GrokSurf's San Diego

Grit processing equipment at the Point Loma plant

The San Diego City Council adopted a resolution at today’s (Tuesday) meeting approving the plans and specifications for the construction of the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant Grit Processing Improvements Project (Project).

Quoting from the project description from the council docket:

The Grit Processing Improvements Project (GIP) is located at the existing Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant (PLWTP). Presently, the PLWTP has six aerated grit basins constructed between 1962 and 1988. The south grit tanks were part of the original PLWTP construction. The central and north pair of grit tanks was added in 1983 and 1988, respectively. This project will reconstruct the south grit tanks and its adjacent pump gallery; replace the head works building with a drive through facility and new grit processing equipment. It also includes an interim grit processing facility to allow processing to continue during construction.

Adequacy of the grit removal is a major issue because of the wear and tear the material causes on the downstream equipment and the decrease in treatment capacity and efficiency. It is estimated that PLWTP spends $1,000,000 a year on grit removal from plant digesters. The material also affects the operations, maintenance and performance of the Metro Bio-solids Center.

The total estimated cost of this project is $33,453,006.75. Project cost may be reimbursed approximately 80% with current or future debt financing. The project is scheduled to be funded in four phases Fiscal Year 2011 thru Fiscal Year 2014.

Click here for full supporting materials for the project.