Chad Dotson, Waste Water Plant Manager
Chad Dotson, Waste Water Plant Manager
110 Lawson Street
Centerville, TN 37033
(931) 729-4265
The Town of Centerville wastewater treatment plant was established in 1968. It was a 350,000-gallon-per-day contact stabilization-activated sludge treatment plant. In 1984, it was upgraded to a 750,000 gal/day extended aeration-activated sludge plant. The most recent upgrade was completed in 2014, making the plant a 900,000-gallon-per-day plant with a 2,000,000-gallon equalization basin.
Covering over 3 acres, the Centerville Waste Water Treatment Plant is qualified to handle the town's waste needs for years. This plant plays a vital role in industrial recruitment by ensuring prospects of our ability to serve their needs.
Waste Water Testing
Waste Water Testing
The wastewater is delivered to the Duck River and undergoes extensive testing in the plant's spotless laboratory. Daily tests ensure the water meets all requirements set by state and federal regulations. The wastewater is cleaner than the water initially drawn from Swan Creek, unlike in years past when sewage was scarcely treated.
The plant performs several complex tests regularly to treat the wastes thoroughly. The testing requires constant reporting to the State, EPA, and other authorities to stay compliant. To illustrate the kinds of testing, the photos below are of labels posted above hanging clipboards of reports the staff complete daily or several times per week.
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Total Suspended Solids
Dissolved Oxygen, Temperatures, and Settled Material
Parts of the Waste Water Treatment Plant
Water Quality Testing Laboratory
The laboratory plays a crucial role in keeping odors down and ensuring the efficiency of the treatment process. Like any modern chemistry lab, there is an array of specialized equipment for chemical and biological tests.
Precise stirring and mixing equipment adding chemical reagents
A digital microscope tests for microorganisms
Multi-staged separation of organic wastes
The EQ Basin is the largest tank in the plant. It measures 57 feet across and 19 feet deep and can hold up to 1.9 million gallons.
Aeration Blowers
Greg Edwards monitors the aeration of wastesThree 100-horsepower air blowers are used for aeration, introducing oxygen into the wastewater. This allows aerobic bacteria to break down the waste without creating excessive odors. The Aeration Basin is where oxygen is introduced. Microbiological activity here continues the treatment process.Clarifier Basin
The Clarifier Basin or "Settling Basin" is where solids can separate and "settle" as part of the treatment process.
Belt Press
This is the belt press. Its function is to "dewater" the sludge. The dried sludge is trucked offsite and used for fertilizer.
Sludge Disposal
The dried sludge is hauled to a local farm for fertilizer application on a hay field. Previously, it was taken to the landfill, where it was charged a heavy fee for disposal. The sludge is a very good fertilizer, and it saves the city and the farmer money.
