Facility Evaluation and Capacity Planning
EIRSD serves the cities of Shelley and Ammon, as well as portions of Bonneville and Bingham counties. In 2015, J-U-B performed a comprehensive treatment plant evaluation of the existing membrane bioreactor (MBR) facility, which was approaching its design capacity. Collaborating closely with operations staff, we identified existing facility deficiencies and developed a plan to maximize the facility’s capacity through staged improvements. The plant evaluation included screening of potential phosphorus compliance methods, including biological phosphorus removal, chemical removal, and combinations of effluent reuse were considered. After careful consideration of factors like lifecycle cost, redundancy, capacity, and long-term permit compliance, we selected chemical addition with effluent reuse as the optimal solution.
Phased Approach for Flexibility and Cost Control
Phases were identified in 5-year spans with specific triggers so improvements would be implemented only when needed. The plan has provided EIRWWA with flexibility to start projects when necessary, helping them avoid significant, and potentially unnecessary, rate increases. The first phase of improvements consisted of a chemical addition project for phosphorus removal and increased outfall capacity. Currently, improvements are under construction to double the plant’s capacity. Implementation of Class A reuse is planned in the next few years, reducing the overall phosphorus load to the Snake River and lowering the net operating cost at the facility.
Client Trust and Partnership
“Alan [Giesbrecht] is fair, has our best interests at heart, and I trust him. There is no ulterior motive in recommendations. He’s got the details down and understands our financial situation.”—EIRWWA Board Member