Sedona, AZ - May 16, 2008 - Reclamation of the 1.2 million gallons of wastewater generated in Sedona every day begins in the city. There are over 800,000 feet of sewer lines and 15 pump stations that collect the wastewater and convey it to the Wastewater Reclamation Plant about 5 miles west of town.

Sedona is a hilly town, so the waste doesn’t just flow downhill, it has to be pumped uphill through at least one of the pump stations.

When the wastewater reaches the plant, it is treated in an aerobic process called activated sludge. Fine bubbles of air are dispersed into the water to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria that break down the contaminants in the wastewater. By cultivating the ideal environment with plenty of oxygen and lots of nutrients, a beneficial population of microorganisms is developed that breaks down the pollutants in the water. The activated sludge system is engineered to efficiently mimic and expedite the same process that takes place in natural streams where water tumbles over rocks, adding oxygen to the water and encouraging the growth of bacteria that purifies the water.

After treatment in the aeration basins, the microorganisms are allowed to settle out in a clarifier, and the water is then filtered through sand to remove any fine particles that remain. Finally, the reclaimed water is disinfected using ultraviolet light. The treated and disinfected water is spray irrigated onto city property where evapo-transpiration returns it safely to the environment. As microorganisms build up in the treatment process, some have to be removed to keep the system balanced. The material that is removed is dewatered in either a centrifuge or an air-drying bed, producing what is called biosolids. Biosolids from the process are landfilled.

In order to ensure the treatment process works smoothly, we have two groups of operators: four collections operators and three plant operators. All of the operators are certified by the State of Arizona to ensure they have the knowledge and skills necessary to do their jobs. We also have a chemist, an electrician/mechanic, and an administrative assistant who work as a team with the operators to manage the day-to-day operations of the plant and respond to emergencies, such as equipment failure or sewer line plugs. Wastewater staff work seven days a week and are on call 24-hours a day to manage the system and respond within 30 minutes to any emergency. In case of an emergency, operators will go to the alarm site and ensure the backup systems are working properly and immediately implement any necessary repairs.

Our three main goals in the Wastewater Division are to protect our citizens and environment; to achieve sustainability through beneficial use of reclaimed water, reduced energy consumption, and minimized chemical consumption; and to protect the city’s investment in the Wastewater infrastructure through preventative maintenance.

In order to meet those goals, the plant was upgraded last year to increase the capacity from 1.0 to 2.0 million gallons of wastewater daily. This will allow us to be able to handle the projected growth of Sedona.

A major current project is in process to provide back-up capability and improved reliability at our three largest pump stations and ensure the treatment process occurs without any mechanical failures. New overflow wet wells have been constructed, and new equipment, including pumps, is being installed. The second major project in collections is our sewer line cleaning and closed circuit television (CCTV) inspection program. Over 120,000 feet of lines have been cleaned and inspected in the past year. The inspection pinpoints areas where repairs are needed and identifies potential problem areas for the future. Root intrusion and grease plugs are the primary problems found in the sewer lines.

Another big focus at the reclamation plant is evaluating alternate beneficial uses for our reclaimed water and biosolids. We are also implementing projects to reduce energy consumption and chemical usage.

What can you, the citizens and businesses of Sedona, do to help us transport and treat your waste effectively? Don’t dispose of grease in your sinks or toilets. Put it in a leak-proof container and put it in the trash. Minimize or eliminate your use of non-green chemicals and products, including antimicrobial soaps, and don’t flush left over medications down the toilet.

The Wastewater Reclamation Plant is available for scheduled tours by calling 204-2234. We especially welcome student groups.

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