THAMES WATER Asset Management

Internal Company and Partners Asset Standards

Technical Lead: Karen Goodlake Issue 1.0
AM-PRO-WWT-WWT 2.1 Storm Separation-SEC3 Page 1 of 8
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Asset Management
Asset Standard
Section 3 of 5
Operational Standard

Wastewater Non Infrastructure
WWT 2.1 Storm Separation


Document Reference AM-PRO-WWT-WWT 2.1 Storm Separation-SEC3
Version
Issue 1.0
Data Owner Sarah Shipsey
Data Steward Kevin Kelleher
Technical Lead Karen Goodlake
Document Author Tim Wheatley
Authorised By Asset Standards
Document Location AM Lotus Notes Best Practice Database on LNAPP01
Date of Issue
December 2012
Reason for Issue Conversion and validation of old BOP into standard format
Review Date
December 2014
THAMES WATER Asset Management
Internal Company and Partners Asset Standards

Technical Lead: Karen Goodlake Issue 1.0
AM-PRO-WWT-WWT 2.1 Storm Separation-SEC3 Page 2 of 8
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Contents:-

3.0 Operational Standard.................................................................................................................. 3
3.1 Storm Separation Performance Measures.............................................................................. 4
3.2 Process Checklist: Operator Tasks......................................................................................... 5
3.2.1 Operator Tasks Storm Separation................................................................................ 5
3.3 Process Checklist Notes.......................................................................................................... 5
3.4 Process Checklist: Troubleshooting Guide ............................................................................. 6
3.4.1 Troubleshooting Guide Storm Separation....................................................................... 6
3.4.2 Operation and Control...................................................................................................... 6
3.4.3 Odour................................................................................................................................ 6
3.4.4 Impact of Poor Performance............................................................................................ 7
3.4.5 Process Start up and Shut down Procedures .................................................................. 7
3.5 Health and Safety................................................................................................................. 8
Glossary of Terms .............................................................................................................................. 8






THAMES WATER Asset Management
Internal Company and Partners Asset Standards

Technical Lead: Karen Goodlake Issue 1.0
AM-PRO-WWT-WWT 2.1 Storm Separation-SEC3 Page 3 of 8
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3.0 Operational Standard

This document defines the Performance Targets for Storm Separation Operational procedures and
associated tasks and includes a troubleshooting guide.

Comprehensive background information on the Storm Separation and the waiver and ARC process
is detailed in Section 1.

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Internal Company and Partners Asset Standards

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3.1 Storm Separation Performance Measures

Measure Why Frequency
Method of
Collection
Flow to Full
Treatment
The storm flow separation system is used to restrict
flows to within the consented flow to full treatment
value.
Continuous SCADA,
onsite flow
reading
Flow to Storm
Tanks
Flow to the storm tanks should only occur when the
consented flow to full treatment (FTFT) value has
been reached. Where FTFT is not stipulated and
blind storm tanks are used flow to storm should only
occur when the works design flow is exceeded.
Continuous SCADA,
onsite flow
reading

THAMES WATER Asset Management
n Asset Standards
Technical Lead: Karen Goodlake Issue 1.0
AM-PRO-WWT-WWT 4.2.1 Storm Separation-SEC3 Page 5 of 8
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Inter al Company and Partners

3.2 Process Checklist: Operator Tasks
3.2.1 Operator Tasks Storm Separation
Task Details Notes Low PE
(10-1000)
Med PE
(1000-20,000)
High PE
(20,000-
350,000)
Manned /
Shift
(350,000+)
STORM SEPARATION - CHECK AND CLEAR STORM SCREENS (automatic clearance and
manual clearance linked to safe system of work) OP/1M OP/1M OP/1W OP/1W
STORM SEPARATION - CHECK SEPARATION WEIRS AND CLEAN OP/1M OP/1M OP/1M OP/1M
STORM SEPARATION - DURING STORM CHECK THAT THE FLOW TO TREATMENT IS
NORMAL Note 1 OP/1M OP/1M OP/1W OP/1W
STORM SEPARATION - LOG ABNORMAL FLOWS Note 1 OP/1M OP/1M OP/1W OP/1W
STORM SEPARATION - LOG STORM DISCHARGE FLOWS OP/1M OP/1M OP/1W OP/1W
STORM SEPARATION - LOG STORM EVENTS OP/1M OP/1M OP/1W OP/1W
STORM SEPARATION - LOG STORM FLOWS IN DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS Note 2 OP/1M OP/1M OP/1W OP/1W
STORM SEPARATION - REMOVE ANY DEBRIS IN THE SYSTEM OP/1M OP/1M OP/1M OP/1M

Process Checklist KEY
OP =OPERATOR
1W =1 TIME PER WEEK 1M =1 TIME EVERY MONTH

3.3 Process Checklist Notes
Note 1: On sites with a channel the maximum flow to full treatment level should be clearly marked together with a position of any penstocks or adjustable weirs (settings to be
recorded in SOM). If during a storm the level in the channel exceeds this level it must be reported in the site logbook.

Note 2: The use of storm tanks for flow balancing should be avoided unless as part of a planned activity.

