An aerial photograph taken on September 7th showcases the ongoing construction site of the sewage treatment plant upgrade project in Tiemenguan City, part of the Second Division. The project has entered its decisive phase as workers race against the clock to complete the facility.
On September 3rd, the construction site buzzed with activity as tower cranes stretched their long arms and engineering vehicles shuttled back and forth. Workers were installing HVAC ductwork beside the denitrification deep-bed filter, while technicians inside the high-density sedimentation tank workshop conducted single-machine commissioning with instruments in hand. The entire project is now in its final sprint stage.
"We are currently at a critical juncture where various construction processes are progressing simultaneously. We monitor the construction progress and installation quality daily to ensure the project is delivered on schedule," said Li Xiaoyong, the project director from Xinjiang Kexin Engineering Management Consulting Co., Ltd. He noted that the civil engineering main structures for both the first and second phases have been completed, with over 80 workers on-site daily, concurrently advancing electrical wiring, water supply and drainage pipe installation, and HVAC equipment commissioning.
As one of the ten key livelihood projects for 2026 in Tiemenguan City, the sewage treatment plant upgrade has drawn widespread attention from local residents and workers since breaking ground. With the rapid urban expansion of Tiemenguan City, the existing plant's daily treatment capacity of 20,000 cubic meters can no longer meet the city's development needs, necessitating urgent improvements in both treatment capacity and effluent quality. To address this, the Second Division has invested 74 million yuan to upgrade the plant, increasing daily treatment capacity from 20,000 to 30,000 cubic meters and raising effluent standards from Grade 1B to Grade 1A.
The project is being implemented in three phases. The first phase focuses on main structures such as the biochemical tank and high-density sedimentation tank workshop. The second phase includes supporting facilities like the denitrification deep-bed filter, internal roads, landscaping, and outdoor pipelines. The third phase is responsible for installing and commissioning sewage treatment equipment and automation systems. Currently, the overall project progress has reached 93%, with civil engineering essentially complete and equipment installation wrapping up.
At the denitrification deep-bed filter work area, local worker Zhang Yongjian was laying cables alongside his colleagues. "Being able to participate in building a livelihood project at my doorstep is both rewarding and meaningful. I hope it's completed and operational soon," he said. During the construction period, the project has created 50 to 80 temporary jobs, with local workers accounting for over 60% of the workforce, providing employment opportunities for residents while advancing the project.
What changes will the improved treatment capacity bring to Tiemenguan City? "Once operational, both the city's sewage treatment capacity and effluent quality will reach a new level," said project manager Zhu Yaoxiong. The treated reclaimed water will also be used for urban green space irrigation, reducing fresh water consumption and boosting the efficiency of recycled water utilization. The project employs a treatment process combining pre-treatment, biological treatment, advanced treatment, and disinfection, providing deep treatment for major pollutants such as organic matter, ammonia nitrogen, and total phosphorus. The denitrification deep-bed filter enhances biological nitrogen removal, ensuring effluent quality while potentially reducing the use of certain chemical agents.
The project simultaneously expands processing capacity and raises discharge standards. Once completed, it will enhance both the city's sewage treatment capacity and effluent quality. The treated reclaimed water, estimated at 3 million cubic meters annually, will support urban greening and provide strong backing for Tiemenguan City's urban construction and industrial development. Now entering the final stage, the project team is working against a tight schedule with detailed task assignments, accelerating the installation of water, electricity, and HVAC systems along with equipment commissioning while ensuring construction safety and quality.
"Our next priority is to complete equipment installation and joint commissioning, ensuring smooth connections between all process units and stable system operation in preparation for official launch," Li Xiaoyong explained. The project is expected to be fully completed and handed over by the end of September. From enhancing sewage treatment capacity to promoting reclaimed water recycling, this livelihood project will operate in coordination with existing sewage treatment facilities once operational, further strengthening Tiemenguan City's sewage treatment capabilities, providing more stable safeguards for urban domestic sewage treatment, and adding momentum to the city's green development.