He said they have improved and accelerated the digestion of organic solids at the plant.
CUC, he added, was able to remove at least 96 percent of the plant’s biological oxygen demand, or BOD.
“We were required to remove 75 percent of BOD,” he said.
Usually, the wastewater treatment system depends on protozoa and microbes to break down sewage influent, he added.
These microbes, which usually settle in the sludge of treatment plants and holding tanks, can digest the solids and break down various compounds, he said.
If they fail to reduce the contaminants, Megarr said non-beneficial bacteria will dominate and produce an excessive level of pathogens and toxins.
This will lead to high BOD, which is malodorous, he added.
He said when the protozoa colony is not maintained at optimum levels, there will be a buildup of sludge and floating grease pads.
Last year, Megarr reported to the Legislature that the Agingan wastewater plant diffused digested sludge in the Pacific Ocean because it did not have the capacity to dispose solid wastes.
Addressing the problem at Agingan was one of the conditions set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the stipulated orders approved by the federal court.
Megarr said he can maintain the 96 percent reduction of contaminants given the regular power supply and a “highly motivated” field personnel.
