The City of San Luis Obispo is the first in the state to use advanced aeration technology to help reduce wastewater odor and energy.
The pilot project is located on Calle Joaquin.
Over the last six months, NanO2, PG&E and a series of other agencies have teamed up to to help bring the innovative technology to SLO that is expected to use about 30-60% less energy than what the typical aeration process would use.
According to NanO2, the technology pumps oxygen into the wastewater stream before any treatment occurs to try and get ahead of odor issues before they reach the wastewater treatment plant.
As of now, the city and NanO2 are taking samples of the wastewater and collecting them in order to see what kinds of improvements the technology really has.
“We’re expecting an increase of dissolved oxygen and an increase in PH -- that all helps the longevity of the collection system and the treatment plant” said Tyler Lee, the water resource recovery operator for the city.
The city says the project will be worked on in phases.
“We’re starting at the lift station, the second phase we’re moving into the plant” said Chris Leahman, the supervisor of the water facility for the city.
The city also says it is aware of the additional noise the project results in which is why they have made it so it is only operational from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
According to NanO2, the process is based on technology that comes from a cardiologist who was using it to develop a way to put oxygen in the blood during heart attacks.
As of now, there is no exact amount on how much the project will cost.
The project is expected to move over to the wastewater treatment plant within the upcoming weeks.
To learn more about NanO2, click here.
