Could Your Utility Weather a Data Breach? The Technical Assistance Times. MRWA Cross Connection & Backflow Prevention Training

Transcription

1 October 2016 New Programs for Your Utilities Protection MINNESOTA RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION The Technical Assistance Times Could Your Utility Weather a Data Breach? As hacking, malware and ransomware attacks continue to rise, it is imperative that all utilities prepare to deal with a data breach. Requiring credit information, accepting credit/ debit card transactions and holding personally identifiable information to include Social Security and Driver s License numbers make utilities a prime target for cyber intrusions. Are you prepared to deal with a cyber breach? Do you know the legal requirements for notifying affected parties and how to effectively work with regulators? Do you have the money to pay these costs without insurance? Here are some of the costs you can expect when managing a data breach: 1. Privacy Attorney - $300 per hour and up 2. Forensics Investigator - $300 and up per hour 3. Notification, call center, credit monitoring - $30 per affected individual 4. Fines and Penalties - $1,000 and up 5. Defense Counsel - $$$$? MRWA has partnered with BSR, Inc. to offer a comprehensive affordable data breach insurance policy provided by Beazley Insurance Company for association members. Along with the policy you will have access to Beazley s award winning Breach Response Services to help you navigate the post breach terrain. Their legal, computer forensic, and public relations services are activated with one call or to the Service. SERVLINE Water Loss / Frozen Lines Program Act Now! It s getting time to think about the coming winter months. Customer water loss because of frozen water lines hasn t happened in the last couple of years but remember the winter of 2013! MRWA has always been committed to providing the best services to support our membership. This program has been extraordinarily successful in other states, so we are looking forward to the potential that it will bring for Minnesota and our members and their customers. Programs such as ServLine support these goals: 1. Solutions for protecting and improving the financial health of the utility. 2. Solutions for protecting and improving the financial health of your customers. 3. Insure your customers obtain the most reliable water and sewer service. 4. Increase positive customer relations. Our ServLine representative, Mark Slater is available to visit with you about the program that also covers frozen service lines. Contact MRWA at or mrwa@mrwa.com for more information on either program. Inside this issue: MRWA Cross Connection & Backflow Prevention Training MRWA Wastewater Operation & Maintenance - October 12 MRWA Wastewater Operation & Maintenance - October 12 MRWA Financing Your Community Projects Training MRWA Water Exam Refresher Training Session MRWA Wastewater Exam Refresher Training Session MRWA We re on Facebook! Become a fan today! Wastewater C & D Exam Recommended Study Materials 8

2 MRWA Cross Connection Control & Backflow Prevention In response to the federal Safe Drinking Water Act Ground Water Rule (GWR) and recent incidents in Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has adopted high-hazard cross connections that are not adequately protected as a Significant Deficiency (SD) for all Community Public Water Systems (CPWSs). Ensure Safe Drinking Water This session will provide the attendee with a better understanding of methods and resources available to enable a cost effective Cross Connection Control Program for small and large public water supply systems. Come prepared to learn the fundamentals of backflow prevention, devices for preventing backflow, regulations and code overview, surveying, action, and review, cross connection hazards, and the MDH requirements and recommendations. Who should attend? Water purveyors and suppliers, water operations specialists, businesses that supply their own water, utility superintendents, administrators, and any other interested personnel! This session will be taught by: Gary McLaren - CCC Surveyor/ Program Advisor, HydroCorp., Inc. Sponsored By MRWA Corporate Partners: Diamond Partner: Engineering America, Inc. and Kodru-Mooney Ruby Partners: Adaptor, Inc.; AE2S; Apex Engineering Group; Copperhead Industries; Dakota Supply Group; Hawkins Water Treatment Group; Hydro Engineering; Jasper Engineering & Equipment Co.; KLM Engineering, Inc.; Minnesota Pipe & Equipment Co.; Servocal Instruments, Inc.; Stantec; Team Lab Chemical Corp.; Ulteig; VEGA Americas Inc.; and WSB & Associates, Inc. Emerald Partners: Bollig, Inc.; Bolton & Menk, Inc.; Drain Works LLC; Electric Pump; Elliott Equipment Co. - MN; Flexible Pipe Tool Co.; HD Supply Waterworks; HydroCorp., Inc.; Hydro-Klean, LLC; KLJ; MacQueen Equipment, Inc.; Metering & Technology Solutions; Moore Engineering, Inc.; MSA Professional Services; Quam Construction Co.; Raymond James; Ritter & Ritter Sewer Service; Sensus USA; Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc.; Utility Service Co.; Visu-Sewer, Inc.; Water Conservation Services, Inc.; and Widseth Smith Nolting. Class: Dates & Locations: MRWA Cross Connection Control & Backflow Prevention Training Session October 5, Redwood Community Center, 311 County Road 42, Apple Valley, MN October 6, Best Western Kelly Inn, 100 4th Avenue South, St. Cloud, MN Time: Cost: Register: 8:00am - 3:00pm $ members or $ non-members (Lunch is provided by MRWA) Mail registration form and check by September 30, 2016 to: Minnesota Rural Water Association th Avenue SE, Elbow Lake, MN Phone: * Fax: Locations to Choose From Name: Title: Representing: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Fax: Location Attending: Refund policy: Full refund will not be given unless MRWA is notified 48 hours in advance. Partial credit allowance on medical or snow removal emergency only will be considered on a case by case basis. Page 2 THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TIMES

