Howard F. Curren Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant Master Plan Improvements, Phase I

Originally built in the early 1950s, the Howard F. Curren Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant (HFC AWTP) is a two-stage, high-rate activated sludge biological nitrification / denitrification domestic wastewater treatment plant that has been expanded over the years. Throughout the plant, there were multiple significantly aged areas that needed to be upgraded or replaced to continue operating.

Led by Reliable Tampa Partners, a joint venture partnership between Garney and Wharton Smith, Inc., the team took on this project to enhance the plant’s capacity and effectiveness in treating an average flow of 96 million gallons per day (MGD). The annual average daily flows are approximately 60 MGD with peak flows around 200 MGD.  The project includes a comprehensive range of improvements throughout the facility. 

These include enhancements to the junction chamber, screen and grit buildings, primary sedimentation tank, high-purity oxygen reactor, filtration, effluent water system, main pump station and discharge channel, biogas and digestion system, sludge drying bed, and standby power. The project also included the replacement of blowers and the dewatering facility. 

In addition, a new Federal Emergency Management Agency base flood elevation was adopted and mandated by the City of Tampa for new and improved structures, which requires major equipment (both mechanical and electrical) to be raised one foot above this new base elevation. 

The rehabilitation of the HFC AWTP marks a significant milestone in maintaining system reliability, increasing operational efficiency, and ensuring compliance with current and future regulatory requirements.