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Views: 222 Author: Carie Publish Time: 2025-05-04 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● Introduction to LOTT Clean Water Alliance
● How LOTT Sewage Treatment Works
>> 1. Collection and Conveyance
>> 4. Biological Treatment with Nutrient Removal
● Innovations and Upgrades at LOTT
>> Biological Process Improvements (BPI) Project
>> Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact
>> Resource Recovery and Reclaimed Water
● LOTT's Wastewater Resource Management Plan
● Extended Discussion on Key Processes and Technologies
>> Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) Deep Dive
>> Advanced Disinfection with Ultraviolet (UV) Light
>> Reclaimed Water: A Sustainable Solution
>> Community Engagement and Education
● FAQ
>> 1. What is the main goal of LOTT Sewage Treatment?
>> 2. How does LOTT remove nitrogen from wastewater?
>> 3. What is Class A Reclaimed Water?
>> 4. How does LOTT reduce its carbon footprint?
>> 5. How does LOTT handle stormwater inflow into the sewer system?
LOTT Sewage Treatment refers to the advanced wastewater management and treatment system operated by the LOTT Clean Water Alliance, a non-profit regional utility serving the cities of Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and northern Thurston County in Washington State. This system is designed to treat sewage and wastewater to protect local water quality and produce reclaimed water for beneficial reuse.
LOTT Clean Water Alliance is dedicated to treating and cleaning wastewater for approximately 120,000 people in its service area. The organization operates the Budd Inlet Treatment Plant (BITP), which is the core facility for wastewater treatment in the region. LOTT's mission is to protect water quality in Budd Inlet, a sensitive part of Puget Sound, while also recovering resources and reducing environmental impact.
Wastewater from homes and businesses flows through a network of city-owned pipes and LOTT interceptor pipes to the Budd Inlet Treatment Plant. Gravity sewer pipes and lift stations pump sewage over hills and through pressurized pipes to the treatment plant.
At the plant, large debris such as sticks, rocks, rags, toys, and trash are removed by mechanical screening to protect downstream equipment.
Solid materials either float to the surface or sink to the bottom of large sedimentation tanks and are removed for solids handling. This step reduces the load of solids in the water.
LOTT employs a biological nutrient removal (BNR) process, where bacteria naturally present in wastewater consume and break down pollutants, including nitrogen. This process is carefully managed to reduce nitrogen levels, which helps protect the water quality in Budd Inlet. The plant is one of the few in the Puget Sound region to use this advanced nutrient removal technology.
After biological treatment, the water rests in basins allowing bacteria and suspended solids to clump together and settle out. Some bacteria are recycled back into the process to maintain treatment efficiency.
The final step uses ultraviolet (UV) light to disinfect the treated water, sterilizing any remaining pathogens before discharge.
The cleaned water is discharged into Budd Inlet through an outfall or diverted to reclaimed water plants for beneficial reuse such as irrigation, groundwater recharge, and water features. LOTT produces Class A Reclaimed Water, the highest quality reclaimed water standard in Washington State.
Between 2016 and 2023, LOTT completed a $29 million upgrade to optimize the biological nutrient removal process. This included replacing aging equipment, enhancing operational flexibility, and increasing reliability. The project resulted in significantly improved nitrogen removal, with levels well below permit limits, thus enhancing water quality and increasing capacity for community growth.
The upgrades also reduced energy consumption by about 2.5 million kWh annually, saving over $180,000 in utility costs and offsetting 1,143 tons of CO2 emissions, contributing to LOTT's carbon footprint reduction efforts.
LOTT's system captures renewable resources from wastewater, producing reclaimed water that meets stringent Class A standards. The reclaimed water is filtered, disinfected, and distributed for non-potable uses, reducing demand on potable water supplies and supporting sustainability.
Adopted in 1998 and updated regularly, this plan guides LOTT's long-term strategy to manage wastewater flows and treatment capacity. Key strategies include:
- Reducing inflow and infiltration (I&I) of stormwater and groundwater into sewer pipes to delay capacity expansion.
- Expanding reclaimed water production at decentralized satellite plants.
