February 2014

In My Words: The Value of Water Coalition
PAGE 38
PlantScapes: Multiuse trail in Eureka, Calif.

PAGE 20
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FEBRUARY 2014
How We Do It: Nutrient removal in Missoula, Mont.

PAGE 30
Close to Home
PAGE 34
Ben Riles Chief Operator Moberly, Mo.
FARMLAND NEXT DOOR AIDS MOBERLYS AWARD-WINNING BIOSOLIDS PROGRAM
advertiser index
FEBRUARY 2014 IPEC Consultants Ltd. .................. 21 Active Water Solutions, LLC ...... 18 JDV Equipment Corporation ...... 49 Aerzen USA ................................... 17
Keller America Inc. ....................... 43
AllMax Software, Inc. .................. 27
Komline-Sanderson ..................... 11
BASF Corporation Water Solutions Division .......................
Lakeside Equipment Corporation 55 McNish Corporation .................... 8
BDP Industries, Inc. ...................... 45
Noxon North America, Inc. ........ 21
Blue-White Industries .................
Ovivo USA, LLC ............................
Bright Technologies ..................... 54
Penn Valley Pump Co., Inc. ........... 25 Pollardwater.com ......................... 56 Pulsar Process Measurement Inc. 53 Roto-Mix, LLC ................................. 47 Schreiber LLC ................................ 27
Carylon Corporation ...................... 13 Centrisys Corporation ................. 32 Duperon Corporation ................... 33
Flo Trend Systems, Inc. ............... 53 Fournier Industries, Inc. ................ 39 Hawk Measurement America .... 26 Smith & Loveless, Inc. .................. 5
Vaughan Company, Inc. .............. 19 Walker Process Equipment .......... 45
Huber Technology, Inc. ...............
Way Cool Product Co., LLC ........ 32 CLASSIFIEDS ................................ 45
Inlco Degremont Inc. ................. 31
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contents
features
14
By Pete Litterski
February 2014
14
TOP PERFORMER BIOSOLIDS: TWO WAYS GREEN

A New York community devises an alternative biosolids management process that eliminates incinerator emissions and yields substantial cost savings.
20
PLANTSCAPES: KEEPERS OF THE REFUGE

Operators at a coastal California treatment plant help maintain an impressive wetland area that includes a multiuse public trail.
By Jeff Smith
38
22
TOP PERFORMER OPERATOR: RIGHT AT HOME

John Leonhard gave up life as a traveling trainer and technician to lead a skilled plant team and ultimately supervise a brand new regional facility.
By Ted J. Rulseh
28
GREENING THE PLANT: CHALLENGE MET

The treatment plant in Edmonds, Wash., racks up big savings and earns utility incentives with a wide range of energy-saving projects.
By Scottie Dayton
22 34
30
HOW WE DO IT: INNOVATION IN BNR

Missoula plant efuent cleansed of most nutrients will soon water 130 acres of poplar trees grown to maturity and harvested for saw logs.
By Grant Weaver
departments
8
LETS BE CLEAR: CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION?
Clean-water plants nd ways to mark special occasions, including those not directly connected with water quality and environmental awareness.
By Ted J. Rulseh, Editor
34
TOP PERFORMER BIOSOLIDS: CLOSE TO HOME

Farmland next to the wastewater treatment plant is part of the recipe for an award-winning biosolids program in Moberly, Mo.
By Pete Litterski
38
IN MY WORDS: ONE VOICE

A broad-based coalition of industry associations and businesses aims to raise the prole of infrastructure investment as a national priority.
By Ted J. Rulseh
9 10 12 32 40 46 50
FIRE CHIEF PROJECT IDEA OF THE MONTH: COME IN IF YOU DARE

By Ted J. Rulseh
48
HEARTS AND MINDS: LEARNING PLACE

A vacant administration building becomes a world-class environmental education center with LEED certication.
By Linda J. Edmonson
LETTERS @TPOMAG.COM
Visit daily for news, features and blogs. Get the most from TPO magazine.
INDUSTRY NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS: BIOSOLIDS MANAGEMENT/ HEADWORKS

By Craig Mandli
COMING NEXT MONTH: MARCH 2014 Product Focus: Pumps

n n n n n n n
Top Performer Plant: Lagoon system excellence in Lincoln, Mo. Top Performer Operator: Katie Goin, Cumberland, Wis. Top Performer Biosolids: Award-winning program in Stowe, Vt. How We Do It: Ballasted biological treatment in Allenstown, N.H. Greening the Plant: Targeting energy neutrality in Pittseld, Mass. Hearts and Minds: Statewide poster contest in Maine PlantScapes: Trail building in Great Falls, Mont.
CASE STUDIES: BIOSOLIDS MANAGEMENT/ HEADWORKS

By Craig Mandli
PRODUCT NEWS
Product Spotlight: Polymer-saving THK thickening centrifuge
By Ed Wodalski
on the cover
The City of Moberly, Mo., began land-applying biosolids on area farms in 1987. Ten years later the operation moved to city-owned Wastewater Farm, now home to an award-winning program led by Ben Riles, chief operator of the wastewater treatment plant. (Photography by David Owens)
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52
WORTH NOTING
People/Awards; Education; Calendar of Events
lets be clear
Cause for Celebration?

CIRCULAR CLARIFIER DRIVES
Direct From Factory
Aurora, IL USA CLEAN-WATER PLANTS FIND WAYS TO MARK SPECIAL OCCASIONS, INCLUDING THOSE NOT DIRECTLY CONNECTED WITH WATER QUALITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
By Ted J. Rulseh, Editor
pecial days come many times a year. Do you nd ways to celebrate them in your community? Many clean-water plant teams do. Earth Day (April 22) is a natural. So is World Water Monitoring Day (Sept. 18). And World Water Day (March 22). And Protect Your Groundwater Day. There are others. And yet those (with the exception of Earth Day) dont resonate too much with the broad general public. Most people dont know they exist, let alone when they fall. So how do you forge connections with special days most people do recognize? And is it worthwhile to try? It might be hard to see connections between clean water and traditional holidays, but some creative clean-water plants have forged them.
www.mcnishcorp.com
DEDICATED TO MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER PROFESSIONALS
Published monthly by COLE Publishing, Inc. 1720 Maple Lake Dam Rd., PO Box 220, Three Lakes, WI 54562 Call toll free 800-257-7222 / Outside of U.S. or Canada call 715-546-3346 Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. CST Website: www.tpomag.com / Email: info@tpomag.com / Fax: 715-546-3786 SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: A one year (12 issues) subscription to TPOTM in the United States and Canada is FREE to qualied subscribers. A qualied subscriber is any individual or company in the United States or Canada that partakes in the consulting, design, installation, manufacture, management or operation of wastewater treatment facilities. To subscribe, return the subscription card attached to each issue, visit tpomag.com or call 800-257-7222. Non-qualied subscriptions are available at a cost of $60 per year in the United States and Canada/Mexico and $150 per year to all other foreign countries. To subscribe, visit tpomag.com or send company name, mailing address, phone number and check or money order (U.S. funds payable to COLE Publishing Inc.) to the address above. MasterCard, VISA and Discover are also accepted. Include credit card information with your order. ADDRESS CHANGES: Submit to TPO, P.O. Box 220, Three Lakes, WI, 54562; call 800257-7222 (715-546-3346); fax to 715-546-3786; or email nicolel@colepublishing.com. Include both old and new addresses. Our subscriber list is occasionally made available to carefully selected companies whose products or services may be of interest to you. Your privacy is important to us. If you prefer not to be a part of these lists, please contact Nicole at nicolel@colepublishing.com. ADVERTISING RATES: Call 800-994-7990 and ask for Phil or Kim. Publisher reserves the right to reject advertising which in its opinion is misleading, unfair or incompatible with the character of the publication. EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE: Address to Editor, TPO, P.O. Box 220, Three Lakes, WI, 54562 or email editor@tpomag.com. REPRINTS AND BACK ISSUES: Visit www.tpomag.com for options and pricing. To order reprints, call Jeff Lane at 800-257-7222 (715-546-3346) or email jeffl@colepublishing.com. To order back issues, call Nicole at 800-257-7222 (715-546-3346) or email nicolel@cole publishing.com. CIRCULATION: 75,345 copies per month.
2014 COLE PUBLISHING INC. No part may be reproduced without permission of publisher.
CASES IN POINT
This issue of TPO highlights a Fire Chief Project Idea of the Month in which a sanitary district in northern Kentucky conducted special treatment plant tours near Halloween. This wasnt a haunted house where the lights are turned off, walls and furniture are festooned with spider webs and people dress up in eerie costumes to scare kids. No, this was about all the scary things that can wreck treatment plant performance, like FOG and disposable wipes. Its also about what would happen if the treatment plant was not there: Things like undrinkable, foul-smelling water, dead sh, and outbreaks of cholera and dysentery are scary indeed. Then theres New York City, where for the past two years Jim Pynn and the team at the Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant have held special Valentines Day tours. The highlight was a visit to the 120-foot-high observation deck atop the plants egg digesters it offers a spectacular view of the city. Those attending (mostly couples) received Hersheys Kisses chocolates.
FAR AND WIDE

You might ask: How many people would attend such events? And maybe the numbers arent huge. But thats not the whole point. The Valentines Day tours at Newtown Creek got publicity across the country and worldwide, in print, on TV and online. And that was a huge opportunity to tell what treatment plants really do which is make clean water. The Halloween tours were also well publicized and would be easy for treatment plants around the country to replicate for their communities. So how could you create an event to mark some special day on the calendar? Fourth of July? Denitely a oat in the
You might ask: How many people would attend such events? And maybe the numbers arent huge. But thats not the whole point. The Valentines Day tours at Newtown Creek got publicity across the country and worldwide, in print, on TV and online.
local parade, but how about something at the treatment plant too, on or around the Fourth? Some sort of water festival with water reworks supplied by the re department? Thanksgiving? How about a display of things to be thankful for that relate to water: Fish in the receiving stream, clean swimming areas, abundant wildlife, healthy families. Easter? You probably wouldnt want to compete with the community egg hunt on Saturday or Sunday, but the weekend before the holiday is clear. A plant tour featuring baskets of goodies for kids? Theres a lot about wastewater treatment that speaks to the Easter themes of rebirth and renewal. Anyway, you get the idea.
IDEA OF THE MONTH:
Come in if You Dare ...

By Ted J. Rulseh
IS IT A STRETCH?
Am I pushing it here? Maybe so, but then who thought something like New Yorks Valentines Day tours would be the success they have become? A little creativity can go a long way. What have you done in the line of creative special events at your clean-water plant? Share your experiences by sending a note to editor@tpomag.com. I promise to respond, and Ill report on your successes in an upcoming issue of TPO.
Every day is Earth Day.
Were met with a new challenge each day. Whether its the sewer or water department ... we take our jobs very seriously, and Jeff Chartier the key thing is knowing that were in An Original Environmentalist SUPERINTENDENT compliance and not polluting our waters. Town of Bristol (N.H.) Sewer
and Water Department
Read about original environmentalists like Jeff each month in Treatment Plant Operator.
alloween and wastewater treatment. There doesnt seem to be much connection until you think about it a little. For one, all kinds of scary things can happen at clean-water plants if home and business owners dump or ush things they shouldnt like fryer grease and baby wipes. And imagine the scary things that would happen if the plant were not there cholera, dysentery, lthy water, dead sh, horrible smells. The team at the Dry Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, operated by Sanitary District No. 1 (SD1) in Villa Hills, Ky., aimed to get those messages across to its public with special Halloween tours last October. Joe Baxter, manager of the 33 mgd (average ow) plant, noted, We wanted a creative way to get important information out to the customers about wastewater treatment and what is all involved. We wanted to do it in a fun and interactive way. Props and decorations, including cobwebs draping the newly updated laboratory, created a Halloween atmosphere as visitors viewed various plant processes. Baxter led the tours along with Sarah Grifths, pretreatment manager; John Clark, director of operations; and a retired district employee. Kids received Trick or Treatment goodie bags. People in this industry are always looking for a positive way to get the message out to the general public, says Baxter. This seems like a really good venue to do that. You can never be too creative to get people to come into your facility because thats sometimes the best way to educate. They come in and see a nice, clean facility run by professionals, and it just makes the experience that much better. Its the kind of event that helps further the aims of the Fire Chief Project: Raise clean-water operators to the stature of the re chief Make kids grow up wanting to be clean-water operators
FIRE CHIEF PROJECT

THE
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tpomag.com February 2014
letters
Wastewater training on the inside
Greetings from the Department of Corrections in sunny Florida. I am a longtime TPO/WSO reader and subscriber who also operates water and wastewater facilities for the Department of Corrections. Im also a prisoner (we prefer the term freedom-impaired) until 2017. I (with all my fellow operators, trainees and our supervisors) read your piece about prisoners and water careers [Building a Bridge, TPO, October 2013] and was exceedingly happy to see someone addressing the issue. Thanks a million for having an open mind and not being afraid to use it. I would like to give you some inside information (no pun intended). Obtaining training and rehabilitation in Floridas Department of Corrections is nearly impossible. Contrary to popular belief, DOC does not want to see prisoners succeed. Sure, there are a few folks who are exceptions to the rule, but overall, it is an uphill battle for us. Luckily, most of us love to overcome great challenges and thrive on doing what others say cant be done. My coworkers and I paid for our own education (California State University, Sacramento), our testing (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) and our CEUs. DOC gave us nothing but grief. Weve been transferred all over the state to get the hours needed to activate our licenses. Studying is a challenge in and of itself. Ultimately, we overcame it all, and now we are at a facility (Charlotte Correctional Institution) that has an abundance of staff who care and are supportive. Our current environment (stabbing, gang wars and rapes aside) is very conducive to learning. We realize were the underdogs, so we train harder and set our standards higher. We hand-pick prisoners for our custom training and, with our supervisors approval, we begin creating uber-operators. Some of our predecessors have graced the pages of TPO/WSO and weve beaten out municipalities to win awards on a fraction of their budgets. We would be very happy to host you and provide a rsthand look at the face of prison operations. Not to worry: Our plants are off the compound and staffed with minimum-custody prisoners. We sincerely appreciate your periodicals and your honest insight. In the future you will see more ex-prisoners entering the eld and carrying the standard. Of course, we understand that each new day presents new challenges, but thats just business as usual for us. Thanks for taking the time to read this and for putting out such a high-quality periodical. Sincerely, William E. Siebert Water/Wastewater Operator Charlotte Correctional Institution Punta Gorda, Fla. article. It may give me some insight into where to seek employment. I have already collected a lot of contact information from TPO on employers I plan on sending my resume to before my release. Once again, thank you for your article. Jofre Miller DeSoto Work Camp Arcadia, Fla.
Decisions to change
In response to your October column, we as Marion Correctional Institution environmental wastewater students appreciate your concerns about people like us. We are very fortunate to have a eld like wastewater in which to start a career and upon release give most of us a new beginning. Our wastewater vocational program is designed and furnished with the best licensed instructors, lab equipment and books approved by the Sacramento programs. We are trained biweekly at a 0.5 mgd extended aeration plant by a Class A licensed operator instructor to attain on-the-job training to activate our class C license. We are excited about the environmental eld and are aware of employers concerns about hiring ex-felons. We know that the results of tomorrow reect on the choices you make today and only ask to be given another chance. Weve all made past mistakes, and with the time lost away from society and our families, weve made a decision to change. This program has given us the opportunity to better ourselves for the future and also the self-worth to give back to society through the environmental eld to help create a better world to live in for us all. We hope prospective employers will give us an opportunity to contribute to the exciting water eld. William Wheat Robert Stowell Fritz St. Fleurant Marion Correctional Institution, Ocala, Fla.
An instructors perspective
I teach a water treatment training program at a state prison in Florida. Successful completion of the program earns students a certicate that allows them to sit for the Florida state Department of Environmental Protection test while still in prison. In order to become a C licensed operator, the student must accumulate one year of work experience, which may not be feasible during incarceration. In your editorial, inmate James Blackford focused upon the stigma of being felons and the critical question on job applications that asks: Have you ever been convicted of a felony? Frankly, it does not matter if that question is on a job application or not. Little in the way of time or money is required to do a background check on a job applicant. The Internet allows easy access to information about our lives that, in times past, might have been considered private and condential. Answering the critical question honestly and stating that details will become available during the interview process is a reasonable approach. It is best to assume that the potential employer has a complete record of time spent in prison along with a listing of places worked in the past. It is essential for applicants to provide honest (not necessarily in-depth) answers to all questions on an employment application. False statements
Looking for a new start

