What does SSO stand for?

The abbreviation SSO stands for Sanitary Sewer Overflow. This term refers to the unauthorized discharge of untreated or partially treated sewage from the sanitary sewer system into the environment, which can pose significant public health risks and environmental hazards. SSOs can occur due to various reasons, including system blockages, pipe breaks, overflow events, and maintenance issues.

Understanding what SSO represents is crucial for professionals in the collection system maintenance field, as these incidents require prompt reporting and remediation to mitigate their impacts on public health and the environment. Addressing SSOs also involves compliance with regulations and guidelines aimed at preventing such occurrences, which is a critical component of effective collection system management.

The other terms presented do not accurately represent what SSO stands for in the context of wastewater management. Each of those options might allude to relevant concepts in the realm of sewer system operations but do not capture the specific meaning of SSO as related to the overflow events that concern public safety and regulatory compliance.