Springfield Public Works (Missouri) is looking at making large-scale upgrades at sewage treatment facilities this year. The utility is seeking to replace old generators and a sewer line. Public Works has rolled out a proposal that asks the city to secure up to $13 million in special obligation bonds. Missouri DNR rated the ozone generator project the No. 1 “green project” in the state.
Ozone generators are extremely effective in disinfecting wastewater. In addition they potentially can remove pharmaceuticals and personal care products that can end up in drinking water by way of wastewater discharges. Ozone also helps to oxygenate the water before it is returned to rivers enhancing the overall health of the ecosystem.
Springfield Public Works wants to replace ozone generators at the Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plant. That would increase the facility’s capacity to disinfect from 65 million gallons a day to 100 million gallons a day. The generators are about 30 years old and replacement parts are expensive and difficult to come by. Despite the difficulties with replacement parts, the Springfield experience shows the longevity of well made ozone generators. If the city had the new generators, it would likely save $4 million in operating costs in the next 20 years.