I am writing in response to the topic you wrote about concerning the employment of prisoners after their release. Thank you so much for addressing an issue that is very important to me. I am 34 years old. I am incarcerated for a crime I committed when I was 16. I never had a job in society. I am taking the opportunity to learn as much as I can while I am in here about water treatment. I am about 300 hours away from activating my Class C wastewater treatment plant operators license. I have also completed all of the required course work and passed the state exam for the Florida Class C drinking water plant operators license. I had to overcome a lot of hurdles in here to go as far as I have with my education. Unfortunately, I know I will have to endure a lot more to secure employment after my release in 15 months. I look forward to the challenge of starting life over. I am also looking forward to reading the responses to your
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may prevent receiving an invitation to interview, and, if discovered later, may result in loss of employment. You asked: What happens to the trainees when they are released and look for work in the clean-water eld? In my experience, most of them nd and enjoy employment in this satisfying and important profession. An important resource for job hunters is the perennial best seller, What Color is Your Parachute? The author, Richard N. Bolles, has great empathy for those seeking employment. With friendly humor and sage advice, he provides practical information. To answer a felons concern about possibly being rejected for employment, he states: You are not looking for employers who will not hire felons; you are looking for employers who will hire felons. He emphasizes the need to put in a full 40-hour week to hunt for a job. Most job seekers nd the process so stressful that they typically put in only a few hours of job hunting each day; certainly not 40 hours each week. My experience as a certied vocational teacher and as a supervisor of treatment plant operations at ve state prisons reveals that about half who enter a vocational program actually enter the workforce as a treatment plant operator. Those who show the initiative to learn the eld read the textbooks for more than being able to answer the test questions, and they acquire the desire to know more about the occupation. Their attitude reects that and will be evident in a job interview. Last year a human resources representative in a distant state telephoned me in regard to a man formerly in my classroom who was seeking employment with her company. I asked, Are you reluctant to hire a former inmate? Not at all, she replied. The best-educated operators come from the prisons. I just want your opinion of his character. Virtually all my students who completed the courses and developed appreciation for the vital nature of our work are now employed as operators. One man in his 50s who spent several decades in prison and whose custody prevented him from even seeing a treatment plant went on to become the lead operator at a small municipal plant after his release. Another who needed experience hours to activate his license left prison to live in a very small town. Told that someone will have to die before we can hire you, he worked as a volunteer for one year without pay to gain the needed hours, supporting himself by working the night shift at a pizzeria. He is now a dual licensed operator enjoying good pay and satisfying work. A former inmate who was able to obtain his experience hours while in prison and activate both his wastewater and drinking water licenses had difculty obtaining employment. Working for over a year in a yogurt shop and then at near minimum wage servicing lift stations did not dampen his spirits. Finally hired to run a lime softening plant, he used his spare time to visit similar treatment plants and ask for advice on running his own plant. After a year he applied to a large county with a reputation of never hiring felons. When they called the plants he had visited on his free time, the operators told them, You would be making a mistake if you didnt hire him. He was hired and is doing so well that he is now being groomed for supervision. Lastly, I would like to say that the opinions expressed are mine alone and are not necessarily those of the Florida Department of Corrections or Marion Correctional Institution. Thomas J. Willard Marion Correctional Institution Ocala, Fla.
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Send your ideas to editor@tpomag.com or call 715/277-4094

11
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Prepare Your Plant for Emergencies www.tpomag.com/featured
CLEANING 101
What the Heck is Pipe Pigging?

Back off, FOG! When it comes to removing buildup in a force main, which can include FOG, scale or other materials, poly pigging can be a reasonable solution. Learn more about the process and nd out if its an option for your system. One huge benet: almost-immediate payback. www.tpomag.com/ featured
FOR THE WIN
COLD, COLDER, COLDEST
Prepare for Plummeting Temps

From snowy roofs to ice-covered ladders, winter creates its own mix of problems for water and wastewater treatment plants. Take a few lessons from plants in cold-weather climes, and nd out how a little preparation can save your plant time and money during snow season. www.tpomag.com/featured
Secrets to Facility Awards

Do you dream of winning a treatment plant award? If thats the case, these tips and pieces of advice are a mustread. Find out whats important when submitting a nomination (Hint: Get it in on time!), and learn what other plant managers recommend when entering any competition. www.tpomag.com/featured
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top performer: BIOSOLIDS
Two Ways
By Pete Litterski
A NEW YORK COMMUNITY DEVISES AN ALTERNATIVE BIOSOLIDS MANAGEMENT PROCESS THAT ELIMINATES INCINERATOR EMISSIONS AND YIELDS SUBSTANTIAL COST SAVINGS
Green
The Little Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant uses a Bio-tower trickling lter system, shown at the right. (Photography by Kirsten Celo)
FACING NEW U.S. EPA AIR-QUALITY STANDARDS THAT

would require major upgrades at the citys biosolids incinerator, leaders in Little Falls, N.Y., in 2012 asked the wastewater treatment plant team to study all options before moving ahead. A consultant study estimated the cost of bringing the incinerator into compliance at up to $6.2 million. City leaders wanted to know if there was a more cost-effective solution. For Sam Ostasz, chief operator at the treatment plant, the challenge became an opportunity to cap off a four-decade career with a project that turned green in more ways than one. Ostasz and his colleagues thought they could come up with something better than upgrading the 40-year-old oil-red incinerator. Working with a local consultant, Jim Palmer, they developed a plan that required a much smaller initial investment, signicantly reduced the treatment plants operating costs and eliminated incinerator emissions.
Palmer coordinated replacement of the incinerator with a new system that takes dewatered biosolids by conveyor to a new building, where the material is deposited in trailers owned by WeCare Organics. The company hauls the material to rural Pennsylvania, where it is used to help reclaim land scraped bare by strip mining.
TEAM EFFORT
Palmer, a Little Falls native, credits Ostasz and other city employees for helping turn the potentially costly project into an efcient cost-saving process. We used the talents of public works employees for the construction, the excavation and most of the work put into this, he recalls. The project involved installation of a conveyor system (Martin Sprocket & Gear) from the treatment plants dewatering press to a shed where WeCare Organics parks its trailers. The contract with WeCare calls for biosolids containing at least 20 percent solids an easy target since the material was already running about 30 to 35 percent solids. Even so, Ostasz wanted to know if the city needed to upgrade or replace its 1-meter belt press (BDP Industries). A consultant from the manufacturer inspected the operation. He told us we didnt need to buy another press, says Ostasz.
We spent $285,000 on oil alone to burn the material. That doesnt include having an employee on hand to run the incinerator and other costs associated with the process. Now our emissions are gone, our ash in the landll is gone and the exposure for employees is gone.
JIM PALMER
Instead, he proposed a six-year rehabilitation program that would extend the presss life for another 20 years. Instead of spreading the project over six years, however, Ostasz chose full rehabilitation to prepare for the new biosolids program. We replaced probably 90 percent of the rollers, and where we replaced rollers, we also replaced bearings, he says. When the work was complete the press was delivering material at 35 to 40 percent solids. Between the conveyor, the new building and the press upgrade, the total project cost the city about $200,000 by the time it was dedicated in April 2013. We didnt have to bond for anything, Palmer says.
prole
POPULATION SERVED: 4,900 PLANT FLOWS: PLANT PROCESS: BIOSOLIDS PROCESS: BIOSOLIDS VOLUME: BIOSOLIDS USE: STAFF:
Little Falls (N.Y.) Wastewater Treatment Plant
7 mgd design, 5 mgd average Bio-tower trickling lter
Gravity settling tanks/belt press dewatering 2,500 wet tons/year Hauled by contractor for mine site reclamation Chief Operator Sam Ostasz, Assistant Chief Operator Aaron Palmer, Operator Dan Moore, Attendants Jeff Starring and Brandon Yule www.cityoittlefalls.net Latitude: 430219.75 N; Longitude: 745037.16 W
WEBSITE: GPS COORDINATES:
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ABOVE: Inside of Bio-tower system,
DIVERSE OPERATION
Even in producing 2,500 wet tons of biosolids per year, Little Falls would have to go a long way to rival the largest source of biosolids for its land application contractor, WeCare Organics. In late 2011, the company won the contract to handle biosolids from New York Citys wastewater treatment operations. WeCare is based in Jordan, N.Y., but has operations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Utah, Massachusetts, Michigan and Connecticut. In addition to biosolids, the company recycles yard waste. Little Falls biosolids are hauled to the WeCare Organics site in Tremont, Pa., which handles biosolids from up to 20 municipal wastewater systems. President/CEO Jeffrey Leblanc says, Everything is processed into either Class B or Class A biosolids. Most of what we use is processed into Class A with an alkaline process. Some of the Class A biosolids are marketed commercially as WeCare Ag-Advantage, a soil amendment and agricultural lime product. WeCare uses both Class A and Class B biosolids for its mine reclamation project at the former Pennsylvania strip mine. Weve reclaimed more than 70 acres, Leblanc says. The project involves the planting of hybrid poplar trees atop trenches that have been lled with biosolids and capped with soil.
where bacterial growth attached to some 3 million pieces of plastic remove organics from wastewater. RIGHT: Sam Ostasz, chief plant operator, checks the pH level of a water sample using an Orion VERSA-STAR benchtop pH meter (Thermo Fisher Scientic).
HAULING COSTS LESS

Although the city pays WeCare Organics to haul the biosolids, the expense is far less than it cost to incinerate the material. On top of that, Ostaszs efforts to improve belt performance paid off in lower volume and fewer trips. Were saving over $100,000 a year easily, says Ostasz, who will retire in 2014. The savings on capital expense and operations have been well received by community leaders and ratepayers. The old incinerator used to burn around the clock. We spent $285,000 on oil alone to burn the material, says Palmer. That doesnt include having an employee on hand to run the incinerator and other costs associated with the process. Now our emissions are gone, our ash in the landll is gone and the exposure for employees is gone. The city treasury is happy, the mayors happy and I think even the EPA is happy. At the dedication of the new facility on April 29, 2013, Mayor Robert J. Peters noted that the city would save $25,000 a year on its power bill because the new screw conveyor system runs on a combined 10 hp in electric motors, compared to the combined 120 hp in motors used to move materials for the old incinerator system.
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The city leaders are happy with the green theyre saving in their pockets.
SAM OSTASZ
BETTER USE OF STAFF
TO THE MINE
Ostasz has been able to cut the average monthly overtime at the treatThe material is trucked 250 miles south to WeCares biosolids management plant by nearly half, from 210 to 110 hours, and he has gone from two ment facility on a 1,850-acre abandoned mine site near Tremont, Pa. The shifts to one shift. The reduction in overtime and shift differentials already facility occupies about 10 acres. has saved the city substantial money. Rather than reduce stafng, Ostasz Little Falls has a population of 4,900 and the water utility serves 2,800 dedicated more of his operators time to preventive maintenance, which he metered connections. The wastewater system has three Signicant Indusbelieves will help the plant operate more efciently and reliably. trial Users: two paper mills and a stainless steel tank manufacturer. Seventy Because the biosolids are being trucked to Pennsylvania for land applipercent of the treatment plant ow comes from the industrial users, most of cation, Little Falls faces an added layer of regulatory oversight. But the that from the paper mills. The industries pretreat their wastewater. city has had no trouble producing Class B biosolids that Mind comply with New The Little Falls treatment plant has a 7 mgd design and averages 5 mgd. Blowing_1_2 pg isl_5.25x7.5_Layout 1 9/30/11 10:34 AM Page 1 York, Pennsylvania and federal regulations. We did all the samples for both The trickling lter plant went online in 1972. Ostasz projects that with the states and the EPA and weve met the standards, says Palmer. Ostasz adds, Were required to test our biosolids once a year, but were doing a full scan on our belt press material monthly. The Little Falls operators use the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure to test the biosolids for a wide range of toxic substances, including heavy metals, herbicides, pesticides, chlorides and chloroforms. We are not having any problems with any of our limits, says Ostasz. In addition to the citys testing regimen, WeCare tests the biosolids for pathogens and treats the material with lime before land application.
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improvements to the belt press, the plant will produce about 2,500 wet tons of dewatered biosolids per year. At that rate, the facility can ll one of WeCares 43-foot hopper dump trailers every other day. The biosolids program has made the treatment plant greener. In addition, The city leaders are happy with the green theyre saving in their pockets, says Ostasz. Hes proud of the results and says its great that the project is both environmentally and budget friendly: It means a lot when you are doing things the right way.
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PLANTSCAPES
A 139-acre restored wetland in front of the treatment plant is an attraction for bird and wildlife watchers and casual strollers.
Keepers of the Refuge

OPERATORS AT A COASTAL CALIFORNIA TREATMENT PLANT HELP MAINTAIN AN IMPRESSIVE WETLAND AREA THAT INCLUDES A MULTIUSE PUBLIC TRAIL
By Jeff Smith
he Elk River Wastewater Treatment Plant in Eureka (8.6 mgd design) is a trickling lter-solids contact facility near the mouth of the Elk River, which separates the Northern California mainland from a large estuary that is part of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Directly in front of the plant is a 139-acre restored wetland that is also a part of the refuge. Our operators are responsible for maintenance and keeping the pathway through the area open, says Bruce Gehrke, utility operations manager. The wildlife area was part of our mitigation agreement with the Coastal Commission that allowed the plant to be built.
DIVERSE FUNDING
The pathway Gehrke refers to is a 1.5-mile multiuse trail that meanders through the wetland next to coastal willow patches, sand dunes and salt marshes. Known as the Hikshari Trail, it was recently upgraded The wildlife area was through collaboration between the city and the Redwood Community part of our mitigation Action Agency, a local nonprot agreement with the organization. Funding for the $1.7 million Coastal Commission project came through grants from the California River Parkways, a prothat allowed the plant gram of the state natural resources agency, the PG&E gas and electric to be built. utility, and the California Coastal BRUCE GEHRKE Conservancy, a state agency committed to coastal preservation and access. Since the upgrade, the city Parks and Recreation department has become more involved, but we still do our part, Gehrke says. The 10-footwide paved trail has 2-foot-wide crushed shale shoulders. Improvements include picnic tables, a truss span bridge, an observation tower, restrooms, an information kiosk and a parking area next to a boat launch.
over for millions of migratory sea birds. Thousands of geese, ducks, swans and shorebirds use the refuge each year. Before the upgrade, the trail was a roughed-out area, essentially a sanctuary and a volunteer trail, says Miles Slattery, Eureka director of Parks and Recreation. Now the path is a rst-class trail that the operators pretty much take care of, Slattery says. The treatment facility is front and center to hikers, bicyclists, birders and other trail users. It is also on display through tours for community residents, including students. In addition to elementary and high schoolers, many students from nearby Humboldt State University and the College of the Redwoods regularly visit the plant and the wetlands. Gehrke says the plant is unique because it uses the oceans ebb-tide to transport its treated efuent from a nearly 4-acre holding pond through Humboldt Bay to the Pacic Ocean: Twice a day since the plant was commissioned in 1984, the tide has been the conveyor to our outfall.
BENEFICIAL USE
During periods of high rainfall, excess efuent is stored in two 2-acre facultative sludge lagoons. Biosolids are periodically dredged from the lagoons and applied at an agronomic rate on an 80-acre reclamation site owned by the city. The site is leased to a farmer who raises hay for baling and grazes cattle.
A 1.5 mile trail gives the public easy access to Eurekas treatment facility.
HAVEN FOR BIRDS

