tion the sewage moves into the activated sludge treatment. This is the secondary treatment part of the process. The activated sludge process introduces microorganisms and oxygen into the wastewater. These microorganisms eat fine suspended solids and dissolved organic material. This process removes more suspended solids and helps concentrate the water. After the activated sludge process, wastewater is sent to the secondary clarifiers. This process is similar to primary clarification and lets the microorganisms settle out taking organic matter with them. Part of the activated sludge is recycled back into the process and the rest is discharged. (HSHF 1-6) At this point in the process there are still some suspended solids and biochemical oxygen demand in the water, which cannot be removed by clarification. This water is sent through a filtration system and polymers (plastics) are added to help the solids coagulate. If the water requires disinfection chlorine is added. The result of this whole process bears the euphemism effluent of polished secondary quality and is then sent to an outfall to the ocean. The suspended solids and sludge that is gathered during the course of this process is sent the H.E.R.S. system.The H.E.R.S system is an acronym for Hyperion Energy Recovery System. This system came online in early 1990. The system takes the sludge and dewaters it using a patented process. Then the sludge is starved-air combusted to produce fuel gasses. These fuel gases are used to power a steam turbine, which in turn produces electricity. The electricity generated from the plant covers the energy requirements of the dehydration process and provides a significant amount of surplus energy, which is utilized elsewhere in the plant. (WFPU IV 19) The H.E.R.S. system converts waste sludge into energy the by-product of this process is a relatively small amount of ash, which is sent to a landfill or sold to mining companies. The ...