- Using reclaimed water for irrigation and groundwater recharge to reduce discharge volumes to Budd Inlet.
- Planning for future upgrades and expansions to meet stricter discharge permits and community growth.
The BNR process at LOTT is a sophisticated biological treatment that significantly reduces nitrogen and phosphorus levels in wastewater. Traditional wastewater treatment focuses primarily on removing solids and organic matter, but BNR specifically targets nutrients that can lead to environmental issues such as eutrophication in receiving waters like Budd Inlet.
The BNR process involves a series of anaerobic, anoxic, and aerobic zones within the treatment system. In the anaerobic zone, certain bacteria release phosphorus. As the wastewater moves into the anoxic zone, other bacteria convert nitrate (a form of nitrogen) into nitrogen gas, which is then released into the atmosphere. Finally, in the aerobic zone, bacteria consume the remaining organic matter and convert ammonia into nitrate.
This multi-stage process requires careful monitoring and control to maintain optimal conditions for the different types of bacteria involved. LOTT uses advanced monitoring systems to track nutrient levels and adjust process parameters accordingly, ensuring efficient and effective nutrient removal.
After the biological treatment and secondary clarification, the wastewater undergoes disinfection using ultraviolet (UV) light. UV disinfection is a chemical-free process that inactivates pathogens by disrupting their DNA, preventing them from replicating. This method is highly effective against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
LOTT's UV disinfection system consists of a series of UV lamps that emit high-intensity UV light as the treated wastewater flows past them. The UV dose is carefully controlled to ensure adequate disinfection while minimizing energy consumption. UV disinfection is environmentally friendly and does not produce harmful byproducts, making it a preferred alternative to chlorination.
LOTT's commitment to sustainability extends to its reclaimed water program. Reclaimed water, also known as recycled water, is treated wastewater that is purified to meet specific quality standards for beneficial reuse. LOTT produces Class A Reclaimed Water, which is the highest quality standard in Washington State, making it suitable for a variety of non-potable uses.
Reclaimed water is used for irrigation of parks, golf courses, and other landscapes, as well as for industrial cooling, toilet flushing, and groundwater recharge. By using reclaimed water, LOTT reduces demand on potable water supplies, conserves water resources, and minimizes the discharge of treated wastewater into Budd Inlet. The reclaimed water program is an integral part of LOTT's overall water resource management strategy, promoting environmental sustainability and water conservation.
LOTT recognizes the importance of community engagement and education in promoting sustainable wastewater management. The organization conducts outreach programs to educate the public about the importance of wastewater treatment, water conservation, and pollution prevention.
LOTT offers tours of the Budd Inlet Treatment Plant, providing visitors with a firsthand look at the advanced technologies and processes used to treat wastewater. These tours help to demystify the wastewater treatment process and highlight the importance of protecting water quality. LOTT also partners with local schools and community organizations to provide educational programs and resources on water conservation and environmental stewardship.
Through its community engagement efforts, LOTT aims to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the role of wastewater treatment in protecting public health and the environment. By working together with the community, LOTT can ensure a sustainable water future for the region.
LOTT Sewage Treatment represents a leading-edge approach to wastewater management that combines advanced biological nutrient removal, energy efficiency, and resource recovery. Through continuous innovation and strategic planning, LOTT protects the sensitive Budd Inlet ecosystem while providing sustainable water reuse solutions for its communities. Its commitment to environmental stewardship and operational excellence has earned it national recognition and sets a benchmark for wastewater treatment in the Puget Sound region.
LOTT aims to treat wastewater to protect water quality in Budd Inlet, reduce environmental impact, and produce high-quality reclaimed water for reuse.
LOTT uses biological nutrient removal (BNR), where bacteria consume nitrogen compounds, significantly reducing nitrogen levels before discharge.
Class A Reclaimed Water is the highest quality reclaimed water standard in Washington State, suitable for irrigation, water features, and groundwater recharge.
LOTT reduces energy use through efficient pumps, aeration controls, and advanced technology, saving millions of kWh annually and lowering CO2 emissions.
LOTT implements inflow and infiltration reduction strategies to prevent stormwater and groundwater from entering the sewer system, delaying the need for capacity expansion.
