LABORATORY
T he laboratory operates seven days a week from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The laboratory is staffed by a Chemist and three Lab Technicians.
There are many tests done by the laboratory personnel on a daily basis. The major tests done are monitoring the Influent/Effluent Suspended Solids, BOD 5 (five day Biochemical Oxygen Demand), Dissolved Oxygen, Fecal Coliform, Phosphorus, pH (hydrogen ion) and Ammonia Nitrogen. All of the tests done are to ensure the plant meets the discharge parameter limits set by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ).
Many other tests are done in addition to the required ones. Monitoring of Industrial Pollutants is also important. Testing is done on a bi-weekly basis to detect minerals such as cadmium, chloride, chromium, copper, cyanide, iron, lead, mercury, nickel, silver, zinc, phenol, oils, greases and polychlorinated bi-phenyl's (PCB's).
Major Daily Tests
| TEST | ALLOWED 2003 DISCHARGE | ACTUAL DISCHARGE |
|---|---|---|
Suspended Solids |
30 mg/L |
7 mg/L |
BOD |
30 mg/L |
11 mg/L |
Dissolved Oxygen |
3.0 mg/L |
6.6 mg/L |
Fecal Coliform |
200/100 ml |
31/100 ml |
Phosphorus |
0.75 mg/L |
0.59 mg/L |
pH |
6.5 to 9.0 |
7.3 |
Ammonia Nitrogen |
5.0 mg/L |
0.4 mg/L |