A First for Morocco: Trickling Filters Incorporated into Newly Commissioned Wastewater Treatment Works

Station Approach, Dorking, United Kingdom, November 3, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Providing a better environmental effluent discharge and improving odour control, Morocco is now benefiting from the use of trickling filters at the newly commissioned Khenifra Wastewater Treatment Works.

“Biwater have been a part of many ‘firsts’ across the region, and indeed across the world. This first is signficiant for Morocco, as it signals a shift towards heightened environmental awareness.

We are delighted that these works are complete, as they will benefit everyone in Khenifra for years to come. The treatment process being adhered to will ensure that ground water and surface water are free from contaminants

Naoum Abdellatif, Manager of South Sewage Division of Office National de l'Electricite et de l'Eau Potable - Branche Eau (ONEE)

“The incorporation of trickling filters into the design process at the wastewater treatment works in Khenifra, will ensure that the effluent being discharged meets higher wastewater treatment quality standards, while also improving odour conditions in and around the plant,” said Giles Jackson, Regional Director for Africa, Biwater Internaltional Limited.

Prior to the adoption of trickling filters, facultative and maturation lagoons were used ahead of discharge of the effluent into the watercourse.

The treatment process at the Khenifra Wastewater Treatment Works from start to finish includes: Initial clarification of the influent by settling and sedimentation within Imhoff tanks, biological treatment via trickling filters and secondary settling, followed by drying beds for sludge dewatering.

“We are delighted that these works are complete, as they will benefit everyone in Khenifra for years to come. The treatment process being adhered to will ensure that ground water and surface water are free from contaminants,” said Naoum Abdellatif, Manager of South Sewage Division of Office National de l’Electricité et de l’Eau Potable – Branche Eau (ONEE).

The new wastewater treatment works will serve a population in excess of 150,000 in the city of Khenifra. Biwater will operate and maintain the plant for ONEE for two years.