49th annual wastewater operators’ association … wwoa abstract...49th annual wastewater...

49th Annual Wastewater Operators’ Association

Conference

Kalahari Resort

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

October 6 to October 9, 2015

Host: Wisconsin Dells-Lake Delton Wastewater Treatment Facility

Working to Keep Wisconsin Working to Keep Wisconsin Working to Keep Wisconsin Working to Keep Wisconsin Waters CleanWaters CleanWaters CleanWaters Clean

2015 Conference Committees

Local Arrangements: Chelle Troje-Hayslett, Randy Herwig and Tom Fitzwilliams

Technical Program: Chair: Sharon Thieszen

Lyle Lutz Kelly Zimmer Tom Kruzick Kevin Freber Tom Mulcahy Jeff Bratz Randy Herwig Jake Becken Jeff Smudde Bernie Robertson Jeff Simpson Karen Harter Eric Lynne Don Lintner Troy Larson Rick Mealy Randy Thater Tom Crouse Rusty Schroedel

Exhibit & Manufacturers & Consultants Committee:

Chair: Tom Mulcahy Co-Chair: Carol Strackbein

Dave Dodge Kevin Freber

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Officers: President Kelly Zimmer President Elect Lyle Lutz Vice President Sharon Thieszen Past President Kevin L. Freber Director (2015) Jeff Bratz Director (2015) Jeff Simpson Director (2015) Jeff Smudde Director (2016) Don Lintner Director (2016) Jim Johnson Executive Secretary Karen Harter

CURRENT YEAR NAME BADGE REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION TO ALL CONFERENCE FUNCTIONS

Everyone needing WDNR credits must scan in every morning and out at the end of the day at the Registration Office. PDH credits are also available. For more information stop by the Registration Office.

CONFERENCE MEETING ROOM GUIDE

Registration Booth – Registration 2

WWOA Promotions – North Atrium

Pre-Conference Work Shops – Tamboti/Aloeswood; Marula/Aralia

Regional Officers Meeting – Guava

Tuesday Meet and Greet – Rooms C/D/E/F

Welcome Address & Keynote – Room A/H

Technical Sessions – Tamboti/Aloeswood; Marula/Aralia; Guava/Tamarind

Vendor Exhibits – Rooms 1 through 8

Operator Tips and Tricks – Mangrove

Wednesday Walk Around Lunch – North Hallway

Operator Competition – Room B/G

Wednesday Social Hour – Vendor Exhibit Area

Thursday Luncheon and Business Meeting – Room A/B/G/H

Plant Tour Departs – Kalahari Convention Center (check at Registration Booth for location)

Thursday Social Hour – Vendor Exhibit Area

Awards Banquet – Rooms 3 through 6

Entertainment – Rooms A/B/G/H

Farewell Breakfast – Rooms A/B/G/H

Speakers Prep Room – Empress

Secured Bicycle Lockup – Portia

Thank YouThank YouThank YouThank You

The WWOA would like to recognize the following individuals and organizations for their special contributions to the Conference:

Abstract Booklet – Amy Kistner, AECOM

Historical Display – Tom Crouse & Karen Harter

The WWOA Board offers special thanks to everyone that contributed to the Conference. Your hard work is appreciated by all.

