Environment Council of Rhode Island

...building an ecologically healthy future in a sustainable economy

Wastewater Ultraviolet Disinfection System

In 2003, the Town of East Greenwich completed the construction of their Wastewater Treatment Facility's Ultraviolet Disinfection (UV) system. The Town is the first municipality in the State of Rhode Island to have a wastewater plant that utilizes this new treatment process. The safer UV system replaced the hazardous chlorine gas treatment system. The new system can treat approximately 1.7 million gallons of wastewater per day and reduces or eliminates other pathogens in addition to fecal coliform. UV disinfection is better for the Greenwich Bay ecosystem, the community, and the employees working at the facility. The Town is collaborating with RI DEM to monitor the progress and effectiveness of the treatment process, so that other municipalities might similarly upgrade their facilities.

Award Type: 
John H. Chafee Outstanding Conservation Project/Program
Award Year: 
2004