
For
Immediate Release
May 15, 2013
Johnson Utilities continues its work to
address a turbidity incident at its San Tan
wastewater facility this week. The incident
was the source of an unpleasant, but
harmless, odor and considerable public
interest. The incident began with a partial
power failure that has now been remedied. It
was erroneously reported that untreated
sewage was discharged into the San Tan
Homeowners Association pond.
As reported to ADEQ, Johnson Utilities
responded to the incident by halting
discharge of effluent to the lake and
removing the water for reprocessing through
the WRP. Johnson is now completely emptying
the pond. They will then remain empty until
scheduled repairs by the San Tan Heights HOA
are completed. The HOA is making changes to
the piping connecting their two ponds.
Because this work was planned before the
turbidity event this week, it has allowed
the HOA to take advantage of the drained
pond.
The HOA ponds are used for storage of Class
A + effluent for irrigation purposes only.
There is no connection between the ponds and
any drinking water delivery system. Johnson
Utilities’ only source of drinking water is
groundwater.
Earlier today, ADEQ inspected the HOA ponds,
the San Tan water reclamation plant (WRP),
the only lift station serving the WRP, and a
grease interceptor. The lift station was
found to be in compliance. The inspection of
the grease interceptor showed that it had
been pumped and was in good operating
condition. Johnson Utilities conducts an
annual inspection of grease interceptors to
ensure grease is kept out of the sewer
system. ADEQ agreed that the heavy sediment
that had been exposed today on the bottom of
the pond is normal lake sediment caused over
the years of runoff, animal waste, dust, and
many other sources. This sediment will
contain animal fecal material and chemicals
from storm water runoff. ADEQ also inspected
agency and on-site records, reporting no
issues.
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