Unknown pollutant disrupts wastewater treatment at Silver Creek facility

PARK CITY, Utah — An unknown pollutant has disrupted the wastewater treatment process at the Silver Creek Water Reclamation Facility, according to a release from the Snyderville Basin Water Reclamation District.

The district announced the issue Tuesday, saying the pollutant reduced the population of nitrifyingbacteria that are responsible for removing ammonia nitrogen from wastewater before it is released into local streams.

Nitrifying bacteria are a key part of the facility’s biological treatment process. The microorganisms convert ammonia nitrogen, which is produced by human waste, food waste, and other organic material, into a form that is less harmful before treated water is released into local waterways.

When the unknown pollutant disrupted the bacteria, the facility lost some of its ability to remove ammonia nitrogen.

Because of this, the district has exceeded the levels of ammonia nitrogen and total nitrogen allowed under its discharge permit and is working with the Utah Division of Water Quality to resolve any issues.

The district said the disruption does not pose an immediate health risk to the public.

However, increased nitrogen in waterways can contribute to algae blooms and excessive plant growth, which can reduce oxygen levels in streams and harm aquatic species.

District working to restore treatment process

The district is transporting thousands of gallons of nitrifying bacteria from its East Canyon Water Reclamation Facility and another treatment facility along the Wasatch Front to help re-establish normal bacteria levels at Silver Creek.

The facility remains operational while restoration of the process is underway. They are also investigating the source of the pollutant.

So far, the district is collecting and analyzing wastewater samples throughout the Park City area but they have not identified a definitive source.

Luers said a concentrated commercial-grade disinfectant or sanitizer in a quantity of about 10 gallons could cause the type of damage the facility is experiencing. He said many products could have similar effects if dumped into the sewer system in sufficient quantities.

District asks public for information

The district is asking residents to report any information that could help identify the source of the pollutant, including unusual chemical discharges, spills, or disposal of industrial products into the sewer system.

“Don’t dump chemicals down the drain!” Luers said.

Anyone with information about a potential discharge or spill is asked to contact Luers, the district’s general manager.

The district said it will continue collecting wastewater samples and working to restore normal treatment levels at the Silver Creek facility.