Its really a pretty cool place, says Gehrke. Humboldt Bay is a key stop-
20
PHOTOGRAPHY BY VSB PRODUCTIONS
The team at the Elk River Wastewater Treatment Plant includes, front row, from left, Frank Bisio, maintenance; and Bruce Gehrke, manager; second row, Harry Galloway, maintenance; Joe Nunez, operations; Duane Primoore and Ron Wood, maintenance; third row, Jerry Sneed, operations supervisor; Rusty Dees, maintenance supervisor; and Andrea Mauro, administration; back row, Steve Jessen, operations; Dean Schoonmaker and Cliff Thiesen, maintenance; and David Adams, laboratory technician.
Says Gehrke, We do everything we can to fulll our stated mission to protect the public health and the environment and provide for the benecial use of the waters and the natural wildlife habitat in the Eureka area.
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21
top performer: OPERATOR
JOHN LEONHARD GAVE UP LIFE AS A TRAVELING TRAINER AND TECHNICIAN TO LEAD A SKILLED PLANT TEAM AND ULTIMATELY SUPERVISE A BRAND NEW REGIONAL FACILITY
By Ted J. Rulseh
HOME
RIGHT AT
After earning as associate degree in machine design at Indianhead Technical College in Rice Lake, he joined Zimpro, a wastewater treatspecialist for a wastewater equipment company ment equipment company in the Wausau area was a great life for John Leonhard when he (near the center of the state) that is now part of was young and single. Siemens Water Technologies. That changed when he married and started He started out doing drawings of treata family. Thirty years ago, he took a job as plant ment system layouts but soon took a position superintendent in Fond du Lac, Wis., and he training treatment plant customers to operate has been there ever since. He leads a fully the companys wet air oxidation systems for cross-trained team of six operators, a maintebiosolids. Those systems would pressurize nance team and a laboratory staff who run a sludge up to 350 psi in a reactor vessel, inject 9.8 mgd (design), six-year-old regional treatair and heat the mix to 370 degrees. A 30-minment facility. ute process yielded a sterile material easily Leaving life as a road warrior has allowed dewatered to 35 or 40 percent solids on a vachim to spend time with his family, promote uum lter. water careers in local schools and join commuIt was a kind of process the typical wastenity service organizations. On the professional water treatment plant operator wouldnt see, side, he earned the Water Environment FederLeonhard recalls. The high temperature and ations 2013 William D. Hateld award from the pressure, the big pumps, compressors, boiler Central States Water Environment Association. and instrumentation they werent used to After a total of 45 years in the clean-water dealing with that. Zimpro needed people to industry, hes proud of what he and his team John Leonhard, wastewater operations manager for run the process and train customers. have done to protect the plants receiving the Fond du Lac Regional Wastewater Treatment He stayed with Zimpro for 15 years, interwater, the 137,000-acre Lake Winnebago, a Facility, displays his 2013 William D. Hateld Award. rupted by two years in the U.S. Army that nationally known walleye shery and a haven (Photography by Chip Manthey) included serving in Vietnam as an infantry serfor recreational boaters. Hes been at it long geant with the 101st Airborne Division. enough to see the end of his career, but While with Zimpro he also served under contract as superintendent of observes, Ive got a great staff. Im sitting here at 65 years old and my job is the Wausau Wastewater Treatment Plant. so pleasant that I kind of dread the thought of retiring. He moved to Fond du Lac as in interim contract superintendent while the city did a search to ll the position permanently. On their rst attempt, they WELL TRAVELED werent able to nd anybody, Leonhard says. My wife Judy and I had just A Wisconsin native, Leonhard was born in Elkhorn in the southeast corhad our second son, and we thought it might be nice if we lived in one place ner of the state and raised in Ashland in the far northwest on Lake Superior.
TRAVELING THE UNITED STATES AS A TECHNICAL FIELD SERVICE
22
prole
POSITION:
ABOVE: Katie Robles, left, and Dan Casey, right, process service engineers with Siemens Water
Technologies, perform lab tests for a phosphorus removal pilot study as John Leonhard looks on.
John Leonhard, Fond du Lac (Wis.) Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility

Wastewater operations manager
EXPERIENCE: EDUCATION:
BELOW: The Fond du Lac Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility.
45 years (30 years with Fond du Lac) Associate degree, machine design, Indianhead Technical College, Rice Lake, Wis.; bachelors degree, business administration, Mount Senario College, Ladysmith, Wis.
CERTIFICATIONS:
Wastewater Operator Certications A-J; Municipal Water Supply Operator Certications D and G
RECOGNITIONS:
2013 William D. Hateld Award, Central States WEA; 2007 Arthur Sidney Bedel Award, WEF; 2001 George F. Bernauer Award, Wisconsin Wastewater Operators Association
GOALS:
Continue discharging safe water to the environment at reasonable price to ratepayers

GPS COORDINATES:
Latitude: 434749.10 N; Longitude: 882703.88 W
COURTESY OF THE FOND DU LAC REGIONAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY
23
Ive got a great staff. Im sitting here at 65 years old and my job is so pleasant that I kind of dread the thought of retiring.
JOHN LEONHARD
COURTESY OF THE FOND DU LAC REGIONAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY
The Fond du Lac operations team includes, left side, standing, from left, John Leonhard, operations manager; Richard Graham and Autumn Fisher, laboratory technicians; kneeling, Curtis Giese, sampling technician; and Mary Kunde, account clerk. Right side, standing, Dave Carlson, sanitary engineer; Steven McCord, operator; Mark Haensgen, Jim Streholski, Larry Dikeman and Paul Krueger, maintenance mechanics; David Overbo, plant electrician; Phil Schad, operator; Jim Kaiser, lab and pretreatment coordinator; kneeling, John Gremminger, Mike Nolde, Paul Rawlsky and Joe OBoyle, operators; and Steve Durocher, maintenance and facilities foreman.
and I wasnt traveling all the time. I asked the city if they would consider me, and that afternoon I was on the payroll.
PLANT PROGRESS
When he signed on in Fond du Lac, the treatment plant had a pure oxygen activated sludge process and the Zimpro wet air oxidation system. We had sealed-top basins, and the oxygen was pumped in on top of the mixed liquor, Leonhard recalls. Mechanical mixers incorporated the oxygen. Work on the new Fond du Lac Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility PROUD OF THE TEAM began in 2005, and the plant went online in 2008. At its heart is a convenKeeping it all humming is an experienced team recognized for exceltional activated sludge process with Sulzer Pumps Solutions HST blowers, lence. Mary Kunde, account clerk, supports Leonhard. David Carlson, sanine-bubble diffusers (Sanitaire) and oxic and anoxic zones (anoxic mixers by Aqua-Aerobic Systems) for nitrication and denitrication. We videotaped all the training. So when we brought the three The process begins with perforated-plate ne screens (JWC Environmental) and a vortex grit newest operators onboard we were able to sit them down with the removal system (WesTech Engineering). The primary clariers (Envirex/Siemens Water Technolovideos and operations manuals, and they were able to go through, gies) use a co-thickening process designed by the plants consulting engineering rm, Strand Associates. area by area, and see what they would be doing. Waste activated sludge comes back to the head JOHN LEONHARD of the primaries, says Leonhard. The primary and tary engineer, leads the six plant operators: John Gremminger, Steve McCord, waste activated sludge are commingled, and the clariers have a thickening Michael Nolde, Joseph OBoyle, Paul Rawlsky and Phil Schad. They earned a mechanism in the center well. The advantage is that the primary sludge 2012 Treatment Facility Operations Award from Central States WEA. helps settle the waste activated sludge, and were able to send material at 3.5 The maintenance team includes Stephen Durocher, maintenance and percent solids to the anaerobic digesters. facilities foreman; Larry Dikeman, Mark Haensgen, Paul Krueger and James Biosolids are dewatered to 26 percent solids in a centrifuge (Centrisys)
and are land-applied on farms. A 450 kW engine-generator (Caterpillar) burns digester methane to produce about one-third of the plants electricity. After nal clarication, efuent goes through UV disinfection (TrojanUV) and is discharged to Lake Winnebago. Typical efuent (average ow 7 mgd) contains about 3.5 mg/L BOD, 5 mg/L TSS, 0.07 mg/L total nitrogen and 0.82 mg/L phosphorus. We had a new permit issued on January 1, 2013, and the phosphorus limit we are looking at sometime in the future will be 0.04 mg/L.
24
Streholski, maintenance mechanics; and David Overbo, plant electrician. facturer representatives came in. Strand Associates put on classroom and James Kaiser, a chemist, is lab and pretreatment coordinator, supervising hands-on training. Autumn Fisher and Richard Graham, lab technicians, and Curtis Giese, samWe videotaped all the training. So when we brought the three newest pling technician. In 2011, that team won the Wisconsin Registered Laboraoperators onboard we were able to sit them down with the videos and opertory of the Year Award among large facilities from the state Department of ations manuals, and they were able to go through, area by area, and see what Natural Resources. they would be doing. Of course, a considerable amount of job shadowing The plant staff has been pared back signicantly over the years, largely went with that. In addition, most of our team members have two-year because of automation. When Leonhard came on board, the operations, degrees in water technology, and they had experience working in treatment maintenance, lab and administrative staffs totaled 28, of whom 18 were operplants when we hired them. ators. At the time the plant was staffed around the clock, seven days a week. AMPLE REWARDS Now, with new process equipment and a sophisticated SCADA system with A capable staff has enabled Leonhard to extend his role into the commuWonderware software (Invensys), it is staffed one shift per day, ve days a nity. He made it a practice to open the plant freely to tour groups: Any group week. Operators take turns being on call during unstaffed hours. that wants to pay a visit and nd out what happens after they ush the toilet, The on-call operator carries a smartphone, says Leonhard. If there is PV8002AD_Layout PM Page to 1 that. weve 12:06 been receptive an alarm at the plant, he and the management people get a text, and right 1 5/25/11 after that he gets a phone call. The operator then must report to the plant to resolve the issue.
JACKS OF ALL TRADES

The operating staff members are very much a team plant responsibilities are divided into six roles, through which all six operators rotate at oneweek intervals: Control room operator: Takes weather readings, reviews all SCADA alarm and trending screens, maintains the operations logbook, communicates with the sanitary engineer and operators and maintenance staff on equipment and operational changes. Plant operator: Makes rounds of buildings and thoroughly inspects equipment, checks primary and nal clariers, does mixed liquor suspended solids sampling, works closely with the control room operator. Centrifuge/digester operator: Runs the centrifuge and keeps the centrifuge log, makes rounds of all digester/biogas equipment, pumps scum, samples the digesters and tests for pH, changes the polymer bag and inspects the polymer system, coordinates biosolids hauling. Industrial monitoring operator: Works with the sampling technician, works on the weekly task list doing housekeeping and operational duties as required. Maintenance operator: Performs housekeeping and operational duties as required, starts the biogas engine/generator, takes readings and inspects the operation, works with the maintenance staff directed by the maintenance supervisor. Relief operator: First to ll in when other operators are absent for vacation or sick leave, works on the weekly task list doing housekeeping and operational duties. Each operator is fully trained and qualied to fulll all six roles. The lead, control, plant and solids operator roles are considered essential they are always lled during staffed hours. We cant function without people in those positions, says Leonhard. The other positions, although they are necessary functions, we can get by without them for a few days at a time if somebody is out sick or on vacation. Cross-training the team required investments, made easier because three of the operators were on staff during the latest plant upgrade. We had intensive training as we put various systems online, Leonhard says. We had classroom training. Manu-
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STINKY NO MORE
Sultan Sonar System
The Fond du Lac Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility lies on the far north side of its home city and at the west end of a park system that stretches for a mile along the shore of Lake Winnebago, the largest lake entirely within Wisconsins borders. Back in the early 1970s, that area of town had an unsavory reputation and nickname because of the treatment plant. It historically was known as Stinky Point, says John Leonhard, wastewater operations manager. The plant used to have open-top trickling lters, and one of the major industries in town was a tannery. Fleshing, hide and hair from the tannery would lie on top of the lters and rot, and it was nasty. This whole end of town had a very distinctive odor to it. Plant upgrades corrected the problem years ago, and the current facility, completed in 2008, was designed with sensitivity to the community and to the plants surroundings. Were tied right into the park, says Leonhard. We paid very close attention to blending into the park as much as possible. We dressed everything up so people didnt know what they were looking at, but they liked what they saw. In fact, the plant has become a bit of an attraction in its own right. A structure built over the outfall on Lake Winnebago doubles as a scenic overlook and a pier from which anglers catch white bass. Says Leonhard, Fishermen line up to sh our outfall. Its more than enough to erase the memories of the bad old days.
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Any group that wants to pay a visit and nd out what happens after they ush the toilet, weve been receptive to that.
JOHN LEONHARD
He has also spoken frequently to Fond du Lac high school students, spending a full day each year addressing chemistry and environmental science classes, telling about the entire water cycle, from the time water is pumped from wells until it is discharged to the lake. He also informs students about the jobs available in the water and wastewater industries, the schoolJohn Leonhard checks activated ing required and the pay levels. sludge process microbiology. In addition, the treatment plant hires two interns each year from area universities or technical colleges paid positions in which the interns work in all areas of the plant. While Leonhard enjoyed the variety of working on the road early in his career, he appreciated the chance to send down roots in Fond du Lac. I was able to go home at lunch and see my family, he says. I could go home every night and get involved in community affairs. I got to be a Cub Scout leader and a Boy Scout leader and get involved with community service organizations. Im currently the governor of the state Optimists District. He considers the William D. Hateld Award a crowning achievement. It can be issued annually to one person in a Water Environment Federation Member Organization, of which Central States WEA is one, he says. They look at more than just excellent treatment plant performance involvement in the industry is important. Ive been involved in operator training and pro-
fessional organizations throughout my career. Leonhard is past president of Wisconsin Wastewater Operators Association, Central States WEA, and the Municipal Environmental Group, which lobbies on water issues before the Wisconsin legislature, the Department of Natural Resources and the Public Service Commission. The award is the pinnacle for someone involved in plant operations, he says. The only thing that goes beyond it is having your picture on the cover of the Rolling Stone.

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GREENING THE PLANT
Challenge Met
THE TREATMENT PLANT IN EDMONDS, WASH., RACKS UP BIG SAVINGS AND EARNS UTILITY INCENTIVES WITH A WIDE RANGE OF ENERGY-SAVING PROJECTS
By Scottie Dayton
challenge issued by the Snohomish County (Wash.) Public Utility District (PUD) No. 1 to reduce energy consumption by 10 percent in three years motivated the Edmonds Wastewater Treatment Plant team to process solids more efciently and offset escalating electric bills. To evaluate energy savings for the challenge, plants must select a baseline representing typical energy use and develop dashboard indicators against which to measure changes. The main energy indicator for most wastewater facilities is kilowatt-hours per million gallons treated, says Pamela Randolph, plant manager. However, our main indicator is kilowatt-hours per ton of dry solids processed, because we process solids from outside facilities. Edmonds energy team, led by Curt Zuvela, plant superintendent, chose 2009 as the plants baseline year, when processing only the citys solids required on average 1,964 kWh per ton. Three years later, when solids processing almost doubled, usage dropped to 1,652 kWh per ton. By the rst quarter of 2013, the plants energy use decreased by 21.1 percent, enough to power 25 homes and reduce carbon dioxide
emissions by 87,182 pounds. That year, the PUD recognized the plant and staff as a 10 Percent Energy Challenge Achiever.
Whats Your Story?

