Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority (RWSA) will hold an odor control project kickoff celebration on Friday, July 15th, at 10am at Riverview Park. The large-scale capital improvement project is designed to keep wastewater odors generated from the treatment processes from migrating off site from the Moores Creek Advanced Water Resource Recovery Facility located in the Belmont/Woolen Mills Neighborhood.
On average RWSA treats 10 million gallons of wastewater per day from area homes, businesses, schools, and other buildings which results in the unfortunate reality of strong odors. MEB General Contractors, Inc. from Chesapeake, Virginia began the
$9.33 million project on June 27th to address these odors, and the project is targeted for substantial completion by the end of 2017. The extensive improvements encompass multiple facets of operations including but not limited to the following actions:
Installation of covers over key wastewater treatment systems, including the primary clarifier basins, and construction of a technologically
advanced biological scrubber which will vacuum air space above those systems to remove odor compounds
Installation of a sewage containment pipe and state-of-the-art grit removal facilities to eliminate daily use of outdoor basins
Elimination of post-digestion solids settling basins
Elimination of outdoor biosolids storage and handling area
Purchase of custom-covered trailers for biosolids transport
“This project, as well as previous efforts starting in 2006, definitely had engineering, scientific, financial and community challenges to solve, and the ACSA, City and County have worked well together to bring solutions to these odor problems for our neighbors through the RWSA,” said Lonnie Wood, Interim Executive Director.
Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Chair and RWSA Board Member Liz Palmer said, “The RWSA is committed to environmental stewardship. In addition to being a leader in watershed protection, the agency has worked diligently over the last decade to improve air quality in the area around the sewage treatment plant. This new project is a major step in achieving the goal of clean air for area residents. “
“The odor control project is a marvel of science and engineering that reflects our community’s values,” stated Kathy Galvin, city councilor and RWSA board member. “It shows our commitment to environmental stewardship, and ensuring a high quality of life for all of our residents. It demonstrates city and county collaboration and highlights the dedication of many civic-minded people who have labored over this issue for close to a decade.”
Remarks will be given by RSWA Chair Mike Gaffney, City Councilor Kathy Galvin, Board of Supervisor Rick Randolph, and Woolen Mills Neighborhood Association President John Frazee. A visual representation of the work will be available for viewing. In summary:
What: Odor Control Project Kickoff
When: Friday, July 15th 10-10:30am
Where: Riverview Park, 1999 Chesapeake St, Charlottesville, VA 22902 (heavy rain location: Woolen Mills Chapel)
Who: Local media, elected officials, and neighbors are invited
RWSA is the wholesale provider of clean, safe, high-quality drinking water serving the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County Service Authority’s over 110,000 customers. RWSA then treats wastewater, so it can safely return to the aquatic environment of the Rivanna and eventually the Chesapeake Bay.
