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QUALITY OF PALOUSE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT EFFLUENT AND IMPACT OF DISCHARGE TO THE NORTH FORK PALOUSE RIVER, WASHINGTON, 1987
Description:
The Washington State Department of Ecology conducted a limited Class II inspection and receiving water survey at Palouse Wastewater Treatment Plant (17060108) from September 28 to October 1, 1987. Treatment efficiency was good, considering facility age and design. Several changes in the operators monitoring program were recommended. The North Fork Palouse River receiving environment was characterized by slow-moving water and nuisance growths of aquatic vegetation. The river-to-wastewater dilution ratio was ultimately 26:1, but poor dilution and dispersion yielded a 3:1 ratio at the edge of the mixing zone. Effluent discharge appeared to exacerbate instream eutrophication. Chlorine and un-ionized ammonia were present in toxic quantities, with adverse impacts likely restricted to the near-field effluent plume. Recommendations include installation of an outfall diffuser and diversion of effluent to land at dilution rates below 60:1. Kendra, W. September 1988. Washington State Department of Ecology, Water Quality Investigations Section. 36 pp.