TPO welcomes news about environmental improvements at your facility for future articles in the Greening the Plant column. Send your ideas to editor@tpomag .com or call 715/277-4094.
HOW IT WORKS
PHOTO AND GRAPHIC COURTESY OF EDMONDS WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
Upgraded to secondary treatment in 1990, the 11.8 mgd (design) activated sludge plant serves 75,000 people; average ow is 5 mgd. Wastewater enters through 1/4-inch bar screens, then ows through three primary sedimentation tanks, three aeration tanks and three clariers. Efuent is disinfected with sodium hypochlorite before discharge to Puget Sound. Two belt lter presses (Alfa Laval Ashbrook Simon-Hartley) dewater biosolids to 23 percent solids. The material is then conveyed at 6 to 9 gpm to a uidized bed incinerator (Dorr-Oliver). After the incinerator, the ow goes through a heat exchanger. A VenturiPak scrubber (EnviroCare International) treats the air, while the ash is cooled, separated and landlled. To establish energy policy and goals, the plants energy team joined the Wastewater/Water Sustainability Energy Cohort, a group of northwest wastewater and water agencies. Members shared best practices, helping the Edmonds team members clarify objectives, which they shared with other plant personnel. With an average annual O&M budget of $3.5 million and capital improvement fund of $650,000, it made sense to accept the PUD challenge, says Randolph. Since we joined the program in 2010, weve completed three PUD projects that reduced costs to the city and helped us estimate ongoing savings.
LOW-HANGING FRUITS
The rst project reduced pressure on the internal process water system. The staff replaced the 50 hp pump with a 30 hp pump, reducing overall pressure from 100 psi to 40 psi. In the one area needing 70 psi, they installed a 7.5 hp booster pump (all pumps from Goulds). The modications saved 166,858 kWh, lowered annual electric costs by $11,513 and produced an incentive check for $31,451 from the PUD. The next project replaced 40-watt T8 uorescent tubes and ballasts with 25-watt units. The contractor also replaced some light xtures with LEDs, installed motion sensors in ofces and restrooms, and added timers in work areas, says Randolph. The annual savings of 20,033 kWh lowered the electric bill by $1,402 and drew a PUD check for $2,915.
The Edmonds plant team includes, front row, from left, Robert Slenker, maintenance mechanic/operator; Ed Oliver, laboratory technician; and Jon Clay, operator; back row, Jim Nordquist, maintenance mechanic; Rod Sebers, lead operator; Jon Lein, operator; Eric Vaughn, lead maintenance mechanic; Curt Zuvela, operations supervisor; Daniel Korstad, instrument/electrical technician; and Les Krestel, pretreatment coordinator.
28
With an average annual O&M budget of $3.5 million and capital improvement fund of $650,000, it made sense to accept the PUD challenge. Since we joined the program in 2010, weve completed three PUD projects that reduced costs to the city and helped us estimate ongoing savings.
PAMELA RANDOLPH
SOOTHING THE WAY

For the energy team at the Edmonds Wastewater Treatment Plant, the most difcult part of the Snohomish County Public Utility District No. 1 10 Percent Energy Challenge was identifying the correct baseline and indicators. If we began with the wrong starting point or indicators, the result would not reect the true story, says Pamela Randolph, plant manager. The engineers who design these facilities have a reason for everything that is here. Retrots and improvements must be evaluated closely because everything that happens affects some part of the treatment process. Another challenge was keeping the staff members focused on saving energy. Initially, they were excited and offered numerous suggestions, which the energy team evaluated. For example, one person suggested reducing the time fans ran in enclosed spaces, says Randolph. It certainly would have saved energy, but it wasnt good practice. Rejecting ideas, even with the greatest tact and diplomacy, still wounded some participants. Says Randolph, Rekindling enthusiasm and convincing staff that they could make a difference were our most difcult motivational challenges.
The staff identied other projects through the state Department of Enterprise Services (DES) Energy Program, then used its list of local Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) to conduct an audit, evaluate projects and help design, install and nance them. ESCO contractors guaranteed the maximum project cost and projected energy savings, while DES energy engineers and the PUD provided longterm monitoring of project savings. The PUD also split projected energy savings between the plant and the contractor. One such effort replaced a 300 hp centrifugal blower in an aeration basin with a 300 hp blower (Aerzen USA). The $325,000 modication saved 491,248 kWh annually. Puget Sound Energy mounted meters on both blowers and measured the difference in power consumption, says Randolph. Based on the calculated energy savings for the rst year of operation, PUD sent an incentive check for $178,849.
CONSULTANTS AND PUD

Two projects involved working with consultants. The rst involved a complete mix aeration basin that had Nocardia asteroides bacteria problems. The engineering rm suggested we switch to a plug ow mode to alleviate the problem and improve the activated sludge process, says Randolph. The $292,000 project replaced ceramic diffusers with 299 Sanitaire Platinum Series atpanel neoprene diffusers. It also included new bafes to change the ow pattern, a new hatch in the tank, additional modulating airow valves and one more dissolved oxygen probe. A graph illustrates the impact of energy efciency enhancements on electric power consumption. Plant operators installed the hatch cover, valves and probe. Saving 90,635 kWh lowered annual MORE IMPROVEMENTS electric costs by $11,800 and earned an incenA second energy audit identied additional projects, including tive check for $51,338. installation of a variable-frequency drive and programmable timer on Our process control improved during the rst year of operating the plants decorative water fountain. The fountain now cycles off the new conguration, says Randolph. Because the improvement is from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. difcult to measure, an engineering consultant is evaluating the retLast fall, contractors replaced the main electrical switchgear rot to see if were receiving the promised benets. The study will help feeding the plant, enclosed the switchboard in a sealed cabinet, and us make better decisions about retrotting another aeration basin. increased safety by adding a remote operator panel. While not specifThe most difcult project upsized 5-inch diffuser ports to 8-inch ically an energy-saving project, the staff also installed submetering openings on two 36-inch outfalls to reduce head on the efuent devices to measure localized usage throughout the plant. pump. A marine engineering company evaluated dispersion and Our operators dont see electric bills or DES reports of reduced mixing models, and then the state Department of Ecology approved kilowatt-hours, says Randolph. They just know the electricity is on the selection and modied our permit, says Randolph. The project, when they need it. To demonstrate that what they do does have an which enabled the plant to sustain gravity ow longer, saved 98,000 effect, we plan to develop dashboard indicators showing real-time kWh annually, lowered the electric bill by $6,762 and earned a $29,400 energy usage. If we can see it and measure it, we can improve it. check from the PUD.
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HOW WE DO IT
LEFT: Missoulas 12 mgd wastewa-
ter treatment plant has achieved low-cost phosphorous reduction. BELOW: The citys 1.6-acre poplar forest is home to an osprey nest. Reclaimed water from the plant helps grow the trees to marketable size for saw logs.
Innovation in BNR
MISSOULA PLANT EFFLUENT CLEANSED OF MOST NUTRIENTS WILL SOON WATER 130 ACRES OF POPLAR TREES GROWN TO MATURITY AND HARVESTED FOR SAW LOGS
By Grant Weaver
ithout chemicals and without ltration, the 12 mgd design/ 8 mgd average wastewater treatment plant in Missoula, Mont., reliably reduces efuent phosphorus to 0.3 mg/L. A 2004 upgrade costing $18 million converted the existing conventional aeration tanks (1 million gallons total volume) to the Modied Johannesburg Process. Two new trains of bioreactors with a combined volume of 1.4 million gallons were added to the two existing trains, more than doubling the aeration tankage. In the future, a major share of plant efuent will go to fertilize a tree plantation instead of being discharged to the Clark Fork River.
LAB MONITORING
The Missoula Wastewater Division has an on-site laboratory that performs both process control and permit compliance testing. All analyses are done in-house except metals and toxic organics. The lab uses an auto-analyzer due to the large number of samples at low nutrient levels. Gene Connell, treatment supervisor, compiles process data that staff members collect. Standard activated sludge process tests are performed daily. A complete phosphorus and nitrogen prole of each bioreactor cell is done weekly. The process data is compiled in a plant-developed Microsoft Access database. The results are plotted on graphs to display treatment efciency. Process changes are made accordingly. Because phosphorus is removed biologically, there is no need for the Missoula staff to add chemicals such as alum or ferric chloride. As a result, treatment is more sustainable. In addition, Missoula ratepayers save hundreds of dollars per day in chemical expenses. In the event that chemical addition becomes necessary, the plant has the ability to add ferric chloride to the splitter box before the secondary clariers. Starr Sullivan, wastewater division superintendent, observes, Our staff members are denitely the hope for the best, plan for the worst types. Careful oversight of the treatment process keeps efuent TSS at 3 mg/L, and the total efuent phosphorus averages 0.29 mg/L during the summer permit period. The facility also reduces nitrogen to an average 7 mg/L. To achieve similar phosphorus removal efciency, most treatment facilities combine biological and chemical removal and use polishing lters. Missoula gets it done with neither chemicals nor lters.
OUT WITH NUTRIENTS

An innovative process enables the high degree of phosphorus removal. The conventional-looking concrete aeration tanks have been divided into a plug-ow arrangement of seven bafed cells each. Return activated sludge (RAS) is mixed with primary efuent as it enters the rst of seven inline biological treatment cells. In the rst tank (pre-anoxic), bacteria remove the residual nitrate-nitrogen from the RAS so that the nitrate demand for BOD is satised.
The Missoula team continues to investigate other methods of nutrient removal in anticipation of lower regulatory discharge limits to the Clark Fork River.
Flow proceeds to an anaerobic tank where it is mixed with a ow rich in volatile fatty acids (VFA) from the modied anaerobic digester (fermenter). Here, bacteria take in VFA as an energy source. The third tank in the bioreactor is anoxic; ow from the ends of the aeration tanks is recycled to provide nitrate-nitrogen removal. The fourth, fth, sixth and seventh tanks are conventional plugow aeration tanks. Here, BOD is removed, ammonia-nitrogen is converted to nitrate-nitrogen, and bacteria use the VFAs that were fed into the anaerobic tank to reduce the soluble phosphorus concentration to levels as low as 0.01 mg/L.
CONTROL AUTOMATION
The Missoula team continues to investigate other methods of nutrient removal in anticipation of lower regulatory discharge limits to the Clark Fork River. The team is working with the private company AlgEvolve by cooperating with on-site piloting of photoreactors that
30
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grow algae to remove phosphorus to very low levels while creating a usable end product and avoiding creation of undesirable chemical sludges. The facilitys SCADA system uses the Wonderware System Platform (Invensys) and Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) programmable logic controllers (PLCs) on a ber-optic network. All servers and switches have online redundancy. The system allows tight control with low staffRob Cromwell, plant operator at one ing. The ve plant operators work of Missoulas four Johannesburg 10-hour, four-day shifts to provide process aeration tanks, with poplar trees in the background. seven-day-per-week coverage. They rotate on-call duties, and Specters Win-911 automated call-out system alerts them to problems after hours. The latest major plant upgrade, completed in 2012, replaced the headworks building at a cost of $9 million. Three 100 hp submersible pumps (Sulzer Pumps Solutions) lift inuent into the plant. In front of the pumps are 1/4inch FlexRake bar screens (Duperon) that lift the screenings from the lower level channel to the main-oor washing and compacting equipment (Huber Technology). Grit is removed using PISTA Grit vortex and grit washing systems (Smith & Loveless). A system manufactured by AMBIO Biolltration keeps headworks odors from affecting the community. After anaerobic digestion and dewatering with a centrifuge, biosolids are conveyed next door to a private composting facility. Since 1975, dewatered sludge has been processed using a system from EKO Compost (a company founded by a professor from the University of Montana in Missoula) that bags the composted biosolids for retail and wholesale customers. The compost
operation uses community yard waste and wood waste as bulking agents. Missoula uses UV disinfection (TrojanUV) in place of elemental chlorine. The operators have found UV much easier and safer to use, and the system eliminates one chemical inuence on the river.
WATERING POPLARS
The city has piloted a benecial reuse program, using a portion of plant efuent to irrigate a 1.6-acre hybrid poplar tree plot. Instead of discharging the small amounts of phosphorus, nitrogen and other constituents to the Clark Fork River, those constituents are taken up by trees. Pilot project results are encouraging: Testing in and around the grove shows no signicant negative effects on groundwater or soil, and the poplars are thriving. The trees have grown from 12-inch whips in 2009 to trees that now stand 13 feet tall. Encouraged by the success, city council members have authorized the lease, construction and long-term management of a 130-acre hybrid poplar tree farm near the facility. It will be planted in spring 2014. This reuse of efuent complements Missoulas biosolids practices. EKO Compost will use the tree pruning material for a compost bulking agent. The mature trees will be harvested and sold as saw logs. Planting the new forest and bringing it to maturity in 12 years will cost an estimated $1.3 million; the saw logs value is projected at $2 million. Sullivan estimates that at maturity the 70,000 poplar trees will drink up one million gallons of efuent per day. The expansion has the potential to remove nearly 20 percent of what our current discharge is to the river, he says.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Grant Weaver, P.E., an ABC Class IV wastewater operator, is president of The Water Planet Company, a wastewater treatment consultancy in New London, Conn. He can be reached at Grantweaver@thewaterplanet company.com
31
Ideas Ahead
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Franklin Electric relocates headquarters

Franklin Electric relocated to its new World Headquarters and Engineering Center in Fort Wayne, Ind. The 118,800-square-foot facility houses the companys 245 employees with room for future growth, as well as a 24,000square-foot testing lab.
Attacking key challenges with new thinking. At Centrisys, thats how weve been moving the wastewater industry forward for more than 25 years. From more efcient dewatering, to polymerfree thickening, to the next valuable breakthrough, we continue to advance innovations that save money, increase uptime and advance your success.
Asahi/America names regional sales manager

Asahi/America promoted Mike Hansen to Western regional sales manager. He will oversee the companys team of sales representatives west of the Mississippi River, and continue to serve as district sales manager for distributors in Northern California and Northern Nevada.
Aeration Industries launches website

Aeration Industries launched a new website, www.aireo2.com. The products and services site includes the company markets served, upgrades and retrots, and a representative locator.
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ProSoft Technology names president, CEO

ProSoft Technology named Thomas Crone president and CEO of the industrial communication company.
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Tata & Howard acquire Leach Engineering

