Wastewater Utility Operation and Management for Small Communities

Transcription

1 Wastewater Utility Operation and Management for St. Croix, USVI November 12-13, 2015

2

3 WASTEWATER UTILITY OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT FOR SMALL COMMUNITIES WELCOME Welcome to our two-day workshop on operation, maintenance, and management practices for wastewater operators and managers. We have a full agenda planned covering a wide range of topics over the next two days. Our goal is to provide an overall understanding of the operation and maintenance (O&M) requirements associated with the more common wastewater infrastructure. We have included group exercises to augment the presentations and help explain the issues we are covering. We will also focus on the management of wastewater utilities, describing issues associated with utility staffing, rate structures, assets management, and cost controls. Please feel free to interrupt us with questions at anytime during our presentations. If you have any questions following the workshop, please feel free to contact any of us at the addresses listed below. Mr. Mark E. Nelson Horsley Witten Group, Inc. 90 Route 6A Sandwich, Massachusetts (508) mnelson@horsleywitten.com Mr. Joseph E. Longo Horsley Witten Group, Inc. 90 Route 6A Sandwich, Massachusetts (508) jlongo@horsleywitten.com

4

5 Small Communities 8:30-9:00 Registration 9:00-9:30 Workshop Introductions St. Croix, USVI November 12 13, 2015 DAY#1 AGENDA 9:30-10:15 Introductory Case Studies an overview of O&M issues encountered by utility operators and their managers 10:15-10:30 Break 10:30-12:00 Overview of Wastewater System Operation Wastewater Treatment Process Overview Sewer system O&M Pump station O&M 12:00-1:00 Lunch 1:00-1:45 Small Group Exercise on Collection System O&M Requirements 1:45-2:15 Decentralized Wastewater Treatment 2:15-3:15 Advanced Wastewater System O&M O&M requirements for advanced treatment at centralized and decentralized systems 3:15-3:30 Break 3:30-4:15 Small Group Exercise 4:15 4:40 Clean Water Act Requirements For Wastewater System Operation 4:40-5:00 Day 1 Wrap-Up Group Q&A

6 Small Communities 8:30-9:00 Registration 9:00-9:15 Recap of Day #1 St. Croix, USVI November 12 13, 2015 DAY #2 AGENDA 9:15-9:45 Overview of Utility Management Finding Good Leaders 9:45-10:30 Asset Management Overview a Proactive Approach to Managing Your Utility :45 Break 10:45-11:30 Paying the Bills Techniques for Developing a Rate Structure 11:30-12:00 Minimizing Costs Finding a Way to Save Money 12:00-1:00 Lunch 1:00-2:00 Group Exercise on Asset Management 2:00-2:30 Infrastructure Resiliency Preparing for the Unexpected 2:30-2:45 Break 2:45-3:15 Sources of Technical Assistance 3:15-4:00 Workshop Closeout Group Q&A Workshop evaluations 4:00 Adjourn

7 INTRODUCTORY CASE STUDIES

8

9 Welcome! Wastewater t Utility Operation and Management for Introductory Case Studies Wastewater Utility Operation and Management for Case Study #1 Sewage Collection System Wastewater Overflow 1

10 Sewage Collection System Wastewater Overflow 1. Private sewage collection system extended into newly developed area 2. Some homes are occupied, some are under construction 3. Debris builds up in downstream manhole, sewage begins to backup upstream towards cleanout Sewage Collection System Wastewater Overflow What do you think happens? Sewage Collection System Wastewater Overflow Sewage overflows out of cleanout and into nearby stormwater catchbasin, discharging into woods 2

11 Sewage Collection System Wastewater Overflow Sewage Collection System Wastewater Overflow DEBRIS BUILDUP CATCHBASIN CAPTURES WASTEWATER OVERFLOW OVERLAND DISCHARGE TO WOODS CLEANOUT BACKUP Sewage Collection System Wastewater Overflow What should be done? 3

12 Sewage Collection System Wastewater Overflow What are the operator s next steps: Neighbors identify sewage overflow and report to utility Utility investigates and clears blockage in manhole Utility reports overflow to regulatory agency 2011 scottscreekwatershed.org Sewage Collection System Wastewater Overflow What lessons can be learned? Areas under construction with active collection systems should be inspected frequently Erosion control measures at construction sites should be inspected prior to construction Identify low points of collection systems and inspect regularly Develop a schedule for manhole inspections Case Study #2 Screening for Large Wastewater Treatment System 4

13 Sewage Collection System Debris In MBR Plant $8 Million Construction Cost One Year Construction Schedule Correctional Facility 500,000 GPD WWTP with Membrane Technology Headworks Building with Single Channel Inflow channel Coarse/Fine Screens Upgrades to EQ Volume Sewage Collection System Debris In MBR Plant 5

14 Sewage Collection System Debris In MBR Plant Design Approved by Owner/Operator Contractor Submits Shop Drawing for Approval Designer Approves Shop Drawing Contractor Installs Screen Operator Discovers small diameter debris in WWTP Sewage Collection System Debris In MBR Plant Cause? Record of an Overflow? Screen Size? Operator Error? Installation? Designer? Gap between Screen and Channel Edge?.other? Sewage Collection System Debris In MBR Plant We have a winner! MYSTERY TRAP DOOR!! Result Replacement MBR panels and cleaning of entire system Next Question Who can we blame!? 6

15 Sewage Collection System Debris In MBR Plant Sewage Collection System Debris In MBR Plant What lessons can be learned? Shop Drawing Clarity Understand the Intent of the Equipment Inspect p Equipment during installation Case Study #3 Overview of Small Community Wastewater Issues 7

16 Spokane Tribe of Indians 8

17 Smart Growth Considerations Infill Allows Use of Existing Pipe Systems for Water and Wastewater Minimize Construction Costs Minimize Long Term O&M Costs Maximize System Resiliency 9

18 Financial Challenges Developing a Rate Structure That Pays the Utilities Expenses. Collecting the Money! Utilities Lack of Financial Independence. Water & Sewer Rate Collections $10/Month Per Residence After Recent Rate Increase About 60% of Customers Actually Pay Their Bills Water is Free Mentality 10

19 Operation Challenges Hiring and Keeping Good Operators Operator Certification Issues Lack of Experience/Training in Maintaining Equipment Especially Newer Technologies If it Breaks, the Feds ll Fix It What Makes a Small Utility Successful? Financial and Political Independence Secondary Source of Income? Business Mentality Qualified and Trained Operators Fair Billing and Collection Processes Knowledgeable Customers A Voice Regarding Future Connections 11

20

21 OVERVIEW OF WASTEWATER SYSTEM OPERATION Wastewater Treatment Process Overview Sewer System Operation and Maintenance Pump Station Operation and Maintenance

22

23 Wastewater Treatment Process Overview Wastewater Utility Operation and Management for Treatment Process What are we treating? Waste Material - Organic/Inorganic Solids (Preliminary/Primary treatment) Nutrients (Secondary/Tertiary treatment) Pathogens (Disinfection) Why are we treating? Protect Human Health Environmental Impacts Treatment Process Preliminary Treatment Screening and Grit Removal Primary Treatment Sedimentation and Flotation Secondary Treatment Biological Processes Tertiary Chemical Processes Physical Processes Disinfection Sludge Removal 1

24 Basic Water Quality Treatment BOD TSS Nitrogen Phosphorus Disinfection The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Basic Water Quality Treatment Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) Five-day BOD Used to measure strength of sewage High BOD can deplete oxygen levels BOD Removal - Anaerobic Digestion - Adding Oxygen Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Can clog leaching or disposal field TSS Removal - Settling - Filtration Nitrogen & Phosphorus in Wastewater Affects of Nitrogen and Phosphorus in water bodies include: Increased growth of algae Depletion of oxygen Reduction or fish and other animal populations 2

25 Treatment Process Sources of Cultural Eutrophication Nitrogen Treatment No Oxygen With Oxygen 3

26 Treatment Processes Simplified Primary Treatment Secondary Treatment Tertiary Treatment Disposal Septic Nitrification Denitrification Tank or Process Process Clarifier Disinfection Treatment Technologies Wastewater Lagoons Activated Sludge Oxidation Ditch Rotating Biological Contactors Sequencing Batch Reactor Membrane Bioreactors Typical Lagoon Types Aerated Pond Tuba City Primary Cell Anaerobic Pond Aerobic Ponds Aerated Ponds Anaerobic Ponds Facultative ti Ponds Facultative Pond rscott2011's photostream rscott2011's photostream 4

