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Engineer warns of freezing risks and high MLSS at Paradise Township wastewater plant
Summary
Rettew engineer Aaron Dewald told the Paradise Township Sewer Authority the plant faces winter freeze risks and is operating with MLSS above recommended levels; the firm recommended valve and insulation checks and evaluating heat tracing, and noted a ferric storage-tank registration due June 4, 2026.
At the Paradise Township Sewer Authority meeting on March 2, 2026, engineer Aaron Dewald of Rettew detailed operational concerns at the township wastewater treatment plant and recommended near-term mitigation steps.
Dewald said sustained cold weather creates an operational risk of freezing. To reduce freeze-related failures, he recommended keeping selected valves open during winter months to avoid stagnant water, inspecting and repairing insulation on piping and valves, and evaluating the installation of additional heat tracing on susceptible equipment.
The engineer also reported the plant is operating with a mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentration above the recommended range, a condition Dewald said is adversely affecting the biological treatment process; the minutes do not specify the MLSS numeric value. Dewald noted the ferric storage-tank registration is due June 4, 2026, and recommended starting work on the NPDES permit renewal for 2027 by October 2026; the board authorized Rettew to complete the tank registration and table the NPDES renewal work for later consideration.
Board members did not record any public-comment objections during the session. The board asked Rettew to proceed with the registration and to report back.
