The Pollution Control Facility activated sludge west basin went into service in November, (City of Hastings, Courtesy)
HASTINGS — The City of Hastings’ wastewater treatment process recently saw a boost in efficiency.
At the Pollution Control Facility (PCF), on the eastern edge of Hastings, the west portion of the treatment basin and new blowers for the basin recently went into service.
The PCF activated sludge plant includes an east basin and a west basin. The east basin had been in service the entire life of the activated sludge process, since it was put into service in 2014.
Bringing the west basin into service includes the installation of new air diffusers.
Air blowers move large amounts of air to the diffusers. The diffusers work to keep the wastewater well mixed and provide oxygen to the microbes in the mixture that break down contaminants.
Air production for the basin is a big electrical expense. The new blowers have dual cores, and operators are able to better control the amount of air delivered to the system, saving electricity. Having better control of air delivery will also help with potential future contamination regulations such as phosphorus and nitrate removal.
Physical work on the west basin began in fall 2024. The west basin went into service Nov. 11, 2025.
Activated sludge is a biological process that uses microorganisms and oxygen to treat wastewater. Pollution Control Facility has seen three primary wastewater treatment systems since its commissioning in 1980.
These upgrades have produced ever cleaner water and continue to keep Hastings Utilities in compliance with environmental regulations.