3 MRWA Wastewater Operation & Maintenance Training Session 8:00am 8:30am 9:30am 10:30am 11:30am 12:30pm 1:30pm 2:30pm Wastewater Operations Forum This session is a roundtable discussion about topics that affect the day-to-day operations at wastewater treatment systems. Level Measurement in Your System Learn how level measurements for your lift stations, digestors, and chemical tanks are made easy and maintenance free. Calibration of Flow Meters Operations Specialists need to check flow meters two times per year. This session will provide some tips on how you can check your flow meters and calibrate your lift stations. Maintaining and Protecting Your Concrete Floors Learn about proper maintenance, repairing, and coatings for concrete floors in your wastewater facility. Lunch - (On Your Own) Asset Management Discover how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can help your utility expand, update, or start an asset management and GIS program for your utility management. ARC Flash and Electrical Preventive Maintenance Learn what you need to know about ARC Flash and its requirements, as well as what an ARC Flash study is all about. Le Center Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour Tour Le Center s Wastewater Treatment Plant on-site and see how they operate their sludge drying beds. Learn how the drying beds are saving their system money. October 12, 2016 City of Le Center Fire Hall 175 South Cordova Ave. Le Center, MN Course Instructors: City of Le Center; Master Electric; Midland GIS Solutions; SwedeBro; VEGA Americas Inc.; and Minnesota Rural Water Association. Six Certification Hours for Full Day Attendance There is NO charge for this session. To Register For Any Training Session: Call the MRWA Office at or online at Use the training calendar link. Bacteriological Sampling Plan Requirements and Guidance Sample Site Locations - Public water systems (PWSs) must collect total coliform samples at sites which are representative of water quality throughout the distribution system, and the samples must be analyzed by an MDH accredited laboratory. *Use easily accessible sites (24/7 access, if possible). Spread sites throughout the distribution system. Divide system into segments/ quadrants and choose sites from each area. Use sites in different pressure zones. Use sites in areas that serve sensitive populations. And, use sites fed by different storage facilities. *Use sites that have an available upstream and downstream site within 5 service connections. *Sample from taps that are in good condition (avoid bathrooms, outside taps, taps close to the ground, etc.). *Use sites that get a fair amount of use on a regular basis (avoid seasonal sites or large diameter service connections that aren t used regularly). Avoid dead-end sites. Sample Scheduling - PWSs must collect samples at regular time intervals throughout the month, except that a system that uses only groundwater and serves 4,900 persons or fewer may collect all required samples on a single day if they are taken from different sites. Systems may choose to use the same site location more than once a month, but the samples should be collected at least one week apart. Systems can collect more samples than required by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Use the guidance below if rotating sample sites throughout the month (or quarter). 1 sample/quarter: use 2-4 sites. 2-5 samples/month: use 5+ sites samples per month: use 5-10 sites samples per month: use 10+ sites samples per month: use sites. Reprinted with permission from Minnesota Department of Health Waterline, Fall 2016 THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TIMES Page 3

