Tennessee Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

How often should aeration equipment in an aerobic digester be inspected?

1. Monthly

2. Yearly

3. Biannually

4. Every five years

The correct answer is: Yearly

Aeration equipment in an aerobic digester is critical for maintaining the appropriate conditions for microbial digestion of waste. Regular inspections ensure that equipment operates efficiently and effectively. The recommendation for inspections to occur annually is grounded in the need to balance preventative maintenance and resource management. Conducting inspections yearly allows for timely identification of issues such as wear and tear, blockage, or deficiencies in performance which could affect the overall efficiency of the digestion process. If inspections were to occur less frequently, such as every five years, there would be a significant risk of unexpected failures that could disrupt operations and lead to potential non-compliance with environmental regulations. Monthly inspections, while thorough, may be excessive in many cases, as they would require substantial resources without necessarily providing proportional benefits. Biannual inspections can also be a good balance, but annual inspections provide a standard that many regulatory bodies recommend to ensure consistent operation and maintenance of aeration systems.