History

In 1978, the original three million gallons per day (MGD) plant was replaced by a 22 MGD, two-stage biological treatment plant, which uses bacteria to consume the dissolved and suspended organic wastewater material. In 1986, expansions and modifications to the facility were completed to provide 38 MGD of secondary treatment capacity for the central region. In 1994, the plant was upgraded to 43 MGD, and in 2005 the plant was re-rated to its current capacity of 55.7 MGD as a result of additional upgrades.

Operations/Equipment

GTL occupies approximately 10 acres of land and is comprised of a series of buildings, reactors, holding tanks, and pump stations. A pretreatment building, an air scrubber facility, and an oxygen control and compressor building is located on site. Oxygen storage tanks, cooling towers, oxygen reactors, sludge pumping stations, sludge dewatering facilities, clarifiers, screening processes, and disinfection facilities are also located on site. Five disposal wells, approximately 3,500 feet deep, are located about one mile from the site.

Wastewater from residential and commercial buildings is sent to the plant through force mains. The wastewater goes through several screening processes, pure oxygen treatment, and chlorination to render the wastewater safe for disposal. The wastewater is converted to its final form, called effluent. This effluent flows to a pumping station where it is sent into five deep injection wells for disposal. The wastewater process residuals (sludge) undergo further processing called dewatering prior to disposal at an approved landfill.

Hours of Operation

The plant operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to provide continuous wastewater treatment for the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, Oakland Park, and Port Everglades, as well as sections of Tamarac, the Town of Davie, and unincorporated Broward County.

Security and Emergency Backup

A state-of-the-art security system protects the plant, its employees, and the public’s infrastructure. A large 2,250 kilowatt diesel generator also provides emergency backup power for critical processes in the facility.

The Wastewater Treatment Process

The primary purpose of operating a wastewater treatment facility is to preserve the environment and protect the health of the community. This is accomplished by safely collecting and processing wastewater generated by residents and businesses within the community. From the time it leaves a property to the time it is safely disposed of, wastewater undergoes several screening processes and treatment. The flow of wastewater from its origination point to its final disposal is outlined below.

1. Collection System
   Wastewater, also referred to as raw sewage, travels through a collection system of pumps and underground pipes to GTL where it will be converted into its final form, called effluent.
2. Pretreatment
   Large debris and inorganic materials such as sand and silts are removed with specialized pretreatment equipment. Pretreatment protects process equipment and eliminates untreatable waste.
3. Oxygen Reactor
   Following pretreatment, the wastewater undergoes biological oxygen-activated treatment, which occurs when it is combined with cultured microorganisms and pure oxygen at the head of the reactor. The microorganisms ingest organics and grow within the reactor when vigorously mixed. This water is then delivered to a clarifier.
4. Secondary Clarifier
   A clarifier provides a tranquil “calm zone” where the microorganisms form clusters. These clusters consume any remaining organics. The clear, treated water is removed and disinfected with chlorine before final disposal. The remaining sludge at the bottom of the clarifier is transported back to the head of the reactor or removed from the treatment process as a waste product.
5. Waste-Activated Sludge
   To balance the system, a portion of the settled sludge is removed from the treatment process. Water is removed from this sludge prior to disposal.
6. Effluent Disposal
   The effluent flows to a pump station that pumps it approximately 3,500 feet below ground, via five 24-inch diameter deep injection wells, into a mineral rock formation known as the boulder zone. To protect the environment, effluent is deemed “acceptable” as long as it meets or exceeds federal, state and local regulations.

Effluent pump discharge check valve	Secondary clarifier walkway	Return sludge pump station