The treatment process is designed on the basis of the influent characteristics and effluent requirements listed below. Design flows and loadings were developed in detail in the Preliminary Engineering Study for Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements, prepared for the Fountain Sanitation District, and dated December 1995. Influent alkalinity, which was initially not well established, was determined for design by testing by the District. Effluent requirements are as set forth in the Districts NPDES permit.