Del Norte Waste Water: Operator Testimonial

Kevin Larimore, Operator for Del Norte Waste Water, reported several improvements after incorporating BioScrubber into the facility’s wastewater treatment program.

According to Larimore, the treatment program helped the facility improve lagoon conditions, reduce operating costs, lower BOD, and decrease accumulated sludge.

“I would like to thank you for introducing me to BioScrubber. As the Del Norte Waste Water Operator, I started using BioScrubber in our sewage treatment plant and have noticed several improvements since then.”

Kevin Larimore, Operator, Del Norte Waste Water

Reduced Electricity Costs

One of the most significant operational benefits reported by Larimore was a reduction in electricity expenses.

“I am saving about $800 per month in electricity bills.”

Kevin Larimore

Larimore noted that the estimated monthly electricity savings alone were enough to offset the cost of the biological treatment program.

Improved Duckweed Control

The facility had previously experienced seasonal duckweed growth, particularly in Pond 3.

According to Larimore, increasing the BioScrubber application at the pond influent when duckweed appeared helped bring the growth under control within several days.

This provided the operator with another tool for managing seasonal lagoon conditions.

Fewer Algae Blooms

Large algae blooms had also been a recurring concern at the wastewater facility.

After BioScrubber was incorporated into the treatment program, Larimore reported that significant algae accumulations became much less common.

Although small amounts of algae occasionally remained present, the large blooms that had previously created operational concerns were no longer a major problem.

Improved Wastewater Compliance

Larimore reported one of the most important improvements in the facility’s regulatory compliance.

Before using BioScrubber, the facility had historically experienced frequent compliance problems.

“Before using your product, we were out of compliance nearly every month of the year.”

Kevin Larimore

After beginning the treatment program, Larimore reported that the facility remained in compliance for 8 months of the year, while the remaining four months were much closer to meeting the required limits.

The improvement represented a significant change in wastewater treatment performance compared with previous operating conditions.

Lower BOD Results

The facility also reported lower biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) concentrations.

According to Larimore, BOD results were averaging approximately 20 points lower per month than historical records.

As one example, he reported that a previous BOD reading of approximately 20 was reduced to 8 during a September monitoring period.

Lower BOD concentrations can indicate improved biological degradation of organic material and better wastewater treatment performance.

Reduced Lagoon Sludge Depth

The facility also documented a decrease in accumulated sludge in Pond 1.

Sludge measurements showed:

• 12.2 inches of sludge in April of the previous year

• 8 inches of sludge when measured in August of the following year

This represented a measured reduction of approximately 4.2 inches of accumulated sludge.

Larimore reported that a sludge-removal contractor estimated the reduction could save the facility more than $30,000 in future sludge removal costs.

“A sludge removal company tells me that this reduction will save us over $30,000.”

Kevin Larimore

Continuing the BioScrubber Treatment Program

Based on the observed improvements, Larimore chose to continue incorporating BioScrubber into the facility’s wastewater treatment program.

The reported benefits included:

• Approximately $800 per month in electricity savings

• Reduced duckweed

• Fewer significant algae blooms

• Improved permit compliance

• Lower BOD concentrations

• Approximately 4.2 inches of measured sludge reduction

• More than $30,000 in estimated future sludge-removal savings

“I am very pleased with BioScrubber and intend to keep using it in my wastewater treatment program. I would recommend your system to other operators.”

Kevin Larimore, Operator, Del Norte Waste Water

The results described above are based on observations and measurements reported by the wastewater operator at this specific facility. Individual results may vary depending on wastewater characteristics, treatment design, operating conditions, and application program.