Septic Conditions & Odor
Rotten-egg (H2S) odor develops in the collection system, headworks, or basins.
Symptoms: strong hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg) odor, corrosion on concrete and metal near headworks, black or gray discoloration of solids.
Probable Causes: long detention time in collection system (especially in hot weather), low or no DO in force mains or wet wells, or sludge sitting too long in low-flow areas of the plant.
Troubleshooting Steps: 1) Consider pre-aeration or chemical odor control (iron salts, oxidants) if septicity originates upstream in the collection system. 2) Increase turnover/reduce detention time in wet wells and lift stations where feasible. 3) Check for solids accumulating in dead zones or low-flow basin corners and improve mixing there. 4) Coordinate with collection system staff, since plant-side fixes can't solve a problem originating miles upstream.
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