The City of Emporia conducted a Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) evaluation in 2015 as per requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). EPA & KDHE will require lower limits for the removal of Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus in the effluent discharge into the Cottonwood River. The previous study outlined modifications to the treatment process, the WWTF can treat sewage to further reduce nutrients in the effluent.

The City selected Burns & McDonnell and CAS Construction to be their Design/Build Contractor and selected BG Consultants to be the City’s Representative Engineer. Many meetings were held with the Project Team to discuss options and improvements and provide the Best Value Alternative improvements without exceeding costs. The Project Team worked together to evaluate a number of alternatives for improvements to the WWTF that would not only meet the upcoming permit limits from KDHE but allow for effective and efficient operations.

The City also conducted a recent Floodplain Evaluation along the Cottonwood River to better assess the impact of increased storm frequency requirements for FEMA and KDHE loans. This study had a major impact on the WWTF and the reduction of overall construction costs associated with this current project and future use of this site.

The City selected an alternative treatment process, Integrated Fixed-Film Activated Sludge (IFAS), for BNR treatment. This process will allow cost savings as it will reuse the current aeration basin and allow for future treatment capacity. This technology would be the first for a Municipal WWTF in the state of Kansas. The Project Team also met with KDHE in Topeka to provide a project update and preliminary approval for the use of the IFAS system. KDHE gave verbal approval awaiting plans and specifications for official review.

BG provided environmental, civil, structural, MEP, and architectural with review and project recommendations for the City of Emporia during the D/B process of project development. By BG having these disciplines, we are able to best serve our clients with an intense review of the proposed improvements and were able to add insight, modifications, and reassurance to the City with the proposed improvements.

BG also provided construction engineering services for the City. BG had a full-time construction observer at the plant during construction. They discussed the construction and operations sequencing with the builders and WWTF operators and troubleshot solutions with the City as a trusted member of the team. BG engineers provided the necessary support during the construction to be knowledgeable on all construction aspects and able to assist in resolving conflicts and support for the City. BG’s other services involve project administration with pay applications, substantial completion forms, shop drawing reviews, construction operations assistance, KDHE SRF loan administration assistance, and many other administrative duties.