Last month, we followed wastewater through the Headworks & Influent Pump Station, Day Tanks, and Equalization Basins. This month, the journey continues as wastewater travels beneath Long Creek and arrives at the Stowe Regional Water Resource Recovery Facility.
Wastewater Pipelines Under Long Creek
After leaving the Long Creek Pump Station, wastewater enters a system of underground pipelines that carry flow beneath Long Creek. These pipelines provide a critical connection to the Stowe Facility, allowing wastewater to continue its treatment journey while minimizing impacts to the surrounding environment.
To install the pipelines, crews used a construction method known as horizontal directional drilling (HDD). This technique allows pipelines to be installed deep underground without disturbing the creek itself, helping protect waterways, nearby roads, and surrounding properties. Readers interested in the engineering behind this work can explore additional project coverage in the resources below.
Learn More About the HDD Process at Stowe
Watch videos, look at photos, and read more.
Interested in learning more about the engineering and construction techniques used to install wastewater pipelines beneath Long Creek? Explore these articles for a closer look at the Stowe project and the horizontal directional drilling process.
Primary Clarifier
Once wastewater reaches Stowe, it enters the Primary Clarifier. Here, the flow slows significantly, allowing heavier solids to settle to the bottom while lighter materials float to the surface. This process removes a large portion of the solids before the wastewater moves to biological treatment.
The Primary Clarifier serves as an important transition point between preliminary treatment and the more advanced treatment processes that follow.
Next month, we will explore the Biological Nutrient Removal Basin and supporting facilities, where naturally occurring microorganisms play a key role in improving water quality.