WASTEWATER DIVISION
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The Wastewater Division is responsible for the
treatment and disposal of all waste water
(sewage) that is generated in the Sanitary Sewer
Service Area (SSA ) in a method that meets all
State and Federal requirements. The SSA includes
City of Burlington, Bohner's Lake Sanitary
District, and Brown's Lake Sanitary District.
The Water Pollution Control
Facility at 6551 S. Pine Street performs complex
processing of wastewater in order to keep our
environment safe and pollution free. It
processes wastewater from the City and
surrounding areas to produce clean water which
is discharged into the Fox River.
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The facility employs 10 people.
Its staff is skilled in chemistry, biology,
mechanics, maintenance, electronics,
secretarial, supervision and management.
Burlington Water Pollution Control operators are
certified by the State of Wisconsin in
wastewater treatment to ensure adequate training
to perform the necessary tasks at the treatment
facility.
MISSION
To be the responsible custodian of wastewater collection for all current and future customers, consistent with local and state regulations, as well as industry practices and standards. We strive to provide service in the most cost-effective manner possible, and to educate the public about the benefits of being a good water use steward.
Take
the virtual tour to learn about the processing
performed at the plant.
Virtual Tour |
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Contact Information
Connie Wilson -
Utility Manager
Water Pollution
Control Facility
6551 S. Pine Street
Burlington, WI 53105
Email:
bwwtp@bizwi.rr.com
Phone: 262-342-1173 for:
Water outage or main break
Water/sewer bills
Phone: 262-539-3646 for:
Wastewater information
Plant tours
Drinking water testing program
Water/Sewer Direct Payment Plan
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. — 3:30 p.m.
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Treatment Plant History
When Burlington first built the sanitary sewer system in 1920, the world was a very different place. There wasn’t the widespread concern for the environment and, more specifically, water quality was not a priority. In fact, it could be said that many people took water quality for granted.
By the 1930s, as more people moved into the City, our community and government became more aware of and concerned about the quality of the environment. During this period the existing plant was upgraded to secondary treatment when two trickling filters and a final clarifier were installed.
In the 1960s, when water quality surveys began to show the extent to which our natural waters were polluted, Burlington began planning for a plant expansion that would ensure a cleaner discharge to the Fox River. Later in the 1970s, the Brown’s Lake Sanitary District installed a sanitary sewer system that discharged to the City of Burlington’s wastewater collection in order to protect the waters of Brown’s Lake.
Construction of the most recent phase of treatment expansion and improvements began in 1989 and was completed in 1992. The latest endeavor has prepared Burlington for the future with greater efficiencies than ever before. This expansion enables the Water Pollution Control Facility to grow with the Burlington area community while continuing to effectively provide the best wastewater treatment services possible.
OTHER SERVICES
Receiving Station Waste
The treatment plant accepts high-strength liquid waste from
industries outside of Burlington’s sewage district. Permits for these wastes are
issued by plant staff in accordance with guidelines published by the Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources. Fees paid by industries using this service
allow the plant to generate revenue, which reduces rates for sewer customers.
This station also serves rural residents by accepting wastes from holding tanks
and septic tanks.
Laboratory
The laboratory facilities at the treatment plant are certified
by the Department of Natural Resources to provide full support for wastewater
treatment processes. The staff conducts over 75 daily tests and a full range of
wet-chemistry analyses on samples from the various stages of wastewater
treatment.
In addition, the laboratory monitors compliance parameters for
water quality standards and the discharge permit limits set by the Department of
Natural Resources to assure adequate treatment of wastewater prior to discharge
into the Fox River.
Area citizens may also utilize laboratory services for testing
drinking water Monday through Thursday at a nominal cost.
BioSolids Management Program
Biosolids (sludge) are the stabilized and de-watered organic
solid products of the facility’s solids process. While many people believe
biosolids are waste, they are actually a valuable resource. Like animal manure,
biosolids are part of the natural cycle of life. They contain nutrients like
carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, sulphur, calcium,
iron, magnesium, molybdenum, copper and zinc. Utilization of biosolids provides
a natural, organic alternative to petroleum-based chemical fertilizers and
eliminates the need to dispose of these materials at local landfills.
We apply over 550 tons of biosolids each year to farm fields.
Because of the high organic content, biosolids can improve soil structure and
tilth (suitability of land for growing crops), increase intake and retention of
water, promote desirable drainage, reduce crusting and runoff, and permit easier
seed emergence. Organic matter is the ingredient that gives life to the soil and
is the storehouse of food for crops. Microorganisms in the soil utilize this
organic matter as energy while releasing the nutrients for use by growing
plants.
The Biosolids Management Program at the City of Burlington
Water Pollution Control Facility ensures the safe agricultural re-use of the
biosolids product. Land application rates are computed based on crop needs. The
application rates fully comply with regulations set forth by the Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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