Constructed in 1974, this treatment facility, located in Kentucky's capital, has a treatment capacity of approximately 18 MGD. To improve plant safety, GRW evaluated and subsequently designed a new chemical feed system (incorporating on-site generation of 0.8% sodium hypochlorite) to replace the existing gaseous chlorine disinfection system.
GRW also designed a new building and a building addition as part of the project. A new disinfection facility was constructed to house the process equipment for the sodium hypochlorite generation system, and a filter/chemical feed building addition accommodated housing of the new chemicals. As a part of the design, common chemical containment areas for acidic and basic materials were separated for safety reasons.
Sustainable design features include architectural skylights and wall panels for natural lighting in the new chemical feed building. In addition, the power rectification units, which provide the correct power for the generation equipment, produce heat during the conversion. This byproduct heat energy is utilized during the colder months to warm the facility, and is distributed throughout the building by thermostatically controlled fan and louver units.
The Frankfort Plant Board and GRW were honored to receive an Engineering Excellence Honor Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies for this project.