Tahoe-Truckee Sanitation Agency Clean Water Revitalization

The Tahoe-Truckee Sanitation Agency (T-TSA) took a proactive approach to modernizing its water reclamation plant (WRP) to prepare for future operational needs and evolving nutrient regulations while continuing to provide reliable wastewater treatment service. Serving communities throughout the North Lake Tahoe and Truckee region, the WRP has reliably treated wastewater for decades, with a majority of the facility dating back to the 1970s. While the plant consistently achieves excellent treatment performance, many critical processes are reaching the end of their useful life and require increasing maintenance. Combined with the potential for more stringent nutrient requirements and the complexity of the existing treatment train, this prompted T-TSA to seek a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient long-term solution that can serve the community for the next 50 years and beyond.

Following a comprehensive evaluation of nutrient removal alternatives conducted by Carollo Engineers, T-TSA selected a new five-stage activated sludge membrane bioreactor (MBR) facility as the preferred solution based on its long-term reliability, operational simplicity, reduced chemical dependency, and overall life-cycle value. Carollo is now leading the design and permitting of the Clean Water Revitalization Project, helping T-TSA advance a modern, efficient treatment facility while maintaining uninterrupted operation of critical existing infrastructure.

The planned improvements will replace a complex, chemical-intensive treatment train with a streamlined nutrient-removal process centered on a five-stage Bardenpho biological nutrient-removal system and advanced MBR technology. Designed for a treatment capacity of 12.5 mgd average day maximum month (ADMM) flow, the new facilities incorporate phosphorus sequestration, advanced automation and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) integration, and energy-efficient aeration systems. Guided by Carollo’s robust, easy-to-operate, logically laid out, and innovative (RELI) philosophy, the design prioritizes efficient operations, reduced chemical use, and flexibility for future treatment needs.

When complete, the Clean Water Revitalization Project will provide T-TSA with a modern, highly automated treatment facility capable of meeting current and future nutrient objectives while reducing operating complexity, chemical use, and life-cycle costs. By combining advanced biological nutrient removal, membrane treatment, and operational efficiencies, the project provides a practical model for utilities seeking to improve performance while preparing for future regulations and long-term infrastructure needs.