Wastewater Treatment Improvements

The City of Sioux Center needed to update their wastewater treatment facility to meet effluent ammonia and disinfection limits in their new DNR permit and to meet Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy. A comprehensive approach was taken to evaluate the facility and its environmental impacts. The extended aeration activated sludge process with biological nutrient removal option was chosen to provide consistent high-quality effluent and operational flexibility.

Bolton & Menk provided a plan detailing the city’s options, alternatives for consideration, cost of services study (rate information), meetings with community industries to engage all stakeholders in the solutions, and assistance with SRF financing. The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy Report was included with an anti-degradation alternatives analysis. Bolton & Menk used state-of-the-art 3D design software to produce a realistic model of the treatment facility and allow operators, the public utilities department, city management, and council to easily review and understand the improvements.

This comprehensive effort allowed the city to proceed confidently in expanding their wastewater treatment facility to replace aging infrastructure, meet nutrient reduction and disinfection goals, and provide the community with a facility to protect the environment and allow the community to grow.