An engineered system using SAFPLANK^® and various FRP structural members has helped the town of Smithfield, Rhode Island solve an odor control problem.

After fielding complaints from surrounding residents about the odor coming from a waste treatment facility, the town of Smithfield looked for ways to eliminate the odor. The town found the answer to its problem by installing a SAFPLANK^® odor control system on previously uncovered tanks at its waste treatment facility.

"We're in a very tight residential area and odors are probably the number one public concern here," said Steve Wold, project manager for US Filter Operating Services, the company that maintains the wastewater treatment facility.

He said the facility opened in 1978 and ever since then there were constant complaints from nearby residents. Since the installation of SAFPLANK^® covers in the fall of 2000, Wold said there hasn't been a single odor-related complaint.

Fiberglass Fabricators, a Strongwell distributor, worked with the town to engineer the system. Tony Capo Sr., president of Fiberglass Fabricators, and chief engineer Don Ganegoda modified the cover system to meet regional standards set by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

In addition to SAFPLANK^®, the project features a modified 32' FRP freespan structural I-beam and modified hatches in the cover which allow workers access to the tanks.

Ganegoda said Strongwell's strength standards set the company's products apart from other fiberglass products. SAFPLANK^®'s rugged, durable yet lightweight qualities make the product easy to install and modify to meet their customers' needs for circular and rectangular covers.

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