Water Reclamation Facility

Livingston's Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) is essential to maintaining the health and sustainability of our community and environment. Located just east of the Public Works office, the facility processes an average of 700,000 gallons of wastewater every day, helping to serve the community's needs while supporting growth up to 11,500 people.

Key Facility Highlights:

  • Design Capacity: 2.18 million gallons per day
  • Service Population: Supports growth up to 11,500 residents
  • Upgrade Completion: February 28, 2019
  • Environmental Stewardship: Meets strict DEQ discharge permit nutrient requirements and protects the Yellowstone River
  • Technological Upgrades & Process Improvements

In 2019, Livingston's WRF underwent a significant upgrade to meet stricter water quality standards. This modernization included the installation of an advanced treatment system designed to remove nutrients biologically, without the use of chemicals.

The new system is an Intermittent Cycle Extended Aeration System (ICEAS), a highly efficient, automated treatment process that offers several advantages over traditional methods. It simplifies operations and reduces the need for complex infrastructure like primary and secondary settlement tanks, or return sludge pumps.

How Does It Work?

Pre-Treatment:

  1. Headworks Building: Wastewater begins its journey through the plant by passing through bar screens and augers, which remove large debris (sometimes even matchbox cars!). A grit collection system, called a “tea cup,” removes smaller, heavier particles, which are sent to the landfill.
  2. IPS (Influent Pump Station): Wastewater enters a tank where Fat, Oils, and Grease (FOG) separate. This FOG is vacuumed out quarterly for safe disposal.
  3. Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR): Wastewater then enters one of two Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBRs) where biological treatment begins. Air is introduced to stimulate bacteria that consume the ammonia in wastewater. This process, known as nitrification, breaks down harmful compounds, reducing pollutants. After several treatment cycles, the wastewater is settled to separate the clean water from solids.

Disinfection:

Cleaned water is treated with ultraviolet (UV) light to disinfect it before it is released into the Yellowstone River, ensuring the river’s health and safety.

Sludge Treatment:

  1. The solids left behind are processed through several steps, starting with Waste Activated Sludge (WAS) removal, followed by thickening to concentrate the sludge. The sludge is then sent to aerobic digesters where bacteria and air break it down further, reducing volume.
  2. The final step involves pressing out excess water from the sludge, creating a solid biosolid material. This material is either composted (if suitable materials like sawdust or green waste are available) or sent to the landfill.

Environmental Responsibility

This facility upgrade ensures that Livingston continues to meet current water quality standards and can support the city’s growth while protecting the Yellowstone River. The biological treatment process reduces the need for chemicals and minimizes the environmental footprint of the facility.

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