IAI began serving the Port Austin community in 2016, earning a contract to provide the Port Austin Area Sewer and Water Authority (PAASWA) with full contract operations and maintenance services for the wastewater and drinking water systems. IAI also administers the PAASWA utility billing process using BS&A software, prepares monthly and annual reports for accounts payable, receivable, and handles bi-monthly customer billing. IAI serves as the central contact representing PAASWA to USEPA, MDEQ, and USDA.
Water Distribution System
The PAASWA drinking water distribution system includes 7.6 miles of water main, 180 water main valves, and 113 fire hydrants. There are more than 740 individual service connections to the system, providing homes and businesses with clean, safe drinking water. A 100,000 gallon pedestal style elevated storage tank provides the system with pressure.
IAI performs the following tasks associated with the PAASWA water system:
- Read individual meters bimonthly, and perform billing
- Exercise water main valves and check hydrants
- Flush water mains
- Make repairs (as needed) to water mains, main valves, and service valves
- Perform regular and emergency turn-on/off services
- Collect required water samples
- Check chlorine residual
- Prepare monthly and annual operations reports
- Administer cross connection program
- Install taps for new service connections
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Originally constructed in 1982 with a design flow of 0.225 MGD, as a modified lagoon system with aeration and upflow clarifiers, the PAASWA Wastewater Treatment Facility underwent major upgrades in 2010. It is now operating as a Class B activated sludge plant with extended aeration and tertiary filtration.
The plant utilizes the following wastewater treatment processes:
- Mechanical bar screening to remove debris
- Extended aeration for biological nitrification and ammonia reduction
- Secondary clarification with chemical addition for phosphorus removal
- Tertiary filtration for polishing effluent
- Disinfection to kill pathogens
The facility control building houses the administration office and a full wastewater laboratory, where required analysis is performed by IAI operations staff. Analyses performed include:ammonia nitrogen, total phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, pH, total and volatile suspended solids, BOD/CBOD, fecal coliform bacteria, temperature, and settlability.
Wastewater Collection System
The collection system consists of both gravity sewers and force mains, four pumping stations/lift stations, and approximately 30 grinder pump stations. The two primary pumping stations contain updated controls and have natural gas generators with automatic transfer switches to maintain power. A secure website allows operators to view pump status and alarm conditions, remotely.
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