South Burlington Initiates $44M AI-Enabled Wastewater Treatment Upgrade
South Burlington is set to invest $44.3 million in upgrading its Bartlett Bay wastewater treatment facility, incorporating AI technology. The project aims to improve water treatment efficiency, reduce chemical usage, and enhance water quality discharged into Lake Champlain.
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The Bartlett Bay wastewater treatment plant in South Burlington will undergo a $44.3 million renovation starting this fall, with a construction timeline of approximately two years. This upgrade aims to enhance the facility's water-holding capacity and reduce chemical usage from 44,000 gallons annually to 9,000 gallons, saving the city about $130,000 each year.
AI technology, specifically a digital performance platform, will optimize operational processes by adjusting chemical blowers based on real-time water flow data. The facility, operational since 1970 and upgraded in 1999, currently treats around 800,000 gallons of wastewater daily.
The project is financed through a $34 million bond approved by voters and additional funding sources. The upgrades are crucial for minimizing phosphorus discharge into Lake Champlain, addressing environmental concerns linked to algae blooms. Increased wastewater utility rates will support the financing for residents connected to the system.
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