Planada, CA
Near the northern end of California’s vast Central Valley, the Planada Community Service District (PCSD) operates a six pond wastewater treatment plant. Processing over half-a-million gallons per day, the plant faced numerous challenges, including a need to lower pond levels of BOD, TSS, ammonia and sludge. Plant manager Stan Rodriguez (at right) found the perfect solution in six (one for each pond) SolarBee® water circulators. Water quality improvements occurred dramatically – and shortly after installation. "Our ammonia levels dropped to meet all regulatory requirements," reported Mr. Rodriguez, "and sludge is on the way down, too." What’s more, SolarBee provides an enduring oxygenated odor cap across the entire surface of the ponds. But that’s not all. SolarBee saves energy in two very important ways. First, solar power means each unit runs virtually for free. Secondly, and of utmost importance in terms of dollars saved, SolarBee aerates as well as mixes, so it decreases the use of high horsepower aerators by as much as 50% or more. A beaming Mr. Rodriguez explained what that means in dollars and sense: "We’re saving a whopping 66% on energy costs thanks to SolarBee." Plus, PCSD enjoyed a rebate from the power company – worth at least one-third of their SolarBee investment in the first place!