49th Annual Conference

Wisconsin Wastewater Operators’ Association

Tuesday, October 6, 2015 AM Board of Directors Meeting 10:00 a.m. Shotgun start Golf Outing: Reedsburg Country Club, Reedsburg 10:00 a.m. Shotgun start Sporting Clays: Woods & Meadow, Warrens, WI 10:00 a.m. Bike Ride: “400” State Trail, Reedsburg, WI 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Registration Opens: Registration 2 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Pre-Conference Workshops: Tamboti/Aloeswood & Marula/Aralia 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Regional Officers Meeting: Guava 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Meet and Greet: Rooms C/D/E/F (Beer, Wine, Soda, Cash Bar) 6:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. Dinner buffet w/brats and burgers Wednesday, October 7, 2015 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Registration Opens: Registration 2 (Scan In & Out) 9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Welcome Address: Rooms A/H WWOA President Kelly Zimmer 9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Keynote Address: Rooms A/H Stuart Robertshaw (Dr. Humor) 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Vendor Exhibits: Rooms 1 – 8 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Technical Sessions: Tamboti/Aloeswood; Marula/Aralia/ Guava/Tamarind 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Walk Around Lunch: North Hallway 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Operator Competition: Rooms B/G 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Technical Sessions: Same as Wednesday a.m. 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Exhibits Social Hour: Vendor Exhibit Area Thursday, October 8, 2015 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration Opens: Registration 2 (Scan In & Out) 8:00 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. Vendor Exhibits: Rooms 1 – 8 8:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Technical Sessions: Same as Wednesday a.m. 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Operator Luncheon: Rooms A/B/G/H 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Business Meeting: Rooms A/B/G/H 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Plant Tour Departure: Convention Center (must pre-register at Registration 2 for bus transportation) 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Technical Sessions: Same as Wednesday a.m. 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Social Hour: Rooms A/B/G/H 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Awards Banquet: Rooms 3-6 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Entertainment: Rooms A/B/G/H Card Playing and Door Prizes (hosted beer & soda) Friday, October 9, 2015 7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Registration Opens: Registration 2 (Scan In & Out) 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Farewell Breakfast: Rooms A/B/G/H – Leon Downing

Presenters Presenter Session Time Room

Arora, Sid A 11:25 a.m. Tamboti/Aloeswood

August, Kris N 3:15 p.m. Marula/Aralia

Bowman, George W1 L

1:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.

Tamboti/Aloeswood Guava/Tamarind

Cantwell, Joe A 10:45 a.m. Tamboti/Aloeswood

Cassity, Nathan B 11:25 a.m. Marula/Aralia

Chapman, Jon I 8:00 a.m. Guava/Tamarind

Chavez, Robert I 8:00 a.m. Guava/Tamarind

Crouse, Tom M 1:30 p.m. Tamboti/Aloeswood

Droessler, Greg G 8:00 a.m. Tamboti/Aloeswood

Eberhardt, Matthew J 10:55 a.m. Tamboti/Aloeswood

Eckdale-Dudley, Ryan I 8:50 a.m. Guava/Tamarind

Fischer, Jim D 2:05 p.m. Tamboti/Aloeswood

Fisher, Eric E 1:30 p.m. Marula/Aralia

Fitzwilliams, Tom C 11:25 a.m. Guava/Tamarind

Furst, G. Michael, Jr. D 3:30 p.m. Tamboti/Aloeswood

Goehner, Debbi E E

2:05 p.m. 2:55 p.m.

Marula/Aralia Marula/Aralia

Greve, Dan E 3:30 p.m. Marula/Aralia

Hayden, Steve M 1:30 p.m. Tamboti/Aloeswood

Hegeman, Fred O 2:20 p.m. Mangrove

Hendrickson, Craig K 10:00 a.m. Marula/Aralia

Hopkins, Kevin H 8:00 a.m. Marula/Aralia

Howell, Neil A 10:45 a.m. Tamboti/Aloeswood

Jenkins, Tom W2B 2:40 p.m. Marula/Aralia

Kim, Yong F 2:05 p.m. Guava/Tamarind

Krause, George W2A 1:00 p.m. Marula/Aralia

Korth, Philip J 10:00 a.m. Tamboti/Aloeswood

Kunz, Tyler D 1:30 p.m. Tamboti/Aloeswood

Langer, Randy N 2:20 p.m. Marula/Aralia

Larson, Troy F G

3:30 p.m. 8:50 a.m.

Guava/Tamarind Tamboti/Aloeswood

Latchaw, Todd M 3:15 p.m. Tamboti/Aloeswood

Lee, Rachel G 8:50 a.m. Tamboti/Aloeswood

Lefebvre, Chris K 10:55 a.m. Marula/Aralia

Lundgren, Mark C 10:45 a.m. Guava/Tamarind

Lynne, Eric K O

10:55 a.m. 1:30 p.m.

