Public Works flags gravity thickeners at Hampton plant as more than 30 years old

The Presenter described sludge thickening processes and identified gravity thickeners as a specific aging asset. "The gravity thickeners at the Hampton Wastewater Treatment Plant are over 30 years old and require new mechanisms to ensure continued operation," the Presenter said, noting that thickening removes water and reduces sludge handling costs.

He named the equipment used for thickening (gravity thickeners, the rotary drum thickener, and the rotary press) and explained that thickening lowers disposal and storage costs by reducing sludge volume. The Presenter did not provide replacement or retrofit cost estimates; the issue was presented as one of multiple aging components that may be included in the March warrant article.