At the award-winning Turkey Creek wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), site superintendent Tim Woodward remains enthusiastic after 37 years in the role, as the facility embarks on its latest phase of expansion.
Despite the considerable seasonal pressures caused by fluctuating population levels at Indiana’s largest and most popular lake, Woodward is pleased to see the plant’s capacity increase by 60% at a cost of just USD 500,000. This is significantly lower than the USD 8–9 million that many had anticipated.
The investment comes in the form of two new 11-foot rotors from Lakeside Equipment Corporation to improve mixing and aeration. One rotor is expected to be operational before the Fourth of July, when daily plant flow typically surges from its winter low of 300,000 gallons to around 1.2 million gallons.
Woodward explained that the decision to purchase the Lakeside rotors instead of installing a new oxidation ditch was made after extensive discussions with the Board of Trustees, engineers, and other stakeholders. “We discussed the options long and hard with Lakeside, Ken Sobbe at Faco LLC, Jones & Henry Engineers, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, and our operating staff,” he said.
Reliable Equipment Since 1989
“Many of the Lakeside bearings, gear reducers, and electric motors we use are the originals from when the plant was first built in 1989, so we have every confidence in their equipment, as well as the support we’ve always received,” Woodward added.
The plant, operated by the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District (TCRSD) in Cromwell, has seen substantial upgrades over the years, including the installation of four Lakeside rotors and two clarifiers during its initial build, and two additional clarifiers added in 2018. Despite approximately USD 60 million worth of capital projects during Woodward’s tenure, the plant had been approaching its design capacity.
“Our team of seven operators are very proud that we haven’t had a permit violation in more than seven years,” Woodward noted. “Lake Wawasee is one of the most popular recreational lakes in the Midwest, so we are under constant pressure to protect it. We work closely with the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation and the local community to safeguard water quality.”
Treatment Process and Technology
Turkey Creek’s activated sludge facility processes wastewater through influent screening, six submersible pumps, and two Lakeside oxidation ditches, soon to be supported by six rotor aerators. This is followed by four Lakeside clarifiers, ultraviolet disinfection, and post-aeration before discharge into Solomon Creek.
Lakeside’s Magna Rotor Aerators provide oxygen to the biological mass and ensure uniform mixing to prevent solids from settling. Their design allows the system to manage variations in organic loading effectively. Circular clarifiers, equipped with rotating sludge collectors, further improve treatment efficiency, enabling the plant to achieve over 99% removal of ammonia nitrogen.
The final effluent is disinfected using ultraviolet light before being released. Waste-activated sludge is processed via aerobic digestion and drying beds, with the resulting biosolids distributed to local farms.
Community and Growth
Turkey Creek currently serves 2,600 customers and 230 potable water users in the Enchanted Hills area. Following the pandemic, more people have chosen to live permanently at Lake Wawasee, resulting in higher demand. The facility has also taken on an additional 190 customers from the Syracuse Lake area. Over the years, approximately 2,600 septic systems have been removed, contributing to improved water quality.
Woodward emphasised the importance of ongoing maintenance and the reliability of Lakeside’s equipment. “From day one, I’ve found Lakeside equipment extremely durable and easy to maintain. Greasing and oil changes are straightforward, and technical support is excellent. Parts are available quickly, and Ken Sobbe from Faco LLC has been a tremendous local resource.”
Recognising Long-Term Partnerships
Woodward and Sobbe together bring decades of industry experience, with Sobbe having attended 50 WEFTEC events. Woodward began his career mowing grass for a local utility at the age of 14 under a federal employment programme before joining Turkey Creek in 1989. He became superintendent in 2007 and has written his own sludge-to-waste software for the plant.
“With Lakeside, it is always a long-term view,” Woodward said. “Their equipment has helped us achieve the best possible outcome for our budget. I’ve always had the support of our volunteer Board of Trustees, including Bob Dunford, who has dedicated over 30 years of service and helped us win numerous state awards, including Lakeside’s 2024 Plant of the Year Award.”
Dan Widdel, vice president at Lakeside Equipment Corporation, added: “Tim and his team are a credit to the industry. Turkey Creek demonstrates how proper maintenance and dedication to environmental stewardship can make a real difference.”
