Wastewater Treatment Process

The Grade III plant produces on average .657 mgd of excellent quality effluent in compliance with all parameters of the facility's NPDES permit.

The two-stage Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) plant receives flows from nearly 30 miles of main sewer lines and two intown lift stations.  The flow passes through a mechanical bar screen, then grit removal facilities and then flows to the treatment facility through a 24-inch gravity sewer along the west side of the West Nishnabotna River, through a double 16-inch siphon under the river and then through a 24-inch sewer to the treatment facilities.

At the treatment facilities the flows pass through a comminutor basin where the large solids are cut into smaller solids.  The flow then enters a pumping station where it is pumped to the primary clarifiers.  Influent flow measurement is accomplished at this point by magnetic flow meters located on the pressure line to the primary clarifiers.

Flow from the primary clarifiers is biologically treated in a two-stage RBC system.  The RBC effluent flow to the final clarifiers where the biological solids are settled out.  The final clarifier effluent is discharged through a 24-inch effluent pipe to the West Nishnabotna River. 

The City's main industrial contributor to the facility is Monogram Foods.  The City has a pre-treatment agreement with Monogram Foods.  Their pre-treatment plant is staffed and operated by Monogram foods.  Weekly sampling and inspections are performed by City of Harlan staff.

In 2016, the construction of the new Ultra-violet (UV) system was completed and brought online.

Ultra Violet (UV) System
Click picture to see larger image

Wastewater Treatment Plant Staff

• Tim Gessert, WWTP Superintendent
  Grade III Wastewater Certification
  Cell Phone:  (712) 249-0130

• Glenn Carlson, WWTP Assistance Superintendent
  Grade III Wastewater Certification

• Mike Hadfield, WWTP Sludge Hauler
  Grade II IDNR Certification

• Ian Erickson, WWTP Mechanic

Mike Hadfield and Glenn Carlson

Tim Gessert

Pictures courtesy of the Harlan News Advertiser and Tribune