27 Surface: Aerobic Surface Zone Middle Zone: Facultative Zone How a Pond Functions University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Bottom: Anaerobic Bottom Zone Phosphorus Removal Phosphorus Removal Secondary Treatment - Biological Process - anaerobic conditions - Chemical Process - flocculation l Disinfection Kills microorganisms Chlorination UV Disinfection 5

28

29 Sewer System Overview Wastewater Utility Operation and Management for Sewer System s Three Major Functions? Treatment Collection Disposal Collection Systems Gravity Sewer System Tanks, pipes Pressure Lift Stations Vacuum Vacuum Valves Venting 1

30 Collection Systems Wastewater Haul Single User Collection Systems Small Diameter Gravity Sewer (SDGS) Relatively Simple Operation/Maintenance Staff and Equipment Basic Plumbing Knowledge Spare Parts Collection Systems Components of a SDGS? Pipes/Mains/Laterals Cleanouts Vents Septic Tanks Manholes Components of a Pressure System? Pump Chambers/Lift Stations Valves, Ball/Air Fittings Flow Meters 6 2

31 Small Lift Stations Lift Stations to Connect Small Flows to Collection System Packaged Lift Stations: Gi Grinder Pump System Discussed in Next Presentation Septic Tank Effluent Pump (STEP) STEP System Single Tank Septic Tank Compartment Scum Pumped Flow out Gravity Flow in Pump Vault Sludge Source: Bio-STEP Septic Tank Filtered Effluent Pumping System. STEP System Septic Tank Effluent Pump (STEP) Lift from septic tank to collection system Used to pump wastewater after initial treatment in septic tank - Solids Settled Out - Floatables separated Pump Type - Submersible capable of passing small solids - Non-grinder - Screen at intake to prevent clogging 3

32 STEP Preventative Maintenance STEP system One Tank System Periodically Check: Liquid Level Sludge Blanket Level Scum Level Wastewater Color - Light gray/looks like dirty water = normal - Dark liquid = indicates sludge blanket too deep Odor STEP Maintenance Septic Tank Effluent Pump (STEP) Maintenance: Periodically clean screen(s) at bottom of pump(s) Install and maintain effluent filters in septic tanks Source:eco-nomic.com Collection Systems Preventative Maintenance - Inspection and Cleaning Septic Tanks 4

33 Collection Systems Preventative Maintenance - Inspection and Cleaning Collection System Snake - Pig Flush Cleanout Flush Low Flow Manholes to avoid backup Collection Systems Preventative Maintenance - Inspection and Cleaning Lift Station Components Pumps, Alarms, Floats, Switches, Flow meter Wet Well - Clean Regularly How Would You Clear This Blockage? 5

34 Typical Sewer Blockage Repair 6

35 Clog Removal: Other Solutions Foaming Root Killer Clog Removal: Other Solutions Water Jet and/or Hose Snake Digestor Enzymes Inflow & Infiltration Common Issue with Older Systems Groundwater and/or Stormwater Infiltration Inflow - Illicit Connections? - Roof Drains St t S t - Stormwater System - Basement Sump Pumps Interfere with System Operations - Large Flows - Dilute Waste stream 7

36 Inflow & Infiltration Inflow & Infiltration Smoke Testing TV Camera Inspection Flow Monitoring Manhole Inspections Inflow & Infiltration Solutions? Flow Meter Rain Gauge Multiple Rain Events Determine and Repair Problem Connections 8

37 What is Confined Space and Who Can Go In? Safety Dangers In Confined Space? Exposure to Gases - Portable gas meter - Hydrogen Sulfide (rotten egg smell) - Oxygen Levels - Ventilation (30 minutes min.) - LEL Lower Explosive Limits - Operators should be advised of procedures and precautions Safety Other Types of Hazards Physical Injuries Cave-Ins (Trenching) NIOSH - Preventing Worker Deaths from Trench Cave-ins 9

38 Records & Manuals O&M Records As-Built Drawings Valuable Reference for Operator Inventory of System Components Maintenance Requirements/Procedures Safety Checks Record Log of Inspections Drawing with Inventory Location of System Components 28 Records & Manuals Recordkeeping Daily Log Record Flows, service calls, corrective action, manhole/tank inspection 29 10

39 Lift Station Overview Wastewater Utility Operation and Management for Wastewater Lift Station At low point in collection system Function to Lift and Push wastewater from lower elevation to a higher elevation Source: T-T Pumps LTD Lift Stations Types of Collection System Lift Stations: Submersible Pump Lift Station Dry-Well Lift Station 1

40 Submersible Pump Lift Station Wet well Collection System outlet Valve Vault Multiple Pumps Valve Vault Control Panel Alarm Valves Source: 2006 Norweco, Inc. Control Panel & Alarm Collection System inlet Float Switch Pumps Wet-Well with Submersible Pumps Storage Vault Size Wastewater flow Storage Volume Working 8 Sump Emergency What formula is used to calculate the storage volume per vertical foot in an 8 diameter wet well? H=1 D=8 2

41 Types of Submersible Pumps Pumps Commonly Used Grinder Pump Submersible Effluent Pump Source: Source: Submersible Lift Station O&M O&M Access Hatch- Access to Valve Vault Hatch- Access to pumps Control Panel Lift Station Connections Locate components high in tank riser Pipe Connections Valves Electrical Junction Boxes 3

42 Lift Station O&M Periodically Inspect Wet Wells Check for oil & grease Check for debris and grit deposits Lift Station O&M Inspect on a Routine Basis Alarms - Test alarms manually - Visual and audible alarms Pump Operation - Manually operate pumps - Review data from flow meters or measure pressure in discharge forcemain Lift Station O&M Inspect on a Routine Basis Switching functions - Inspect floats, run manual test Record pump run times - Longer, less frequent pump run times are ideal Measure pump voltage and amperage - High or low amperage readings may indicate problem 4

43 Grinder Pump Grinder Pump Lift raw wastewater to collection system Reduces the size of solids in wastewater by grinding them into a slurry Large horsepower pump Smaller diameter forcemain Wet well has short retention time Grinder Pump System Maintenance System Reliability User education and cooperation to not discharge troublesome solids - Hard solids - Plastics - Sanitary Products - Rags - Stringy Materials Grinder Pump System Maintenance Routine cleaning of vault Wash down grinder pump vaults Float Switches Run pumps and controllers through full cycle Take voltage and amperage readings high amperage indicates clog 5

44 Dry Well Lift Station Lift Station Dry Well Pumps Valves & Controls Ventilation Receiving Wet-Well Wet-Well Alarm Valves Inlet Dry-well Vault Control Panel Source: Norweco - PosaPrime Pumps Float Switches Dry Well Dry Well Size- Need Enough Room For: Space for operator Lift Pumps Ventilation System Valves Control Panel Sump pump to drain floor Dry Well Lift Station Wet Well Size Need Space For: Volume Working Volume Emergency Storage Volume Sump Volume Float Switches Pump on or off Alarms Dry Well Lift Station Advantage Easy Access for routine visual pump inspection 6

45 Control Panel & Alarm Source: CrosStar, LLC. Copyright 2005 by the Discount-Pumps.biz Source: JacksonControls LLC. Enclosed Panel Wired to pumps and float switches Operator can manually control pumps Sounds high water alarm/display Visual Alarm Some feature connection to an auto-dialer to alert operator of alarm Emergency Response Emergency Operating Procedures Educate community Quick response to back ups or alarms - Respond within 4-6 hours - Response time depends on emergency storage volume and flow into wet well Provide additional storage in wet well for short term power outages or pump failures Multiple pumps at lift station, alternate in normal operating conditions Emergency Power Portable emergency generator available to provide power during long outages Electrical adaptor for connection of portable generator power to control panel 7

46 Emergency Power Lift stations with generator located on site ATS Auto Transfer Switch Exercise standby power source weekly Pump Failure Procedure Septic tank pump trucks Track mounted pumps on hand for failures - New lift station installations may include a bypass connection in valve vault Safety-Potential Hazards Classified as Confined Space Exposure to Gases Portable gas meter - Hydrogen Sulfide (rotten egg smell) V til ti (30 i t i i ) - Ventilation (30 minutes minimum) - Operators should be advised of procedures and precautions Electrical Safety Lock out tag out procedures Hygiene and exposure to wastewater 8