Tata & Howard acquired Leach Engineering Consultants, a civil engineering rm in St. Johnsbury, Vt. Leach specializes in environmental engineering and wastewater solutions. Gary A. Leach, P.E., founder and chief executive ofcer, will continue to lead the Vermont ofce and also serve as vice president of Tata & Howard.
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top performer: BIOSOLIDS
Close To Home
FARMLAND NEXT TO THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IS PART OF THE RECIPE FOR AN AWARD-WINNING BIOSOLIDS PROGRAM IN MOBERLY, MO.
By Pete Litterski
Treatment Plant won a state award for its biosolids program and he gives part of the credit to city leaders, who decided nearly two decades ago to adopt an emerging technology when it was time to replace an aging facility. Riles, named chief operator in 2007 after eight years as an operator, has been kind of spoiled while working at the dual-cell sequential batch reactor (SBR) facility, designed and built by Aqua-Aerobic Systems. Ive never worked at an older plant, he says. Although some people questioned the citys decision to adopt the SBR technology in 1995, Riles observes, It works quite well, especially under adverse conditions. It adapts and it overcomes. A side benet of the new plant was the decision to locate it next to a 150acre parcel the city bought so it could apply biosolids on its own property.
ASK BEN RILES WHY THE MOBERLY (MO.) WASTEWATER
The convenience of the biosolids program was a factor last year when Moberly (population 14,000) received the Biosolids Management Award in the small facility category at the annual conference of the Missouri Water Environment Association.
NO MORE HAULING
The city started land-applying biosolids in 1987, trucking the material to local farms. That changed in 1997 with the switch to the city-owned Wastewater Farm. Most plants just dont have their own ground, but we have 150 acres, 84 of which are actually in our land application program, Riles says. A little more than half the permitted land is cultivated, and the city makes money by leasing it to a farmer who rotates corn, soybeans and other crops. The other half of the permitted land is forested and offers area for biosolids
34
Most plants just dont have their own ground, but we have 150 acres, 84 of which are actually in our land application program.
BEN RILES
Biosolids from the Moberly plant are applied using a reel-pivot irrigation system. (Photography by David Owens)
application during harvest periods. Besides generating income from the tenant farmer, having land next to the treatment plant saves the costs of hauling and soil testing at private farms.
prole
BUILT: TREATMENT LEVEL: TREATMENT PROCESS: BIOSOLIDS PROCESS: BIOSOLIDS VOLUME: BIOSOLIDS USE: WEBSITE: GPS COORDINATES:
Moberly (Mo.) Wastewater Treatment Plant
NO VIOLATIONS
In the award application, Riles reported that the city had no violations in the past ve years of quarterly tests on the Class B biosolids from two aerobic digesters. In 2012, the city met U.S. EPA standards for the Specic Oxygen Uptake Rate (SOUR) test and Volatile Solids Reduction methods. In previous years, the city has regularly passed at least one of the tests each quarter and usually met both standards. The city consistently meets the soil-quality standards on its land application site, as well. Regulations call for testing the soil every ve years for pH, but Riles tests annually.
1997 Secondary Dual-cell sequential batch reactor Aerobic digestion 489 dry tons (2012) Land application http://moberlymo.org/Government/ Public_Utilities/wastewaterplant.html Latitude: 392538.40 N; Longitude: 922232.65 W
35
The next-door land application site means Moberly no longer needs trucks to haul biosolids. Instead, the liquid material is pumped from two holding basins to the Wastewater Farm, where it is applied by a reel/pivot irrigation system. I can put down easily 187,000 to 200,000 gallons of biosolids per day when the conditions are right, Riles says.
SIMPLE PROCESS
The Moberly treatment plant has an average ow of 2.5 mgd and a permitted maximum capacity of 5 mgd. During rain events when ow from the citys combined sewer system increases sharply, inuent can be diverted to lagoons still in place at the citys former treatment plant sites, allowing the system to handle up to 7 mgd on a short-term basis. The Moberly team includes, from left, Ben Riles, chief operator; Doug Farrow, Donnie Gregory and Richard Swank, plant With a heavy rain, the ow can jump operators; and Garrett Foote, seasonal/part-time worker. from 2 mgd to 5 mgd within hours, but Riles says, The quality of biosolids and efuent never really varies. holding basin, mixers (Aqua-Aerobic Systems) maintain the consistency of Most of the dry-weather ow comes from residential and commercial biosolids awaiting land application. customers. The citys few industrial customers pose no challenges to the wastewater system. The treatment process starts with a grit removal screen PROCESS CONTROL before the ow is directed to one of the two SBRs. From the reactors, wasted Riles operates the biosolids program with a team that includes Doug Farrow, sludge is directed to a pair of aerobic digesters and the liquid efuent Richard Swank, Donnie Gregory, and Garrett Foote. passes through a UV disinfection system before discharge. A 2007 plant To make sure the application system works properly, the operators keep improvement project added a second biosolids holding basin and upgraded a close eye on solids content in the storage basins. We like to maintain the digesters, so we could do a better job of controlling biosolids quality, between 2 and 3 percent solids, Riles says. If it gets up to 5 percent, we will says Riles. actually add efuent to get it back down. If you put it on too thick, you can The city installed Tornado mixers (RWL Water Group Aeromix) in both coat the ground, and what you want is for the ground to be able to absorb it. digesters. In the new above-ground concrete holding basin, aerators (TideFlex The irrigation system (Kifco Ag-Rain) includes a slurry pump, helping Technologies) mix the biosolids with compressed air. In the existing in-ground operators apply biosolids at an agronomic rate. Operators monitor soil con-
We like to maintain between 2 and 3 percent solids. If it gets up to 5 percent, we will actually add efuent to get it back down. If you put it on too thick, you can coat the ground, and what you want is for the ground to be able to absorb it.
BEN RILES
Kaeser FB790C blower mixers outside of the aeration and mixing tanks.
REUSING THE OLD

The Moberly Wastewater Treatment Plant is a modern facility that can overcome most challenges that come its way. The one difculty can be the volume of inuent when heavy rains suddenly swamp the combined sewer system. Ben Riles, chief plant operator, says the city has separated some stormwater lines from the combined system to ease the ows and is studying how much work and money it would take to separate more sewers in the future. Further separating the two systems wont affect the biosolids operation, but It will reduce ows to the plant, says Riles, and we will be able to treat more effectively in all conditions. For now, Moberly is doing some recycling. When building its sequential batch reactor treatment plant in 1997, the city converted large lagoons at two former treatment plants to serve as combined sewer overow retention basins.
Ben Riles prepares to pull the sprayer (Kifco Ag-Rain) into position for biosolids distribution.
ditions: If the ground is frozen, or if it is saturated from rain or snow, they do not apply biosolids. The two holding basins (1.2 million gallons each) provide 180 days of storage capacity. The basins have never reached full capacity, but the city was nearing that point before building the second basin. If the basins ever reach capacity, We can decant water off the top and send it back to the inuent pump station, says Riles. The basins are not covered, but Riles has seen no signicant problems from rail or evaporation. The storage capacity paid off in 2012, when wet weather and a long winter made land application challenging. In that year the plant generated 489 dry tons of biosolids and the team land-applied just 283 dry tons. To nance its biosolids operation and recent plant improvements, the city has used State Revolving Fund loans and federal stimulus funding. The upgrades have proven to be a sound investment in protecting water quality and putting biosolids to benecial use at a highly affordable cost.
M WATCH THE IN ACTION oberly
out M To learn more ab er Treatment at w (Mo. ) Waste e video at Plant, view th om. www.tpomag.c

AEROMIX Systems, Inc.
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Kifco, Inc.
800/452-7017 www.kifco.com
Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.

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Red Valve Co. / Tideex Technologies

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37
IN MY WORDS
One Voice
A BROAD-BASED COALITION OF INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS AND BUSINESSES AIMS TO RAISE THE PROFILE OF INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AS A NATIONAL PRIORITY
By Ted J. Rulseh
ts been obvious for years: The nations public infrastructure is decaying and is getting too little attention and investment. Thats especially true of those out-of-sight and out-of-mind sewer and water pipes and wastewater and drinking water treatment plants. Over the years, various initiatives have sprung up to call attention to infrastructure and the need to restore it. Among these was the American Society of Civil Engineers biennial Report Card on Infrastructure. The newest effort, focused solely on water infrastructure, is the Value of Water Coalition. Its a joint initiative of major water and wastewater associations and businesses, and its aim is to educate the public about the importance of clean, safe and reliable water for today and future generations. The Water Environment Federation is one of six association members of the coalition. Eileen ONeill, Ph.D., interim executive director, and Linda Kelly, senior director of development and strategic alliances, talked about the coalition in an interview with Treatment Plant Operator.
: There have been campaigns on behalf of public infrastructure before. What makes this one different and in your view more effective? ONeill: The unique and groundbreaking nature of this effort is that we have six private-sector players and six major water associations in the United States onboard and prepared to speak with one voice, a strong voice. Its very exciting to see all 12 of these organizations committed to doing what we can together to up the ante and raise the visibility of water infrastructure and the need to invest in it. : Is it possible that in the future the coalition membership will expand? ONeill: We are discussing as a group how we might best grow. Working with 12 entities is exciting but also challenging. We dont want to over-burden the group with too much structure. At this stage we want to see how the member organizations can work together most effectively, each bringing their own strengths. Kelly: The coalitions structure is not nearly as important as our message and how we can get it out. As the campaign grows, well be seeking help in delivering that message in many different ways. Looking ahead, there may be opportunities for fundraising with other water-sector organizations to help us magnify our impact on the public. : How did the coalition go about dening its message? Kelly: We all agreed to focus on water infrastructure and the need for investment, and we
looked for someone who could help us do that in a professional way. We put together a request for proposals, evaluated several rms and selected the Glover Park Group [strategic communications rm based in Washington, D.C.]. Eileen ONeill Linda Kelly Next we went to nd out what the public knew about infrastructure and how important it was to them. With the Glover Park Group, we did qualitative and quantitative research. From that we learned not to go immediately to the public pounding our sts on the table and saying, We have to get the infrastructure updated and you need to pay more. We found that the public needs to understand water systems and how water is important in every aspect of their lives from their own personal water footprint to the way water is used to make products they encounter every day. Then we can build up to the fact that there needs to be a system that brings water to them and takes it away, and that the water has to be cleaned by innovative technologies and professional people. : What form does this campaign take so far? What is its public face? Kelly: Right now, its a social media and digital campaign focused on a website [http://thevalueofwater.org]. : What is being done around that website to get the message out far and wide? Kelly: It includes reaching out through Twitter, YouTube and GooglePlus. It also involves search engine optimization drawing people to the website who have searched the Internet for anything having to do with water or water quality. The idea is to keep it simple and keep it focused on the one issue. : What makes this campaign meaningful to the people who operate what the WEF now calls water resource recovery facilities? Kelly: Operators are interested in the role they play in helping the public understand the systems they run. I think operators know they can no longer just stay behind the berm and do great work. They have to let the public know they are the defenders of public health and the environment they are water heroes. There is a need to elevate the profession.
What is this coalition?

The Value of Water Coalition consists of public and private members of the water industry who have come together at a time when water infrastructure is at risk. The 12 members are:
Water Environment Federation Xylem Inc. U.S. Water Alliance Veolia Water National Association of Water Companies United Water National Association of Clean Water Agencies MWH Global Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies CH2M HILL American Water Works Association American Water
38
I think operators know they can no longer just stay behind the berm and do great work. They have to let the public know they are the defenders of public health and the environment they are water heroes. There is a need to elevate the profession.
LINDA KELLY
: Specically, how might a clean-water plant superintendent, plant manager or operator make use of the Value of Water Coalition campaign? Kelly: One way is simply to point to this website, to the facts posted there, and to pull those facts and use them in any yer they produce, in any presentation they make, in any tour they conduct. Over time we hope this information will turn into electronic items they can cut and paste into bill stuffers or other materials. There is one very short YouTube video that tells how water is treated. Operators can show that to people and accomplish a lot of education in a very short time. ONeill: We believe the information is succinct enough, clear enough, startling enough if you will, that people will really pay attention to it. We encourage operators to watch this space keep coming back, and know that the information and the messaging on the website have been tested. : The information on the website is sorted under ve words: Water is irreplaceable, shared, innovative, clean, green. How were those categories selected? Kelly: The research found that those terms really resonated people seemed to care about them and understand them better than others. : Whats the reasoning behind the emphasis on social media? Kelly: Its our primary method of connecting people to this issue. Its an effective and inexpensive way of getting a message out, short of having millions of dollars to invest in TV, billboards, radio and magazines. We are also using paid social media instead of just organically trying to grow followers. The Glover Park Group is very savvy in advising us on how to use paid social media to increase leverage. : How are you measuring the impact and success of this effort? ONeill: Its easy to do things like count hits on the website and followers on Twitter, but we want to dig deeper than that. Well go back with the same survey we did originally, ask the same baseline questions, and see if there has been a change in understanding and a change in behavior.
with information. There are a lot of issues, and water is just one of them. If we are to have the impact we need, this has to be a long-term project. It takes time, it takes money, it takes dedication. We cant be impatient. We have to be strategic. One thing thats apparent about the Value of Water Coalition is the members commitment to the mission.
We believe the information is succinct enough, clear enough, startling enough if you will, that people will really pay attention to it. We encourage operators to watch this space keep coming back, and know that the information and the messaging on the website have been tested.
EILEEN ONEILL
: What outreach are you doing to the operator community? ONeill: We are getting information out through our usual networks our newsletters and other vehicles. Well be raising awareness of what the Value of Water Coalition is doing and aspires to do, and the tools available, but were also listening to what the water professionals think are the gaps in communication that our coalition can help ll. : Is there a public affairs component to this? An effort to inuence the elected ofcials who make decisions about infrastructure investments? Kelly: That is not a part of what we chartered ourselves to do. The idea is that once people understand the seriousness of a failing infrastructure and the value of water, they will demand that we protect that very critical resource. We all realize its going to take some time. The public is overwhelmed
: What parting words do you have for TPO readers? ONeill: Were interested in their ideas and thoughts about the Value of Water campaign. Wed like them to use the Contact Us link on the website so we can put them on our email list and start a conversation.
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product focus
Biosolids Management/ Headworks

By Craig Mandli
biosolids, allowing water to pass through exible drainage elements. Biosolids entering the cylinder are continuously rotated and pressed by the piston to reach the limit of mechanical dewatering. The cake is Dehydris Twist from automatically discharged. Digested biosolInlco Degremont ids can be dewatered to auto-thermal conditions before incineration, lowering capital and operational costs for drying. 804/756-7696; www.degremont-technologies.com.
SCREW PRESS
The ACAT screw press from Kusters Water, a division of Kusters Zima Corp., offers slow rotational speed, low maintenance, low noise and low energy consumption. All components in contact with biosolids are made of corrosion-resistant mateACAT screw press from Kusters Water, a division of rials, such as 304SS or 316SS. The Kusters Zima Corp. base frame is made of carbon steel and factory-painted. The only wear part is the screw sealing, which lasts 5,000 to 15,000 hours. 864/576-0660; www.kusterswater.com.
Belt Filter/Rotary Presses

BELT FILTER PRESS
The 1.7-meter trailer-mounted belt lter press from Bright Technologies includes a control room with insulated FRP walls, air conditioning, electric heat, a refrigerator, stainless steel desk, tool storage, Belt lter press from locker, closed circuit TV and Bright Technologies remote operator controls. The modular design allows the room to be custom manufactured to t most single-drop trailers. Units are made for rapid setup with folding conveyor and operator walkways. No special lifting equipment is required. 800/253-0532; www.brightbeltpress.com.
ROTARY FAN PRESS

The compact, slow moving, quiet design of the Rotary Fan Press from Prime Solution Inc. integrates with wastewater facilities, often with no building modications. Continuous dewatering within enclosed vertical channels yields high throughput per unit of oor space. It offers easy and fast startup and shutdown and Rotary Fan Press from minimal operator attention. Pressure increases Prime Solution Inc. as biosolids move slowly through a tapered channel. Friction intensies as the material compresses against two rotating lter screens. Filtrate drains through the screens. Cake averages 18 to 24 percent solids and reaches up to 60 percent in some applications. 269/694-6666; www.psirotary.com.
THREE-BELT PRESS
The Sentry three-belt press from Charter Machine Company has a 4-foot initial gravity deck for easy viewing. A belt drive and variSentry three-belt press from able-frequency drive enable belt Charter Machine Company speed selection independent of the pressure section. This makes thin biosolids become more manageable and allows higher cake solids to be achieved. Belt alignment is maintained by a center-pivot design, minimizing belt stretch. A vertical roller arrangement allows easier conveyor maintenance. Rilsan-coated onepiece pillow block housings with gasketed end plates house self-aligning double-roll spherical-type bearings with quadruple lip seals. Machined and polished shafts are held in place with a lock ring, eliminating slippage or misalignment. 732/548-4400; www.chartermachine.com.
MOBILE BELT FILTER PRESS

