Largest BAF System in North America Bound for Baltimore

Kruger Inc. (USA), a Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies company, was recently awarded a contract for the supply of a new BIOSTYR Biological Aerated Filter (BAF) system for the City of Baltimore’s Enhanced Nutrient Removal Facilities. The facility is capable of treating an average flow of 81 MGD, a peak daily flow of 150 MGD, and when completed, the Patapsco WWTP will operate the largest BAF system in North America.

The BIOSTYR system features twenty-two (22) individual cells to provide tertiary nitrification as part of the Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plant’s initiative to reduce the quantity of nitrogen being discharged into Chesapeake Bay. Effluent from the BIOSTYR will be fully nitrified with a guaranteed ammonia level of less than 1.0 mg/l. The design engineer, Rummel, Klepper and Kahl, LLP (Baltimore, MD), began the technology selection process seven years ago, and in 2006 the BIOSTYR system was identified as the best value for the City. The value was demonstrated by the BIOSTYR system’s low life cycle cost and extremely compact footprint. With project funding, final design/permitting and the general construction contract in place, the BIOSTYR facility is now being constructed at the Patapsco treatment plant site.