47 Maintenance Activities Safety Minimum of two trained employees for service calls Access to a lift for pump service that requires pump removal Source: doonwoodengineering.com Troubleshooting - Pumps Problem: Pumps Not Operating Symptom: Wastewater Backup Check control panel and power supply - Breaker in on position, or - Replace Fuse (if applicable) Troubleshooting - Pumps Symptom: Wastewater Backup (cont.) Confirm high water level exists in wet well If wet well is full - Manually trigger pump to lower the liquid level, or use a portable pump Power to the pump should be disconnected for safe inspection of the pump 9

48 Troubleshooting - Pumps Symptom: High Water Alarm Observe that Power Supply is on and working Check amperage drawn by pump motor Troubleshooting - High Levels Symptom: Pumps Running on Auto, Liquid Level Remains High Blockage at Pump Intake Check Filters and Screens Pump down wet well to normal operating levels Clean Filters and Screens Troubleshooting - High Levels Symptom: Pumps Running on Auto, Liquid Level High Blockage in Discharge Check that valves on discharge line are open Check pipe for blockage Frozen pipe Valve Open 10

49 Troubleshooting - Low Levels Symptom: Pumps Running on Auto, Liquid Level in Wet Well is Low Pump is not shutting off Check position of wet well controls Pump starter contactor may be stuck closed - Turn off main power, "Lock out/ Tag out - Check pump motor starter relay for operation - Closed due to corrosion, moisture, or insects - Replace relay if needed - Check that wet well is not leaking Troubleshooting - Check Valves Pumps running frequently Are check valves on discharge forcemain seated correctly? - Check valves that do not close when pressure drops allow wastewater in the forcemain to flow back into the wet well What Have We Learned? Dry Wells and Wet Wells Grinder Pumps and Submersible Pumps Common O&M and Troubleshooting Issues 11

50

51 SMALL GROUP EXERCISE

52

53 Day #1 Full Group Wastewater Exercise. Water Quality Evaluation You are tasked with the responsibility of sampling and evaluating the effluent quality within a traditional Activated Sludge WWTP. Work within your group to answer the following questions. Name four water quality parameters that should be analyzed on a regular basis. Using the data and graph paper provided on the following page, work with your group to graph the dissolved oxygen concentration measured in your lagoon over an eight-week period. Do you detect a change in effluent quality within the lagoon based on the graph? If so, when does this occur? What are possible causes of the change? Wastewater Exercise 1 Horsley Witten Group, Inc.

54 Plotting Exercise - Plot the Dissolved Oxygen (DO) by week Sample Data: Week DO (mg/l) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Week

55 DECENTRALIZED WASTEWATER TREATMENT

56

57 Decentralized Wastewater Systems Wastewater Utility Operation and Management for Conventional Onsite Systems Three major components: Septic Tank > Distribution Box > Leaching Area Concentrated Onsite Systems Can be used for single lot or for a cluster 2006 OMNI Environmental Systems 1

58 Setback Requirements Applies to septic tanks and leaching areas Based on local conditions and regulations Septic Tank Copyright 2011 Plumbing Olympia WA Septic Tank Copyright septicsystem.com com

59 Septic Tank - Things to Avoid Garbage disposals overload the septic tanks and increase the accumulation of solids - May affect the size of the leaching field Toxic Substances will kill bacteria in septic tank - Strong medications - Photo chemicals - Petroleum oils - Solvents - Paint thinners - Insecticides/pesticides Septic Tank Checking for Sludge and Scum Maine Septic & Pumping 2011 Septic Tank Pumping Requirements Copyright InspectAPedia.com Copyright InspectAPedia.com Every 2-3 Years 3

60 Septic Tank 2008 Oldcastle Precast, Inc 2011 Regents of the University of Minnesota Distribution Box Copyright 2006 URI Water Quality Program Copyright Meade Septic Design, Inc Distribution Box 4

61 Effluent Disposal Keys to success for subsurface wastewater disposal: Proper pretreatment and reduction of solids Permeability of the soil Wastewater passes through the soil and receives treatment through: Filtration Absorption Biochemical reactions Name 5 items that should be examined to determine if a site is suitable for effluent disposal. Effluent Disposal Test Pits and Percolation Tests 5

62 Effluent Disposal Types of Conventional Subsurface Wastewater Infiltration Systems: Seepage Beds Seepage Pits Leaching Trenches Absorption Mounds Seepage Beds Typically wider than 3 feet and less than 100 feet long Dispose of Primary Treated Wastewater Seepage Pits Used when water table and bedrock or clay are very deep Check with regulatory agencies on use Can be feet deep, 3-4 feet diameter If pit fails, possible rehabilitation with hydrogen peroxide 6

63 Leaching Trench Pressure Dosing Absorption Mound 7

64 Alternative Treatment Systems Recirculating/Gravel Sand Filters Advantex Treatment System 8

65 FAST Treatment System Bioclere Treatment System Evapotranspiration Systems 2002, International Ecological Engineering Society 2002 Carpathian Heritage Society 9

66 Who takes care of septic systems for your community? System Inspections Inspect system components to determine if system is functioning properly Copyright ECO-NOMIC INC. Type and size of system Maintenance records Critical resource setbacks Building sewer Septic tank Leaching area Management Approaches Five Management Models - Homeowner Awareness - Maintenance Contracts - Operating Permits - Operations and Maintenance - Community Ownership Dunlapseptic.com 2004 District Municipality of Muskoka Copyright 2009 M V Inc Septic Service 10

67 ADVANCED WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM O&M

68

69 Advanced Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Wastewater Utility Operation and Management for Preliminary Treatment Primary Treatment Secondary Treatment Tertiary Treatment Disinfection Sludge Removal Treatment System Preliminary Treatment Screening Remove Large Solids Parallel Bars Placed in Channel Course Screen (2-4 Inch Range) Fine Screen ( Inch Range) Manual or Mechanical copyright

70 Gravity/Velocity Removal Cyclone Degritter Preliminary Treatment Preliminary Treatment Inspect Periodically to Ensure Screen is Free of Obstructions Replace Hydraulic Fluid if Necessary Oil Change/Checks Should Be Done on an Annual Basis Dispose of Screenings at an Approved Location Primary Treatment s City of Hagerstown, Utilities Department 2

71 Manage Fats, Oils, and Grease at the Source FOG Management Source: Grease Interceptors: Commercial and industrial facilities Management plan in place for frequent pumping based on loading Tank pumping by grease hauler or septic tank pumper Recordkeeping Rotating Biological Contactor Name two recommended maintenance procedures that should be performed after 3 months of startup of an RBC system. 3

72 Sequence Batch Reactor Sequence Batch Reactor Sequence Batch Reactor Basic Maintenance Needs Check air distribution Adjust cycle times to meet treatment goals Follow manufacturer s recommendations 4

73 Activated Sludge Activated Sludge Blower with Air Piping Activated Sludge Daily Operation Checks: Tank Appearance Equipment Operation and Lubrication Return Sludge Line Hose Down Accumulated Sludge From Hoppers and Clarifier Tanks Brush Weirs to Remove Algae and Captured Materials Skim Off Grease and Other Floating Material 5

74 Activated Sludge Wasting Sludge: Required to Maintain a High Degree of Effluent Quality Rule of Thumb - Waste 5% of Solids Each Week During Summer To Prevent Excessive Solids Burping Measuring MLSS in Aeration Tank >Laboratory Equipment >Jar Test What is white fluffy foam in the aeration chamber a sign of? Copyright Environmental Leverage Inc. What is brown leathery foam in the aeration chamber a sign of? Copyright Environmental Leverage Inc. 6

75 Oxidation Ditch Oxidation Ditches Control Methods Similar to Activated Sludge Process: Food Supply Dissolved Oxygen Levels (DO) Ditch Environment Ditch Detention Time Proper Water/Solids Separation Copyright Jewett City WWTP, CT Copyright Williams Industrial Services Ltd Oxidation Ditches Food Supply for Microorganisms: Measured as Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) No Toxicants Proper Pretreatment Facility Inspection 7