4 MRWA Wastewater Operation & Maintenance Training Session 8:00am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm MRWA Review & What s New in the Industry! Learn about changes in the wastewater industry and what the future holds for water and wastewater operations specialists. Discover what s new with MRWA training opportunities, industry events, and new technology. Networking: how does this best benefit you in the wastewater industry. This session will share ideas on how to make you more successful! How to Properly Follow Wet Weather Protocol for Your Wastewater Facility During Wet Events In the event of wet weather, how do you properly sample and report before, during, and after the event? Reporting is a critical part of these events. Learn in this session from MPCA how to properly report. This session will also cover questions and concerns with edmrs. Please bring your questions and comments to share or to get help with your issue. Air Release Valves, Plug Valves, and Check Valves Are you able to list all of the valves that you have in your facility? What do they do? How do you maintain them? How many air release valves do you have in your system? What is their purpose? How do you maintain them? Learn the answers to these questions and more at this session to better understand the importance of properly working valves in your system. The Many Applications of Energy Efficient Mixing Learn how energy efficient mixing benefits potable water tanks, wastewater lagoons, lift stations, and more at this session. See many different applications to help you with this process. Lunch - (On Your Own) Is There a Water or Wastewater Project in Your Future? How do you plan for a water or wastewater project? At this session, we will discuss how you, the operations specialist, can play a vital role in project planning. Learn from operations specialists that have successfully completed a water or wastewater project. We will also learn about the utility line tracing specification and how it can be implemented into the future project of your facility for locating of utilities. Wastewater Pond System Operation and Maintenance Considerations Learn about the operation and maintenance considerations on-site at the city of Barnum s wastewater treatment ponds. We will review discharge calculations, lift station calibrations, sampling protocol with ph and D.O., proper pond measurements for reporting, pre-discharge calculations, and reporting. We will also look at the day-to-day operation and maintenance for a wastewater treatment pond on-site in Barnum October 12, 2016 City of Barnum Fire Hall 3842 Church Street Barnum, MN Course Instructors: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Mueller Company, Medora Corporation, SolarBee/GridBee, and Minnesota Rural Water Association. Six Certification Hours for Full Day Attendance There is NO charge for this session. To Register For Any Training Session: Call the MRWA Office at or online at Use the training calendar link. Page 4 THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TIMES

5 New Changes for Financing Your Next Community Project Meeting the demands of repairing and replacing water and wastewater infrastructure is taking its toll on many small utility systems. MRWA is bringing together several entities that offer funding for small systems in this session. Our objective is to promote awareness of funding sources, the rules, regulations, application processes, names, addresses, and HOW TO S all under one roof. This is a don t miss session if you are looking to fund a project in Your attendance will greatly benefit your community for years to come. Programs to be discussed include USDA Rural Development, Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund, Clean Water Legacy Act, Clean Water Revolving Fund, Public Facilities Authority, Long Term & Interim Financing, and the grants process. Learn how these funding entities are working together to put affordable projects together for communities. Acquiring funding for needed infrastructure improvements is time consuming and complex. Learn how to do your research and homework. Groups targeted for participation in these sessions are: mayors, administrators, economic development personnel, utility superintendents, engineers, water and wastewater operators, and others involved or interested in the financial stability of municipal and rural water systems. Sponsored By MRWA Corporate Partners: Diamond Partner: Engineering America, Inc. and Kodru-Mooney Ruby Partners: Adaptor, Inc.; AE2S; Apex Engineering Group; Copperhead Industries; Dakota Supply Group; Hawkins Water Treatment Group; Hydro Engineering; Jasper Engineering & Equipment Co.; KLM Engineering, Inc.; Minnesota Pipe & Equipment Co.; Servocal Instruments, Inc.; Stantec; Team Lab Chemical Corp.; Ulteig; VEGA Americas Inc.; and WSB & Associates, Inc. Emerald Partners: Bollig, Inc.; Bolton & Menk, Inc.; Drain Works LLC; Electric Pump; Elliott Equipment Co. - MN; Flexible Pipe Tool Co.; HD Supply Waterworks; HydroCorp., Inc.; Hydro-Klean, LLC; KLJ; MacQueen Equipment, Inc.; Metering & Technology Solutions; Moore Engineering, Inc.; MSA Professional Services; Quam Construction Co.; Raymond James; Ritter & Ritter Sewer Service; Sensus USA; Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc.; Utility Service Co.; Visu-Sewer, Inc.; Water Conservation Services, Inc.; and Widseth Smith Nolting. Class: MRWA New Changes for Financing Your Community Project Training Session Date: Location: Cost: Register: October 25, 2016 (8:00am - 3:00pm) Best Western Kelly Inn 100 4th Avenue South St. Cloud, MN Directions: $ members or $ non-members Mail registration form and check by October 20, 2016 to: Minnesota Rural Water Association th Avenue SE, Elbow Lake, MN Phone: * Fax: See what s new for 2017 Name: Title: Representing: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Fax: Refund policy: Full refund will not be given unless MRWA is notified 48 hours in advance. Partial credit allowance on medical or snow removal emergency only will be considered on a case by case basis. THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TIMES Page 5

