Expansion of the wastewater treatment plant in Grębów
Inwestor / Grębów Municipality
Grębów
2022 - 2023
This is one of the most important investments in Grębów, which was necessary due to the poor technical condition of the previously operating wastewater treatment plant. Increasingly frequent failures generated additional maintenance costs, and the quality of treated wastewater was unsatisfactory.
Besides, in recent years, numerous water and wastewater management projects have been carried out, resulting in almost 100% sewerage coverage across the Grębów Municipality. This has significantly increased the demand for treatment capacity of a plant capable of serving the growing population.
As Ecol-Unicon, we were responsible for the execution of this project, which had a positive impact on both the quality of life for residents and the natural environment.
This is particularly visible in the improved water quality of the Łęg River, which flows through the Grębów Municipality and is a right-bank tributary of the Vistula River. These changes are noticeable to both residents and environmental services, locally and beyond.
The expansion of the wastewater treatment plant addresses the current challenges faced by the municipality and also allowed for increased treatment capacity. As a result, this is an investment that will serve the local community efficiently for many years.
Scope of work
- construction of two Sequential Batch Reactors (SBRs)
- installation of an integrated mechanical wastewater treatment unit
- construction of a measuring chamber for treated wastewater
- installation of a container-based chemical dosing system
- construction of a sludge dewatering station
- demolition of the existing container-based sludge dewatering station
- construction of a photovoltaic installation with a capacity of approx. 49 kW
- hardening of access roads and paths, reconstruction
- reconstruction and expansion of water and sewage systems and installations
- modernization of the equalization tank
- commissioning of the plant and achievement of required treated wastewater parameters
Implemented solutions
As part of the expansion of the wastewater treatment plant in Grębów, a range of modern technologies were implemented, which not only increased the efficiency of the treatment process but also contributed to improved water resource management. Such a comprehensive project required an extensive scope of specialized work, covering the following sectors:
- Civil engineering – involving the construction of new structures as well as the adaptation of existing ones to current technological and operational requirements
- Sanitary and process installations – responsible for piping systems for wastewater, air, and sludge, which are essential for the operation of the treatment plant
- Process engineering – overseeing the treatment technology, including equipment and fittings necessary for wastewater processing
- Electrical and control systems – covering electrical installations in buildings and reactors, as well as measurement and control equipment, enabling effective process management and monitoring
A key element of the investment was the construction of two Sequential Batch Reactors (SBRs), fully equipped with pumps, aeration systems, pipelines, fittings, electrical installations, and I&C systems (Instrumentation and Control). These reactors operate using alternating aeration and settling cycles, which enable significantly more effective removal of biological pollutants present in wastewater. The automation system allows for dynamic adaptation to changing flow conditions and organic loads, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing operating costs.
An equally important aspect of the expansion was the modernisation of the mechanical wastewater treatment system, including the installation of an integrated unit – a screening and grit removal device. This equipment effectively eliminates larger solid contaminants at the initial stage of treatment, which reduces the load on subsequent process stages and increases the overall durability of the system.
Additionally, the project included:
- the expansion and modernisation of water and sewage networks and installations, ensuring better integration of the treatment plant with the municipal infrastructure
- 3-blower station, providing continuous and efficient aeration of the reactors, which is essential for biological wastewater treatment processes
- a measuring chamber for treated wastewater, enabling precise monitoring of water quality before discharge into the environment
- installation of a container-based chemical dosing system, automating the chemical dosing process to ensure accurate and efficient chemical management within the treatment plant
- installation of a container-based sludge dewatering system, enabling effective thickening and dewatering of sludge, reducing its volume and facilitating further handling
- installation of a photovoltaic system with a capacity of approx. 49 kW, supplying renewable energy, reducing the use of conventional electricity, and lowering the operating costs of the plant
How do modern technologies impact wastewater treatment plants?
The comprehensive work also included technological expansion, incorporating new control and automation systems, which enabled more efficient management of the plant. Thanks to advanced I&C systems (Instrumentation and Control), the daily work of operators has been significantly simplified. The automation of many processes allows for quicker responses to potential failures or system errors, which is essential for ensuring continuity and operational efficiency.
A dedicated visualisation system for the entire treatment plant has become an invaluable tool, providing operators with real-time information on equipment status and potential failures. As a result, issues such as pump or mixer malfunctions can be quickly identified and diagnosed, while key parameters—such as oxygen levels—can be monitored. Access to this data allows for immediate process adjustments, directly improving the plant’s performance and reliability. The implementation of these solutions has not only elevated the technological standard of the facility but also ensured greater operational efficiency, which remains our top priority.
Wojciech Tomaszewski, Project Manager