The new solids handling facilities will significantly reduce the amount of solids discharged to the Potomac River as part of the water treatment process. From the basins, solids will be pumped to the solids handling building and gravity thickeners, where thickening and dewatering of the solids will occur. The solids will then be stored within the building in a silo, until they are hauled offsite by trucks. Erection of the steel frame for the building is nearly complete. Stormwater management structures and yard piping will also be completed during that time.
Work is currently on going in two other basins.
The contractor, Danis Environmental Industries, Inc., began work on February 2, 2000. WSSC is under Consent Degree from the MDE to have the facilities in-service by December 1, 2001.