment system was the best way to control struvite buildup. The project was completed in 2023.

Fun fact: the 35-foot-tall reactors for the project were raised 70 feet in the air by a crane to be placed in the building.