Getting Back to Basics – Odor Control for Collection Systems

Nuisance odors are an inevitable consequence of placing organic-laden wastewater into an underground conduit with limited ventilation (oxygen) for extended periods of time. The character and intensity of the nuisance odors depend largely on what happens in the sewer pipe. Although it is not practical to believe that we can control all the variables that influence the odors produced, just want options does an owner have to reduce odor complaints and infrastructure corrosion? The primary goal of this paper is to present the basic understanding of current collection system odor control alternatives and provide insight on where they fit. The basic, proven, viable odor control strategies applied today can be broken down into the following categories: system enhancements; operating modifications; chemical addition; vapor phase control; and combinations. Each of these are discussed. But, let's be clear, collection system odor control, in general, is not simple, easy or inexpensive. The bottom line is to identify the most cost-effective approach that reduces odor complaints and corrosion.