History
The City has owned and operated a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) since the 1930's. The original WWTP site was abandoned when the current WWTP became operable. The current WWTP was constructed in 1966 with major upgrades in 1980 and 1995. Other minor upgrades have also been completed.
1930s - Original Plant
Grand Island's original wastewater treatment plant site, which was located at the intersection of Cherry and Sutherland.
Lincoln Highway runs along the top of the photo
1930's WWTP
Original treatment plant
1966 - New WWTP Construction
A new plant was built at a location far from the City
The new plant included six main tanks, the solids handling building, and the influent pump station.
Most of this construction remains as part of the currently operating plant.
1966 - New WWTP Dedication
Construction of the new WWTP was completed in 1966.
1980 - Major Expansion
Added waste activated sludge lagoon, aerobic digesters, secondary clarifier, solids handling, chemical feed, and storage buildings (blue areas).
Added administration building.
1992 - Prior to Addition Upgrades
Shows site prior to upgrades in 1995.
1995 - Major Improvement
Added the aeration basin, chlorine contact basin, chlorination building, centrifuges, many other miscellaneous improvements (blue areas).
Shows site prior to electrical improvements.
2002 - Electrical Improvements
Added new electrical building (blue area).
2005
Shows that some major odor sources have been discontinued, such as the sludge lagoon and the aerobic digesters (red areas).
Shows the new solids handling building and compost biofilter (blue areas).
2010- Solids Storage Building
Provides inclement weather storage of processed solids, and a facility for collection system's cleaning equipment soils disposal area
2016- Headworks
Project included the addition of a raw water pumping station, grit facility, electrical building, and flow meter/sampling building. The result is increased efficiency and traceability at the beginning of the wastewater treatment process, the Headworks.
2021- WWTP Entrance Relocation
The main entrance to the Wastewater Treatment Plant was relocated from Swift Road (E of Stuhr Road) to directly off of Shady Bend Road.
2022- Administration, Operations, Laboratory Building Renovations
Allowed for safety improvements and compliance with environmental regulations, as well as expansion of plant operations in response to City growth
Current WWTP Site
The sludge lagoon and aerobic digesters have been drained and are no longer in use.