Internal Co

Tech
AM-PRO


THAMES WATER Asset Management
mpany and Partners Asset Standards
nical Lead: Karen Goodlake Issue 1.0
-WWT-WWT 4.2.1 Storm Separation-SEC3 Page 6 of 8
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3
3.4 Process Checklist: Troubleshooting Guide
.4.1 Troubleshooting Guide Storm Separation
Symptom Possible Cause Action Risk/Consequence
No flow to
storm, high flow
to works
Inlet flow meter
error
Incorrect flow limit
value
Incorrect settings of
storm penstock
Blockage
Infiltration to works
Repair / unblock
If practical put
temporary limit in
place
Reset flow limit
Identify source of
infiltration
High flow to treatment
Consent failure
Carry out risk assessment
when clearing screens
Storm
discharge in
dry weather; or
tanks filling
early.
Flow to treatment
blocked
Flow to treatment
set wrongly
Storm tanks not
emptied from
previous event
High infiltration
Correct fault
Empty tanks at
earliest opportunity
Identify source of
infiltration
Report to line
manager.
Illegal discharge
Prosecution
Pollution



T
o

F
para
t




3.4.2 Operation and Control
he operation of storm separation systems must be in accordance with the design. Effective
peration will ensure the main treatment plant is not inundated with storm flows.
or sites with SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) the key storm separation
meters are controlled and monitored. These areas of control are associated with the flow to full
reatment and storm flow controls and storm return control systems.
3.4.3 Odour
Storm separation operations have very high potentials for odour release. There are many reasons
including;

- the process may receive anaerobic wastewater
- there are often areas of turbulence where odorous gases are released from the liquid phase
- decomposable matter may be removed from the flow, and require manual removal

Odour management at the storm separation processes is therefore very important. At some sites
storm separation operations will be completely contained in buildings or smaller structures and odour
removal and treatment equipment utilised to minimise the impacts.

The site Odour Management Plan should detail any maintenance measures to ensure odour
containment in line with the sites requirements. This may be audited by the local authority.

Further details of odour management are not within the scope of this asset standard.

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Internal Company and Partners Asset Standards

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3.4.4 Impact of Poor Performance
The storm separation plant is a crucial part of the treatment process as a whole. Poor operation of
the storm separation system can result in problems throughout the plant as well as failure against the
consents. The following table illustrates these inter-relationships.

Settled solids
can release
odour
Septic storm
discharge can
impact
watercourse
Storm
overflow
during dry
weather
Return of
septic flows
can cause
treatment
problems
Washout of
biomass from
secondary
treatment
plant
Breach of
consent due to
solids in storm
overflow
Potential
flooding if flow
split not set
correctly
Breach of
consent due to
insufficient
flow passed to
treatment
Poor
settlement
performance
due to high
flows
Unreturned
storm flows
can go septic
and cause
odour
Increased
hydraulic load
due to storm
return at
wrong time
Breach of
consent due
to, too much
flow passed to
treatment
IMPACTS OF POOR STORM
SEPARATION AND TREATMENT

Figure 1.0: Impacts of Poor Storm Separation and Treatment

Odour can be a statutory nuisance and an indicator that exposure to harmful gases may occur, refer
to compliance with confined space regulations and avoidance for need to enter into such
environments.

3.4.5 Process Start up and Shut down Procedures
Taking out of service
When a storm separation system(s) is being taken out of service the Plant Release procedure needs
to be followed together with site process risk assessments. Consideration of plant availability is
important. The following points must be taken into account when taking a storm separation system
out of service to maintain site operation, maintenance and compliance.
Health & Safety
Always protect effluent quality
Weather and flow expectations
Potential for illegal storm discharges
Review operation of upstream processes, i.e. screens which may be causing problems
Plan flow diversion needs i.e. Tanker, pumping station etc.
Inspections required
Monitor downstream processes
Alarms that could lead to needless Call Outs, i.e. not temporarily disabled during outage.
Odour
THAMES WATER Asset Management
Internal Company and Partners Asset Standards

Technical Lead: Karen Goodlake Issue 1.0
AM-PRO-WWT-WWT 4.2.1 Storm Separation-SEC3 Page 8 of 8
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This is not an exhaustive list and a site specific process risk assessment and method
statement must be drawn up.

H&S Reference when taking plant out of service and returning to service consider isolation of
all sources of energy, correct control and lock off, communication and handover, cancellation and
return to service of primary and secondary authorisations.

Bringing into service
In addition to the considerations above, when the storm separation system is brought online, careful
attention is required to ensure flow settings are correct. This may be an automated or manual
penstock or weir position or a pumped control system. It is advisable that the correct performance of
the flow separation system is checked at the soonest opportunity following return to service. Storm
events should be monitored to ensure the system is operating correctly.

3.5 Health and Safety
The Thames Water H&S management system has been designed to ensure effective risk control, and
a key aspect of this system is risk assessment and the safe undertaking of activities conducted by the
business.

External suppliers using this Operational Standard must utilise an H&S process that is equal to the
Thames Water approach to managing risk

Thames Water managers must identify via the completion of the SHE 1 document activities to be
undertaken and how they are to be controlled via the adoption and implementation of relevant key
procedures (HSPs) and risk assessment guidelines (RAGs).

Thames Water employees must be provided with the necessary information, resources and training to
perform these tasks, and prior to completion they must confirm that they can comply with these
procedures and guidelines. However, if an employee believes that compliance will require additional
resource, the task should be reviewed using the SHE 5 form and if necessary curtailed.

Thames Water managers must be trained in this system, and be in receipt of a controlled copy of an
H&S manual which is supported by information posted on the company portal.

As with all process plants there are hazards associated with the equipment and structures. These
include, but are not limited to, motors, mixers, tanks, fluid flows, etc. The risks and control measures
associated with these are not discussed within this document, and should be covered by the relevant
site specific risk assessment and job task. Refer to relevant Asset Standards.

Glossary of Terms
TERM DESCRIPTION
FTFT Flow to Full Treatment
SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
SOM Site Operating Manual

----- End of Section 3 -----