S12 E4: Smells Like Money Podcast: Need Some Air? : Lagoon Aeration Technology Breakthru

In this episode of The DooDoo Diva’s Smells Like Money Podcast, Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Dave Smoljan, founder of Extra Air, to explore his groundbreaking approach to wastewater aeration. Drawing from his extensive experience as a wastewater operator and mechanic, Dave shares the journey behind the development of his innovative aeration systems. These systems are designed to simplify lagoon management, reduce maintenance demands, and help small municipalities overcome compliance challenges affordably and efficiently.

Host: Suzan Chin-Taylor | Guest: Dave Smoljan, Owner of Extra Air

Listen on Spotify:

Watch on Youtube:

Key Discussion Points:

Dave’s Background: From certified mechanic to wastewater operator, Dave shares how his hands-on experience inspired the creation of Extra Air.
The Need for Innovation: The challenges of maintaining traditional surface aerators led to the invention of a system that combines simplicity, effectiveness, and operator-friendliness.
How It Works: Dave explains how his system uses fine-bubble diffusers to aerate lagoons efficiently, with a design that’s easy to deploy, operate, and maintain.
Real-World Applications: Success stories, including a small town in Colorado that improved its effluent quality and compliance using Extra Air’s system.
Try Before You Buy Model: To address funding constraints, Extra Air offers an 18-month rental program, allowing municipalities to test the system while pursuing grant funding.
Operator Safety and Cost Savings: The system eliminates the need for operators to perform dangerous tasks, reduces maintenance, and minimizes energy costs.

Why It Matters:

Dave’s innovative aeration system addresses the unique needs of small municipalities with lagoon-based wastewater treatment systems. By offering an effective, low-maintenance solution, Extra Air is helping communities stay compliant, protect infrastructure, and reduce operational costs—all while ensuring operator safety and ease of use.

Connect with Dave Smoljan and Extra Air:

Dave’s Profile: linkedin.com/in/dave-smoljan-84784149

Website: xtra-air.com (Company)

Email: ds261x@gmail.com

Final Thoughts:

This episode highlights the power of practical innovation and operator-focused design in solving wastewater treatment challenges. Tune in for insights, inspiration, and actionable strategies to improve wastewater management and compliance.

Subscribe and Follow:

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Smells Like Money Podcast for more insights and innovations in the wastewater industry. Follow us on creativeraven.com/podcast-episodes for updates and more episodes.

I hope you find this episode as informative and as exciting as we have.

Please let us know your thoughts about the episode!

Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva’s Smells Like Money Podcast:

Website: www.creativeraven.com | https://thetuitgroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativeraven/

Email: raven@creativeraven.com

Telephone: +1 760-217-8010

Listen and subscribe here to your favorite platform:

Apple Podcast – Google Podcast – Cast Box – Overcast – Pocket Casts – YouTube – Spotify

https://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/

Subscribe to the Podcast:

https://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/