76 Oxidation Ditches DO Levels: Rotors Supply Oxygen to Waste Flow Maintain DO Concentration of 0.5 To 2.0 Mg/L Upstream of Rotors Over Oxygenation can Cause Floc to Form Control of Rotor Oxygenation by Adjusting Outlet Control Weir Copyright 2010 Spaans Babcock Copyright 2004 by City of Princeton Membrane Bioreactors Reactor Basin Permeate Pumps Reactor Basin Permeate Pumps Infrastructure Alternatives Inc.2007 Infrastructure Alternatives Inc.2007 Membrane Bioreactors Monitor Trans Membrane Pressure (TMP) Clean Membranes with Sodium Hypochlorite Solution (0.5%) Cleaning Typically 2-4 Hours Once Every 6 Months 8

77 To Anerobic Tank Train 1 Train 2 Influent To Anerobic Tank Anoxic Tank, Mixing & Carbon Addition Kaiser Blowers Aeration Membrane RAS Permeate Pumps (Under Vacuum) RAS Effluent to UV Sludge Wasting Chlorine Disinfection All Rights Reserved by Conrad Strehlau UV Disinfection 2011 Copyright Calgon Carbon Corporation 9

78 UV Disinfection 2011 Copyright Calgon Carbon Corporation Treated Effluent Disposal Return Treated Effluent to Environment Receiving Waters Reclaimed Water Use Land Disposal Treated Effluent Disposal 10

79 Treated Effluent Disposal Caution needed to prevent heavy equipment above facilities not designed to take the weight Treated Effluent Disposal Regular removal of vegetation in open soil beds required Be careful not to compact soils Treated Effluent Disposal 11

80 Sludge Disposal Major Problem facing Operators Solids Removal Originates from: Bar Racks Screens Grit Removal Aerobic Processes Anaerobic Processes Disposal Options: Dewatering Direct Burial Incineration Composting Land Application Sludge Disposal Sludge Disposal Removing Wasted Sludge: Pumper Truck Removal Aerobic Digester Portable Pumping Unit Drying Beds Copyright 2010 ITT Water & Wastewater Copyright 2009 Color Bold Copyright ECO Friendly Shelters 12

81 Sampling and Analysis Sample per facility discharge permit requirements Samples must be representative of the water/effluent being tested Two sample types - Grab - Composite Sampling Considerations Frequency varies based on the facility Always collected from the same location Proper Sample Handling Chain of Custody Sampling Summary Test Location Common Range ph Effluent Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Effluent 4-12 mg/l Temperature Effluent Varies Influent mg/l BOD Effluent mg/l Influent mg/l Suspended Solids Effluent 30 mg/l Total Nitrogen Influent? Phosphorus Influent? 13

82 Safety An operator should always be accompanied by a helper when performing any task that is dangerous. Immediate aid might be needed to prevent serious injury of loss of life. Catwalks and Headworks Catwalks should have guardrails and non skid surfaces Headworks and enclosed equipment should be well ventilated Debris Removal Be careful when removing debris from channels Do not lift too much Make sure of secure footing Never stand in a boat or lean over too far to one side Always wear a life jacket when in a boat 14

83 Electrical Exercise caution when cutting weeds or removing vegetation near electrical wires Beware of electrical wires in damp areas Always turn off, tag and lock out electric current when repairing equipment Two bacteria - Clostridia tetani - Clostridia gangrene Apply first aid to all cuts and scrapes Infections and Disease Always wash after maintenance practices Injuries involving punctures or severe tissue damage immediate medical attention must be given What Have We Learned? Components of Wastewater Treatment Facilities Typical Treatment Systems Used in Larger Facilities Common O&M Issues, Including Sampling and Analysis Safety 15

84

85 SMALL GROUP EXERCISE

86

87 Wastewater Exercises for Utility Operation and Management Common Maintenance Issues. 1. Identify four common tasks that are needed on a regular basis for a wastewater system operated by someone in your group. List your four tasks and be prepared to share them with the group. 2. You will be assigned one of the tasks above and asked to create a maintenance plan answering the following questions. What needs to be done to keep the system healthy? How often is maintenance required? What tools and equipment are needed? Who would be responsible for doing it? What level of staffing is required? How is the maintenance tracked? Will the maintenance tasks impact the operation of the system? What safety issues need to be considered? Wastewater Exercise 1 Horsley Witten Group, Inc.

88

89 CLEAN WATER ACT REQUIREMENTS FOR WASTEWATER SYSTEM OPERATION

90

91 Regulatory Compliance Clean Water Act Requirements Wastewater Utility Operation and Management for Presentation Outline Clean Water Act NPDES Water Quality Standards Pretreatment Regulations Effluent Limits TBEL (Secondary Treatment Standards) WQBEL Equivalent to Secondary Treatment Standards Clean Water Act (CWA) (33 U.S.C 1251 et seq.) Purpose: To restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the Nation s waters Applicability: Point source discharges of pollutants t to surface waters Administered by EPA through: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Water quality standards regulation Pretreatment regulations 1

92 NPDES Program NPDES Permit is required for any Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) discharging to surface waters What the NPDES Permit Specifies: Effluent limits Type Quantity Pollutant monitoring requirements Record keeping & reporting requirements Other conditions (e.g., Pretreatment Program) Effluent Limits Effluent Limits established by the NPDES permit can be based on: Technology Based Effluent Limits (TBEL) and/or Water Quality Based Effluent Limits (WQBEL) What are TBELs? National standards developed by EPA for industries discharging effluent to surface waters Based on available treatment technologies Standards vary based on the industry Intended to represent the greatest pollutant reductions that are economically achievable for an industry For discharges from a POTW, instead of an industry, Technology Based Effluent Limits, a.k.a. Secondary Treatment Standards are found in 40 CFR 133 2

93 TBELs for POTW (40 CFR ) Parameter 30-Day Average 7-Day Average BOD5 30 mg/l 45 mg/l (25 mg/l CBOD5) (40 mg/l CBOD5) TSS 30 mg/l 45 mg/l Removal 85 % BOD5 (or CBOD5) and TSS ph Equivalent to Secondary Treatment Less stringent Equivalent to Secondary Treatment standards may be applicable for certain POTWs. Insert Trickling filter photo Applicability requirements*: POTWs using waste stabilization ponds or trickling filters; Effluent quality consistently achieved, despite proper operation and maintenance >30mg/l BOD5 and TSS; Water quality is not adversely affected by the discharge; POTW consistently provides significant biological treatment. *From EPA NPDES Permit Writers Manual, Ch. 5, Technology Based Effluent Limits Equivalent Standards Parameter 30-Day Average 7-Day Average BOD5 not to exceed 45 mg/l (not to exceed 40 mg/l CBOD5) not to exceed 65 mg/l (not to exceed 60 mg/l CBOD5) TSS not to exceed 45 mg/l not to exceed 65 mg/l Removal not less than 65 % BOD5 (or CBOD5) and TSS -- ph

94 What are WQBELs? Tailored to a particular waterbody s water quality Standards are based on: - Waterbody s designated Use (Public Water Supplies, Fishery, Recreation, Agriculture and Industry, Navigation, etc.) - The criteria/antidegradation i tid d ti policies i are established to protect those uses U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Peakwater.org How are WQBELs Determined? Step 1 Identify applicable Water Quality Standards Step 2 Characterize the effluent and receiving water Step 3 Determine the need for parameter-specific WQBELs Step 4 Calculate parameter-specific WQBELs Source: Antidegradation Under the Clean Water Act (CWA), once the designated uses of a water body have been established, a State, Territory or Tribe must maintain the level of water quality that has been identified as being necessary to support those existing uses. 4

95 Antidegradation Within limitations established by EPA's regulations, the State, Territory or Tribe has the discretion to permit activities that degrade water quality to a minimum level that is, to the level of quality identified in the State or Tribe's water quality standards as being necessary to support the water body's existing uses. Antidegradation Before permitting degradation for point sources, the State, Territory or Tribe must ensure that the most stringent technologybased controls required by statute and regulation will be implemented. Pretreatment Regulations (40 CFR 403) Prevent Pollutant Pass Through Prevent Corrosion Protect Workers Prevent Sludge Contamination Pretreatment Program Prevent Interference with Secondary Treatment 5

96 When is Pretreatment Required? A Pretreatment Program is typically required by the NPDES permit if: POTW is designed to treat >5 MGD or POTW has significant flow from industrial uses Pretreatment Program Requirements* Industrial Waste Survey Legal Authority Technical Elements/Local Limits Compliance Monitoring Procedures Resources *From EPA Guidance Manual for POTW Pretreatment Program Development What Have We Learned? An Introduction to the Clean Water Act 6

