MINIMIZATION OF ODORS AND RELATED CORROSION IN COLLECTION SYSTEMS: A SUMMARY OF THE ONGOING WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH FOUNDATION PROJECT 04-CTS-1

Wastewater collection system odor and corrosion issues continue to grow in importance to
communities and to conveyance system owners and operators. Odor and corrosion prevention in
collection systems has been as much art as science. Common control methods are typically
selected based on field experience as opposed to a fundamental understanding of why and when
methods will be successful. Although much is known regarding the cause of odorous gases in the
collection system, the underlying science and mechanisms of odor generation, sewer ventilation,
odor characterization and monitoring, and corrosion mechanisms need further research. This
Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) research project helps the industry transition
from “odor artists” to scientists and engineers, enabling designers to successfully prevent odor
and corrosion events through proper design and for operators to mitigate and prevent odor
excursions from existing systems.