MBR at heart of innovative wastewater reuse project

An innovative wastewater treatment/water reuse project was opened for the City of Clovis, California, USA, on 19 March 2010, featuring membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology, ultraviolet (UV) disinfection and a patented sludge-reduction system

The project was developed by the city in partnership with Denver-based engineering and management company CH2M Hill.

The 2.8 MGD (10,600 m³/d) plant uses low-pressure, high-output UV lamps for disinfection that require one-third of the energy of other UV options. MBR units provide the opportunity for better automation, reduced facility size and treatment performance.

Additionally, the patented Cannibal sludge reduction system will reduce the amount of biosolids significantly and is the largest application of the technology to date in California.

The single-source design-build-operate contract was a departure from the city’s customary procurement method. CH2M HILL will operate the facility for 10 years. Second and third phase expansions will increase the daily capacity to 8.4 MGD (31,800 m³/d).