Tennessee Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

If an operator is warned in advance of a high organic strength waste spill, what should be the first action taken?

1. Increase chemical dosing

2. Adjust the blowers to 100%

3. Immediately stop all operations

4. Decrease the wasting rate

The correct answer is: Adjust the blowers to 100%

In the situation where an operator is forewarned about a high organic strength waste spill, the first action taken should be to adjust the blowers to 100%. Increasing the blower output helps to ensure that there is sufficient aeration in the treatment process. High organic loads can lead to rapid consumption of dissolved oxygen by microorganisms as they process the incoming organic matter. If the dissolved oxygen levels drop too low, this can significantly impair the effectiveness of the treatment process and may lead to anaerobic conditions, which can cause odors and harmful byproducts. By ramping up the blowers, the operator can increase the oxygen availability, which is critical for the aerobic microorganisms to thrive and efficiently process the organic material. This proactive measure helps to stabilize the treatment process in the face of increased organic loading. While increasing chemical dosing, decreasing the wasting rate, or stopping all operations might seem relevant in managing a waste spill, these actions do not address the immediate need to maintain adequate aeration, which is essential for the effective treatment of the incoming high-strength waste.