Marula/Aralia Mangrove

Marten, Bill F K

2:55 p.m. 10:00 a.m.

Guava/Tamarind Marula/Aralia

Mealy, Rick W1 L

1:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.

Tamboti/Aloeswood Guava/Tamarind

Morrow, Pat L 10:55 a.m. Guava/Tamarind

Muther, Steve E E

2:05 p.m. 2:55 p.m.

Marula/Aralia Marula/Aralia

Neu, Ken D 2:55 p.m. Tamboti/Aloeswood

Paul, Greg M 2:20 p.m. Tamboti/Aloeswood

Roberts, Steve F 2:55 p.m. Guava/Tamarind

Schilling, Tony H 8:50 a.m. Marula/Aralia

Schramm, Scott N 1:30 p.m. Marula/Aralia

Stockman, Tim J 10:55 a.m. Tamboti/Aloeswood

Thater, Randy G 8:50 a.m. Tamboti/Aloeswood

Thoune, Diane G 8:00 a.m. Tamboti/Aloeswood

Tischler, Greg B 10:45 a.m. Marula/Aralia

Wendler, Jack M 2:20 p.m. Tamboti/Aloeswood

Witthuhn, Vernon F 1:30 p.m. Guava/Tamarind

WWOA Pre-Conference Workshops Tuesday, October 6, 2015

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Room / Moderator

Time

Workshop #1 Tamboti/Aloeswood

Jake Becken

Workshop #2A Marula/Aralia

Aaron Eichhorst

1:00 p.m. to

2:25 p.m.

What? BOD Again? The Thing

That Won’t Go Away

Rick Mealy, George Bowman

Basic Electrical Troubleshooting with

Digital Multimeter

George Krause

2:25 p.m. to

2:40 p.m. Break Break

2:40 p.m. to

4:00 p.m.

What? BOD Again? The Thing

That Won’t Go Away (Continued)


How NOT to Conduct an Energy

Evaluation

Tom Jenkins

Pre-Conference Workshop Summary

Pre-Conference Workshop #1 – 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Moderator: Jake Becken Room – Tamboti/Aloeswood Presenters: Rick Mealy, George Bowman Presentation: What? BOD Again? The Thing That Won’t Go Away Although BOD has been the subject of pre-conference workshops several times, it’s like that static cling piece of paper you can’t seem to get rid of. Problems with GGA failures, super-saturation, blank failures, and probe calibration error and misunderstanding of method requirements still persist. Adding fuel to the flames is that fact that a number of long term operator/lab analysts have retired. A lot of knowledge has gone fishing and perhaps it is time to once again try to dispel the myths and pass on the key knowledges that make the BOD test easier. This workshop would be designed to focus on the solutions to the aspects of BOD testing that lab folks struggle with on a day to day basis. The session will also provide the knowledge that new operator/analysts will find invaluable. Pre-Conference Workshop #2A – 1:00 PM – 2:25 PM Moderator: Aaron Eichhorst Room – Marula/Aralia Presenter: George Krause Presentation: Basic Electrical Troubleshooting with Digital Multimeter

1. Review of digital multimeter includes: a. AC Volts b. DC Volts c. Resistance / Continuity d. AC and DC Current

2. Measuring AC circuits 3. Measuring DC circuits 4. Resistance and continuity Measurements 5. Current Measurements 6. Quick Troubleshooting using your multimeter

Pre-Conference Workshop #2B – 2:40 PM – 4:00 PM Moderator: Aaron Eichhorst Room – Marula/Aralia Presenter: Tom Jenkins Presentation: How NOT to Conduct an Energy Evaluation This course will show operators and engineers common techniques used to evaluate energy conservation measures (ECMs) in water and wastewater treatment facilities. It will also identify the limitations of these techniques, the problems associated with improper use of these techniques, and the correct analysis method for each.

WWOA TECHNICAL PROGRAM SCHEDULE Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Rooms A & H Welcome Address – Kelly Zimmer – 9:00 a.m.

