Batch-Style Membrane Bioreactor Allows Municipality to Reuse Wastewater, Meet Low Total Nitrogen Limits, and Increase Capacity

This presentation describes how the town of Riverhead, NY, is saving 100 million gallons per year of potable water by reusing its wastewater for landscape irrigation. The existing SBR basins were converted into a unique batch-style membrane bioreactor (MBR) while maintaining capacity and treatment during the upgrade. The design flow increased from 1.4 to 1.6 MGD, the effluent total nitrogen limit decreased from 10 mg/L to 3 mg/L, and the organic and nitrogen loading increased 334% and 250%, respectively. Engineers will learn of a viable method for expanding plant capacity and/or achieving lower nitrogen limits, while plant personnel will learn how such an expansion can be achieved without sacrificing throughput or effluent quality.