Uniform Aeration. Optimized Performance.
Biofilters that treat a large airstream successfully with limited space available.
Odor control is an essential component of modern wastewater treatment facilities, particularly in densely populated urban environments.
To improve air quality and reduce odors from key process areas, Humber Wastewater Treatment Plant, the second-largest wastewater facility in Toronto, installed two large biological odor control systems utilizing the BioAer® floor system. Unlike conventional outdoor biofilters, Humber's primary centralized biofilter was constructed within a below-grade reinforced concrete vault.
The Challenge
Humber Treatment Plant required an odor control solution capable of:
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Treating nearly 90,000 CFM of odorous process air
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Providing uniform airflow beneat deep wood-chip media
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Supporting reliable long-term biological treatment
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Integrating within a unique below-grade structure beneath an active parking lot
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Maximizing available plant space without sacrificing performance
The BacTee Solution
BioAer® aeration flooring was selected to provide even air distribution across both biofilters while supporting the wood-chip media bed.
The installation included approximately 22,500 square feet of the BioAer® floor system across two biofilters:
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Central Biofilter: 83,672 CFM
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South Primary Biofilter: 5,003 CFM
Uniform airflow across the entire media bed helps maximize media utilization and biological treatment performance while minimizing channeling and dead zones commonly associated with less uniform air distribution systems.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Humber project is the centralized biofilter's below-grade configuration. Rather than occupying valuable plant property, the primary biofilter was constructed inside a reinforced concrete vault beneath the parking lot. This approach allowed the City to incorporate a large biological odor control system while preserving surface space for plant operators and vehicle access.
The project demonstrates how BioAer® flooring can be successfully incorporated into complex municipal infrastructure where available space is limited.
