FRP Building Provides Year-Round Protection for State Park Wastewater Equipment
A Tennessee state park recently upgraded its aging wastewater facility to a modern package plant featuring bicarbonate dosing and UV disinfection. The facility needed a single building to protect both systems, so the project engineers chose a Shelter Works fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) shelter. The insulated FRP building provides a controlled environment for the chemical feed equipment and UV disinfection system while supporting the long-term wastewater infrastructure needs of a recreational property open year-round.
The ChallengeReplacing Aging Wastewater Infrastructure
Reliable wastewater treatment is particularly important at public recreational facilities where demand can vary by season and weather can pose operational challenges. This state park offers camping and other recreational activities to both day-use visitors and overnight campers. The park also includes campground and restroom facilities that contribute to wastewater treatment demand.
The park is located along a lake that supports boating, fishing, paddling, and other water sporting, making proper wastewater treatment essential for protecting the surrounding environment and wildlife.
The new wastewater facility uses a bicarbonate metering system that acts as both a chemical pH buffer and a carbon source during aerobic treatment. The treatment process also incorporates UV disinfection to disinfect the treated effluent before discharge. The bicarbonate metering pump, chemical storage tank, and UV disinfection equipment require reliable protection from weather and temperature extremes while maintaining the electrical, HVAC, ventilation, and access features necessary for proper operation and maintenance.
The SolutionCustom Fiberglass Wastewater Treatment Building
Shelter Works supplied a 10' x 12' x 8' fiberglass building designed around chemical feed and UV disinfection systems.
Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) construction provides a durable, low-maintenance enclosure for wastewater treatment applications where moisture and chemical exposure can accelerate the deterioration of conventional building materials. The building protects the 360-gallon bicarbonate storage tank, metering pump, UV disinfection equipment, and associated components from outdoor conditions while providing operators with an enclosed workspace for system monitoring and maintenance.
Insulation & Structural Reinforcement
The shelter incorporates multiple features designed to improve thermal performance and structural integrity:
- 2-1/2" foam insulation in the walls
- 4-1/2" Elfoam insulation in the roof
- 19/32" OSB reinforcement in all walls
- 6068 double doors with a 15" x 15" safety glass window
- 6" fastener spacing
- PE-stamped drawings
Integrated Electrical, HVAC & Ventilation
The fiberglass building includes factory-installed electrical and environmental control components that support the equipment housed inside. A NEMA 4X three-phase load center provides electrical distribution for a package that includes:
- GFCI receptacles
- Infrared occupancy sensor
- Interior LED light fixture
- Emergency light
- Exterior LED light with photocell
- Light switch
- Line-voltage thermostat
- Through-wall air-conditioning unit
- Wall heater
- 7" intake fan with insect screen
- 10" exhaust fan with insect screen
The insulated construction works with the building's HVAC system to maintain a stable operating environment year-round for the chemical feed and UV disinfection equipment. Double-door access simplifies equipment installation, maintenance, and replacement.
The ResultsProtected Equipment Supporting Final Effluent Treatment
Shelter Works collaborated with Brent Fulghum of Southern Sales, Inc., and the project's engineers to custom-design and manufacture a fiberglass building around the specific requirements of the equipment housed inside. Structural reinforcement, insulation, and factory-installed electrical, HVAC, and ventilation systems create a prefabricated turnkey enclosure that arrives on-site ready for installation.
The resulting shelter functions as an integral part of the park's new wastewater treatment system by protecting equipment used for pH control, process support, and final effluent disinfection. This collaborative approach provides a reliable enclosure solution that supports effective wastewater treatment while helping protect the surrounding environment that makes this Tennessee state park a destination for camping, hiking, boating, fishing, and other water-based recreation.