WERF Phosphorus Removal Workshop
HydroQual was hired by the City of Spokane in 2003 to review the Spokane River/Long Lake TMDL Model, recommend field studies to improve the model and understanding of
water quality dynamics in the river, and to support the City of Spokane during the TMDL development process. This effort is on-going and has resulted in identifying and revising
critical components of the TMDL model and has improved understanding of important processes controlling water quality in the river. Event Spotlights Phosphorus Removal, Spokane River
Space is limited to the first 50 participants, so please email Brian Hellam of HDR, Inc. at Brian.Hellam@hdrinc.com as soon as possible if you are interested in attending or receiving follow-up emails.
Regulators, scientists, engineers, utilities, and others will discuss the issues and impacts of the various forms of phosphorus from wastewater treatment facilities. We hope this will foster greater understanding among stakeholders on how to assess and monitor water quality, effluent discharges, treatment methods, and regulatory implications.
This event is an opportunity to share different stakeholder views and identify areas that need further investigation. A work group of participants will collaborate to identify funding opportunities and to address any knowledge gaps.
The workshop, held at Spokane Falls Community College, puts the spotlight on the Spokane River because its watersheds have very low effluent phosphorus requirements. The workshop will conclude with an afternoon visit to the City of Spokane’s low phosphorus testing facility on Wednesday, August 12. This pilot facility is evaluating six tertiary treatment technologies with various sedimentation, high rate clarification, granular and reactive filtration, and microfiltration units to meet the 10 µg/L objectives for the Spokane River.
Phosphorus can occur in various forms, and WERF research is underway to determine the fractions present in wastewater effluent (and their bioavailability) from advanced treatment plants. Phosphorus control is a top priority under WERF’s nutrients research program. This year, we have begun one of the most in-depth phosphorus studies ever. We also have the opportunity to collaborate with a new phosphorus bioassay study targeted for the Spokane River.
