20 April - Oxidation ponds all return to green!
Aerators already making a big difference to pond health
The 16 aerators we have installed on Oxidation Pond #1 are already making a significant difference to the biological health of the pond system. The aerators’ performance is also exceeding the strict design criteria set by the Council staff.
Monitoring by both wastewater treatment plant operations staff and contractors is showing that all ponds are now recording higher dissolved oxygen levels, and visual observations are showing the ponds look healthier.
Observations of the aerators have also shown the initial sludge disturbance has settled down quicker than anticipated, with the water being aerated by the aerators running clear, with no ongoing sludge disturbance.
This has resulted in a negligible levels of odours and hydrogen sulphide now being emitted by the ponds; our monitoring over the past months had shown these levels were slowly beginning to increase.
All this means the ponds are now in a much healthier, robust position as we head into winter, and we’re able to return all ponds to ‘green’ in the pond tracker.
This rapid response in pond health, and the additional performance provided by the aerators, means the systems we’ve installed are more resilient, and the future risk of odours is now reduced compared to previous forecasts.
However, there will continue to be an underlying risk of odours being present around the wastewater treatment plant until the permanent solution for the treatment process is completed.
Below is a drone video that Apex Water Ltd shot after the 16 aerators on Pond 1 were installed and switched on.
Installing the aerators
In case you missed it, here's a link to the Newsline story we published last week about the 16 aerators we installed on Oxidation Pond 1.
The story gives a good background into why it was necessary and how they will help reduce odours over the winter months.
Stay updated
We want everyone to be able to stay updated on our response and recovery from the treatment plant fire, and we regularly post new information and reports on ccc.govt.nz/wastewaterfire
If you know of anyone who would like to receive this e-newsletter they can subscribe online.
If you have any questions, or would like further information on the project, please call us on 03 941 8999 or 0800 800 169 or email wastewater@ccc.govt.nz
Thanks for your patience and understanding. We’ll be in touch again soon.
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