There are four BAF (Biologically Aerated Filtration) cells with a capacity for two future cells.
Each BAF cell required about 1 full semi load of Styrofoam beads, which in each cell are to a depth of 10 1/2 to 11 feet.
Each bead is 3.5 to 4 mm in diameter.
Each of the BAF cells has approximately 1,400 nozzles.
The plant is permitted to discharge approximately 1 million gallons of treated wastewater per day in its current configuration. -The acclimation of filters took about eight weeks.
Wastewater began flowing through the plant on August 9, 2006, to seed the filters, which means the bacteria on the Styrofoam beads was allowed to grow. It’s that bacteria which “eats” suspended and dissolved solids in the wastewater.
There is an option to expand the WRF by adding one more clarifier, two more BAF filters, an additional ultraviolet disinfection unit, and a reverse osmosis capability.
The WRF averaged about 350,000-375,000 gallons of influent per day for the first six months.
The first run of the biosolids operation was December 12, 2006, which yielded 1,705 pounds of dried solids. A second run January 8-9, 2007, yielded 1,749 pounds. A third run yielded 1,699 pounds January 16-17, 2007.
The WRF presses biosolids every other week for five days at a time.
Numerous government officials have toured the facility.
The WRF has an expected life cycle of 50 years. -Water flowing out of the facility is cleaner than the wetlands into which it flows. It is as pure as water which comes directly from the groundwater.
The WRF contains a 31,000 square foot "Green Roof," the largest in the Midwest with 45,846 seedlings planted in addition to seeds for native prairie grasses and flowers.
Water flows either to the wetlands or into a waterfall feature with a 10-foot drop. In the wintertime the waterfall feature is shut down.
The WRF is administered by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Public Works Department.
This 30-month project was substantially completed in 15 months. - About 140,000 man-hours to construct the WRF. - Close to 100 workers to construct the WRF.
More than 6,000 cubic yards of concrete were used.
1.5 million pounds of reinforcing steel used. -68,000 (cinder) gray blocks in the interior and 64,000 brick on the exterior were each placed by hand.
1,130,000 pounds of limestone was used on the exterior.
In their contract Rice Lake Construction of Deerwood, Minnesota, had a percentage goal of 20% Native American employees for the project, and they came in at 30%.

SMSC Water Reclamation Facility Flow Chart

WRF flow chart

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