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August 22, 2018 Wastewater Treatment Plant Process Upset
FLORENCE, OR – Due to a recent exponential growth of a filamentous bacteria, the Wastewater Treatment Plant has experienced a process upset that may have resulted in periodic exceedances of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to the Siuslaw River. The filamentous bacteria, identified as S. natans, causes ‘bulking’ in the treatment process. This results in bulk material not settling out in the final stage of treatment prior to disinfection during high flow periods. The filaments interfere with the UV disinfectant process whereby the UV system is not as effective as it should be when the effluent is clear. This may result in higher levels of E. coli and enterococcus bacteria discharged into the Siuslaw River than as stated in our NPDES permit.
As of 2:00 PM Wednesday, August 22nd, operations at the Florence Wastewater Treatment Plant are improving and appears to be back within normal operational parameters. Our dedicated and highly trained wastewater treatment staff are working hard to restore the biological balance so that the plant can quickly return to normal operations. The goal is to neutralize the filamentous bacteria and restore the culture of “beneficial bugs" that are relied upon in the overall activated sludge process.
As a precaution, City staff have taken water quality samples in the affected area, upstream on the Siuslaw River and downstream on the Siuslaw River. Notices have been posted to advise the public of the potential hazards and to avoid contact with the water. Public is highly advised to thoroughly cook any shellfish harvested in the immediate vicinity of the Florence Wastewater Treatment Plant and to take universal precautions by washing hands with soap and clean water.
As always, the City will continue to monitor and test the wastewater effluent and areas upstream and downstream of the City discharge area until full permit compliance is achieved. Reports will be filed with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality per permit requirements.
