Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection at Durham Wastewater Treatment Plant

completed

The project will replace the chlorine disinfection with ultraviolet (UV) disinfection rather than chlorination and de-chlorination of the treated effluent. The objective is to achieve a zero chemical discharge to the Saugeen River. The chlorine residual is currently in the order of 0.5mg/L or more whereas the guidelines restrict this level to below 0.02mg/L of total chlorine residual. The treatment plant in the existing condition is unable to comply with the provincial and federal treated effluent discharge requirements. This happens due to the chlorine residual level exceeding the guidelines limit. The chlorine residuals are undesirable due to an adverse impact on the natural aquatic environment of the receiving water body, the Saugeen River.