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MnTAP is taking a dual approach to providing technical assistance to reduce nutrient load in treatment
facility effluent and improve water quality.
• First, the project team identified WWTFs that discharge high nutrient loads. These facilities were
contacted about the program and site staff volunteered for assessments and student research
projects to identify operating strategies that increase nutrient removal efficiency.
• Second, businesses with potentially high discharge of nutrients upstream of these WWTFs were
identified. These businesses were offered confidential, no cost process assessments to focus on
wastewater load reduction opportunities.

This dual approach has demonstrated the effectiveness of using both nutrient source reduction strategies
for facilities upstream of wastewater operations and improved treatment strategies at the WWTFs to
protect Minnesota water quality.
To date, MnTAP has conducted assessments and developed recommendations for 10 mechanical wastewater
treatment plants and 13 pond systems with average daily influent flow between 5 and 0.5 million gallons
per day (MGD). MnTAP’s combined recommendations for wastewater treatment plant optimization could
provide annual savings of nearly 615,000 lbs pf nitrogen and 120,000 lbs of phosphorus in the effluent
streams when implemented. If these nutrient savings are realized, this would eliminate 1,157,200 lb/yr of
ferric chloride needed to treat this nutrient load. An additional 4,178,100 kWh of electric energy could be
saved annually from reduced blower operation. Combined, sites could realize up to $707,600 per year in
energy and chemical savings.

Relationships developed with city employees while assessing the WWTFs facilitated conversations with
industries in town that may have opportunity to reduce nutrient effluent discharged to the municipalities.
These facilities have a strong incentive to work with the wastewater plant to reduce overall nutrient loading
and help the WWTFs operate more efficiently. This project can serve as a model for municipalities to help
WWTFs meet effluent permit requirements and protect Minnesota waterbodies with modest investments.
The approach is a powerful combination of pollution prevention by reducing load generated at the source, “
and optimizing treatment of the waste that does end up down the drain.

Examples from this project can be found on the MnTAP website for the 2020 MnTAP Intern Program.

For more information on this project contact: Professional Water Systems
Daniel Chang – Associate Engineer
612 – 624 – 0808 | dwchang@umn.edu Wells Pump Repair
Any Size, Any Depth All Types & Sizes
Josh Kirk – Associate Engineer
#1 in Quality & Safety
612 – 624 – 1300 | kirkx115@umn.edu #1 in Quality & Safety

Funding for this project comes from the Legislative-
Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources Insist on BERGERSON CASWELL for Sales,
(LCCMR).
Service, & Support for all your Water,
ht t p:/ / www.mnt ap .umn.e du/ r e sour c e s/ Well, & Pumping related products.
publications/source/october2020/#CleanH2O

Our experienced operators, high quality
Reprinted with permission:
MnTAP October 2020 Newsletter equipment, and company wide health and
safety program ensure all projects are per-
formed to specification, safely and efficiently

SINCE 1948

5115 Industrial Street • Maple Plain, MN • 55359
(763) 479-3121 • Fax (763) 479-2183 • (800) 328-6188
www.bergersoncaswell.com

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