Huge numbers of large paper rags flushing into the Johnson County wastewater (JCW) collection system in Olathe, Kan., were playing havoc with sample collection lines and strainers.The 6-foot sewer carries 15 mgd across the state line to Missouri for treatment, and Johnson County Environmental Department (JCED) staff pulled samples every 30 minutes. Sampling accuracy was critical to Water Quality Laboratory Division director Tony Holt, as the agency was charged for treatment based on waste strength as well as volume.Holt designed various devices to catch the rags and hold the strainer inserted in a weir 20 feet underground, but none were
