Just in time to celebrate Earth Day 2021, Waupun Utilities will initiate the groundbreaking of their $36 million wastewater treatment plant upgrade project on May 6th, funded through $28 million in low-interest loans and an $8 million grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Program. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recently reduced the phosphorus discharge limits at Waupun by more than 95% resulting in limits lower than 0.05 milligrams per liter. To comply with these new ultra-low phosphorus limits, the algae-based Advanced Biological Nutrient Recovery (ABNR) system was selected as the most cost effective, long-term solution for compliance. The ABNR system uses algae to uptake phosphorus from the wastewater and then processes the phosphorus-rich algae into a marketable co-product. This dried algae product will be sold for use in a wide array of commercial products and offer an additional revenue source for the utilities. Construction commencing in May 2021 is expected to be completed early in 2023. The project is strongly supported by the USDA and will be recognized nationally through the USDA’s Press Release included at the link below.
Daily Citizen Article - Waupun Starts Wastewater Upgrade Project
