The 6.5 MGD (million gallons per day) Borough of Ambler Wastewater Treatment Plant uses trickling filters to treat wastewater from residents in the Borough of Ambler and the Townships of Upper Dublin, Lower Gwynedd, Whitemarsh, and Whitpain. The original was plant designed in 1960 for an average daily flow of 1.5 MGD, then expanded to 3.25 MGD in 1968. An upgrade and expansion for an average daily flow of 6.5 MGD was constructed in the early 1980s. Final treated effluent is discharged to the Wissahickon Creek.
Numerous process improvements have been constructed over the past 30 years, including additional pipes, pumps and valves to treat more wastewater from high flows during storm events as well as upgrades to reduce the quantity of nutrients and chemicals discharged to the creek.
| Preliminary treatment to remove grit and screenings (rags, flushable wipes, etc.) became operational around 1995. These units help prevent clogging of pumps and pipes. |
Gas chlorine was used to disinfect the effluent, with sulfur dioxide added to reduce the chlorine discharged to the creek. In 1999, these two chemicals were replaced with an ultra-violet (UV) light disinfection system.
| In 2000, forced air ventilation was installed at the trickling filters to improve treatment performance and to reduce odors. |
In 2002, Dissolved Air Flotation was installed for final clarification and to remove Phosphorus from the wastewater. The Borough received a $100,000 Pennsyvania Department of Environmental Protection Growing Greener Grant for this project.
