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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.

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1. What is the capacity of the Wastewater Plants?

Eastside: 26 million gallons per day (MGD)
Westside: 6.2 MGD

Please call 336-822-4732 for more information.

2. Where are the Wastewater Plants located?

Eastside: Guilford County in Jamestown
Westside: Davidson County in Thomasville

Please call 336-822-4732 for more information.

3. How long has the Wastewater Plants been in operation?

Eastside: Since the late 1920's (The current Plant has been in operation since April 2004, after the most recent upgrade)
Westside: Since 1930

Please call 336-822-4732 for more information.

4. What type of treatment processes are designed into the Plant?

Eastside: BNR (Biological Nutrient Removal).
Westside: Class IV Activated Sludge process.

Please call 336-822-4732 for more information.

5. What is the population served?

Eastside: Approximately 70,000

Westside: 25,000-30,000

Please call 336-822-4732 for more information.

6. How many people do the Plants employ?

The Plants Superintendent oversees both Plants.
Eastside: 13 Total - 8 Shift Operators, 4 Relief Operators, 1 Chief Operator
Westside: 11 Total - 8 Shift Operators, 2 Relief Operators, 1 Chief Operator

Please call 336-822-4732 for more information.

7. What do you do with the Residual Solids?

Thickened sludge (residual solids) is dewatered using a centrifuge. The resulting "cake" is transported to the Eastside WWTP where it is incinerated. The resulting ash is used in creating topsoil and as an additive in brick manufacturing. Please call 336-822-4732 for more information.

8. What are the requirements for being a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator?

A minimum of a High School diploma or GED, possession of a valid driver's license, and the ability to obtain a Grade II (North Carolina) State Wastewater Operator's certification within 2 years of employment. Find additional requirements and a job description.

9. What hours do the Shift Operators work?

Shift Operators currently work a 12-hour shift: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. (day), or 7 p.m. - 7 a.m. (night). Operators work 5 days on and 2 days off rotating from nights to days or days to nights every 28 days. This type of shift means the operators are on duty 14 days per month. Please call 336-822-4732 for more information.

10. What is the average number of years of experience for the Wastewater Operators?

Eastside: Approximately 9 years
Westside: Approximately 18 years

Currently only 2 operators have less than 10 years experience. Please call 336-822-4732 for more information.

11. What future treatment processes will be required at the Wastewater plants to meet future NPDES permit limits?

Eastside: Eastside is currently in compliance with the latest NPDES permit limits and no current need or plans to upgrade the current processes.
Westside: BNR (Biological Nutrient Removal). This will require upgrading the current Activated Sludge system, e.g., construction of additional aeration basins, installation of additional air supply blowers, renovation of the current air diffusing system, and construction of an additional Secondary Clarifier.

Please call 336-822-4732 for more information.