For years, the City of Aiken managed the undesirable smells and the significant corrosion potential of hydrogen sulfide at several of its sewer system locations with a nitrate feed program. This came with several disadvantages — the process was maintenance-intensive, environmentally unfriendly, and expensive. In 2017, Aiken’s Engineering and Utilities Department found a better solution — a system that dissolves pure oxygen gas into sewage, preventing the formation of hydrogen sulfide, lowering environmental impacts and saving $200,000 annually.  

Aiken’s Engineering and Utilities Department, working with the Operations and Maintenance Department, undertook the project at two of its primary wastewater pumping stations after researching and analyzing its technical feasibility, and used temporary monitors to demonstrate the improved reduction in hydrogen sulfide. It funded the effort with a capital project sales tax allocation, as well as a grant from the SC Rural Infrastructure Authority. The cost savings of the project mean that it is paying back its costs in just over four years. 

In addition to improved odor and corrosion prevention, the project has also reduced the production of methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas. Looking forward, the city plans to further optimize the effort by using a remote monitoring and reporting system. It will also evaluate additional wastewater sites for the potential replacement of the nitrate feed process with oxygenation.  

Contact Mike Prybylowicz at mprzyby@cityofaikensc.gov or 803.642.7610.