From the Fowler Tribune (Elaine White):
According to Town Manager, Wayne Snider, the technology will allow Fowler’s current system to meet regulatory requirements with far lower cost, far lower power consumption, lower odor and lower environmental impact. It is even possible the current need for nine lagoons could be significantly reduced.
“Our current system is very efficient,” says Snider. “But, new restrictions on selenium and ammonia will continue to rise, and by using the algae system, Fowler could meet those requirements even more effectively at a lower cost.”[…]If implemented, the system would utilize power from a future 600 watt solar installation near the lagoons. While electric consumption would be minimized, a small amount of power would still be needed to maintain an on site greenhouse as well as a mixing system to effectively disperse algae throughout the water.
More wastewater coverage here.
that’s a fascinating idea but could you tell more on the type of algae and the impact it might have on the ecosystem? I’m curious to know more about how sustainable the project. would the algae need to be replaced periodically? are they indigenous? how does it affect the fish population? if the algae needs to be replaced, is it compostable without problem? anyway I think it’s a great idea.
Frog Mom,
I found this link with some information:
http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/pdf/WW/publications/pipline/PL_SP97.pdf
It’s a pdf file of an issue of Pipeline from 1997. Hope it helps.
John Orr