Sooner or later, most wastewater lagoons begin to accumulate excess sludge. This accumulation brings many problems of its own, from intense odors to bacterial build-up. And when left unaddressed, sludge issues tend to compound, getting more and more challenging to resolve.
So, what’s the best way to deal with this problem? There are a couple of options available to handle high levels of wastewater lagoon slide: Treat it or remove it. In this post, we’ll examine the pros and cons of both methods.
Removing Wastewater Lagoon Sludge
Lagoon sludge removal typically involves dredging. While there are other methods, this is by far the most common. Basically, dredging involves the mechanical removal of sludge from the lagoon. Once it’s removed, the sludge is dried and then transported somewhere for safe disposal, usually a landfill.
Though this method can be effective, sludge removal is very laborious and quite costly. Dredging and disposing of sludge can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, which means that, for most wastewater lagoon owners, it’s truly a last resort. (In some cases, if sludge build-up is truly out of control, it may be the only option left; you’ll want to avoid letting your sludge problem get so out of hand!)
Treating Wastewater Lagoon Sludge
When it comes to treating wastewater lagoon sludge, there are a couple of primary options to consider: Aeration and mixing, and bioaugmentation.
Aeration and Mixing
The ideal solution to address lagoon sludge is to ensure a fully operational aeration system. This means making sure the system provides ample oxygen, and also that the system offers turbulent mixing through the water column. Basically, the goal here is to assist the sludge in breaking down anaerobically, harnessing natural chemical processes. While this can be a safe and cost-effective option, it can also be a little time-consuming.
Bioaugmentation
Some lagoon owners will augment their water with specific types of bacterial growth. This can be done in addition to aeration if you really want to cover all your bases. These bacterial growths will help multiply the bacteria already in the lagoon, which promote the breakdown of wastewater sludge. Again, this is a safe, effective, and fairly natural approach, though it’s not necessarily quick. Still, the most expedient option available is strong aeration and mixing combined with bioaugmentation.
Taking Care of Sludge in Your Lagoon
There really aren’t a ton of options available for getting rid of sludge in your wastewater lagoon. As you consider these limited options, the most important thing you can do is ensure that you have the best technologies in place, including aeration systems that allow you to keep your sludge under control.
PHS is a leading name in sludge dewatering solutions. For decades, we have provided best-in-class technologies to lagoon operators across the country. To learn more about the options we provide, reach out to PHS today.