Northwest Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility Expansion

Ardurra designed a cost-effective expansion for Marion County's Northwest Regional WWTF, transforming the existing extended aeration process into an advanced wastewater treatment system supporting current and future growth in the service area. The expansion increased capacity from existing levels to 1.5 MGD annual average daily flow with provisions for future expansion to 3.0 MGD, enabling the accommodation of projected regional development.

Originally constructed in 2005, the facility required comprehensive upgrades to meet stringent water quality limits while providing reliable treatment capacity. The expansion converted the existing system into a sophisticated 4-stage Bardenpho process with advanced biological treatment, enhanced electrical systems, and upgraded instrumentation and control systems, all designed for maximum reliability and lightning protection.

Key Expansion Components:

• Designed an advanced 4-stage Bardenpho process converting an extended aeration system to 1.5 MGD capacity with future 3.0 MGD expansion capability

• Implemented comprehensive headworks upgrades, including rotary drum screens, influent flow splitter, and enhanced screening systems

• Engineered Class I electrical reliability with dedicated utility service and standby generator, ensuring no single fault disables more than half the facility

• Upgraded instrumentation and control systems with fiber optic communications and surge protection, minimizing lightning and power surge failures

• Conducted structural evaluation repurposing existing extended aeration basins into reclaimed water storage with necessary concrete repairs

• Managed complex environmental permitting, including FDEP facility permits, environmental resource permits, and endangered species assessments

• Addressed gopher tortoise mitigation through comprehensive surveys and archaeological studies, identifying cultural resources

The expansion provides Marion County with advanced treatment capabilities meeting stringent discharge requirements while supporting long-term regional growth. Strategic design provisions enable cost-effective future capacity increases while comprehensive environmental compliance ensures sustainable operations, protecting local ecological resources.