Dr. Caliskaner was the co-project manager and lead process engineer for the evaluation and design for a Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) expansion and significant upgrades. In addition to the increased capacity, the WWTP design was completed considering more stringent NPDES permit discharge requirements in the future. Evaluated four major types of secondary treatment processes, four main types of filtration technologies, and three disinfection alternatives for the WWTP design. The upgraded plant enhanced treatment processes to comply with new regulations, such as the California Toxics Rule (CTR) and requirements stemming from the State Implementation Plan (SIP). The new WWTP has been operational since March 2012 meeting stringent effluent requirements.
Phase 1 was an expansion of the liquid WWTP capacity from 1.8 million gallons per day (MGD) to 5-MGD and included conversion of the WWTP from a trickling filter type treatment plant to a tertiary level WWTP. The Phase 1 project replaced all of the existing liquid treatment processes, including a new headworks system with fine screening, primary and secondary clarifiers, and activated sludge aeration basins to achieve nitrification and denitrification. Tertiary filtration was added using a compressible media filter system followed by continued use of the existing chlorine gas system for disinfection and sulfur dioxide for dechlorination. In addition, sludge drying beds were added.
The Phase 2 expansion included solids treatment system to increase the sludge handling capacity of the WWTP to 5 MGD as well. Phase 2 improvements included a new 50 ft. diameter fixed roof anaerobic digester, rotary drum type sludge thickener, chlorine contact tank expansion, and effluent monitoring facility. The increased capacity to 5 MGD has provided the opportunity to serve as a regional WWTP. Dr. Caliskaner was also the co-project manager of construction management services for the first $30 million phase of construction.