By Heather Jennings, PE

Hurricane Irma hit Southern Florida in early September as a Category 5 hurricane with winds of 180 miles per hour.  Due to flooding and lack of power, millions of gallons of untreated or partially treated wastewater were spilled or discharged from overwhelmed systems (see Washington Post article).

Florida is already dealing with an aging infrastructure and flat terrain that requires systems to use electricity-dependent lift stations. From what I’ve seen in the field, even a day without power can negatively impact activated sludge systems, and prolonged power loss can result in the death of the whole biomass, rendering such systems ineffectual!

Probiotic Solutions® has products that can help activated sludge systems recover more quickly. Our MICROPLEX™ JS product is capable of reseeding systems with a two-part formulation of a live synergistic blend of natural, Class I bacteria, specifically chosen for their ability to rapidly degrade solids, fats, lipids, proteins, detergents, hydrocarbons, and other compounds. Our MICROPLEX™ N product is formulated to enhance the nitrification process under toxic, inhibitory, or cold weather conditions and specifically to reseed nitrifying systems and maintain the nitrification process.

Contact a Probiotic Solutions® representative for recommended dosing.

About the Author

Larry Cooper

Director, Sustainability & Knowledge Management, Huma, Inc. Lifelong learner, master gardener, rescuer of greyhounds, grandpa. Once served detention for placing ecology flag on top of his high school.

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