Member Spotlight

The conventional activated sludge process has been around for over 110 years and is a versatile and adaptable technology.  The art of improving activated sludge technology to meet more stringent effluent limits is a concept of ‘DO more, IN less, WITH less’. To accomplish this, the Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) and DC Water joined forces to develop the partial denitrification-anammox technologies, known as DETOUR.

DETOUR ‘DOES more’ treatment, removing more nitrogen pollutants by polishing the remaining nitrogen species using existing post-treatment tanks. Then, the technology is contained ‘IN less’ tank volume by using a biofilm process that intensifies treatment. Finally, it achieves these features ‘WITH less’ chemicals and energy, using the more efficient anammox bacteria. This a revolution for wastewater treatment and a huge benefit for existing plants in the United States, but also allows new facilities to leapfrog age old approaches.

NACWA awarded the Hampton Roads Sanitation and DC Water a 2023 National Environmental Achievement Award in the Research & Technology category for their innovative project. Congratulations to everyone involved!