Lagoons · Common Lagoon Problems
What Causes Lagoon Odors?
Lagoon odors may come from low oxygen, organic overload, septic influent, turnover, exposed sludge, stagnant areas, scum, or failed aeration. Hydrogen sulfide smells like rotten eggs at low levels. At higher levels it can deaden your sense of smell. Odor is never a safe way to detect a gas.
Investigate from safe, upwind spots. Note the source area, time, wind, color, water level, aeration, DO, recent loads, and weather. Check lift stations and other nearby sources if they are on your authorized route.
Follow the plant's procedures for atmospheric hazards and confined spaces. Do not enter a structure or lean into an opening to find an odor.
Fix the confirmed cause by following the approved operating plan and equipment instructions. Make any required notice to the regulator. Keep a record of odor complaints, because a pattern of complaints can point to a cause.
Key point: Treat odor as both a process warning and a possible safety warning.
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Lagoons and Small Wastewater Plants
This page comes from the course. It covers facultative and aerated lagoons, monitoring, lagoon problems, berms and liners, package plants, permits and safe work, one step at a time, with short knowledge checks and a certificate of completion.
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