Author: tle148

Week 2 at Chattahoochee Riverkeeper

by tle148
 

This week at Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, I went to go sample some more water from the river. Recently, R.M. Clayton Water Reclamation Center had released large amounts of untreated wastewater into the Chattahoochee river causing the E. Coli levels to reach 340 times greater than the recommended limit. R.M. Clayton Water Reclamation Center treats a large portion of the Atlanta’s wastewater, however the untreated wastewater polluted the river and affects the population that lives downstream of the sewage spill. I went to sample the water that was being directly released from the water treatment plant. Although I did not get the result back from the lab, news articles online state that it may take months for the e.coli levels to go back down. 

Although the drinking water from our tap is not affected, it is still unfair to the plants and communities downstream of the Chattahoochee that also have to deal with the highly contaminated water. Additionally, the wastewater being discharged back into the river will release foul odors in which communities living near the river will have to endure the consequences. It is scary to think about the individuals who are not aware of this incident. Exposure to E.coli is a risk in exposure to pathogens, therefore individuals who are not made aware of the situation and who also have a poor immune system become more vulnerable to sickness. 

I went to collect a water sample from this water treatment facility and it was definitely an experience. I went directly to the water discharge area to collect a sample but it was kind of scary since the water that is being released back into the river was splashing everywhere. Of course I was wearing proper PPE but nonetheless, being splashed with untreated sewage water was not the best scenario to be in.. More importantly, it was an eye opening experience. I only did it once, though, there are individuals who do this for a living. It really gave me a chance to be grateful to those who are willing to put themselves in uncomfortable positions to help the environment as well as the community. 

Water Sampling with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper

by tle148

This past Thursday morning/afternoon I met with my community organization partner and we spent majority of the time collecting water samples from areas of the river that showed alarming levels of E. Coli. To pinpoint the exact location of the issue, we strategically collected water samples from specific points along the river for better judgement and analysis. Collecting the water samples was a fun experience as you get very hands on with nature. It was kind of silly as we would park on the side of the road and quickly collect water samples as cars drove by probably wondering what was going on. This organization also works with residents who reside along the Chattahoochee river and the volunteers collect their own water samples from their backyard or nearby, and come to drop it off at the office for testing. Walking around neighborhoods allowed me to appreciate the river and its beauty as this is not something I typically think about when I walk or drive through areas. Walking by the river allowed me to find joy even in the simplest things. Instead of being in the car driving across a bridge, I walked across a bridge and got to see a part of the river flow naturally. Of course it is nature just doing its thing, but its refreshing to be able to appreciate nature in its entirety and with my own eyes.

Recently, the R.M. Clayton Water Reclamation Center, which is a wastewater treatment facility that caters to most of Atlanta, had an issue at their plant causing the release of contaminated wastewater into the river causing the E. Coli levels to rise dramatically. It was discovered that a majority of their plant is not functional and is not treating all the incoming sewage water and thereby having to release it back into the river. I didn’t hear about this incident until I heard from the organization and it is quite alarming since I too live close to the river. Articles online advised communities to avoid river contact downstream of the sewage spill but it worries me of those who don’t have easy access to this information. I would not have known had I not spoke with this organization. Next time, I’ll be documenting about trash cleanups.