PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
- Commissioned February, 2012
- Domestic WW, Greenfield
- Permit(s); Discharge
- 10/1/2 (TN/TP/Turbidity)
- POTW => Lake
- MMF Capacity: 0.35 MGD
- $27.43/gal
- 2 FTE (Full-Time Employees)

This is a membrane bio-reactor plant, and it will produce probably the highest quality effluent in the state. - Julie Spencer
DESCRIPTION
Located at the north end of Flathead Lake, Bigfork, MT is considered a summer resort community and is one of the fastest growing areas of Flathead County. It was determined that the existing trickling filter plant would no longer be able to meet the treatment demands of this growing community. Along with their consulting Engineer, Bigfork selected MBR technology for its extremely high effluent quality and small footprint. Ovivo's MBR was evaluated highest against two other MBR providers and was determined to provide the highest value and the lowest total cost. The system is designed for expansion as the area continues to grow. In the meantime, Montana's first MBR plant also has the ability to thicken waste solids in an un-used process train using Ovivo's Storm Master™ technology.
LOCATION
Bigfork, MT
IMAGES

PROJECT OVERVIEW
System Type(s) | Ovivo ® MBR, StormMaster |
---|---|
Previous Facility Type | Trickling Filter |
Owner | Bigfork Water & Sewer District |
Engineer | Morrison-Maierle |
Contractor | Swank |
Operations | Bigfork Water & Sewer District |
Delivery Method | Pre-Selection |
Time To Retrofit | 18 months |
Total Installed Project Cost | $9,600,000 |
PLANT DESIGN INFORMATION
Fine Screen Type | Band Screen |
---|---|
Aperture or Slot Size | 2 mm |
Supplemental Aeration Technology | Fine Bubble, Tubes |
MBR Blower Type | Positive Displacement |
Solids Management Data | Aerobic Digestion, Membrane |
SCADA System | Thickening |
Disinfection Method | Wonderware |
# Process Stages | UV |
MBR (MEMBRANE ZONE) DESIGN
Filtration Mode | PAG (Pump Assisted Gravity) |
---|---|
# of Reactors : | 3 |
Submerged Membrane Unit (SMU) | RM200, KUBOTA® |
# SMU | 12 |
Design Flux (MMF) | 14.02 gfd |
Minimum Temperature | 11°C |
Peak Factor | 2.0 |
# of Maintenance Cleans | 4 |