6 MRWA Wastewater Operations Specialist Class C & D Exam Refresher Wastewater Refresher Agenda Tuesday, October 18, :00am Noon 1:00pm Introductions Class C&D exam prep Lunch (Provided) Class C&D exam prep group interaction. Learn how to use the math formula sheet. Wednesday, October 19, :30am Class C&D exam prep (continued) Noon Lunch (Provided) 1:00pm Class C&D exam prep (continued) Thursday, October 20, :30am Check-in for exam. Bring valid picture ID. No exam without state-issued picture identification. Study materials will not be allowed in the exam room. Math formula sheet will be provided. Bring a pencil and a calculator. 9:00am Exam given (time: 9:00am-1:00pm). See page 8 for a list of Suggested Study Materials when preparing to take the Wastewater Exam. Registration Instructions: 1. Register for the class. Send the registration form at the bottom of the page and the class fee to MRWA. 2. Register for the exam. Send your completed application for the exam and the $55.00 exam fee to the MPCA by October 5, Make your hotel arrangements: Kelly Inn, phone #: Get started studying NOW. See the list of suggested study material and ordering instructions on page Bring a pencil, highlighter, calculator, and identification. Practice math and suggested study review will be combined throughout the course work. Pre-registration for the class is required. Class fee is $ for members and $ for non-members. Register for the class by calling MRWA at or by filling out the form below. Send the form and a check made payable to MRWA at: th Avenue SE, Elbow Lake, MN Register for the exam with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. A separate exam form and fee must be submitted to MPCA no later than October 5, For a MPCA application form, call MRWA at or Dianne Navratil, MPCA at You can download the MPCA exam application at: Class: MRWA Wastewater Operations Specialist Class C&D Exam Refresher Dates: October 18-20, 2016 Location: Kelly Inn, 100 4th Avenue South, St. Cloud, MN (ph# ) Cost: $ members or $ non-members Register: Mail MRWA class registration form and check by October 13, 2016 to: Minnesota Rural Water Association th Avenue SE Elbow Lake, MN Phone: * Fax: Name: Title: Representing: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Fax: Refund policy: Full refund will not be given unless MRWA is notified 48 hours in advance. Page 6 THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TIMES

7 MRWA Water Operations Specialist Class C & D Exam Refresher Water Refresher Agenda Tuesday, October 18, :00am Noon 1:00pm Introductions Class C&D exam prep Lunch (Provided) Class C&D exam prep group interaction. Learn how to use the math formula sheet. Wednesday, October 19, :30am Class C&D exam prep (continued) Noon 1:00pm Lunch (Provided) Class C&D exam prep (continued) Thursday, October 20, :30am Check-in for exam. Bring valid picture ID. No exam without state-issued picture identification. Study materials will not be allowed in the exam room. Math formula sheet will be provided. Bring a pencil and a calculator. 9:00am Exam given (time: 9:00am-12:00pm). Registration Instructions: 1. Register for the class. Send the registration form at the bottom of the page and the class fee to MRWA. 2. Register for the exam. Send your completed application for the exam and the $32.00 exam fee to the MDH by October 5, Make your hotel arrangements: Kelly Inn, phone #: Get started studying NOW. 5. Bring a pencil, highlighter, calculator, study guide, and identification. Practice math and study guide review will be combined throughout the course work. Pre-registration for the class is required. Class fee is $ for members and $ for non-members. Register for the class by calling MRWA at or by filling out the form below. Send the form and a check made payable to MRWA at: th Avenue SE, Elbow Lake, MN Register for the exam with the Minnesota Department of Health. A separate exam form and fee must be submitted to MDH no later than October 5, For a MDH application form and study guide, call MRWA at or Noel Hansen, MDH at You can download the MDH exam application at: opexamapp.pdf Class: MRWA Water Operations Specialist Class C&D Exam Refresher Dates: October 18-20, 2016 Location: Kelly Inn, 100 4th Avenue South, St. Cloud, MN (ph# ) Cost: $ members or $ non-members Register: Mail MRWA class registration form and check by October 13, 2016 to: Minnesota Rural Water Association th Avenue SE Elbow Lake, MN Phone: * Fax: Name: Title: Representing: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Fax: Refund policy: Full refund will not be given unless MRWA is notified 48 hours in advance. THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TIMES Page 7

8 Minnesota Rural Water Association th Avenue SE Elbow Lake, MN NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 66 ST CLOUD, MN Wastewater C & D Exam Recommended Study Materials MPCA recommends the following manuals for wastewater operations specialists to use in studying and preparing to take the wastewater exam: Class D Wastewater Exam Refresher Suggested Study Materials: SOperation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Volume 1 & 2 available from California State University* SStabilization Pond Operation and Maintenance Manual, Wastewater Math Workbook, and Wastewater Treatment Technology Manual all three available from MPCA MPCA LINK: Class D Wastewater Exam Description: Class C Wastewater Exam Refresher Suggested Study Materials: SAdvanced Waste Treatment available from California State University* SOperation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Volumes 1 & 2 available from California State University* SWastewater Math Workbook and Wastewater Treatment Technology Manual both available from MPCA MPCA LINK: Class C Wastewater Exam Description: To order manuals listed above from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA): Mail a completed order form, available by calling MPCA at or download from and a check to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Fiscal Services, 6th Floor, 520 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, MN *To order manuals listed above from California State University: Office of Water Programs, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA , phone: (916) , wateroffice@csus.edu, Fax: (916) , or Web site: Wastewater Exam Recommended Study Materials