15-YEARS OF BUILT UP MATERIAL REMOVED IN MOUNT DORA, WHILE IN OPERATION

Two structures at the Mount Dora Wastewater Treatment Plant were overdue for cleaning, having built up a significant amount of sand and grit as well as other debris over the last 15-years.  USST crew mobilized to the site armed with the versatile Combination^3® Truck, well-prepared to handle the multiple setups needed to complete the project.

A large oxidation ditch measuring approximately 50-feet wide by 330-feet in length was the first structure the crew tackled.  While the structure was in full operation, USST utilized the Combination^3® Truck’s downhole pump and 49-foot extendable boom combined with the GritGone Process^® to remove approximately 287-tons of sand and grit material.  Because the tank did not have to be taken offline or drained down in this case, confined space entry was not required.

Next, the USST crew turned to the second structure needing to be cleaned, an oxidation ditch and grit removal chamber measuring approximately 40-feet wide by 130-feet in length.  A drain down was necessary to effectively reach the material, and all work was performed via confined space entry by the USST crew. 

The Combination^3® Truck’s powerful vacuum technology was utilized to remove approximately 343-tons of sand, grit, biosolids, and rag material.  The vacuum is powered by a blower capable of delivering nearly double the CFM of a standard vacuum truck.  This allowed the crew to remove large amounts of material and complete the job quickly. 

“Every setup of USST’s Combination^3® Truck was utilized on this project between the two structures,” said Paul Del Favero, one of USST’s seasoned Field Supervisors.  “Having the ability to switch between downhole pumping and vacuum modes depending on the situation allows us to always be prepared for what we find on a project.”

In total, approximately 630-tons were removed from the two Mount Dora structures and were disposed of offsite, restoring capacity to the treatment plant.

The city was also able to take advantage of Florida’s Sand and Grit Grant Program, which makes it possible for communities to address the ongoing issues of sand and grit accumulation in wastewater treatment facilities by reimbursing 50-100% of restoration costs.  If you are a publicly-owned, Florida municipality with an average daily flow of 3MGD or less, you may be eligible for state grant assistance.  Call (844) 765-7866 or email our knowledgeable representative, Michelle Roberts at mroberts@ussubmergent.com to get details about Florida’s Sand and Grit Grant Program.

Need a structure cleaned quickly or have a facility that must remain online?  USST is well-equipped to perform sand and grit removal from both wet or dry conditions, while in operation, and can do so at a higher production rate than most vacuum trucks.  Give one of our representatives a call for a free site assessment at (844) 765-7866 or contact us to learn more.