The City of Lowell's Wastewater Division is starting the process of a major infrastructure overhaul, and in the process is going GREEN in a big way, leading the charge in modern enregy efficiency. Some of the noticeable improvements are: - PV – 50 kw roof top being installed on two buildings, Process and Maintenance.
- Green roofs – ~3000 of extensive vegetated roofs and 6000 of intensive vegetated roof (on Admin Building with public access for public education).
- Rain water Cistern – is being added to the Admin Building to capture runoff (excess from Admin after vegetation capture) and from Process Building. Water will be used to irrigate front shrubs and supplemental water for sprinkler irrigation of vegetated roof on Admin Building.
- Rain garden to capture and treat flow from front access vestibule for Admin Building
- Admin Building renovations, which replace older, inefficient lighting with energy efficient lighting and HVAC systems
- High Efficient Turbo Blowers to replace existing lower efficiency PD blowers, saving about 20-30% in energy costs for aeration.
- Installation of high efficiency motors to replace older 350 HP motors for existing screw pumps.
- Passive solar heating wall to provide supplemental heat in the Influent Pumping Station Screen Room.
- Pervious concrete parking area.
- Retention basin for runoff from new maintenance area adjacent to the Influent Pumping Station.
This was funded by $4.6 million 100% Loan Forgiveness Green Infrastructure SRF monies (no payback), and another ~$1.4 million in ARRA funding for the other plant improvements (no payback). | 