Wastewater Collection · Problems and Repairs
What Is a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO)?
A sanitary sewer overflow needs quick action and clear reporting.
A sanitary sewer overflow, or SSO, happens when wastewater leaves the collection system before treatment. It may come from a manhole, cleanout, pump station, or broken force main.
First, protect people and the area. Keep wastewater away from buildings, storm drains, and waterways when this can be done safely. Call for help and begin required notifications. Crews may clear a blockage, use a vacuum truck, or set up temporary pumping.
For example, the crew may place barriers around a storm inlet while the vacuum truck collects the spill. Operators record the location, times, estimated amount, cause, cleanup, and notifications. Do not hide the event or wait for a perfect estimate. The record can be updated when better facts are available.
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Introduction to Wastewater Collection Systems
This page comes from the free course. It follows wastewater from the building drain through sewers and lift stations to treatment, one step at a time, with short knowledge checks and a certificate of completion.
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