The Model 3DPTM trailered mobile belt lter press from Stewart Spreading has a variable-speed paddle wheel. It provides full belt-width distribution, and an independent gravity zone that allows for higher production capacity and higher cake solids. A spiral wedge applies Model 3DPTM trailered mobile belt increasing cake pressure over lter press from Stewart Spreading the entire length of the belt for effective expressing of ltrate with excellent cake retention. A vertical arrangement allows ltrate pans under each roll to keep ltrate from falling on adjacent rolls, eliminating ltrate reabsorption and improving cake solids. 815/695-5667; www.stewartspreading.com.
CONTAINER FILTER
Sludge Mate container lters from Flo Trend Systems dewater biosolids and other materials. The closed-system design provides complete odor control, prevents spillage, Sludge Mate container lters minimizes maintenance and shields from Flo Trend Systems against weather. Units have 10-gauge reinforced walls and a seven-gauge carbon steel oor. Options include peaked roofs with gasketed bolted-down access hatches, drainage ports, inlet manifolds, oor lters and side-to-side rolling tarps. Units in 5- to 40-cubic-yard capacities available as roll-offs, on trailers and tippingstand mounted. 713/699-0152; www.otrend.com.
Centrifuges/ Separators
DECANTER CENTRIFUGE
The ALDEC G3 decanter centrifuge from Alfa Laval offers a 2Touch control package that makes it easy to monitor, adjust and improve all
ALDEC G3 decanter centrifuge from Alfa Laval
ROTATING BIOSOLIDS PRESS

The Dehydris Twist from Inlco Degremont uses a rotating cylinder and moving piston that travels within the cylinder to continuously press
40
operating parameters to meet changing requirements and varying inputs and conditions. The smaller conveyor diameter makes room for more liquid in the pond and allows higher bowl wall pressures for a 10 percent boost in processing capacity or drier cake. Power Plates reduce the power consumption by up to 40 percent and reduce CO2 emissions. 866/2532528; www.alfalaval.us.
GRIT AND GREASE REMOVAL SYSTEM

The Grit & Grease removal system from Schreiber has two rectangular concrete channels that separate and collect grit and grease. One channel settles particles and the other collects grease using an air-skimGrit & Grease removal ming system. A rotating spiral ow patsystem from Schreiber tern washes organics from the grit and deposits it in a trough at the bottom of the channel. A grit pump on a traveling bridge pumps the grit to an elevated trough sloped at one end of the structure to transfer the grit slurry to a grit classier for further washing and dewatering. Floating grease is transported to one end of the channel by an air-skimming grease removal system. Air is directed onto the surface of the grease channel in the direction of a rotating screw conveyor, which lifts the grease into a collection container. 205/655-7466; www.schreiberwater.com.
Grinders/Shredders
SCREENER/GRINDER
The Dimminutor7 from Franklin Miller provides automatic screening and grinding of wastewater solids in straight-through channels and wet wells. It reduces plastics, wood, rags and other solids to ne bits, protecting pumps and other downstream equipment. It uses a smooth, continuously rotating design with high torque. Three bidirectional rotary cutters intermesh at close clearance with stationary cutters, reducDimminutor7 from ing solids to a size small enough to pass Franklin Miller through a sizing screen. 973/535-9200; www. franklinmiller.com.
EFFICIENT GRIT REMOVAL SYSTEM

The PISTA 360 from Smith & Loveless removes grit efciently with a V-FORCE BAFFLE that prevents shortcircuiting and allows 360-degree rotation through the inlet and outlet. Increased chamber velocity durPISTA 360 from Smith & Loveless ing low ow enables an extended grit path so that more grit is captured on the at oor. Flow velocity stays at 3.5 feet per second peak and 1.6 feet per second minimum with no additional downstream ow control device. It improves control of water elevations without a submerged weir resulting in a smaller footprint and construction cost savings. The system ensures 95 percent grit removal efciency down to a 140-mesh particle size. Units range from 0.5 to 10 mgd capacity and can be constructed of concrete or steel. 800/8989122; www.smithandloveless.com.
SUBMERSIBLE SHREDDER PUMP

The S3SHR 3-inch hydraulic-drive submersible shredder pump from Hydra-Tech Pumps continuously rips and shears solids with 360-degree shredding action. It uses an open-vane shredder impeller with tungsten carbide cutting tip. Compact size allows it to t in tight spaces. A guide rail assembly is available for stationary applications. Combined with HT11 to HT20 power units, it handles ows up to 450 gpm. The safe and variable-speed hydraulic drive can be used S3SHR submersible shredder pump from where electric power is hazardous or impractical. Hydra-Tech Pumps 570/645-3779; www.hydra-tech.com.
SCREW CENTRIFUGAL PUMP

Triton screw centrifugal pumps from Vaughan Company handle thick biosolids, large or stringy solids, shearsensitive uids and delicate or highly abrasive materials. Features include Triton screw centrifugal pumps steep performance curves, nonoverfrom Vaughan Company loading power characteristics, heavyduty power frames and a ushless mechanical seal to eliminate water ush requirements. A water-ushed mechanical seal or packing is available. 888/249-2467; www.chopperpumps.com.
LOW-MOISTURE GRIT GENERATOR

The WEMCO Hydrogritter from Weir Specialty Pumps / WEMCO Pump includes a pump, cyclone separator and dewatering classier. The pump pulls grit from the grit chamber and feeds it to the WEMCO Hydrogritter from Weir cyclone separator, which conSpecialty Pumps / WEMCO Pump centrates it and reduces the volume of liquid so that a smaller and more economical classier can be used. The slurry from the pump is converted to rotational motion as it enters the cyclone inlet head. The resulting centrifugal force acts on the grit particles, driving them to the cyclone wall where they migrate down decreasing-diameter sections, discharging through the cyclone apex. The grit is then concentrated and discharged into the spiral classier, where it is dewatered. The system can remove 95 percent of grit size 150 mesh and larger with a specic gravity of 2.65. 801/359-8731; www.weirsp.com.
Grit Handling/Removal/Hauling
CONTINUOUS BAG SYSTEM
The Longofill continuous bag system from Paxxo can connect to the discharge point of machines used to move, dewater or compact screenings, grit and biosolids. Material is then deposited in a 90-meter-long continuous bag for odor containment and spillage control. The cassette bag is easy to seal, and the material and odors are trapped inside, cutting down development of bacLongoll continuous bag teria and fungus spores. 770/502-0055; system from Paxxo www.paxxo.us.
Screening Systems
SCRAPER-STRAINER
ACRS automatic scraper-strainers from Acme Engineering Products provide automatic removal of solids and large particles using (continued)
41
product focus
Biosolids Management/Headworks
only dirty water for blowdown. They are available in sizes up to a 66-inch body in steel or corrosionresistant metals. They remove large, irregularly shaped solids and contaminants from wastewater and nonpotable water systems and protect downstream ne ltration equipment. Screens are available down to 75 microns. The strainers are custom fabricated ACRS automatic scraper-strainers from Acme Engineering Products and t existing strainer locations, avoiding piping rework. Designs are available to handle viscous uids like biosolids and extremely high solids loading. 518/236-5659; www. acmeprod.com.
ware monitors loading rates for land application of biosolids. It also tracks application locations, methods, amounts and who applies the material. A reporting section allows users to generate limit, application and nutrient reports to maintain proper recordkeeping and stay compliant with reporting requirements. Its use enhances communication between the BioSolids Module for preparer, applier and landowner. 800/670- Operator10 Wastewater 1867; www.allmaxsoftware.com. from AllMax Software
ROLL-OFF DEWATERING UNIT

The Roll-off Dewatering Unit from AQUA-Zyme Disposal Systems can reduce biosolids volume with reductions in BOD, COD, FOG and TSS. Solids can be landll-ready in 24 hours. Units can be transported with a standard roll-off truck. The watertight unit has a 1/4-inch steel oor plate and seven-gauge sides, with lter media on the sides, oor and center partition. Other features include a roll-over tarp, quickconnect ttings, dual inlet ports and Roll-off Dewatering Unit from multiple drain ports with caps. FifteenAQUA-Zyme Disposal Systems and 30-cubic-yard sizes are in stock, and custom sizes are available. 979/245-5656; www.aqua-zyme.com.
ADAPTIVE SCREENING SYSTEM

The Duperon FlexRake utilizes FlexLink technology to ex and pivot around all types of debris from standard inuent to logs, tires and sewer plugs. This capability assures that all debris is removed at the bar screen, without alarms or operator intervention. FlexRake from Duperon The Adaptive Technology recognizes the variability of wastewater inuent and provides reliable process protection, regardless of what comes into the channel. 800/383-8479; www. duperon.com.
MOBILE ROTARY LOBE PUMP

Mobile rotary lobe pumps from Boerger are self-priming, valveless, positive-displacement units for rapid deployment for spill situations and digester and lagoon clean up. Twenty pump models in six series are offered with pulsationfree operation, fully reversible rotation, dry-run capabilities and ow rates up to Mobile rotary lobe 5,000 gpm. All wear parts can be pumps from Boerger replaced through the front cover without removing pipe or drive systems. Suction and pressure hoses can be installed in minutes. 612/435-7300; www.boerger.com.
SELF-CLEANING FINE SCREEN

The CleanFlo Monoscreen self-cleaning ne screen from WesTech Engineering uses a reliable blade and drive system, creating a progressive step motion that allows screenings to be evenly distributed while minimizing water level surges. The result is a screenings capture rate of 82.5 percent. When matched with the CleanWash SWP/CPS dewatering unit, the system maximizes solids capture for almost any CleanFlo Monoscreen headworks operation while minimizing self-cleaning ne screen from solids for disposal. 801/265-1000; WesTech Engineering www.westech-inc.com.
COLLECTOR MONITORING SYSTEM

The SmartGuard collector monitoring system for rectangular clariers from Brentwood Industries identies collector system overloads that cannot be detected by shear-pin or torque monitoring devices. The system provides two zones of monitoring via sensors. Embedded magnets in the lower-rear idler sprockets allow the system to identify irregular sprocket motion. Flight misalignment is detected by cam assemblies as each ight passes over the head shaft. Early detection helps wastewater plants avoid system failures by controlling Brentwood Industries up to four mechanisms, including longitudinal collectors, cross-collectors, scum pipes and screw conveyors. 610/3745109; www.brentwoodindustries.com.
Septage Receiving Stations

SEPTAGE ACCEPTANCE PLANT
The Raptor septage acceptance plant from Lakeside Equipment Corporation manages biosolids unloading and protects downstream equipment. The system offers security access and hauler management and accounting software to help maximize reveRaptor septage acceptance nue generation and produce more energy plant from Lakeside with minimal maintenance. Properly screened Equipment Corporation waste can be utilized more successfully in energy production or processed through the facility. 630/837-5640; www.lakeside-equipment.com.
CONTAINER COVER SYSTEM

The LEVEL LODOR container cover system from JDV Equipment Corporation helps reduce operator time and the building footprint, while keeping plant odors and solids exposure minimal and providing efcient leveling of solids. The system has a low power requirement, stainless steel construction, odor control and stan-
Biosolids Handling
BIOSOLIDS DATA MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
The BioSolids Module for Operator10 Wastewater from AllMax Soft-
LEVEL LODOR container cover system from JDV Equipment Corporation
(continued)
42
SLT
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product focus
Biosolids Management/Headworks
dard safety devices. The fully automated system levels biosolids in rolloff containers to save time and handling of potentially hazardous or infectious material. It protects dried solids from exposure to weather. 973/366-6556; www.jdvequipment.com.
BIOSOLIDS CAKE CONVEYING SYSTEM

The NEMO BF/SF biosolids cake conveying system from NETZSCH Pumps North America uses positive displacement pumps that convey dewatered biosolids from lter presses or centrifuges. The customizable rectanNEMO BF/SF biosolids cake gular hopper and force-feed chamber conveying system from provide direct entry of the product NETZSCH Pumps North America into the rotor and stator. The coupling rod incorporates a positioned-feed screw auger extending over the joints that is always positioned opposite the open cavity of the stator. This gives biosolids cake the shortest possible route into the open cavity, improving chamber lling signicantly. Its Friction Loss Reduction (FLR) system reduces pressure, cuts operating costs and improves system life. 610/363-8010; www.netzschusa.com.
ened to 3 to 15 percent. The biosolids are pumped to the thickener, where polymer is injected before the material enters a tank. A vertically mounted mechanical mixer gently agitates for up to one minute to aggregate the ne solids into a tight oc. The conditioned biosolids ow into the distribution headbox and are fed gently into a screen cylinder. The oc is retained on the screen surface as the liquid ows rapidly through the screen. Filtrate is collected and directed to a bottom outlet. Solids are transported by ights along the cylinder and exit through a discharge chute. 800/663-8409; www.ipec.ca.
BIOSOLIDS DRYING SYSTEM

Biosolids drying systems from Komline-Sanderson use steam or thermal uid with heat supplied from the combustion of natural gas, digester gas, landll gas or fuel oil, or recovered heat from engines or Biosolids drying systems turbines. The dryers shaft, hollow padfrom Komline-Sanderson dles and trough are all heated. The design and low speed with few rotating parts reduces maintenance. Indirect drying reduces off-gases, simplifying odor control. The system produces a Class A granular product for agricultural use or an autogenous paste for use as a green fuel. 800/225-5457; www.komline.com.
THERMAL BIOSOLIDS DRYER

The BioCon thermal dryer from Kruger USA processes biosolids into a marketable end product. The dual-belt dryer creates an end product dried to at least 90 percent solids that meets Class A requirements. The product is suitable for most agricultural applications. Particle-sizing BioCon thermal dryer equipment can screen the product to from Kruger USA meet nutrient marketers specic size requirements. The system can be paired with an end product storage system, such as a bagging station or silo system. 919/677-8310; www. krugerusa.com.
PROGRESSIVE CAVITY PUMP

Progressive cavity pumps from seepex provide valveless flow control for flow stability, especially where turndown is required. They offer gentle, precise handling with Progressive cavity virtually no pulsation and can be made of pumps from seepex materials to accommodate all types of uids. The stator is split axially into two halves, compression-t together using four retaining segments. Simple access to the rotor and stator for inspection dismantling pipelines reduces service time. 937/864-7150; www. seepex.com.
SOLIDS-HANDLING PUMP
IQ Series pumps from Vogelsang eliminate half the parts in a typical rotary lobe pump wet-end, reducing parts cost and labor. They offer an advanced ow-path design that improves ow and solids handling. An integrated ange design IQ Series pumps from Vogelsang allows a ange to be used in a 90-degree or gooseneck arrangement, keeping the pump ooded to maintain prime and extended dry running. The ange arrangement delivers pulsation-free ow, low shear and high solids handling. 800/984-9400; www.vogelsangusa.com.
ENCLOSED BIOSOLIDS DRYER

