A Home for Sports — and Sewage

In Alexandria, VA, a new athletic field sits atop tanks that hold millions of gallons of sewage. According to The Washington Post, this is probably the first time an artificial-turf field has been placed above underground wastewater treatment infrastructure. So what's the idea? Officials wanted to meet a need for additional recreational space in the area and also give the neighborhood a less industrial look. The project was approved on the condition that the holding tanks wouldn't emit a foul smell, so microorganisms are used to absorb nitrogen and other odorous substances.

Editor's Note: This news brief was brought to you by the Water & Wastewater Systems eNewsletter. Subscribe today to have content like this delivered to your inbox