Manila Water upgrades East Ave STP with BNR system

The P676-million Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) Project at East Ave STP will regulate the discharge of harmful nutrients such as ammonia, nitrates, and phosphates into the environment. BNR systems are vital in ensuring that wastewater plant discharges will not harm marine life, decrease oxygen, and cause algal blooms in waterways.

MANILA, Philippines – To further ensure the health of waterways, Manila Water is currently upgrading its Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) system at its East Avenue Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Quezon City.

This technology will regulate the discharge of harmful nutrients such as ammonia, nitrates, and phosphates into the environment. BNR systems are vital in ensuring that wastewater plant discharges will not harm marine life, decrease oxygen, and cause algal blooms in waterways.

The P676-million BNR Retrofit Project at East Ave STP is an enhancement of the plant’s existing Conventional Activated Sludge (CAS) process to convert it to the Modified Ludzack-Ettinger (MLE) process, a more advanced treatment method that improves the removal of ammonia, nitrates, and phosphates from sewage.

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Slated for completion by the fourth quarter of 2024, the BNR project includes several key modifications and components such as structural modifications to primary settlement tanks, aeration tanks, and final settlement tanks. It also required the construction of a new building atop the aeration tanks, chemical storage tanks, flocculation tanks, a tertiary filtration system, polymer system, a generator set, and fuel tanks. Modifications were also carried out at the existing buildings to accommodate new belt press units and updated instrumentation control panels.

The project covers areas within Barangays Amihan and Quirino 3-B, with a network extending from Palosapis STP to East Avenue STP through the Anonas Lift Station. The network spans 263 linear meters, traversing Palosapis and Narra Streets.

With this project, the East Zone water concessionaire boosts its commitment to environmental sustainability and compliance with the Department of Natural Resources’ (DENR) Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards.

“For us in Manila Water, projects like the new BNR system at the East Avenue Sewage Plant is more than just a requirement to fulfill—it is a commitment to integrate environmental sustainability into our operations to better serve our customers,” Manila Water Communication Affairs Group Director Jeric Sevilla said.

Manila Water’s BNR project underscores the company’s dedication in promoting public health and environmental stewardship in the East Zone concession.