Sanger explains its wastewater treatment plant emergency

SANGER, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Sanger City Manager Nathan Olson says the plant was out of compliance with state regulations, and to expedite repairs, the city had to declare the matter an emergency.

“We’re just trying to get the plant back to a steady state of treatment,” said Olson.

He says the wastewater treatment plant needs attention because it hasn’t been maintained properly over the years -however, the city is working to add updated features so that the plant can function how it is meant to.

“We’ve added frequencies to the water, we’ve added nanobubbles that’ll help break down the fats, oil, and grease, which will help the overall ponds,” said Olson.

Olson says the technology used in the plant is still good, but the problem is with the lack of upkeep.

“We’re probably five years behind the schedule on some things for being cleaned, some a little bit longer.”

Concerns of an odor permeating the town were what initially prompted the city to take a closer look at the plant.

“That was a result of not having enough dissolved oxygen in the water,” said Olson.

An issue that has since been dealt with.

“We have all the aerators back up. There’s 18 of them. So, they’re all running as of yesterday. So that should really help with the odors,” Olson said.

$750,000 has been requested for repairs, but that number could change depending on what contractors discover.

“We’re getting the thickening clarifier fixed. We’re getting the ruffing filter fixed, we’re getting the digester completely cleaned and rebuilt,” he said.

While on the way to a better-functioning wastewater treatment plant, Olson shared what those at home can do to help.

“Not flush the toilet wipes down the toilet. They say they’re flushable, but boy, they sure wreak havoc in a plant,” Olson said.

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