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Final Effluent
Total Suspended Solids
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Total suspended solids (or TSS) is the measure of any floating or suspended bits of solid matter. High TSS levels in the plant effluent would indicate process problems in the plant. The effluent permit limit for total suspended solids is 30 mg/L.
The graph represents how well GBMSD did at staying well below our permit limit. |
Ammonia
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Removal of ammonia from the effluent is required because of its toxic effect on fish and other aquatic life. Ammonia is one of several common forms of the element nitrogen. It's also a common constituent of wastewater. Within the biological section of the treatment plant, ammonia is converted to nitrogen gas by specific types of bacteria through processes known as nitrification and denitrification. The nitrogen gas is released to the atmosphere where it is already a natural component.
The discharge permit limit for ammonia varies seasonally because ammonia is more toxic at warmer temperatures. The graph shows that we consistently stay well below the most stringent permit limit. |
Phosphorus
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Phosphorus provides a nutrient or food source for algae. Too much algae in water is often unsightly, and can cause odor problems. Microorganisms that feed on dead and decaying algae can cause serious oxygen-depletion problems in receiving waters, which in turn can kill fish and other aquatic wildlife.
Water quality regulating agencies recognize the need to protect rivers and lakes from excessive nutrient levels and algae growth. Because of this, water reclamation plants are required to remove phosphorus in the effluent in order to protect the receiving waters by eliminating this nutrient that can cause algae growth. The graph shows how well GBMSD did at staying below the 1.0 mg/L permit limit. |
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
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Biochemical Oxygen Demand (referred to as BOD) is the rate of oxygen consumption from water or wastewater by microorganisms, which are converting the waste materials to simpler compounds. The oxygen "uptake rate" can be measured, indicating the amount of waste in the sample.
The effluent permit for a form of BOD, Carbonaceous BOD (CBOD), is 25 mg/L. The graph shows how well we've done at staying below that limit.
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