Page 24 - MRWATODAYWinter2021final

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Pond Optimization

Frank Stuemke, MRWA Pond Optimization Specialist
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Greetings all, as the world turns in a few different directions these days. We at MRWA are working hard
with the wastewater treatment Pond Optimization group. The partners in this LCCMR funded project
are MRWA, MnTAP (U of M), and MPCA. This project has been very interesting in looking at ways in
optimizing operations in stabilization ponds. Tim Hagemeier and I have been working with several
pond systems throughout the state of Minnesota. The selected pond systems are one 2-cell pond, six
3-cell ponds, and one 4-cell stabilization pond system. We will be sharing the final results after all of
the testing events and data collection is complete. This project has been very interesting to look in
depth of how wastewater ponds are so effective in wastewater treatment. I would like to thank all of
the systems that have been part of this project and will be recognized after all the data is completed.
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I would also like to reach out to all of you operations specialists throughout Minnesota and thank you
for your continued support for MRWA and look forward to seeing you all in the near future! Below is
an article from MnTAP with some further explanation:

Clean Water – Strategies for Wastewater Nutrient Reduction

Nitrogen and phosphorus are essential nutrients in soil to boost agricultural yields, however, in
water, the story is quite different. In high levels, these nutrients are harmful pollutants that cause
excessive growth of algae leading to depressed oxygen levels and an inability for the waterbody
to sustain aquatic life. MnTAP is conducting a project with the help of student researchers and an
elite team of wastewater experts from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), Minnesota
Rural Water Association (MRWA), and the City of St. Cloud Nutrient, Energy and Water Recovery
Facility to identify low cost options to optimize nutrient removal from wastewater treatment
facilities and wastewater ponds (WWTFs) prior to discharge to surface waters.

24 MRWA TODAY S WINTER 2021