The Bioset Process from Schwing Bioset achieves Class A biosolids via the time versus temperature equation and pH adjustment per EPA 503 regulations. Operating costs are reduced due to PFRP approval, allowing process operation at 55 degrees C for 40 minutes. From startup to shutdown the process remains easy to operate and reliable. A comBioset Process from pletely enclosed system prevents spills and odors. Schwing Bioset 715/247-3433; www.betterreuse.com.
HEAT EXCHANGER
The Type E concentric tube-intube heat exchanger from Walker Process Equipment uses counterow circulation of hot water and biosolids, providing high heat transfer with low headloss. End castings are removable for cleanType E concentric heat exchanger ing without draining the waterfrom Walker Process Equipment side tubes and include water back-ushing connections. High-pressure units are available for use with egg-shaped or large-depth digester tanks. Controls include nonow restrictive temperature sensors and glass tube or dial thermometers to measure inlet and outlet biosolids temperatures. 630/892-7921; www.walker-process.com.
Biosolids Heaters/Dryers/Thickeners
ROTARY DRUM BIOSOLIDS THICKENER
The IFT rotary drum biosolids thickener from IPEC Consultants consists of a cylindrical drum with progressive series of screen elements. The drum rotates on four wheels mounted on a structural housing. The screens remove free liquids. Biosolids containing 0.5 to 3 percent solids can be thick-
IFT rotary drum biosolids thickener from IPEC Consultants
44
Custom Dewatering/Composting Solutions.
Groton NY WWTP Model 3012 DSP Screw Press
Gravity Belt Thickeners Equipment Restoration Complete Compost Facility Design

BDP represented by: MSD Environmental Dave Deaton 224 Linden Drive Centerville, OH 45459 Bus: (937) 313-9314 Mobile: (937) 313-9314 Bus Fax: (937) 438-5646 E-mail: msddaved@aol.com
Compact 0.9 m Model DDP Belt Press Great for small plants
Belt Presses Screw Presses
Agitated and Aerated In-vessel type Composting System (ICS)
Rotary Drum Concentrators On-Site Service & Mobile Demos
Floor Level 3.0 m model 3DP No platforms or stairs required!
American Made
Visit us at Booth #3501
2014
Sales: 518-527-5417 Factory: 518-695-6851 Fax: 518-695-5417 Email: kelly@bdpindustries.com
www.bdpindustries.com
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
FEBRUARY BLOWERS
We BUY used blowers, motors & controls. If you are upgrading your WWTP consider us before scrapping your old equipment. Call 800-605-0099 or email photos & contact details to info@berrymanequipment.com (o04)
MISCELLANEOUS
UV DISINFECTION EQUIPMENT: Attention: Small wastewater treatment plant owners and operators. Possible use with Fish Farms. Portable, or very easy installation.Brand new product. US patent pending. callagher@sbc global.net, www.thefecalfighter.com. (oBM)
DEWATERING
4 Dia-Disk Double Diaphragm Pump: 5hp electric motor. Cost new - $17,000. Completely rebuilt. Variable flow, 0-200gpm, low-stroke - wont shear polymer. PRICE $7,500. Pictures are available upon request. Please call 910-738-5311. (oBM)
PUMPS
Two (2) 4 Thompson Double Diaphragm Pumps: 5hp electric motor, single phase. Cost new - $9,000 each. Will sell both for $5,000 or sell individually for $3,000 each. Pictures are available upon request. Please call 910-738-5311. (oBM)
EDUCATION
RoyCEU.com: We provide continuing education courses for water, wastewater and water distribution system operators. Log onto www.royceu.com and see our approved states and courses. Call 386-574-4307 for details. (oBM)
TRAILERSVACUUM/TANKER
4,000-gallon Lely Self-Contained Vac/Press Tanker: Isuzu motor, Fruitland RCF 500 vacuum pump, Evans tri-axle trailer with aluminum wheels. Excellent condition - $27,500. Pictures are available upon request. Please call 910-738-5311. (oBM)
45
case studies
By Craig Mandli
BIOSOLIDS MANAGEMENT/HEADWORKS
Mobile dewatering truck saves on handling, disposal costs

Antigonish County in Nova Scotia faced escalating costs for handling septage and wastewater treatment plant biosolids. ABCO Industries Limited offered its Mobile Dewatering Truck (MDT), essentially a vacuum truck that dewaters biosolids. In most cases, about 85 percent of biosolids volume is returned as a clear ltrate to the source. The dewatered solids are mixed with wood chips and composted. Once stabilized, the compost is applied as landll capping material.
Double-tube heat exchangers rectify blockages

The Severn Trent Water facility in Leicestershire, United Kingdom, faced spiral heat exchanger blockages, resulting in low efciency and high maintenance costs. The problem led to replacement of the heat exchangers in the digesters. Replacement units had to t the space available, and both sides had to produce pressures to suit existing equipment. The design also needed to have minimal impact on existing site piping. The exchangers had to resist clogging with raggy biosolids and meet thermal requirements efciently, reliably and with minimal maintenance. HRS Heat Exchangers recommended DTI Series industrial doubletube heat exchangers, a tube-in-tube design with tubes sized to allow large particles and raggy biosolids to pass through. The internal tube is corrugated, creating turbulence that improves heat transfer and reduces the risk of fouling.
Problem Solution
Problem
Solution
RESULT
The county achieved cost savings and no longer needed its lagoon system. The results showed savings in mileage and fuel consumption, vehicle wear, travel time and volume transferred. The truck has performed as we had hoped for and has allowed us to greatly reduce our costs, says Darrell Myers, an operator for Antigonish County. 866/634-8821; www.abco.ca.
RESULT
The heat exchangers ended the blocking problems and increased digester efciency. 623/915-4328; www.hrs-heatexchangers.com.
Ferric chloride helps control phosphorus, reduce polymer demand

The Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plant in Springeld, Mo., had high polymer demand, using 100 pounds per dry ton of solids. The plant also had issues with controlling efuent phosphorus and struvite in the centrate lines. Operators needed to lower overall operations and maintenance costs while addressing the phosphorus issue. After lab and full-scale testing, Kemira installed a 5,000-gallon tank for ferric chloride with containment and spill safety protocol. The company installed and calibrated two pumps and trained the staff to operate the equipment safely, calibrate the equipment and make process calculations required to monitor the trial performance. Kemira also designed and installed a system that allows operators to adjust the ferric chloride/biosolids ratio while the automated valve lls the holding tank. This includes a specially designed static mixer to blend the ferric chloride with the incoming biosolids.
Problem
Screw press helps utility meet biosolids goal

Faced with aging infrastructure and equipment, Daphne (Ala.) Utilities needed technology to help fulll the goal of producing Class A Biosolids. A crucial element was a reliable dewatering process that would meet performance goals and be harmonious with the neighborhood. The utility ultimately chose the RoS3Q screw press from Huber Technology. The press can achieve up to 27 percent cake solids, has a low power requirement with a 5 hp motor, has an automatic cleaning function and leaves no watery mess around the unit.
Problem Solution
Solution
RESULT
Polymer dosing dropped 33 percent, cake solids content increased 1.5 percent, alum dosing costing $170,000 per year was eliminated, phosphorus removal increased 93 percent and the total process cost decreased by 9.15 percent for annual total savings of $311,165. 800/5335990; www.kemira.com
RESULT
Before choosing the Huber screw press, we examined several other technologies, says Jim Caudle, manager of the Daphne Utilities Water Reclamation Facility. After using the press for more than two years, we have found it to be efcient and reliable. Its a selection wed make again. 704/949-1010; www.huber-technology.com.
46
Cake bin systems provide material handling for thermal hydrolysis

The DC Water Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant in Washington, D.C., needed a supplier to provide the material-handling component for the rst-ever CAMBI thermal hydrolysis process system in the U.S. Jim Myers & Sons worked with PC Construction and the CDM engineering rm to provide four large T-316 stainless steel cake bin systems. Each receives dewatered biosolids from three centrifuges through chutes with electric-actuated diverter gates. Each bin is 28 feet long, 35 feet tall and 18 feet wide, and tapers to 9 feet wide at the live bottom pan. Each live bottom pan houses four 20-inch-diameter shafted T-316 stainless steel screws. Each bin was provided in four pieces with stiffeners, assembled completely and provided separately. Other features include local control stations, electric-actuated slide gates, load cells, level sensors, and 10 chutes with sampling ports and spray-water nozzles.
Digester system produces biogas for large poultry processing plant

Mironovsky Hleboproduct in the Ukraine is one of Europes largest sustainable poultry product producers. The company sought to install a digester to use chicken manure, wastewater treatment plant biosolids, sorghum and wastewater to produce biogas. Nijhuis Water Technology installed digester tanks 30 meters in diameter, mixed and heated to allow anaerobic digestion. A two-step system increases biogas production. The digestate is separated in a solid and liquid fertilizer. The biogas is used to heat the digesters during the year, to heat buildings and stables in winter and to produce electricity year-round.
Problem Solution
Problem Solution
RESULT
The system treats more than 700 tons of substrates each day, generating up to 5 MW. Exhaust heat feeds boilers for the slaughterhouse. The heat is also used in the processing plant and in winter to heat the chicken houses. The power is used at the slaughterhouse yearround, and excess power is sold to the commercial grid. 312/300-4101; www.nijhuis-water.com.
RESULT
The systems offer a separate control point to adjust the thermal hydrolysis process throughput independently from upstream processes. They provide capacity to store sufcient biosolids to be able to maintain operation of the process for about 12 hours at the design average throughput rate. 704/554-8397; www.myersequipment.com.
Screw press replaces dewatering system destroyed in re

Tim Frank Septic Tank Cleaning Co. in northern Ohio began a dewatering operation in 1994, but a re in 2007 destroyed the companys dewatering building and press. Having hosted a National Association of Wastewater Technicians waste treatment symposium before the re, Tim and Tom Frank saw various dewatering technologies in operation. They installed a screw press from FKC Co. in the new dewatering facility.
Problem Solution
RESULT
The screw press dewaters a mixture of septage and biosolids from small commercial treatment plants to about 30 percent solids. The solids are landlled or land-applied. Filtrate from the screw press is treated in lagoons and manmade wetlands before being spray-irrigated onto farmland growing giant miscanthus, which will be used as a renewable fuel. 360/452-9472; www.fkcscrewpress.com.
47
HEARTS AND MINDS
Learning Place
By Linda J. Edmondson
he old administration building at the Hyperion Treatment Plant in southwest Los Angeles sat empty for 10 years after a new facility was built in 1998. Through collaboration between the Public Works Department and the mayors ofce, the building became an environmental education center that achieved LEED Gold certication. The $11.5 million, 20,000-square-foot Los Angeles Environmental Learning Center was dedicated last September. The Hyperion Plant, one of four treatment and water reclamation plants serving more than four million people, is the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi and the sixth largest in the world. Almost 400 employees manage full secondary treatment, biosolids handling and biogas generation. Green practices are important to the region, beset with years of drought.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOS ANGELES ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER
A VACANT ADMINISTRATION BUILDING BECOMES A WORLD-CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER WITH LEED CERTIFICATION
The Los Angeles Environmental Learning Center offers a variety of fun educational exhibits.
TEACHING SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainable practices and learning experiences were built throughout the learning center. Besides illustrating how wastewater is cleaned and recycled, the center preaches the virtues of watershed
protection and sustainability, including the tenets of reduce, reuse, recycle and recover. Green building features demonstrate sustainable principles while reducing energy use. A green roof is irrigated with recycled water, skylights provide natural light, photovoltaic panels generate electricity and water is solar heated. The entrance walkway is made of permeable pavers, and drought-tolerant landscaping includes a stream and terraced wetland fed with recycled water and stocked with mosquito sh. An observation deck overlooks the treatment processes. Planning the educational content was another collaborative effort. We gathered input from subject matter experts and the entire operations staff, from managers, engineers, operations and maintenance staff to public affairs, say Ronald Mayuyu, project engineer for the Bureau of Sanitation. Then we brought in a rm with experience around the world designing exhibits that successfully engage and connect with young kids. An 87-seat auditorium and learning lab classroom accommodate lectures and hands-on learning. Exhibits and interactive displays teach sustainable resource management. They include exhibits on clean water and watershed protection and a gallery shows how Los Angeles is on the Road to Zero Waste. Although all
Whats Your Story?
The learning center building and grounds incorporate many green features.
TPO welcomes news about your public education and community outreach efforts for future articles in the Hearts and Minds column. Send your ideas to editor@tpo mag.com or call 715/277-4094.
48
The centers aim is to help visitors appreciate the challenges of wastewater treatment and the benets it brings to the city.
Weve created an invaluable opportunity to educate about the importance of sustainable water and solid resources management. These kids are users of water but can also learn to be water conservers. We are preparing them to be our future environmental stewards.
RONALD MAYUYU
grades are welcome, the exhibits some of which combine education with video gaming target grades 4 through 8.
FUTURE STEWARDS
Careers have a place in the exhibits, too. Job descriptions and life-size cut-out photos of a treatment plant operator, wastewater plant manager, engineer, lab technician, inspector and plumber create interest; kids can have their pictures taken next to the photos. One goal is to give visitors a greater understanding of all the city does to protect public health and the environment, and of the need to increase recycled water production to 59,000 acre-feet per year by 2035. Our visitors have no idea what happens to their wastewater or the challenges the city faces, Mayuyu says. Theyre surprised that most of our water comes from hundreds of miles away, and only one percent comes from recycled water. Weve created an invaluable opportunity to educate about the importance of sustainable water and solid resources management. These kids are users of water but can also learn to be water conservers. We are preparing them to be our future environmental stewards.
49
product news
7 1 5 6 3 4 9 10 8
1. XYLEM CLOSED-VESSEL UV SYSTEM

The WEDECO LBXe 850 and 1500 closed-vessel ultraviolet disinfection systems from Xylem are optimized for large-scale applications and validated according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys UV Disinfection Guidance Manual (USEPAs UVDGM 2006). They also have been validated according to the National Water Research Institute (NWRI) 2012 guidelines by independent Carollo Engineers. The UV systems are capable of handling peak ow rates of 8.5 mgd per reactor. Both models feature an OptiCone ow diverter that channels the ow evenly across the lamps to maximize disinfection. 704/409-9700; www.xyleminc.com.
monic distortion (THD) to less than 2.5 percent without lters, exceeding IEEE 519-1992 requirements by nearly 50 percent. The MV1000 uses two 5-voltage step bridges per phase to generate 17 level line-to-line voltage output to the motor. Several motor control modes are available for a range of applications. 800/927-5292; www.yaskawa.com.
4. KOCH MEMBRANE SYSTEMS HOLLOW FIBER ULTRAFILTRATION

The MegaPure hollow ber ultraltration product line from Koch Membrane Systems is designed for high-solids water and wastewater applications. Features include an advanced cartridge design for optimal solids management and reinforced hollow ber for added reliability. It has an average continuous solids tolerance of up to 250 mg/L for high solids applications such as surface water treatment, high TOC water treatment, RO pretreatment and tertiary wastewater treatment. In many applications, the ltration system eliminates the need for clarier pretreatment. 888/677-5624; www.kochmembrane.com.
2. OPTO 22 HIGH-FREQUENCY SNAP I/O MODULES

High-frequency analog SNAP I/O modules with pulse-width modulation and time-proportional output from Opto 22 are designed for engineers and technicians working with high-speed machinery, equipment test beds and applications that monitor high-frequency analog signals. The SNAP-AIRATE-HFi input module connects to TTL, CMOS and opencollector outputs and is typically used for high-speed (up to 500 kHz) pulse scanning. The SNAP-AOS-29-HFi sends pulse-width modulated outputs to high-frequency transducers and can be used with test bed applications that simulate tachometer outputs. 800/321-6786; www. opto22.com.
5. HACH FL900AV FLOW LOGGER

The FL900AV ow logger from Hach, together with the AV9000 analyzer, dampens EMF and RFI noise for smoother, more accurate measurements. Velocity measurements can account for water temperature swings and salinity concentrations. Advanced diagnostics verify that the sensor is working properly. 800/368-2723; www.hachow.com.
3. YASKAWA MEDIUM VOLTAGE AV DRIVE

The MV1000 medium voltage AC drive from the Drives and Motion Division of Yaskawa America is designed for energy savings and improved process control. Features include modular design, high efciency and low harmonics. Smart Harmonics technology reduces input total har-
6. KRUGER REAL-TIME CONTAMINANT TRACKING SYSTEM

