What is a proper action during an influent surge, when permitted by permit?

• A. Implement flow management or bypasses if permitted.
• B. Stop monitoring to speed up processing
• C. Increase production by overloading the plant
• D. Shut down aeration to save energy

Answer: (A)

During an influent surge, the priority is to prevent overloading the treatment system while staying within permit allowances. If the permit permits flow management or bypasses, implementing those options helps keep hydraulic and organic loads within design limits, protecting treatment performance and downstream quality. This approach directly addresses the surge by redistributing or diverting flow in a controlled, authorized way, rather than pushing the plant beyond its capacity.

Other actions would compromise treatment or violate regulatory requirements. Stopping monitoring hides potential issues and is not compliant. Increasing production by overloading the plant risks effluent exceedances and permit violations. Shutting down aeration reduces biological treatment and can lead to poor effluent quality, which is inappropriate for surge management.