Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota - United States Air Force

Optech Monette is responsible for managing the Ellsworth wastewater treatment facility and specific systems in a manner that is safe, effective and efficient. The Ellsworth AFB wastewater treatment plant consists of a biological treatment system employing the trickling filter process to achieve advanced secondary treatment levels. The plant utilizes primary and secondary treatment processes. The plant has two (2) anaerobic digesters, one fixed cover and one floating cover. We provide effluent discharge monitoring at 3 outfalls and the WWTP. We operate and maintain the wastewater treatment plant laboratory including all safety items, chemical storage and disposal, mixing of reagents; indicators, buffers, etc. We also operate and maintain 7 lift stations by accomplishing daily operational checks of each station on pumps and motors, wet wells, control panels, and other related equipment.

A belt press is used for de-watering sludge generated at the facility. De-watered sludge is disposed of at the Rapid City landfill, prior to disposal; sludge has to pass a paint filter test. Optech processes more than 150 tons of dewatered sludge annually at the facility.

In 2007, this facility received the State of South Dakota’s DENR Municipal Operation & Excellence Award.