Upper Blackstone Tertiary Treatment

This past fall the Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District (UPWPAD)began operating at increased rated capacity (up to 150 MGD from 56 MGD) and with tertiary treatment methods wherein specific bacteria break down phosphate and nitrate compounds (decreasing effluent levels by a factor of 10), which can lead to eutrophic and hypoxic aquatic environments. Ann Cohen instructs the students above on the topic. As well students observe the final output of treated water to a canal that flows directly into the Blackstone River near Route 20 and 146. The recent record rains had a volume of wastewater flow into the plant peaking near 190 MGD, which the plant was able to manage.

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