Utilities Division

Biosolids Recycling - WPCP and WTP together recycle approximately 10 million gallons per year of Biosolids blended with spent lime to local agricultural operations. The biosolids replace chemical based fertilizers and have the added benefit of any residual lime value that will serve as a pH adjustment to Wayne County’s typically acidic soils. One ton of this material contains approximately 600 lbs. of organic material, 13 lbs. ammonia nitrogen, 15.8 lbs. phosphorus, 2 lbs. of potassium as well as many other micro nutrients.
In addition to the benefits realized by the farmers that receive this material, by reusing this product, instead of disposing of it as a solid waste, it avoids disposal in a landfill. Based on 10 million gallons per year, by land applying biosolids it conserves 1.34 million cubic feet of landfill space per year.
The Biosolids Program is closely regulated by both Ohio and US EPA. The program must meet all the conditions specified under 40 CFR 503 (Code of Federal Regulations).
If you are interested in being part of this recycling program, please contact the WPCP at (330) 263-5290 for more information.

Energy Use Reductions - the City recently upgraded the WPCP. In doing so, the facility was designed with energy use reductions in mind. These reductions came through the better use of existing naturally occurring biochemistry, high efficiency electrical lighting and motors, as well as real time control of the system thereby optimizing the treatment units to ensure no wasted energy. To date, not including energy savings from the Cogeneration Facility, the WPCP has experienced a reduction in electrical use of approximately 2400 kWh per day, or enough energy to light up one thousand light bulbs (100 watt) 24 hours a day. This results in a financial savings of approximately $3000 per month.
The City used the Ohio Department of Development Innovative Energy Grant #ELF-05-46 to create our Cogeneration Facility.

Chemical Use Reductions - formerly the WPCP utilized Sodium Hypochlorite (high strength bleach) for disinfection of the wastewater prior to discharge to the Killbuck Creek. This also required the addition of another chemical to remove the remaining chlorine from the water to prevent harm to aquatic life. If either chemical was overdosed, negative impacts to aquatic life were possible. The City chose to utilize ultraviolet light to disinfect the wastewater thereby eliminating the use of these hazardous chemicals.

Sewer Separation Projects - The City's Engineering and Utilities Departments have aggressively pursued the separation of storm sewers from the sanitary sewer system. The separation projects reduce the overflow of untreated sewage to local streams during wet weather and thereby protect stream health. These projects also reduce the amount of wastewater pumped during storm events further reducing the amount of electricity needed to operate the WPCP.

Water Line Leak Surveys - The City's Utilities Department conducts frequent line leak detection surveys. By conducting these surveys and locating leaks, this facilitates repairs and reduces the loss of treated water. By lowering the amount of treated water lost, the City reduces treatment costs by reducing power and chemical use as well as conserving natural resources by only using the amount of groundwater necessary to supply the City's actual water needs.

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) vial recycling - The WPCP is required to conduct various tests to determine the strength of wastewater. COD is used for industrial compliance monitoring, high strength waste monitoring, EPA compliance monitoring and routine process control monitoring. The test utilizes a prefilled glass vial that contains a chemical containing a small amount of mercury that is utilized as part of the reaction. Previously, the contents were poured down the drain with other liquid wastes in the laboratory. The WPCP now collects these vials and send them back to the vendor where they recover the mercury and recycle the vials. This prevents the introduction of mercury into the waste stream.