Wastewater Treatment Plant A, originally built in 1938 and located on West Railroad Ave., is being upgraded with a more efficient treatment system that will improve treatment of the wastewater in the northern part of the City.

 

The City of Lake Charles is in the final completion stages of the removal of the old wastewater screen system and the installation of a new mechanical bar screen system.  This new system will help remove unwanted trash and debris and keep it from entering the wastewater plant. 

 

Work also included modifications to the aeration treatment basins, including: installing new air diffusers, making piping modifications, and installing new energy efficient air supply blowers. 

 

Modifications to the plant to support the new equipment required various electrical, mechanical and structural upgrades.  New safety handrails, walkways, and stairways were also part of the needed improvements. 

 

The total cost of the project was $3.1 million of which $1.7 million was from an Environmental Protection Agency grant received for wastewater plant improvements.

 

A second upgrade project has recently begun on Wastewater Plant A.   A new grit removal system along with new primary clarifier mechanisms and valves are being installed to help remove grit and debris from the activated sludge treatment process.  Three aerobic digesters are going to be cleaned, upgraded, and receive new fine bubble air diffusers to enhance the final digestion process of wastewater treatment.   Additionally, many electrical components, safety rails, pumps, valves and motor control centers are being upgraded to meet the challenges of new and more stringent environmental and safety regulations. 

 

The funding of this $3.7 million project is through a State of Louisiana revolving fund loan.