Transforming Service and Effluent Quality
The South Fork Sewer District has completely redefined itself over the past 25 years to improve service to the community and improve effluent quality. Ease of maintenance and simple operation are keystones of the District’s approach to new facilities. During that time, J-U-B has provided support for securing funding, planning, design, construction, permit negotiations, and process optimization for its regional treatment plants.
Planning for Regulatory Compliance and Growth
We began a facility planning effort in 2015 for the Page WWTP to address new ammonia limits and plan for future metals and phosphorus limits, while retaining the ability to handle peak flows due to infiltration and inflow (I/I) that resulted in peaking factors of approximately 10:1. We evaluated options for retrofitting the existing facultative lagoons for nitrogen removal, including use of fixed film media and nitrifying effluent filters. After touring multiple facilities, the District chose to implement an extended aeration activated sludge system using lined earthen lagoons and traditional circular secondary clarifiers. The existing facultative lagoons were retained for peak flow equalization and seasonal treatment when allowed by the discharge permit.
Cost-Effective Facility Upgrades
This solution was chosen to improve overall water quality and prepare the District for future tertiary treatment. The improvements were implemented in 2018 and a new 2.8 MGD (maximum month capacity) extended aeration facility was constructed for approximately $6 per gallon, despite challenging soil conditions which required soil stabilization of the underlying mine tailings at the site.
Planning for the Future: Tertiary Treatment and New Limits
A subsequent facility plan was completed in 2024 to integrate new and upcoming permit requirements—phosphorus reduction to address dissolved oxygen concerns in the receiving waters, temperature compliance for salmonid spawning to 9°C, and revised metals limits. Design for the tertiary phosphorus removal improvements was completed in parallel with the facility plan and included pilot testing for combined phosphorus removal and metals removal. The project is funded by a grant from Idaho DEQ and the improvements are slated for completion in 2026.