OdoWatch 4 from Kruger, in conjunction with Odotech, is a Web-based software that identies where odor is traveling and its intensity level. The
50
tracking system monitors odor, contaminants (H 2S, ammonia), weather conditions and user-specied alert points over time. Data is processed using the CALPUFF dispersion model. A real-time active plume is generated and overlaid on a map of the area to track the odors direction of travel. Data is stored and can be utilized in real time and for historical reporting. 919/677-8310; www.krugerusa.com.
Optional side panels prevent cross drafts. 800/779-4362; www.hemco corp.com.
9. PUMPS 2000 3-INCH BALL VALVE PUMP

The 3-inch high-volume ball valve pump from Pumps 2000 America has a ow rate of 417 gpm, self-cleaning valve, long-life diaphragm and can handle up to 1.3-inch solids. 412/963-9200; www.pumps2000 america.com.
7. WALCHEM W100W CONTROLLER

The W100W controller from Walchem has three control outputs, large icon-based display and multiple language support. Other features include universal sensor input, while the cooling tower/boiler model has an optional analog (4-20 mA) output for recording, data logging or connection to energy management systems. The conductivity, pH/ORP and disinfection W100W has three models that can be used with amplied electrodes, nonamplied electrodes with a BNC connector or nonamplied electrodes without a connector. 508/429-1110; www. walchem.com.
10. CONVEYOR COMPONENTS TILT LEVEL CONTROLS

Tilt level controls from Conveyor Components Co. are designed for dry bulk material level indication and control applications. The UL listed control units are enclosed in a cast aluminum housing with LED indicator lights to alert the operator of either the presence or absence of material. Equipped with a surface mount PC board, the unit allows for a maximum of 5,000 feet of cable between the control unit and probe. Control units are available in three models: CT-105 (NEMA Type 4, 4X), CT-106 (NEMA Type 9 Class II, Groups E, F and G) and CT-107 (NEMA Type 7 Class I, Groups C and D; NEMA Type 9 Class II, Groups E, F and G). 800/233-3233; www.conveyorcomponents.com. (Continued on page 53)
8. HEMCO ISLAND CANOPY HOOD

Island canopy hoods from HEMCO collect and exhaust corrosive vapors, heat, steam and odors when mounted over areas with water baths, hot plates or portable equipment. Hoods are made of one-piece composite resin and can be wall-mounted or suspended from the ceiling.
product spotlight
Polymer-saving THK thickening centrifuge
By Ed Wodalski
The THK thickening centrifuge from Centrisys is designed to thicken waste-activated sludge with little or no polymer. The system produces up to 8 percent cake solids running at ow rates of up to 1,000 gpm. Applications include secondary sludge, primary sludge, oxidation ditch sludge, digested sludge and MBR sludge. Depending on the sludge, the characteristics and the demand of the plant, we have the option to run no polymer, or if theres a scenario where a plant doesnt want to run three machines or one is down for maintenance, we eliminate the third redundancy by injecting a low dosage of polymer and diverting full ow through a single machine, says Andre Adams, chief engineer in research and development of the THK Thickening System. We can expand the capacity of one machine 150 to 200 percent using 1 to 2 pounds of polymer. The centrifuge is available in three models. The 18-inch model is designed to process up to 200 gpm, the 21-inch can process up to 400 gpm and the 26-inch can process up to 1,000 gpm (650 gpm without polymer), depending on the sludge and characteristics. The system occupies a footprint thats up to 90 percent smaller than traditional technologies. One THK 18-3 thickening centrifuge replaces two DAF systems (5,000 square feet). While we have processed that amount in the past, were now able to do it with smaller machines, less power consumption and reduced polymer costs, Adams says. Suitable for new plant construction and retrots, the thickening centrifuge also eliminates odors and provides added exibility over other technologies. If youre in a plant where they dont like the smell, and thats a big fac-
THK thickening centrifuge from Centrisys
tor, because unless you get a fully enclosed gravity belt thickener its open to the atmosphere. Its smelly, and some people dont like that, says Bob Harvin, technical director for Centrisys. The airtight centrifuge system eliminates odors and aerosols, reducing operator exposure to process liquids and vapors. The centrifuge also offers a much wider range of controllable cake solids, he says. We can do anywhere from 3 to 10 percent on the sludges, which really depends on ow rate. Youre not going to get the driest cake, the highest capacity and the best recovery at the same time. Everythings a trade-off. What this enables you to do is bend and change as you go forward. If youre going to the new energy initiatives, you probably want to go to different cake solids. Easy to operate, the thickening centrifuge requires minimal operator attention. Units weigh from 5,000 to 30,000 pounds and consume 0.11 kW per gallon per minute (thickening sludge at 200 gpm requires a 40 hp motor). 877/339-5496; www.centrisys.us.
51
worth noting
TPO invites your national, state or local association to post notices and news items in this column. Send contributions to editor@tpomag.com.
people/awards
The Attleboro Sewage Plant received a Best in Class Award from the Massachusetts Water Pollution Control Association. The Fisherman Bay Sewer District received the Wastewater Treatment Plant Outstanding Performance Award from the Washington State Department of Ecology. The Franklin Township Sewer Authority in Greene County received the Wastewater System of the Year Award from the Pennyslvania Rural Water Association. The Fort Morgan Wastewater Treatment Plant received a Safety Award from the Rocky Mountain Water Environment Association. The City of Aledo Wastewater Treatment Plant received a Municipal Excellence Award in Public Works (cities with population less than 25,000) from the Texas Municipal League. The City of Greeley Water Pollution Control Facility received the Partner of the Year Award from the Colorado Industrial Energy Challenge, and the Bronze Award for its efforts to reduce energy use from the Colorado Environmental Leadership Program. The National Association of Clean Water Agencies presented the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District with three Platinum Peak Performance Awards for the Missouri River, Fenton and Lower Meramec wastewater treatment plants. The staff at Brunswick (Maine) Sewer Districts Harry G. Shulman Water Pollution Control Facility received the Richard B. Goodenow Award from the Maine Wastewater Control Association in recognition of producing quality efuent. Thomas Mason, treatment plant operator at the Brunswick (Maine) Sewer Districts Harry G. Shulman Water Pollution Control Facility, graduated from the Joint Environmental Training Coordinating Committee (JETCC) Management Candidate School, a course designed to prepare the next generation of water and wastewater plant managers. TPO welcomes your contribution to this listing. To recognize members of your team, please send notices of new hires, promotions, service milestones, certications or achievements to editor@tpomag.com.
education
Alabama
The Alabama Water Environment Association has a Collection System Operators Seminar on March 25 in Huntsville. Visit www.awea-al.com. (Continued on page 54)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Feb. 4-5
Michigan Water Environment Association-Michigan AWWA Joint Expo, Lansing Center. Visit www.mi-wea.org. Spring Biosolids Symposium, Stevens Point. Visit www.dnr.wi.gov. Conference, location to be announced. Visit www.nvwea.org.
March 29-April 2
Missouri Water Environment Association/ American Water Works Association Joint Annual Conference, Osage Beach. Visit www.mwea.org.
April 22-24
Alaska Water Wastewater Management Association Annual Conference, Centennial Hall, Juneau. Visit www.awwma.org.
Feb. 4-6
New York Water Environment Association Annual Conference and Exhibition, New York Marriott Marquis. Visit www.nywea.org.
April 6-9
Alabama Water Environment Association Annual Conference, Orange Beach. Call 205/349-0067 or visit www.awea-al.com.
April 27-30
Arkansas Water Works and Water Environment Association Annual Conference, Hot Springs. Visit www.awwwea.org.
Feb. 24-26
California Water Environment Association P3S Annual Conference, Ontario. Call 510/382-7800 ext. 107, or visit www.cwea.org.
April 6-10
Florida Water Resources Conference, Coronado Springs Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Event is a joint conference of the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association, the Florida Water Environment Association and the Florida Water and Pollution Control Operators Association. Visit www.fwea.org.
April 29-May 2
California Water Environment Association Annual Conference, Santa Clara Convention Center. Call 510/382-7800 ext. 115, or visit www.cwea.org.
Feb. 25-28
Water Environment Federation 2014 Utility Management Conference. Call 703/684-2441 or visit www.wef.org.
May 3-7
British Columbia Water & Waste Association Annual Conference and Trade Show, Whistler. Visit www.bcwwa.org.
March 9-21
Water Environment Federation 2014 Water and Wastewater Leadership Center, Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Visit www.wef.org.
April 14-16
Illinois Association of Water Pollution Control Operators Annual Conference, Crowne Plaza, Springeld. Visit www.iawpco.org.
May 12-16
New Jersey Water Environment Association Annual Conference, Ballys Atlantic City. Visit www.njwea.org.
March 11-14
Water Environment Federation Collection Systems 2014: Collection on the Chesapeake, Baltimore (Md.) Convention Center. Call 703/6842441 or visit www.wef.org.
April 16-17
Nebraska Water Environment Association Great Plains Conference, Embassy Suites, LaViasta. Visit www.ne-wea.org.
May 18-21
Water Environment Federation Residuals and Biosolids 2014: Sustainability Made Simple/ Facilitating Resource Recovery, Austin (Texas) Convention Center. Call 703/684-2441 or visit www.wef.org.
March 18
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
April 22-24
Nevada Water Environment Association Annual
52
product news
(Continued from page 51)
SBRs, primary, secondary and tertiary clarifiers as well as settlement tanks/basins.
SLUDGE INTERFACE DETECTION
13
11
l Remote monitoring no need for site visit l On screen echo and tank profiles, status and level, in up to two tanks simultaneously l Self cleaning and maintenance free
12 14
Tel: +1 850 279 4882 info.usa@pulsar-pm.com www.pulsar-pm.com 11. AMETEK POINT LEVEL SWITCH
The Z-tron IV point level switch from AMETEK Drexelbrook features an all-electronic design. Cote-Shield circuitry enables the switch to ignore coatings and buildup on the sensing element. Dust or tunneling wont produce a false signal. The switch only reacts to actual high- or lowlevel conditions. The one-piece design allows for easy installation through a single 3/4-inch vessel opening. 800/553-9092; www.drexel brook.com.
12. BADGER METER TURBINE FLOWMETERS

Vision Series turbine owmeters from Badger Meter comply with the lead-free provisions of the United States Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and are bisphenol A (BPA) free. The meters are designed for ow measurement of low-viscosity and nonaggressive liquids. 800/876-3837; www.badgermeter.com.
13. ROCKWELL AUTOMATION POWERFLEX 523 AC DRIVES

The Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 520 Series of compact AC drives from Rockwell Automation are designed for easy conguration. Files can be uploaded or downloaded to the drive using a standard USB connection. The drive also can be programmed through built-in human interface modules that display data on the LCD screen with scrolling QuickView text and detailed explanations of parameters and codes. 414/382-2000; www.rockwellautomation.com/industries/water.
14. RAIN FOR RENT RITEFLO APP

RiteFlo, a free app from Rain for Rent, features a suite of hydraulic estimation tools designed for water and wastewater professionals. The app includes a gravity ow logger and TDH calculator. It can be downloaded from the Apple App Store. 800/742-7246; www.rainforrent.com.
53
GOT SLUDGE??
Kansas
The Kansas Water Environment Association is offering the following courses: Feb. 5 Wastewater Collection Systems Management, Iola Feb. 5 Wastewater Stabilization Lagoons, Phillipsburg Feb. 11-12 Secondary Treatment/Review of Activated Sludge, Newton Feb. 12-13 Activated Sludge, Wichita Feb. 13 Small Wastewater Systems, Ulysses Feb. 14 Wastewater Treatment, Liberal Feb. 19-20 Math for Operators, Hutchinson Feb. 25-26 Basic Water/Wastewater/Distribution/Collections Math, Goddard Feb. 26-27 Wastewater Plant O&M, Kansas City Feb. 27 Small Wastewater Systems, Hays March 5-6 Wastewater Collections, Hays March 6 Introduction to Water and Wastewater Conveyance, Phillipsburg March 14 Applied Math for Wastewater, Dodge City March 21 Wastewater Stabilization Lagoons, Syracuse March 26 Small Wastewater Systems, Goodland Visit www.kwea.net.
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Michigan
The Michigan Water Environment Association has a biosolids training seminar March 11-12 in Big Rapids. Visit mi-wea.org.
Missouri
The Missouri Rural Water Association has developed a series of free smartphone apps designed for wastewater operators using the Android and iPhone systems. They can be found by searching MRWA in the Google Play and Apple stores, respectively. Visit www.moruralwater.org.
www.brightbeltpress.com
(Continued from page 52)
Made in the USA
4223, 4224
BOOTHS
Ohio
The Ohio Water Environment Association is offering the following courses: March 13 Government Affairs Workshop, Lewis Center May 1 Collection Systems Workshop, Lewis Center May 21-22 Operations/Lab Analysis Workshop, Lewis Center Visit www.ohiowea.org.
Arkansas
The Arkansas Environmental Training Academy is offering the following courses: Feb. 4-6 Class IV Wastewater, Fort Smith Feb. 10-14 Class III Wastewater, Fayetteville Feb. 10-26 Class II Wastewater, Fort Smith March 3-6 Class II Wastewater, Camden March 18-20 Advanced Industrial Wastewater, Fayetteville March 25-27 Advanced Industrial Wastewater, Hot Springs April 8-9 Basic Industrial Wastewater, Fayetteville April 21-24 Class II Wastewater, Burdette April 29 - May 1 Class I Wastewater, Hot Springs May 12-20 Basic Industrial Wastewater, Fort Smith May 19-20 Basic Industrial Wastewater, Camden May 28-June 6 Class I Wastewater, Camden Call 870/574-4550 or visit www.sautech.edu/aeta/schedule.aspx.
Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin Department of Engineering-Professional Development is offering the following courses in Madison: March 24-25 Upgrading Your Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Program March 26-28 Wastewater Pumping Systems and Lift Stations April 15-17 Nutrient Removal Engineering: Phosphorus and Nitrogen in Wastewater Treatment Visit http://epdweb.engr.wisc.edu. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is offering the following courses: Feb. 17-21 General Wastewater Treatment-Intro and Advanced, Madison Feb. 25-26 Anaerobic Digestion-Intro and Advanced, Green Bay March 4-5 Phosphorus Removal-Intro and Advanced, Janesville March 10-14 General Wastewater Treatment-Intro and Advanced, Green Bay March 18-19 Ponds and Lagoons Intro and Advanced, Black River Falls March 24-28 General Wastewater Treatment Intro and Advanced, Chippewa Falls March 26-28 Wastewater Pumping Systems and Lift Stations, Madison Visit http://dnr.wi.gov. TPO invites your national, state, or local association to post notices and news items in the Worth Noting column. Send contributions to editor@tpomag.com.
Florida
The University of Florida TREEO Center offers these courses in Gainesville: Feb 4-5 Water Reclamation and Treatment Processes Feb 11-13 Train the Trainer: How To Design and Deliver Effective Training Feb 24 Basic Water and Wastewater Pump Maintenance March 11-12 Sequencing Batch Reactor Operation March 18-20 Activated Sludge Process Control and Troubleshooting April 29 The Science of Disinfection April 30 Energy Conservation at Water and Wastewater Treatment Facilities May 1 Dissolved Oxygen and Oxidation Reduction Potential Training Visit http://www.treeo.u.edu/wastewater-courses.aspx.
54
All trademarks owned by Lakeside Equipment Corporation. 2014 Lakeside Equipment Corporation.
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In My Words: The Value of Water Coalition

PlantScapes: Multiuse trail in Eureka, Calif.

How We Do It: Nutrient removal in Missoula, Mont.

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