Mission, Purpose, Program

The mission of the South Cary Water Reclamation Facility (SCWRF) is to treat wastewater from the community to a level that meets or exceeds the permit limits issued by regulatory authorities as cost effectively as possible. In doing so, the plant will provide a safe, team-oriented environment in which quality workmanship, cooperation, high professional standards, and continuous improvement are emphasized and maintained.

The SCWRF, a 12.8 MGD facility, is a tertiary biological nutrient removal treatment plant that receives wastewater from the collection system on the south side of Cary. The wastewater is treated to high levels of treatment that meets water quality standards. After treatment and disinfection, the final effluent is discharged into Middle Creek, a tributary of the Neuse River, in a manner that protects the running streams from pollutants and contamination.

The plant is designed to remove BOD, TSS, ammonia, phosphorus, and various bacteria and viruses from its discharge. As a result of treating wastewater, a solid product (biosolids) is produced and a means for recycling it is needed. Liquid land application is the choice method of disposal and is accomplished by contract operators. Regional testing for sludge regulating (503 Federal Regulations) is performed by the South Plant Lab and a contract lab.

To protect the Town’s investment, an extensive preventive maintenance program is essential to the proper operation of the facility. Daily, weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly schedules of maintenance assure us that the equipment and processes are well maintained.

The SCWRF’s staff consists of sixteen regular employees and two part-time temporary employees. The positions include a Superintendent, one Chief of Operations and Maintenance, four shift Operators, one Lead Operation Maintenance Technician, five Operations/Maintenance Specialists, one Maintenance Technician II, one Maintenance Technician I, one Lab Supervisor, and a secretary whose time is shared with the North Cary Water Reclamation Facility. Operators provide around the clock surveillance and expertise in process control. Operations/Maintenance Specialists are cross-trained and can be used to relieve operators or do maintenance work. Maintenance Technicians provide preventive and corrective maintenance to the plant. Laboratory staff support operations through daily analysis and testing of wastewater process.

The SCWRF also has started an 864,000 gallons/day reuse system in June 2001.  This will allow sites to use our treated wastewater for irrigation purposes.

Cecil Martin, Plant Manager
4900 West Lake Road
Apex, NC 27502
P.O. Box 8005
Cary, NC 27512-8005
(919) 779-0697
(919) 662-8118 (fax)