A study by scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology recently discovered that around $1.8 million in gold, and $1.7 million in silver, trickles though Switzerland’s sewer pipes and waste stations every year.

The study tested wastewater at 64 treatment plants in the nation, making it the first quantitative assessment of how much gold and silver is flowing through sewage.

Switzerland is one of the most active gold-refiners in the world, and it’s thought that most of the gold and silver came from those plants along with the watchmaking industry.

Source: The Washington Post

Sewage Overflow Kills Fish in Indiana

A sewage overflow in Kokomo, Indiana, is being blamed for the death of several fish in Wildcat Creek.

Residents of the city first noticed the dead fish in the creek before alerting the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

Public Information Officer Barry Sneed said the overflow resulted from heavy rain, adding that residents should stay away from the water until it gets diluted.

“Public health officials suggest avoiding contact with waters visibly impacted by sewage and showering or bathing with warm, soapy water after coming in contact with the water,” Sneed said in an email to the Kokomo Tribune. “Veterinarians recommend not allowing pets to drink or swim in waters visibly impacted by sewage.”

Source: Kokomo Tribune

Tampa Bay Considers Indirect Potable Reuse

The Tampa Bay, Florida, area is considering pumping reclaimed wastewater back into an aquifer for indirect potable reuse.

Tampa’s wastewater treatment plant discharges up to 55 mgd into Tampa Bay currently, but officials argue that effluent could be put to better use.

Instead of releasing into Tampa Bay, the city would construct a nine-mile pipeline to the north; where up to 50 mgd would be pumped 900 feet underground into the Floridan Aquifer.

Source: TBO.com

Treatment Plant Crooks Exposed to Chlorine

Police in Roddickton, Newfoundland, are concerned over the safety of whoever recently broke into the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

After forcing a door open, the crooks stole building materials, including 2x4 lumber, but they were also exposed to chlorine. Being highly toxic, there’s a risk to whoever was in the building without proper training.

Source: The Northern Pen