Westerly facility - Altoona, PA
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member r.e.s.t.seekers
N 40° 29.853 W 078° 24.326
17T E 719867 N 4486216
The Altoona Water Authority has two wastewater treatment facilities. This is the Westerly facility, surrounded by Bonasso Park.
Waymark Code: WM149V4
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 05/26/2021
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member bluesnote
Views: 3

The Altoona Water Authority’s wastewater collection and treatment system serves close to 19,000 customers. The system consists of approximately 230 miles of 6 in. thru 48 in. diameter sewer line, (Privately owned laterals add approximately 190 miles to the system), 3,200 manholes, three pump stations, two combined sewer overflow facilities (CSOs), and two single stage nitrification activated sludge treatment facilities.

The collection system is divided into two drainage basins known as the Westerly and the Easterly gravity sewerage basins. These state-of-the-art CSO and treatment facilities were among the first systems in the eastern United States to integrate the treatment of wet weather flows, combined sewer overflow discharges and normal wastewater flows.

Upstream of each treatment facility is a combined sewer overflow facility (CSO) for use during storm events to capture the "first flush" from the combined sewer system. The Westerly Facility located at Tuckahoe Park stores up to 1.3 MG of wastewater while the Easterly Facility located at Bellwood Avenue and Kettle Street stores up to 1.7 MG. Each CSO operates in the same way. When the flow in the interceptor sewer reaches a predetermined set point, the excess flow is diverted into the CSO. Before the wastewater enters the storage tanks, it passes through mechanically cleaned bar screen where any larger debris is removed. The debris is dropped onto a conveyor belt and transported into a holding pit before being disposed of in a permitted landfill. As the interceptor flow recedes the stored wastewater is pumped into the system for proper treatment.
What is the capacity of the facility?: The annual average flow of the Westerly Facility is 10.8 MGD with a permitted design hydraulic capacity of 16.2 MGD. The facility is capable of handling flows of up to 20 MGD during wet weather. the Westerly Wastewater Treatment Facility produces on ave

Describe the biological treatment technology used.:
The Altoona Water Authority aerobically digests biosolids at its Westerly Wastewater Treatment Facility to meet the Class B requirements. During the wastewater treatment process, solids are removed from the wastewater and treatment in 2 one-million-gallon capacity aerobic digesters where the organic solids are stabilized, reducing the volume by about 50%. After digestion, polymer is added to reduce the amount of water leaving a cake of 16% to 20% solids.


How are biosolids (sludge) managed?: Biosolids are a nutrient rich organic product of the wastewater treatment facilities which can be used as a fertilizer. The Altoona Water Authority applied for and received permits under the General Permits Regulation (Chapter 271) for the Westerly (PA

What technology is used for disinfection prior to dicharge of treated water?: With Class B, we rely on the environment to provide this further treatment. Field monitoring has shown a rapid die-off of pathogens when biosolids are applied to soils at agriculture sites.

Who is the owner/operator fo the facility?: Altoona Water Authority

How is the facility governed?: Board of Directors

What is the website of the WWTP?: [Web Link]

Visit Instructions:
Please post at least 2 original photographs of the site. We would much rather see photos of the plant itself as opposed to the front office, but we also understand that security and site layout may limit your opportunities.
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