Since there is no discharge from the system, there is no need for testing the pond effluent. All bodies of surface water and all wells in the area should  be  tested  often  to  see  if  they  have  been polluted by the pond. Too many suspended solids discharged  to  the  pond  will  stop  up  the  unit.  A suspended solids test must be performed daily (or at  least  very  often)  to  find  out  if  the  treatment plant units are working well or if operative con- trols  need  to  be  changed.  The  ponds  should  be checked  each  day.  Any  changes  in  the  way  the plant   looks   or   smells   or   any   changes   from normal  operation  need  to  be  checked  out. Laboratory tests may help find the problem and suggest  ways  of  correcting  it. Troubleshooting Table  10-13  describes  some  problems  and  solu- tions  for  these  problems  with  wastewater  effluent. Refer  to  manufacturers’  manuals  for  more specific troubleshooting and operating guides for various  types  of  treatment  plants.  Effluent  quality usually depends on the operation and maintenance of  upstream  process  units. Odors and unsightly conditions are the most common subjects of complaints. Toxic wastes and wastes  with  high  fecal  coliform  count  are  more dangerous   but   are   more   difficult   to   detect. Therefore, fewer complaints are made regarding these two hazards. Complaints  must  be  received  with  courtesy and investigated at once to see if the complaint is  valid.  Be  sure  to  inform  the  complaining person(s)  as  to  your  findings,  what  can  be  done or what is being done to remedy the problem. A careful investigation may show that the source of the problem is not related to the wastewater treat- ment plant. If  the  treatment  plant  is  the  source  of  the problem,  use  all  available  operating  controls  to obtain  maximum  plant  efficiency.  Notify  desig- nated regulatory officials at once as to the nature of  the  problem.  If  the  solution  to  the  problem appears  to  be  beyond  operator  control,  request advice  and/or  assistance. Table  10-13.—Troubleshooting  Effluent  Disposal INDICATOR LIKELY  CAUSES ACTIONS  TO  TAKE Effluent  BOD  or 1.  Organic  overload. COD  too  high. 2.  Septic  conditions  in plant units and the col- lection  system. 3. Not   enough   aeration. Effluent settle- able  solids  con- tent  too  high. 1.  Hydraulic  overload. 2.   Sludge   collection   and removal  equiment  not working  right. 1. Control organic loading by sewer use regula- tions.  Improve  plant  upkeep.  Use  all  available operating   control. 2.  Check  sludge  pumping  schedule  for  proper removal.  Inspect  pumps  to  see  if  they  are working. Inspect sludge pipes and valves for clogging,  check  for  sludge  deposits  (pockets) that  are  not  being  pumped  out  of  the  clari- fiers.  Inspect  all  plant  units  whether primary  or  secondary  for  proper  operation. Refer   to   manufacturer’s   instructions   for process   information.   Inspect   the   collection system,  including  lift  stations,  for  septic conditions. 3.  Maintain  the  recommended  DO  level  in  all aerated  units  usually  about  2  mg/1.  Inspect air diffusers for even distribution of air and good   mixing. Try  to  control  hydraulic  loading  by  main- taining the collection system. Install holding ponds  or  tanks  to  handle  peak  load.  Check on wastewater flow rate often to see if plant capacity  is  exceeded,  Inspect  settling  tanks  for short   circuiting   (channeling). 10-30