City of Arcadia – Reed Beds at WWTP

Arcadia has some of the largest aerated lagoons in Wisconsin, including significant industrial contribution.  Sludge accumulation occurs at a rapid rate and removal/disposal costs were significant.  In addition, finding nearby land disposal sites would become a challenge in the future.  A collection system was designed to capture the settled solids and pump it to a reed bed dewatering process.  The reed beds allow for infiltration and evapotranspiration of water, thereby reducing the frequency and volume of sludge to be disposed.