Sewer Systems Used Wrong Toxicity Tests For Years
A sewer plant in McCook City, Neb., has been performing the wrong kind of toxicity testing on its waste outflow for the past eight years.
Toxicity tests are mandated by the EPA in order to check the allowable levels of contaminates in the sewer outflow.
Utility Director Jesse Dutcher explained to the McCook Daily Gazette that the sewer has been performing “acute” effluent toxicity testing, even though the permit specified “chronic” testing.
The difference between the two tests is that chronic testing has a longer incubation than acute, and is more sensitive.
The NDEQ advised Dutcher to take a chronic test from the sewer outflow, and if it fails twice, then he will need to file a toxicity report.
Source: McCook Daily Gazette