This wastewater must be pretreated before it can be discharged into the collection system. This assures that the biological process of treatment is not affected by heavy metal contaminants. Back to Map Bar Screens and Grit Removal - Bar screens trap and remove coarse debris as wastewater enters the treatment facility. This prevents mechanical damage or clogging of pipes, pumps and other equipment. After passing through the bar screen, wastewater enters a grit basin where the flow is slowed allowing sand, rocks and other heavy particles to settle.
Grit removal protects plant equipment and prevents loss of capacity due to solids accumulation.
Material from the barscreens and grit basins is deposited in the Larimer County Landfill after being washed and dewatered. Back to Map Primary Clarifier - In the primary clarifiers, wastewater is slowed to allow organic solids to settle. The solids are pumped to the anaerobic digesters and floating scum and grease are skimmed off the top. Back to Map Biotower - In the biotowers, wastewater from the primary clarifiers is applied over plastic or rock media. A biological process takes place that transforms the organic material into slime.