Keynote Speaker – Stuart Robertshaw (Dr. Humor)

Exhibits 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. in Rooms 1 - 8

Time

Session A: Energy Saving Moderator: Bernie Robertson Room: Tamboti/ Aloeswood

Session B: Instrumentation Moderator: Jeff Smudde Room: Marula/Aralia

Session C: Case Studies Moderator: Kelly Zimmer Room: Guava/Tamarind

10:45 – 11:20

Energy Saving Opportunities & Focus on Energy Incentives Joseph Cantwell, Neil Howell

Radar Level Measurement for the Wastewater Industry

Greg Tischler

Cumberland WWTP Upgrades – From Phosphorus Trading to

Membrane Reactor Mark Lundgren

11:25 – 12:00

Power Load Profiling & Energy Dashboards at Water Reclamation Facility

Sid Arora

Your Bugs Are Doing Better Than You Think

Nathan Cassity

Design and Construction of a MBBR System

Tom Fitzwilliams

Walk Around Lunch: North Hallway – 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Operators Competition: Rooms B & G – 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Time Session D: Mixing Moderator: Bruce Bartel Room: Tamboti/Aloeswood

Session E: SCADA, Communication & WPDES Permit Review Moderator: Nate Tillis Room: Marula/Aralia

Session F: Biosolids Moderator: Jon Butt Room: Guava/Tamarind

1:30 – 2:00

Use of Compressed Gas for Cost-Effective Mixing &

Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR)

Tyler Kunz

Can You Hear Me Now?

Eric Fisher

Biosolids Dewatering Equipment Comparisons

Vernon Witthuhn

2:05 – 2:40

Mixing Guidelines for Biological Nutrient Removal

Jim Fischer

SCADA Upgrade-O-Rama

Steve Muther, Debbi Goehner

Maximizing Polymer Value in Sludge Dewatering

Yong Kim

Break: Exhibit Area 2:40 p.m. – 2:55 p.m.

2:55 – 3:25

How to Reduce the Operating Cost of Your Wastewater

Treatment Plant Ken Neu

Fiber & Cellular & Radio, Oh My!

Steve Muther, Debbi

Goehner

Low Cost Improvements to Maximize Wet Weather

Capacity – A Superior Approach Steve Roberts, Bill Marten

3:30 – 4:00

Energy Savings by Combining Mixers and Aeration

G. Michael Furst

Making the Most of Your Reissued WPDES Permit

Dan Greve

Troubleshooting Activated Sludge Systems

Troy Larson

Social Hour: Rooms A, B, G & H 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 7

Session: A Energy Saving

Moderator: Bernie Robertson

Room: Tamboti/Aloeswood

10:45 AM to 11:20 AM – Energy Saving Opportunities & Focus on Energy Incentives

Presenter(s): Joseph Cantwell & Neil Howell

Affiliation: Leidos Engineering, LLC & Focus on Energy As the Wisconsin utilities’ statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy. The Focus on Energy program offers both custom and prescriptive incentives for efficiency projects. These incentives are designed to motivate customers to upgrade equipment, or implement energy efficiency projects that they would not have done otherwise. Today we will discuss how to identify where tour facility is at today, so you can figure out where you want to go tomorrow. Awareness of how the energy is used at your facility will allow you manage and control your energy costs. We will review the important information and billing statistics found on electricity bills, and offer some key indicators that you can calculate and monitor for your facility. We will conclude the presentation by offering typical energy efficient best practices that wastewater facilities can employ and give examples of how Focus on Energy has helped other facilities implement those practices.


Session: A Energy Saving

Moderator: Bernie Robertson


11:25 AM to 11:55 AM – Power Load Profiling & Energy Dashboards at Water Reclamation Facility

Presenter(s): Sid Arora

Affiliation: Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Power load profile analysis was conducted by MMSD in 2014 for Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility. The purpose of the analysis was to evaluate the factors affecting the power use of various unit processes. In addition we are looking to identify opportunities in electricity consumption savings. The power profiling analysis is provided to the planning team to help them prioritize their efforts on the electrical energy savings related projects. Several key performance indicators (KPIS) were developed to monitor efficient generation and use of energy and track progress towards the long term vision. Energy Dashboard monitors these KPIs against the targets.