97 OVERVIEW OF UTILITY MANAGEMENT FINDING GOOD LEADERS

98

99 BM9 Utility Management Overview Wastewater Utility Operation and Management for Utility Management Overview What is the role of utility management? Importance of having a certified operator Interviewing i and hiring i operators Workforce management Small Community Challenges Operators have limited access to classroom and hands-on training Finding qualified candidates is difficult - many accept higher paying positions at larger utilities Knowledge of the utility is limited by decreased level of participation in design and construction 1

100 Small Community Challenges Emergency response provisions are typically minimal, and frequently staff are not cross-trained Operators and managers are expected to perform all aspects of utility management in a learn as you go environment Effective Utility Management Effective utility management is essential to sustaining our nation s water and wastewater infrastructure. Can help utilities enhance the stewardship for their infrastructure; Improve performance in many critical areas; and Respond to current and future challenges. BM1 Ten Attributes of Effectively Managed Utilities 2

101 Ten Attributes of Effectively Managed Utilities 1. Product quality Potable water or treated effluent 2. Customer satisfaction Reliable, responsive, and affordable 3. Employee and leadership development Professional development 4. Operational optimization Ongoing, timely, cost-effective, reliable, and sustainable performance improvements 5. Financial viability Understands the full life-cycle cost of the utility Ten Attributes of Effectively Managed Utilities 6. Infrastructure stability Understands conditions and costs, proactive 7. Operational resiliency Anticipate and avoid problems 8. Community sustainability Understands its role in economic and environmental vitality 9. Water resource adequacy Ensures water availability and protection 10.Stakeholder understanding and support Actively involves stakeholders What are the characteristics of a good leader or manager? 3

102 Role of a Utility Manager Utility Managers: Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate utility activities Exercise direct supervision over assigned staff Prepare budgets and forecast additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies BM8 Role of a Utility Manager Utility Managers also: Recommend the appointment of personnel and provide or coordinate staff training. Ensure utility meets regulatory requirements. Represent the utility to outside agencies and organizations. What are the duties of an operator? 4

103 Roles of Operators The primary roles of an operator are: Keeping all system components functioning efficiently and effectively Complying with all relevant regulations to protect customer s health Maintaining a positive relationship with customers, regulators, and the system decision makers, and keeping them informed of your efforts to provide high quality water or wastewater Role of Operators (cont.) Protecting the system against natural disasters and vandalism Photo by Nick Krug, Lawrence Journal-World Certified Operators The importance of having a certified operator: To ensure protection of human health and the environment by promoting compliance with the Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water Acts. To ensure skilled professionals are overseeing the treatment, distribution, and/or disposal of safe drinking water or wastewater. 5

104 BM10 Operator Certification Requirements Class I High school diploma, general equivalency diploma (GED), or equivalent One year of acceptable operating experience of a Class I or higher utility Maintaining certification Annual renewal of certification every 2 years Meeting continuing education requirements every 2 years 16 BM2 Alaska Certification Requirements Certified Operators Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification information: 104g_index.cfm 6

105 Interviewing & Hiring Operators Questions to ask when hiring an operator: Is the operator certified and at the right level? Does the candidate have experience operating your type and size of system (treatment components) and transport (distribution or collection) system? Interviewing & Hiring Operators How many years of operating experience does the candidate possess? Can the candidate perform basic system troubleshooting and minor repairs? Can the candidate accomplish required operational testing? Interviewing & Hiring Operators If you will be contracting for an operator, remember to discuss: Contract duration Compensation Workdays Responsibilities (contractor vs. owner) 7

106 Workforce Management Many believe a workforce shortage is coming Workforce planning is often overlooked due to infrastructure t and regulatory issues One survey shows that qualified treatment BM5 and collection/distribution/transmission system operators will be hard to find Workforce Management The average age of utility workers is 45, and the average age for retirement is 56 By 2020, it is expected that 31% of wastewater utility workers will retire Additional employee needs in the water sector are expected to grow by 45% in the coming years Workforce Management Best Practices: Create a team Assess your utility s needs Create a workforce plan BM6 8

107 BM7 Workforce Management Nine Key Areas for Effective Workplace Planning Source: Water Sector Workforce Sustainability Initiative (WRF, 2010) Workforce Management 1. Training and development Conduct surveys, assess training needs, identify training providers, develop partnerships 2. Compensation and rewards Optimize job classifications, use a skill-based compensation system 3. Workforce/Succession Planning Develop a union agreement and an apprenticeship program Workforce Management 4. Recruiting and outreach Implement employee referrals, use summer interns, partners with schools, go to job fairs 5. Knowledge retention and management Use software or a central server to store information 6. Generational and cultural awareness Use alternate work schedules and partner with schools 9

108 Workforce Management 7. Leadership development Create a learning academy 8. Career planning and management Create a customized plan for each employee, start an employee development or mentoring program 9. Strategy and measures Develop these inline with your utility s strategic business direction 10

109 ASSET MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW A PROTECTIVE APPROACH TO MANAGING YOUR UTILITY

110

111 Asset Management Overview Wastewater Utility Operation and Management for Asset Management Overview What is an Asset? What is Asset Management? What are the Benefits of Implementing Asset Management Principles? Assets Are All the equipment, buildings, land, people and other components needed for wastewater treatment. Large, expensive, longlived, and often buried. Machinery Buildings Tools ASSETS Essential to protect public health. Pipes Equipment Operator 1

112 Asset Management Is A process for maintaining a desired level of customer service while optimizing costeffectiveness. Asset Management Includes Building an inventory of your assets. Scheduling and tracking maintenance tasks. Managing your budgeted and actual annual expenses and revenue. Asset Management Benefits Back up budget talks with solid facts Boost utility efficiency Save staff time Understand that a utility is a customer service business Improve customer service 2

113 Asset Management Framework 1. Current State of Assets What does the utility own? Where is it? What is its condition? What is its remaining useful life? What is its value? Aeration tank at a small wastewater facility Credit: U.S. EPA Asset Inventory To perform an inventory, determine your assets and list the following information: Condition Age Service history Useful life - Manufacturer s recommendation - Adjust by service history and current condition Aging pipes Credit: EcoWatch 3

114 Example Inventory Worksheet Asset Prioritization To prioritize your assets, consider: Remaining useful life Ability to provide service Redundancy The big picture - e.g., community development Plans and evaluations WWTP aerial view Credit: Ohio RCAP Example Prioritization Worksheet 4

115 Required Reserve To help you determine estimated costs: Contact local contractors Contact equipment manufacturers Talk to other systems Talk to state, tribal, and technical assistance organizations Example Reserve Worksheet Asset Management Framework 5

116 2. Level of Service What do the regulators require? What are the utility s performance goals? What level of service (LOS) do the utility s customers demand? What are the physical capabilities of the utility s assets? Performance Indicators Failures per year Stoppages per year per mile of pipe Overflows per year per mile of pipe Electrical usage Customer complaints per mile of pipe Sewer overflow Credit: City of Raleigh, NC What are some other Performance Indicators? 6

117 LOS Goal LOS goals should be SMART: Specific Measurable Action-oriented Realistic Timely By using the SMART Approach, a utility can not only set goals but also achieve them. Examples of LOS Goals: System will meet all state and federal regulatory standards. Total sewer outages due to maintenance issues will be kept to less than 24 hours per year. All customer complaints will be investigated within 2 business days of the complaint. Best Practices Analyze customer demand and satisfaction Understand regulatory requirements Communicate to the public a level of service agreement Make your service objectives meaningful to the customers Use level of service standards Asset Management Framework 7

118 3. Critical Assets How can assets fail? How do assets fail? What are the likelihood and consequences of asset failure? Credit: WDSU News New Orleans What does it cost to repair the asset? What are other costs that are associated with asset failure? What can t you live without? Understanding Asset Risks Perfect World = Knowing Asset Risks Predict when an asset will fail (i.e., likelihood) Fully understand d consequences ces of failure (i.e., impact) Roots growing into a sewer collection pipe Credit: Los Angeles Department of Public Works Failed leaching trench results in surface breakout Credit: King County Washington 8

119 Best Practices to Ensure LOS List assets based on criticality Conduct a failure analysis Determine probability of failure Analyze failure risk and consequences NYC pipe explosion, July 2007 Credit: Mario Tama, Getty Images Asset Management Framework 4. Minimum Life Cycle Cost What are the best Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and Operation and Maintenance (O&M) strategies? What management strategies t are the most feasible for my organization? What are the costs for rehabilitation, repair, or replacement of critical assets? 9

