Orange County Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades

The Orange County Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades project was initiated to address capacity issues, as the plant was operating at 75% capacity and needed to meet Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) standards. With an average flow of 1.22 MGD, the upgrade aimed to increase capacity to 1.52 MGD. The existing conventional plant was outdated, in disrepair, and situated below the floodplain. AWC focused on modernization and elevation adjustments, including extensive upgrades to the plant and raising structures to meet new floodplain levels. Improvements included the influent lift station, installation of new equipment such as pumps and mechanical bar screens, and modifications to the chlorine contact basin and tertiary filter to comply with EPA total maximum daily loads for Adams Bayou. Funded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), the project also transitioned the system from conventional treatment to a Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR), enhancing efficiency under low or intermittent flow conditions and maximizing energy efficiency. The successful completion of the project ensures compliance with TCEQ regulations and underscores AWC’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being.