Session: B Instrumentation

Moderator: Jeff Smudde

Room – Marula/Aralia

10:45 AM to 11:20 AM – Radar Level Measurement for the Wastewater Industry

Presenter(s): Greg Tischler

Affiliation: VEGA Americas Participants will leave this presentation with a basic understanding of radar theory. They will be able to have informed conversations with vendors of radar level measurement devices with the intent that they will be able to recognize not only when it would be advantageous to use radar, but also when it would not be advantageous. This session will briefly explore the history of radar technology, as well as different antennas, techniques, and frequencies used for measuring level with radar. This session will present the common characteristics that make radar technology desirable for level measurement. Among the specific wastewater level measurements that will be presented in detail are sewage pipe, storm water basins, lift stations, and open channel flow. This session will also show that radar provides the user with the most robust measurement for these installations.


Session: B Instrumentation

Moderator: Jeff Smudde


11:25 AM to 11:55 AM – Your Bugs Are Doing Better Than You Think

Presenter(s): Nathan Cassity

Affiliation: Donohue & Associates A number of wastewater treatment plants across Wisconsin have installed online phosphorus analyzers to provide real time feedback on their phosphorus removal performance. These plants include some using chemical phosphorus removal and other using biological phosphorus removal (Bio-P) with chemical polishing or backup. While the analyzers were mainly installed to help ensure compliance with existing and future effluent phosphorus requirements, in some cases they have been tied into plant SCADA systems to actually control chemical feed rates as well. A common result of these installations has been the finding that, prior to installing the online analyzers, and whether chemical or biological phosphorus removal was the primary P removal method, the plants were usually overfeeding chemical to ensure effluent P compliance. Such practices not only resulted in operating costs that were higher than necessary, but at times also created unexpected operating problems that at times actually defeated the purpose of overfeeding the chemical (i.e., effluent permit violations). After installing the analyzers, the plants found their biological secondary treatment systems were doing a better job at removing phosphorus than they realized. This has been true for conventional activated sludge and Bio-P plants – the “bugs” were removing more phosphorus than we’ve been giving them credit for. And in some cases the plants found that, due to overly conservative chemical addition, they were actually creating nutrient deficient conditions that stressed their activated sludge systems, and at times resulted in slime or filamentous bulking episodes. This presentation will briefly review background information on these online phosphorus analyzers – what type to use and where to locate them in the treatment train, but will then shift to approximately a half dozen short case histories from plants that have been using such analyzers, and their results, both expected (decreased chemical costs, more reliable compliance) and unexpected (avoidance of operating problems).


Session: C Case Studies

Moderator: Kelly Zimmer

Room – Guava/Tamarind

10:45 AM to 11:20 AM – Cumberland WWTP Upgrades – From Phosphorus Trading to Membrane Bioreactor

Presenter(s): Mark Lundgren

Affiliation: MSA Professional Services, Inc. In 2012, the City of Cumberland WWTP was given a new phosphorus discharge limit of 0.075 mg/L. As the first City in the State of Wisconsin to successfully participate in the phosphorus water quality trading program, the City of Cumberland investigated numerous approaches for meeting this strict phosphorus limit. Their options included increasing their phosphorus trading program or completing phosphorus trading and facility upgrades. Ultimately, the City chose to build a state-of-the-art Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) facility to address the phosphorus issue and prepare for future nutrient regulations. This presentation will detail the City of Cumberland’s experience upgrading their facility, why they chose the MBR technology, and some of the key design and operational features of the new MBR facility.


