Show All Answers

1. Why is there so much smell at the beginning of the plant at the step screens?

The waste stream coming from the north end of the City has to travel a long distance taking several hours to reach the plant. This results in a lack of oxygen and the formation of hydrogen sulfide creating a rotten egg smell. When the hydrogen sulfide first reaches the plant it is released to the atmosphere. If we had a means of capturing the gases and getting them to our odor control system the hydrogen sulfide would be removed. Please call 336-883-3111 for more information.

2. Is the treated wastewater leaving the plant safe to drink?

No, it has some bacteria remaining in the wastewater; however, the quality of the wastewater is as good as or better than the quality of the water in the receiving stream, in this case Randleman Reservoir, and does not have any negative impact on the lake. A portion of the treated wastewater flows to the far end of the lake and into the Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority Water Treatment Plant. It is then treated by coagulation and filtration through multi-media filters, membrane filtration and carbon filtration. The water comes back to the City as drinking water and is safe to drink. Please call 336-883-3111 for more information.

3. Is there someone at the plant monitoring it every day?

We have at least 2 operators at the plant at all times 24/7. Please call 336-883-3111 for more information.

4. What happens when you have a power failure?

We have emergency generators that will start up and are sized to provide sufficient power so that all the plant processes will remain online. It will take a few seconds for the diesel engine to start up and then to switch to generator power. We do have to shut down the dewatering and incinerator during a power outage. Please call 336-883-3111 for more information.

5. What happens to the ash remaining after the solids are incinerated?

In the past it has gone to a brick manufacturer and used as a filler in making brick. Currently, it is taken to the City of High Point Ingleside Compost Facility and used as a soil amendment. Please call 336-883-3111 for more information.

6. Why do you need to remove nitrogen and phosphorus from the wastewater stream?

Because these nutrients would cause the growth of algae, which would remove the oxygen from the lake and make it difficult for fish to survive. Another term for this is eutrophication. Please call 336-883-3111 for more information.