Advisory For Meramec River From Fenton To Mississippi River Remains In Effect
Work continues on restoring full treatment at the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District’s (MSD) Fenton Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Fenton, Missouri. Regular testing of the Meramec River by MSD also continues. The latest results can be found here. 
In the most recent results, you will find a green colored number next to the numbers we reported for the February 25, 2015, testing. This is testing that the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) is conducting as well. While there is a difference in the MDNR and MSD numbers, it is normal to have this type of variance.
The most recent MSD testing, conducted on March 2, 2016, shows an increase in E. Coli levels, both upstream and downstream of the Fenton WWTP. As stated in our last update, volume of river flow, the amount of direct sunlight on the river, has it rained or snowed recently, and other factors all impact bacterial degradation and water quality results. Accordingly, test results will fluctuate – sometimes dramatically – in one direction or the other.
Missouri American Water is also conducting independent testing of their drinking water. Results of this testing can be found at www.missouriamwater.com. Once at the homepage, find the “Water Quality Reports” header in the upper right corner. Underneath this header is a link titled, “Drinking Water Quality Update: South St. Louis and Jefferson Counties.”
As of February 28, 2016, MSD contractors have worked over 11,500 hours to restore operations at the plant. Much of the work has been related to electrical systems at the plant. Thus far – and as an example of the extensive nature of the repairs that are needed – approximately 73,000 feet (or approximately 14 miles) of electrical wiring has been replaced.
On March 1, 2016, MSD begin using additives to enhance primary treatment. (Primary treatment is the stage at which solids are removed from the wastewater stream.) Dosing rates are still being adjusted, but the hope is that this temporary step will lead to more efficient removal of solids from the wastewater stream, thereby reducing the bacterial load that is discharged into the Meramec River. The effectives of this will be evaluated over the coming days and weeks.
Off-site restoration of the permanent belt filter press was completed last week. It will take a couple weeks to re-install the permanent belt filter press at the Fenton WWTP. However, this is an important step in restoring the primary treatment process to normal operations.
On-site work continues on the systems that provide secondary treatment and disinfection, which are the two steps in the wastewater treatment process after primary treatment. Specifically, work is focusing on the aeration equipment and ultraviolet light disinfection systems. Crews worked through the weekend to further progress on the aeration equipment. With stormy weather forecasted for this week, contractors are striving to complete as much aeration equipment installation as possible.
Based on the current assessment of the damage and time needed for repairs, it is estimated that secondary treatment will be restored in mid-to-late March. Full treatment of wastewater will be brought back on-line in April. Other repairs to ensure backup systems and restore other non-critical functions of the plant will take longer.
While there is no immediate threat to the public’s health or safety, the public is still advised to avoid contact with the Meramec River from Fenton, Missouri, to the Mississippi River. Signs have been posted in areas where the public may readily come into contact with this section of the river. If anyone should come into contact with the river in this area, it is recommended they immediately and thoroughly wash with soap and water.
MSD will continue weekly water quality monitoring of the Meramec River near the Fenton WWTP.
Until the full treatment process is restored at the Fenton WWTP, MSD will make regular updates available on its website, www.stlmsd.com.
For previous updates and other information on the impacts of the December 2015 rains and floods on MSD operations and the Fenton WWTP, please visit http://www.stlmsd.com/blog.
For weekly videos of ongoing work at Fenton WWTP, please visit https://www.youtube.com/user/YourMSD.