120 Asset Maintenance Options Non-preventive (wait until it breaks) Preventive (plan before it breaks) Repair Refurbish/rehabilitate Replace Decommission Grit removal and grinder/screener units Credit: Village of Boyd, WI Return Activated Sludge (RAS) station and two associated Pad Mounted Transformers (PMTs) Credit: City of Lincoln, IL Management Decisions What are utility work crews doing and where are they doing it AND WHY!!? What Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) should be done and when? When to repair, when to rehab, and when to replace? These decisions typically account for 85% of a utility s annual expenditures! Best Practices to Ensure LOS Move from reactive to proactive maintenance Know the costs and benefits of rehabilitation vs. replacement Look at lifecycle costs for critical assets Deploy resources based on asset conditions Develop and validate CIP 10

121 Asset Management Framework 5. Long-term Funding Plan Best Long-Term Financing Strategy What are the full economic costs associated with the utility? Is there enough funding to maintain assets for the required level of service? How can full cost pricing be implemented? Is the rate structure sustainable for the system s long term needs? Cost of Sustainable Utility Services Cost Allocation & Rate Design Rates & Charges Residential Commercial Industrial Subsidies Transfer Payments Annual Revenue Necessary for Full Cost Recovery Recognition of Full Business Costs Chosen Level and Means of Provision of Service 11

122 Best Practices to Ensure LOS Routinely review and revise the rate structure Fund a dedicated reserve from current revenues Finance asset renewal and replacement through borrowing Tools Tools Available for Asset/Utility Management: EPA s Check up program for small systems (CUPSS) EPA and USDA s rural and small systems guidebook CUPSS What is CUPSS? Check up program for small systems Free Asset Management tool Desktop software program that runs on your computer Series of modules that store information about a user s utility Tool designed and developed with input from wellrounded stakeholder group 12

123 CUPSS (cont.) Who should use it? Small wastewater systems Medium-sized systems new to Asset Management CUPSS (cont.) Using CUPSS to Manage Assets Helps in understanding the asset management process Establish and keep track of goals and milestones Become more organized by keeping all information in one place CUPSS (cont.) 13

124 CUPSS (cont.) CUPSS Benefits Using CUPSS will allow utilities to: Make more informed decisions Save time by planning ahead Back up budget talks with solid facts Improve customer service CUPSS CD To obtain a copy of CUPSS CD: s/index.cfm CUPSS CD contains: CUPSS Software Getting Started with CUPSS Workbook User s Guide CUPSS Presentation You can also contact: cupss@epa.gov 14

125 EPA and USDA Guidebook This guidebook is designed to introduce rural and small water and wastewater systems to the key areas of effectively managed systems Provides background information on ten key management areas, as well as instruction and assistance on how to conduct a system assessment process based on the key management areas. EPA and USDA Guidebook (cont.) Copies of the guidebook may be obtained by: Download the guidebook from USDA s Rural Development website: WorkshopSupplementalMaterials.html What Have We Learned? How to identify our assets Management techniques to plan for maintenance and replacements 15

126

127 PAYING THE BILLS TECHNIQUES FOR DEVELOPING RATE STRUCTURE

128

129 Techniques for Developing a Rate Structure Wastewater Utility Operation and Management for Rate Structure Overview Introduction Revenue requirements Cost allocation methods Distributing ib ti costs to customers Rate design Administration of rates and charges Financial stability Rate Setting STEP guide Introduction Rates should be cost-based and nondiscriminatory Rates should fairly allocate costs to classes of users Rates should be stable 1

130 Introduction (cont.) You will need to develop a general rate setting action strategy. Gather budgets, budget reports, and customerrelated records Once you know your past financial and operating history, you can begin to: Determine total annual revenue requirements Allocate revenue to costs Distribute costs to customers Design rates for customer classes to recover costs Revenue Requirements Determine revenue needs and identify expected cost for: Expenses - Operation & Maintenance (O&M) and administrative Debt service on borrowed funds Rehabilitation, replacement and expansion costs Cash reserve (10% of O&M) Major Revenue Requirements O&M Expenses: Operating costs for the treatment plant, EQ tanks, parts replacement, other treatment, collection, and/or distribution systems Costs to maintain facilities and equipment Administration and personnel expenses 2

131 Major Revenue Requirements Capital Costs: Annual costs associated with plant construction investment Debt service Costs associated with facilities replacement, expansion, and upgrades Cash reserves (??) Forecasting Expenditures Don t forget to forecast expenses: Unexpected increases in flow System growth rate Inflation Capital improvement program Financing requirements (e.g., bonds) Select a Method for a Revenue Base There are two basic accounting methods for establishing revenue: 1. Cash basis a publicly-owned utility raises money to cover all cash needs including debt service 2. Utility basis an investor-owned utility establishes rates that includes a reasonable rate of return (profit) 3

132 Allocate Costs Not all system users make similar demands on the wastewater (or water) system: Some customers may generate more (or peak flows) effluent than others, causing a utility to need: - Larger pumps - Larger mains - More storage So, this class of customer needs to pay more for peak demand costs in addition to their share of average demand costs. Commodity Demand Method Identify the utility costs related to the following service categories: 1. Commodity (Water) Costs 2. Demand (Peak Flow) Costs 3. Customer Service Costs 4. Compliance Costs (i.e. Fines or Sampling) Kinds of Costs Commodity Chemicals, Energy Used Demand Collection, Storage (EQ), Treatment, Disposal Customer Billing, collection, accounting, (meters?) Compliance On-going Water Quality Sampling or Fees/Fines 4

133 Distributing Costs The next step is to establish different classes of service by customer groups. Classes should separate users by load demand and peaking characteristics. The following general customer classes are frequently used by many utilities: Residential Commercial Industrial Agricultural (Irrigation) Other (Government, Schools, etc.) Rate Design The final step is to design utility rates that will recover appropriate costs. Rates should always be based on the cost of service Good judgment must also be used in rate setting Common Rate Structures Flat Rate/Fixed Fee Rate All pay the same (don t need meters) Uniform Rates Based on consumption (number of bedrooms, amount of flow) 5

134 Common Rate Structures Increasing Block Rate More you use, the more you pay Decreasing Block Rate More you use, the less you pay Seasonal/Peak Flow Rate Charge more during peak season/flow events Case Study: Small Wastewater Utility Customers (services): 800 dwellings Population: 2,250 people Case Study: Small Wastewater Utility Annual Expenses: Labor + fringe benefits $125,000 Professional fees 3,100 O&M costs 3,000 Materials and supplies 5,500 Insurance 5,300 Travel 1,500 Utilities (phone, heat) 9,200 Vehicles 2,600 Services 8,600 Capital replacement 8,500 Other 500 Total Revenue Requirement: $172,000 6

135 Case Study: Small Wastewater Utility Determine monthly utility service charge: Total Revenue Requirement ($/yr) (Number of Dwellings)(12 mo/yr) $172,000 (800 dwellings)(12 mo/yr) $17.92/mo per dwelling Administration of Rates and Charges Be sure you can justify your rates Use graphics in presentations that show: - Recent cost performance - Current revenue versus projected revenue - Effect of rate increases on user groups - Rate comparison with other utilities Water utilities should take advantage of the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) Planning for Financial Stability Measuring stability Budgeting Recordkeeping 7

136 Budgeting The only way to prepare a good budget is to have good records from the year before - Track every expense (e.g., purchase order system) - Realize you can t do everything Understand how you spent your money over the last year Take into account cost increases while trying to minimize costs Recordkeeping Recordkeeping is important for: Setting accurate water and sewer rates Legal requirements Solving O&M problems Designing expansions and upgrades Types of records include: Equipment and maintenance records Plant operations data Procurement records Inventory records Personnel records How Long Should I Keep Records? As long as they are useful or for as long as legally required Data that can be used for future design or expansion should be kept indefinitely Laboratory data should be kept indefinitely Regulatory agencies may specify how long to keep water quality analyses or customer complaint records Set up a schedule to regularly review records and dispose of those no longer needed 8

