Tankage for ammonia treatment — Summer 2002

Forming the floor with the first layer of concrete for the north biological activated filters (BAF) gallery

Forming the floor with the first layer of concrete for the north biological activated filters (BAF) gallery

Eighteen new tanks were built for the ammonia treatment. The tanks are filled with polystyrene beads whose purpose is to expand the surface area of the wastewater that is exposed to the treatment process. Special bacteria in the tanks nitrify the nitrogen in the ammonia. Here are a few facts about the ammonia treatment:

466 trillion biostyrene beads were installed in the eighteen BAF cells. Each bead is 3.6 millimeters (0.14 inch) in diameter.
130,000 nozzles allow treated effluent to leave the cells while trapping the beads for continued use.
Each of the eighteen BAF cell holds 273,000 gallons of water effluent, totaling nearly 5 million gallons.

Placing concrete in the gallery floor

Placing concrete in the gallery floor

Finishing the concrete slab for the north BAF gallery

Finishing the concrete slab for the north BAF gallery

Slab is complete.

Slab is complete.

Workers tie together the reinforcing steel rods that will form the south BAF cells. One concrete form (right) is being buttressed in place.

Workers tie together the reinforcing steel rods that will form the south BAF cells. One concrete form (right) is being buttressed in place.

Forming the BAF cell walls and the blower room.

Forming the BAF cell walls and the blower room.

In preparation for placing concrete in the walls, the steel forms are erected for the south BAF cells.

In preparation for placing concrete in the walls, the steel forms are erected for the south BAF cells.

Pouring the concrete for a BAF cell.

Pouring the concrete for a BAF cell.

Finishing the south BAF cell walls in the gallery. Note the passages between BAF cells (lower right).

Finishing the south BAF cell walls in the gallery. Note the passages between BAF cells (lower right).