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Village of Gowanda Wastewater Treatment Plant

Gowanda upgraded its WRRF to replace aging infrastructure, improve efficiency and regulatory compliance, and support future growth. Improvements included new headworks, pumps, UV disinfection, SCADA controls, and energy-efficient system upgrades.

Village of Gowanda Wastewater Treatment Plant

Client

Village of Gowanda

Location

Newfane, NY

The Village of Gowanda modernized its Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) to replace aging infrastructure, improve treatment efficiency, meet updated regulatory requirements, and support long-term community needs. Originally built in 1959 and upgraded in 1992, the facility serves Gowanda, parts of Perrysburg, and surrounding areas in Erie and Cattaraugus Counties.The project was driven by a significant reduction in wastewater flows following the closure of the Gowanda Correctional Facility, which cut influent flows by about 50%. Wendel conducted a comprehensive evaluation through NYSERDA’s FlexTech Program to identify cost-effective improvements that would optimize operations for current conditions while allowing for future expansion.

Key upgrades included:

  • A new influent pumping station with high-efficiency pumps.
  • Modernized screening and grit removal systems.
  • Construction of a new headworks building.
  • Rehabilitation of primary and secondary treatment processes, including clarifier and sludge-handling improvements.
  • Replacement of chlorine gas disinfection with a Trojan UV disinfection system, improving safety, reliability, and compliance with updated SPDES permit requirements.
  • New sludge pumps, electrical and HVAC upgrades, and implementation of a modern SCADA system for real-time monitoring and control.

Funded through a combination of state grants and low-interest financing programs, the completed improvements will provide better treatment performance, increased operational reliability, lower energy consumption, and enhanced protection of regional water resources for years to come.