137 A Helpful Tool systems/pdfs/guide_smallsystems_final_ratesetting_guide. pdf Inside You Will Find Determining your costs Determining your current revenues Setting aside a reserve Determining the actual revenue required from your customers Designing, implementing, and reviewing your rate What Have We Learned? Types of rate structures How to calculate revenue How to design a rate structure Tools for rate structure development 9

138

139 MINIMIZING COSTS FINDING A WAY TO SAVE MONEY

140

141 Minimizing Costs Wastewater Utility Operation and Management for Inflow and Infiltration Is I&I an Issue With Your System? 1

142 I&I Impacts Increased flow in collection system Greater treatment capacity needed Increased energy use Increased chemical use I&I Detection and Repair Benefits Cost savings Better knowledge of collection system Delayed capacity expansion Reduced energy and chemical Use I&I Detection and Repair Strategy Focus on expected problem areas Areas with a history of leaks and breaks High groundwater areas Older pipes Pinpoint listening devices Geophones Photo from 2

143 I&I Detection Smoke Testing TV Camera Inspection Flow Monitoring Manhole Inspections I&I Detection and Repair Strategy Manhole Repairs Replacement or Lining of Sewers Coordinate with other activities Accurate records! 3

144 MARION WWTP LAGOONS Groundwater Contours from May 2010 Sampling Round Dashed Contour Lines are Inferred 4

145 Energy Conservation/ Alternative Energy Wastewater plants and drinking water systems can account for up to 1/3 of a municipality s total energy bill Drinking water and wastewater systems in the U.S. spend about $4 billion a year on energy to pump, treat, deliver, collect, and clean water. Energy Conservation/ Alternative Energy Loads expected to increase by 20% in next 15 years due to increased populations and more stringent regulations. Energy efficiency investments often have outstanding rates of return and can reduce costs at a facility by 5%, 10%, 25%, or more. Energy Management Approach 1. Benchmark and track monthly and annual energy use 2. Identify and prioritize energy operations and issues that can increase efficiency 3. Identify energy efficiency objectives and targets 4. Define the performance indicator(s) to use to measure progress towards your energy targets 5

146 Energy Management Approach 5. Establish energy management programs (i.e., action plans to meet your goals) 6. Monitor and measure the performance of your established target(s) 7. Document and communicate success 8. Review your progress periodically and making adjustments as necessary EPA s Energy Audit Tool (EAT) Excel-based tool Guides you through a utility bill analysis Determines your baseline energy consumption and cost Identifies areas of inefficiency to help prioritize energy improvement projects Energy Conservation Plan Create a system to track energy usage and costs Perform energy audits of major operations Upgrade equipment, systems, and Upgrade equipment, systems, and controls, including facility and collection system improvements to increase energy efficiency 6

147 Energy Conservation Plan Develop a costeffective electric supply purchasing strategy Optimize load profiles by shifting operations where possible Develop in-house energy management training for operators Energy Efficiency Case Study Trumbull, CT What they had: Wastewater collected and pumped to Bridgeport by 10 pump stations One station had two 40-hp direct drive pumps to handle 236 gpm of daily flow Second pump was for peak flow only Energy Efficiency Case Study Trumbull, CT What they did: Installed a 10-hp pump and modified control scheme Handles same flow, operates longer, 40-hp pumps now used for peak flows only Costs were $12,000, energy savings were approximately $2600/yr, resulting in a simple payback of 4.6 years 7

148 Alternative Energy Sources Bio gas Anaerobic digester gas Microturbines Wind Solar Fuel Cells Tell Customers You re Green Add inserts in their utility bills Send s to your customers, along with the notice of their monthly bill If you bill your customers in postcards, add to the postcard Develop promotional materials to display at different community events Remember, lowering your costs lowers customer costs too Efficiencies Through Partnerships It all begins with level of service (LOS) Once LOS is established, systems can focus on short- and long-term technical and financial challenges Short-term term is typically O&M Long-term can be infrastructure needs Forming partnerships can provide systems with more options and benefits 8

149 System Partnership Spectrum Partnership Benefits Reduce capital and operating costs and prices through economies of scale Help raise capital to replace/improve aging infrastructure Improve performance through wider use of trained operators and advanced treatment Enhance environmental protection, resource conservation, and contingency planning Partnership Case Study Informal Cooperation Northeast/Merrimack Valley Consortium of Water and Wastewater Facilities Comprised of 35 municipal systems Negotiate and purchase their laboratory supplies and treatment chemicals Reduced long-term operation costs Combined purchasing power gives consortium more options when soliciting bids 9

150 What Have We Learned? How to manage inflow and infiltration Energy efficiency opportunities Partnership benefits 10

151 SMALL GROUP EXERCISE

152

153 Asset Management Exercises for Wastewater Utility Operation and Management System Inventory 1. Select a utility operating by a member of your group and choose 3-4 assets of that utility to use in this exercise. List them all on the attached System Inventory Worksheet. 2. For items 3-6 on the worksheet: Fill these in to the best of your ability if your actual utility also has this asset. For example, if you or someone in your group has a clarifier, go ahead and fill out items 3-6 on the form for that clarifier. Asset Prioritization 1. Using your completed System Inventory Worksheet, copy your list of assets and remaining useful life (as applicable) to the provided Prioritization Worksheet. 2. Follow the instructions for steps 4-6 to evaluate each asset s priority. Required Reserve* 1. Using your completed Prioritization Worksheet, list your assets in prioritized order, starting with the highest priority assets (lowest number) first. 2. Follow the instructions for steps 3-7 for your first three prioritized assets. * The required reserve worksheet only helps you account for the additional funds needed to repair or replace your asset- it does not account for O&M costs. Asset Management Exercise 1 Horsley Witten Group, Inc.

154

155 D ate Worksheet Completed/Updated: A sset 1 E xpected U seful Life S ystem Inventory Worksheet C ondition S ervice History A djusted U seful Life A ge R emaining U seful Life

156 Using the System Inventory Worksheet This section presents instructions for completing the System Inventory Worksheet. Each step presented here corresponds to a numbered section of the sample worksheet on page 10. Step #1 Step #2 Step #3 Step #4 Step #5 Enter the date. Circle whether you are completing or updating the worksheet and fill in the date. You should update this worksheet at least once a year. You can either make minor adjustments to the worksheet as the condition of your assets change, or start a new worksheet each year. Identify your assets. Write in each of your system s assets. Be as specific as possible by providing location, manufacturer, or some other identifier for each asset. List separately assets made of different materials or installed at different times. For example, you might list a section of your distribution system as 10-inch PVC on Main St. You can make a copy of this worksheet if you need more room to list assets. Fill in expected useful life. Use the manufacturer s recommendation or the list provided in the box on page 9 to enter the expected useful life for each asset. Describe assets condition. Briefly describe the condition of each asset. Focus especially on conditions that may influence the useful life (for example, rust or broken parts). Describe service history. Briefly describe the service history of each asset. Include routine maintenance activities as well as any repairs and rehabilitations. List how often you have made repairs and rehabilitations. Step #6 Step #7 Step #8 Estimate the adjusted useful life for each asset. Using the Expected Useful Life (step 3) as a guide, estimate the adjusted useful life for each of your assets by considering its current condition (step 4) and its service history (step 5). If your asset is in poor condition, has not been properly maintained, or faces other challenges (poor water or soil quality, excessive use, etc.), then the adjusted useful life is likely to be less than the lower end of the expected useful life range. If your asset is in good condition, has been properly maintained, and faces average water quality, then you can use the average useful life value. However, you may want to use the lower end of the range to be more conservative and help ensure that you are prepared to replace the asset. Record age. For each asset, fill in how long the asset has been in use. If the asset has been previously used by another system, you should list the total age, not just the length of time your system has used it. Calculate the remaining useful life. For each asset, calculate the remaining useful life by subtracting its age (step 7) from its adjusted useful life (step 6). 11

157 D ate Worksheet Completed/Updated: A sset 1 R emaining U seful Life P rioritization Worksheet I mportance R edundancy P riority ( 1 is high) 16

