New Middletown
Facility

The New Middletown Wastewater Treatment Facility uses a sequencing batch reactor treatment process to treat domestic sewage. The plant design flow rating is .55 MGD (million gallons per day). This type of process can be expected to achieve pollution removal rates of 94% in terms of Biochemical Oxygen Demand and Suspended Solids. The plant also is capable of reducing the ammonia-nitrogen levels to below 1 part per million (mg/l).

The wastewater entering the plant goes through a mechanical bar screen that removes large objects , plastics and other objects which could interfere with treatment and then is pumped to the biological treatment process. A surge tank is also provided that equalizes the flow to the plant processes during heavy rains.

The biological treatment process at this facility is a sequencing batch reactor which performs various treatment processes in one tank (the reactor). The process accomplishes this in four steps or cycles. The REACT cycle is the first step where the wastewater is mixed with activated sludge and aerated. The SETTLE cycle is next where all activity is stopped and the mixture is allowed to settle and separate. The DECANT cycle allows the clear water from the top of the tank to be drawn off and sent for disinfection and the last step is the IDLE mode and is used while other tanks are being filled.

The effluent is then disinfected with ultraviolet light and then discharged to the stream.

The plant waste product or sludge is dewatered and hauled to an approved landfill.