Release of Partially Treated Wastewater at Richlands Plant
The Richlands’ Wastewater Treatment plant has experienced a release of partially treated wastewater and solids at the plant’s discharge site into Squires Run. The release of the partially treated wastewater was a result of the #1 clarifier’s sludge blanket unexpectedly rising and overflowing. The operator who discovered this situation immediately began evasive actions to stop the blanket from continuing to overflow at the effluent weir, and the rotors were shut off to reduce the flow of solids to the clarifiers. After the #1 clarifier was emptied and inspected it was found that the three (3) 1 1/2” return holes on the RAS collection arm were clogged with debris. The holes were cleaned, the return line was disassembled and jetted and the decision was made to enlarge the holes in the collection arm to reduce the possibility of future clogging. Appropriate remediation and disinfection measures were taken at the site of the release. The estimated volume prematurely released is 6,000 gallons and the North Carolina Division of Water Resources has been notified of the incident. ONWASA is continuing to investigate the situation and a report will be provided to NCDWQ within 5 days of the occurrence
