Water Resource Recovery Facility Improvements
Project Features
- Wastewater Facility Plan
- BioWin™ Process Modeling
- Treatment Alternatives Analysis
- Headworks Facility Improvements
- Grit Removal System
- Influent Pump Station Replacement
- Activated Sludge Treatment System
- Primary Clarifiers
- Sludge Handling & Dewatering Facilities
- Electrical & Control Building
- Phased Facility Improvements
- CWSRF-Funded Project
Services We Provided
- Wastewater Facility Planning
- Preliminary Engineering Reports (PER)
- Process Modeling & Analysis
- Treatment Process Design
- Headworks & Pump Station Design
- Solids Handling Design
- Electrical & Controls Coordination
- Funding Assistance
- Preparation of Construction Plans & Specifications
- Preparation of Bidding Documents
- Construction Administration & Observation
For more than four decades, Miller & Associates has worked alongside the City of Kearney to improve and expand its Water Resource Recovery Facility, helping the community maintain reliable wastewater treatment services while preparing for future growth and regulatory changes. Since 1986, our team has assisted with numerous facility upgrades, including improvements to solids handling, screening, clarification, biological treatment, pumping systems, and disinfection processes.
As critical facility components approached the end of their service life and future permit requirements became a concern, Miller & Associates completed a comprehensive Facility Plan in 2015 to evaluate long-term treatment needs. Using advanced biological process modeling, multiple treatment alternatives were analyzed to identify the most cost-effective and operationally reliable approach for addressing anticipated ammonia, nitrogen, and future phosphorus treatment removal.
Based on the planning effort, the City elected to move forward with a phased improvement program. Phase I focused on modernizing solids handling operations through the construction of a new screw press dewatering facility and support buildings. These improvements established the foundation for larger treatment upgrades planned in future phases.
Phase II represented a significant expansion and modernization of the treatment facility. Working closely with City staff, Miller & Associates refined the project scope to align with projected growth, operational priorities, and regulatory considerations. Improvements included a new headworks facility with modern screening equipment, the City’s first grit removal system, replacement of the aging influent pump station, installation of new activated sludge treatment infrastructure, primary clarifiers, sludge handling equipment, electrical and control facilities, and odor control systems.
Funded through the Nebraska Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Loan Program, the project positions the City of Kearney to meet future treatment requirements while improving operational efficiency, reliability, and capacity. The long-standing partnership between Miller & Associates and the City reflects a shared commitment to proactive planning, responsible infrastructure investment, and protection of public health and environmental resources.