RPI EcoEdmaking connectionsk-12 students + teachers + university researchers and students

protecting, restoring and vitalizing education and environment

RPI EcoEd + TamaracEnvironmental Engineering Research Program

Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater Treatment Plants Come in All Shapes and Sizes

Lynn, Massachusetts Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant

118.8 million dollar plant construction

Treats wastewater from four cities/towns (over 134,000 residents)

Can treat over 100 million gallons per day

…run by 33 employees!

Why Do We Need to Treat Wastewater?

• Alternatives:• Store massive amounts of wastewater in tanks/basins• Mix wastewater into clean lakes and rivers

• Consequences of poor wastewater treatment:• Leaks/spills!• Poor air and water quality• Health problems

Why Is The Design of Wastewater Treatment Facilities Important?

• Capacity to handle waste stream• Energy use • Danger from the treatment process itself

Biggest Wastewater Disasters!• London, 1878 – infrastructure unable to keep up with

population growth; cesspools overflowed into Thames River; members of parliament soaked curtains with chemicals to keep out smell

• Hawaii, 2007 – 48 million gallons of sewage overflowed into Ala Wai Canal; closed down all nearby beaches

• Mexico, 2011 – 200 homes flooded by sewage after pipe burst; 3 children injured

Just this month!

RPI EcoEd + TamaracEnvironmental Engineering Research Program

Together, the research group will produce • a timeline documenting the development of Tamarac’ wastewater facility

• a photo essay describing components and the process of Tamarac’s wastewater system

• a photo essay describing how wastewater treatment has developed over time, alternative plant designs, laws governing wastewater treatment and issues arising through their operation

• a short lesson for third grade students, contributing to their understanding of “systems.”

• Time permitting, we may also produce a film about our research.

• There also could be opportunities for fieldtrips.

RPI EcoEd + TamaracEnvironmental Engineering Research Program

The research will be presented

• to the Brittonkill Board of Education

• to interested classes

• for critical review and public viewing at RPI’s Earth Week Festival