The Snyderville Basin Water Reclamation District is reporting that an unknown pollutant has impacted wastewater treatment operations at the Silver Creek Water Reclamation Facility. There is no immediate health risk to the public, though. The district has determined that a pollutant is decreasi ng the normal population level of nitrifying bacteria in the wastewater treatment process. Nitrifying bacteria is important for reducing nitrogen levels during the wastewater treatment process, crucial for protecting streams, the district said. So, the district is currently collecting and analyzing wastewater samples throughout the Park City area to determine a source of the pollutant, but they haven’t identified it yet. The district is asking the public for any information regarding unusual chemical discharges, spills or disposal of industrial products into the sewer system, or any other information that may help in the investigation. Those with information should contact Michael Luers, general manager, at 435-901-8891 or [email protected]. The situation doesn’t currently threaten public health, the district said. Increased nitrogen leaves can result in algae blooms and increased plant growth, which can decrease oxygen levels in streams and harm aquatic species.  In severe cases, algae blooms can be toxic to humans, dogs and other animals. But because of factors like the colder weather and the amount of nitrogen being released, the district said it doesn’t anticipate the increase in nitrogen, or the pollutant, will put the public at risk.  The district is currently hauling thousands of gallons of nitrifying bacteria from its East Canyon Water Reclamation Facility and from a treatment facility along the Wasatch Front, to reestablish normal levels of bacteria at the impaired facility. The district anticipates that it could take weeks for the treatment facility to return to normal operating levels.  Doing so will likely exceed the levels of nitrogen allowed under the district’s discharge permit, so it is working with the Division of Water Quality to resolve any issues.  The post Unknown pollutant impacts Silver Creek Water Reclamation Facility appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less