AWT Effluent Filter
Improvement – Phase 1

The Challenge

The tertiary sand filter systems at both the Belmont and Southport Advanced Water Treatment plants required comprehensive rehabilitation. Each plant operates 12 filters, and the aging mechanical and electrical components, including 500 HP backwash pump VFDs, large-bore butterfly valves, and control systems, were due for replacement to maintain reliable operation and regulatory compliance.

Phase 1 scope included replacing variable frequency drives on the 500 HP backwash pumps, installing 12 new 20-inch butterfly valves with modulating electric actuators at each plant, and installing 24 new 42-inch butterfly valves with electric actuators at each plant. Three filter manual backup control panels were also added at each plant to ensure operational continuity during any future controls failures.

Two ship's ladders were added at the Belmont plant for improved operator access to filter gallery areas. All new devices were fully integrated into each plant's existing SCADA system. To minimize impact on plant operations and meet permit requirements, all work was performed during the designated winter permit period, December 2023 through April 2024.