158 Using the Prioritization Worksheet This section presents instructions for completing the Prioritization Worksheet. Each step presented here corresponds to a numbered section of the sample worksheet on page 16. Step #1 Step #2 Step #3 Step #4 Enter the date. Circle whether you are completing or updating the worksheet and fill in the date. You should update this worksheet at least every year. You can either make minor adjustments to the worksheet as your priorities change or problems are addressed, or start a new worksheet each year. List your assets. Copy your list of assets from step 2 of the System Inventory Worksheet. Enter assets remaining useful life. For each of your assets, copy the remaining useful life from step 8 of the System Inventory Worksheet. Describe assets importance. Briefly describe the importance of each of the assets to the operation of your system and the protection of public health. Assets that are required in order to keep the system running are usually more important than those that just make operation more efficient. Step #6 Evaluate assets priority. Considering remaining useful life, importance, redundancy, and any other important factors, rank your assets in terms of how important it is to reserve money for them. Write 1 next to the asset with the highest priority, 2 next to the asset with the next highest priority, and so on. You may find that you have more than one asset with the same level of priority. You can assign the same ranking to all assets with the same priority. Assets with a shorter remaining useful life should have a higher priority (lower number) because you will need to rehabilitate or replace them relatively soon. Assets that are more important to your ability to deliver safe water should have a high priority (lower number), because of public health protection goals. Assets for which there is less redundancy should have a high priority (lower number), because your system will have trouble continuing to operate without them. Step #5 Describe assets redundancy. Briefly describe the redundancy of each of the assets. Are there assets that can do the same job, even if they cannot do it as well? 17

159 D ate Worksheet Completed/Updated: A sset (list from highest to l owest priority) 1 1 R equired Reserve Worksheet A ctivity Y ears until a ction needed C ost ($) R eserve required c urrent year T otal reserve in the current year 1 N ote: The Required Reserve Worksheet only helps you account for the additional funds you will require to rehabilitate or replace your asset. Standard O &M costs are not included in this calculation. 22 7

160 Using the Required Reserve Worksheet This section presents instructions for completing the Required Reserve Worksheet. Each step presented here corresponds to a numbered section of the sample worksheet on page 22. Step #1 Step #2 Step #3 Step #4 Enter the date. Circle whether you are completing or updating the worksheet and fill in the date. You should update this worksheet at least once a year. You can either make minor adjustments to the worksheet, or start a new worksheet each year. List your prioritized assets. List the assets from the Prioritization Worksheet. List the assets in order, with the highest priority assets (lowest number) first. List activities. For each asset, list the rehabilitation and replacement activities that you expect to perform over the next five years. Provide enough detail for each activity so that you can determine the cost of the activity. Estimate years until action needed. For each activity, fill in the number of years before you will need to do that task. For annual activities, enter 1. Step #5 Step #6 Step #7 Estimate cost. Fill in the expected cost for each activity. Make sure to include the complete cost, including preparation, cleanup, removal, and disposal of any waste. If you expect to sell an asset at the end of its useful life, subtract the estimated sale price from the cost of a new item and enter the difference. Calculate the reserve required per year. For each asset, calculate the reserve required by dividing the cost by the years until the action is needed. This is the estimated amount of money that your system needs to set aside per year for that asset. Calculate the total reserve required in the current year. Add the reserve required per year for each item to calculate the total reserve required in the current year. This is the estimated amount of money that your system needs to set aside, starting this current year, if you want to pay for all of these rehabilitation and replacement activities. For replacement activities, enter the remaining useful life you estimated in step 8 of the System Inventory Worksheet. 23

161 INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCY PREPARING FOR THE UNEXPECTED

162

163 Infrastructure Resiliency Wastewater Utility Operation and Management for What is resiliency? Resiliency Emergency Response Planning Assessing Vulnerabilities Emergency Response Plans Mutual Aid and Assistance Climate Change, How it May Impact Your Utility EPA 1

164 Emergency Response Planning Why is it important? Vulnerability Assessment Elements 1. Water System Characterization 2. Prioritization of Consequences to Avoid 3. Identify Assets That Could be Threatened 4. Assess Threat Likelihood 5. Evaluate Countermeasures 6. Develop Risk Reduction Plan (Action Plans) watersecurity/pubs/ va_fact_sheet_12-19.pdf 5 Resources Free EPA Software Available at: description/vsat Free Online Guide Available for Download at: 2

165 Emergency Response Plan (ERP) Elements 1. System-specific Information System Map Critical Customers Staff and Contact Info Chemicals 2. Roles And Responsibilities Who is in Charge? When? 3. Communication Procedures Internal (Staff) External (Other Responders) Public Notification 4. Personnel Safety First-aid Evacuation/Shelter myworkinglifeinthefd.blogspot.com ifirstaidkits.com Horsley Witten Group Emergency Response Plan (ERP) Elements 5. Equipment and Chemical Supplies Replacement Gas/Fuel Chemicals Parts for Repairs 6. Property Protection 7. Backup Power 8. Sampling and Monitoring ERP A Summary Know Who s in Charge Know Who Else to Call Prepare Action Plans Practice, Practice, Practice Reduces Indecision Reduces Indecision Relieves Stress Update, Update, Update 3

166 What do you do when... Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreements Provide the Means for One Utility to Provide Resources or Other Support to Another Utility During an Incident The Overall Goal is to Ensure Timely Assistance During Incidents Water and Wastewater Agency Response Network (WARN) Utilities Helping Utilities. mdwarn.org Because Stuff Happens and Utilities Will Need HELP! Preparing for, Responding to, and Recovering From All Hazards Incidents Why Join a WARN? 12 4

167 Climate Change Observed Trends Image credit: U.S. Global Change Research Program Changes in Temperature Image Credit: U.S. Global Change Research Program What Are the Most Important Changes? Climate Change Warmer Oceans Sea Level Rise Melting Glaciers Warmer, Shorter Winters Warmer, Drier Summers More Intense Rainfall 5

168 Impacts of Warmer, Shorter Winters Decreased Snowpack and Diminished Glacial Storage More Rain Relative to Snow Earlier Spring Melt-off Altered Infiltration and Groundwater Recharge Lower Summer/Fall Base Flows scienceprogress.org Impacts of Warmer, Drier Summers Vegetative Changes in Watersheds, Recharge Areas Increased Water Temperatures Increased Water Demand Altered Treatment Plant & Infrastructure Performance Demands Drought The New York Times Impacts of More Frequent, Intense Rainfall Events Increased Turbidity & Sedimentation Increased Overflows of Untreated Sewage Increased Agricultural & Urban NPS Pollution Direct Storm & Flood Damages to Wastewater and Stormwater Management Facilities Increased fluctuation of Water Table adirondackdailyenterprise.com ga.water.usgs.gov 6

169 Impacts of Sea Level Rise Direct Storm & Flood Damage to Wastewater and Stormwater Management Facilities Impacts of Rising Water Table on Subsurface Treatment Fields Projected exposure of facilities on Puget Sound to SLR, ca. end of 21 st Century. Source: USGCRP (2009) p. 138 Addressing Climate Change Mitigation Asset Management Actions That Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions >Energy Efficiency Measures Adaptation Identify Actions Taken in Response to Climate Change Impacts Edit/Update Your ERP to Address Adaptation Issues EPA Resource: Climate Ready Water Utilities climate/ What Have We Learned? The need for a vulnerability assessment The value of an Emergency Response Plan and the need to update it regularly The benefits of a WARN How climate change impacts may alter the operation of your utility and how you can prepare your utility 7

170

171 SOURCES OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

172

173 Sources of Technical Assistance Wastewater Utility Operation and Management for Where do you go for technical assistance? Federal General Information on Small Community Wastewater t Planning 1

174 Federal Introduction to Onsite and Decentralized Systems Federal Asset Management Effective Utility Management Specific Handbooks for Guidance Handbook for Managing Onsite and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systemshttp://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/septic/upload/onsite_handbook.pdf Case Studies of Individual and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Management Programs- Studies-2012.pdf Effective Utility Management A Primer for Water and Wastewater Utilitieshttp://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/sustain/upload/2009_05_26_wateri nfrastructures_tools_si_watereum_primerforeffectiveutilities.pdf 2

175 Federal Funding 1. Clean Water SRF 2. Hardship Grants Program 3. Colonia Program 4. Community Development Block Grant 5. Water and Water Disposal Program 6. Economic Development Administration Grants 7. Appalachian Regional Commission Federal Funding USDA - Rural Utilities Service Water and Waste Disposal Loans For water and waste disposal (includes solid waste and stormwater drainage) Rural community with population < 10,000 Can also help to guarantee loans from banks and other lenders Additional Organizations New Mexico Environmental Finance Center Partnership for Environmental Technology Education National Rural Water Association National Environmental Services Center 3

176 NESC Technical Briefs 4