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Improving Water Treatment Redundancy and Expansion Potential with a New Clarifier
Challenges & highlights
Prior to this project, the facility operated without full redundancy in its clarification process, limiting the ability to take existing clarifiers offline for maintenance or rehabilitation without risking disruption to treatment operations. For a plant that must maintain consistent performance year-round, this posed a significant operational constraint.
Roaring Fork Engineering conducted detailed hydraulic modeling and system evaluations to determine the appropriate sizing, number, and placement of clarifiers to meet both current regulatory requirements and projected future flows. These findings informed the final design, ensuring the system could reliably meet state standards while accommodating long-term growth.
The project was further complicated by site constraints and the need to maintain continuous plant operations throughout design and future construction. RFE worked closely with the Town and local contractors to develop a cost-effective solution that balanced constructability, performance, and operational continuity.
The new clarifier was integrated into the plant as a primary treatment unit, introducing more modern, reliable equipment into daily operations. The design also positions the facility to eventually decommission one of the older clarifiers, freeing up space for future capital improvements.
The results
This project delivered a fundamental shift in how the facility can operate. With the addition of a new clarifier, the plant now has the redundancy needed to take equipment offline for maintenance without interrupting treatment processes.
Operators have greater flexibility to respond to maintenance needs, manage system performance, and plan upgrades without the constraints that previously existed. The improved configuration also strengthens the plant’s ability to consistently meet effluent quality standards.
Beyond immediate operational benefits, the project establishes a clear path for future improvements by creating space and flexibility within the facility footprint. This positions the Town of Carbondale to continue investing in its wastewater infrastructure while maintaining reliable service to the community.
Elevation: 6,181
Location: Carbondale, CO
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