Waste Water Treatment Plant Tour
Learn more about how this unique facility operates, including: the active role of microorganisms, strategic energy and chemical use, and the role of computer automated monitoring and control systems.
Curriculum module media
This is not your ordinary water treatment plant tour! During this walking tour, students will hear stories about the history of the facility- from the shutdown of the former Homestake Gold Mine, and subsequent flooding, to the unique challenges of reactivating the plant to meet the needs of an underground science laboratory.
Determined plant operators and scientists have made innovative advancements in the field to tackle a variety of issues, setting the bar for waste water treatment across the country.
The Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) now utilizes a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) system as part of its wastewater treatment plant. This technology helps remove contaminants from water pumped from the underground and from the Grizzly Gulch tailings impoundment. The MBBR system, along with other treatment processes, ensures the water released into Gold Run Creek meets stringent environmental standards.
WWTP Tours ---Thursdays
*Hard hats will be provided.
*Sturdy shoes are required. No sandals, high heels or open-toed shoes will be allowed.