Oxidation Ditch Technology for Upgrading Army Sewage Treatment Facilities.

Abstract : Army installations in the United States own and operate more than 100 wastewater treatment plants. The treatment capacities of most of these plants are adequate and can meet the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System treatment standards. However, many others need upgrading. Oxidation ditches are a new treatment technology which is better than more traditional processes for upgrading Army wastewater treatment plants or for building new ones. Within the flow range of 0.15 to 10 mgd, oxidation ditches are more cost-effective than competing biological processes. They are easy to obtain and install, simple to operate and maintain, and require relatively little equipment. They are flexible and are adaptable for both nitrification and denitrification. They can stabilize sludge without the use expensive and unreliable anaerobic digestion. Because of these advantages, oxidation ditch technology should be considered when planning wastewater treatment plant facilities at Army installations and when planning mobilization requirements. This report provides guidelines for oxidation ditch selection.