Mount Shasta wastewater plant explores solutions for rising zinc levels in effluent

During the recent City Council meeting in Mount Shasta, significant discussions centered around the challenges faced by the city's wastewater treatment plant, particularly concerning the removal of zinc and copper from wastewater. The meeting highlighted the complexities of managing water quality as the plant adapts to new discharge requirements.

One of the primary concerns raised was the unexpected increase in dissolved zinc levels, despite a decrease in overall water flow. City officials explained that the plant was designed primarily to remove nitrogen, which involves a biological treatment process that inadvertently affects the alkalinity of the water. This change in alkalinity may be causing more zinc to remain in solution rather than being removed effectively. The council discussed potential solutions, including raising the pH levels to help precipitate zinc out of solution, making it easier to filter out.

The council also addressed the need for collaboration with regional water quality boards to reassess discharge limits in light of the plant's operational challenges. Officials indicated that the regional board is open to reviewing these limits, which could provide some relief from regulatory penalties while the city works on improving its treatment processes.

In addition to these discussions, the council explored the possibility of adding chemical additives to enhance the biological treatment process, although initial results have shown only limited success. The city is committed to finding effective solutions to ensure compliance with water quality standards while safeguarding the environment and public health.

As Mount Shasta navigates these water treatment challenges, the city remains focused on maintaining open communication with regulatory bodies and exploring innovative approaches to improve wastewater management. The outcomes of these discussions will be crucial for the community, as they directly impact local water quality and environmental sustainability.