Macon Water Authority – Lower Poplar Water Reclamation Facility (WRF)
Project Overview
ClearStream Environmental was selected to provide all new stainless steel internals and bridges for multiple clarifiers and thickeners at the Macon Water Authority’s Lower Poplar Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) in Macon, Georgia.
The contract scope included:
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- (2) 110-ft Diameter Primary Clarifiers
- (2) 110-ft Diameter Secondary Clarifiers
- (1) 55-ft Diameter Thickener
- (2) 45-ft Diameter Thickeners
Haren Construction Company, Inc. performed the demolition and installation work, while the Haskell–SACAL team led the design-build contract for the overall wastewater treatment facility refurbishment.
Project Challenge
Macon Water Authority’s engineering team needed to replace the aging suction header internals in the secondary clarifiers but was uncertain which clarifier technology would best meet their current operating conditions.
Having previously installed ClearStream suction pipe clarifiers, the operations team shared positive performance data with ClearStream President Larry DeBirk, who met onsite to discuss system performance and optimization opportunities.
ClearStream Solution
After a collaborative review, ClearStream recommended upgrading to a Spiral Blade Clarifier Design — engineered to improve sludge collection efficiency and achieve a thicker underflow concentration.
Key design features included:
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- Spiral Blade Configuration: Continuously directs heavier sludge toward ClearStream’s unique spiral manifold system, enhancing solids handling and minimizing plugging.
- Retrofit-Friendly Design: Utilized the existing RAS pipe within the center column, eliminating the need for floor cuts or repositioning of the RAS piping.
- Improved Solids Management: The spiral manifold design ensured more uniform solids removal, improving clarifier performance and reducing maintenance needs.
Results
The new secondary clarifier internals delivered higher process reliability, better sludge consistency, and
improved system hydraulics — all while minimizing installation time and civil modifications.
This project demonstrates ClearStream’s expertise in clarifier retrofits, wastewater process optimization, and custom-engineered treatment solutions for municipal and industrial clients.
Project Summary
Owner: Macon Water Authority
Location: Macon, Georgia
Engineer: Haskell–SACAL Design-Build Team
Contractor: Haren Construction Company, Inc.
Equipment Supplier: ClearStream Environmental
Resources and Related Links
Macon Water Authority – Lower Poplar Water Reclamation Facility (WRF)
Equipment in this Case Study
>> Clarifiers
>> Thickeners