Session: C Case Studies

Moderator: Kelly Zimmer


11:25 AM to 11:55 AM – Design and Construction of a MBBR System

Presenter(s): Tom Fitzwilliams

Affiliation: MSA Professional Services, Inc. The small Northwest Wisconsin community, Village of Birchwood, was faced with a costly project to improve their wastewater treatment system. The recommended upgrade included aerated lagoon improvements with a denitrification step so the plant could meet effluent nitrogen limits of 10 mg/L. The project was designed to upgrade the aerated lagoons with a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) system. The MBBR system was designed to use liquid molasses as an external carbon source, which provided a low cost alternative to other carbon sources. During startup, glycerin was pilot tested alternative carbon source with great success. Construction of the project was complete in 2014 and was funded by a variety of sources that include grants totaling more than 83% of the project cost. The presentation will include a discussion of the design and construction of the MBBR system, and actual operating costs of the liquid molasses and glycerin system.


Session: D Mixing

Moderator: Bruce Bartel

Room – Tamboti/Aloeswood

1:30 PM to 2:00 PM – Use of Compressed Gas for Cost-Effective Mixing & Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR)

Presenter(s): Tyler Kunz

Affiliation: EnviroMix, Inc. Use of compressed gas mixing has been recognized in the water and wastewater industry as a high-efficiency, low-maintenance alternative to conventional mixing technologies. Presentation will include an overview of compressed gas mixing and highlight case studies of several facilities that employ the use of compressed gas mixing with a focus on Biological Nutrient Removal. Data presented will establish that compressed gas mixing:

1. Is fully compatible with anaerobic and anoxic environments 2. Demonstrates substantial power savings vs. alternative mixing technologies 3. Achieves effective mixing


Session: D Mixing



2:05 PM to 2:40 PM – Mixing Guidelines for Biological Nutrient Removal

Presenter(s): Jim Fischer

Affiliation: Flygt Mixing plays a key role in nutrient removal. An understanding of mixing can help operators optimize process efficiency and get the most out of their plants with the least amount of energy. It can help save energy and identify and remedy problems such as unmixed areas. The need for mixing has grown considerably as plants convert to incorporate nutrient removal. When a conventional activated sludge plant is converted to add nutrient removal, many aeration basins are converted to either anoxic zones or anaerobic zones. In those zones, the air diffusers are either turned off or removed. Mixing must then be added to make up for the loss of mixing provided by aeration. Mixing in this case has three main purposes:

1. To prevent settling 2. To prevent short-circuiting of the incoming flows to the outlet 3. To force good contact between the biomass and the mixed liquor throughout as much of the tank volume as possible

It is important not to create surface aeration by over-mixing. A relatively calm surface is best. This is easily accomplished by the use of horizontally directed submersible mixers or top entry agitators. Regardless of mixer type or brand, guidelines on mixing for nutrient removal will be presented. Experience from cases in Wisconsin and around the US will be presented.


Session: D Mixing



2:55 PM to 3:25 PM – How to Reduce the Operating Cost of Your Wastewater Treatment Plant: A Case Study Which Shows the Benefits of Intermittent Large Bubble Mixing with Aeration

Presenter(s): Ken Neu

Affiliation: Environmental/Health Products & Svc In 1999 a US Dept. of Energy report cited this technology as an innovative energy saving measure to be utilized in water and wastewater treatment.

• Intermittent Large Bubble Mixing systems are ideal for wastewater treatment chambers (aerobic, anoxic,

anaerobic), sludge storage tanks, open channels, equalization tanks, & digesters.

• Intermittent Large Bubble Mixers are equally well suited for water treatment applications: flocculation basins,

disinfection chambers, treated water storage-also for industrial mixing apps.

How mixing works with intermittent air bursts: facts- explained:

• Harness natural laws of physics & power of rising large bubbles for energy- efficient mixing. o Use short, powerful bursts of entrapped gas through engineered mixers.

• Large bubbles naturally lift & roll fluids as bubbles rise, which action mixes/blends the contents. o Large bubble diameter results in low bubble surface area to air volume ratio---creates a VERY powerful upward

force as pulsed air bursts are released o As air/fluid rise occurs, a significant downward flow results. In aerated zones, downward forces hold rising fine

bubbles in suspension LONGER = increased 02 transfer efficiency.

• Case Study provides data to support beneficial results, including significant energy savings.


Session: D Mixing



3:30 PM to 4:00 PM – Energy Savings by Combining Mixers and Aeration

Presenter(s): G. Michael Furst

Affiliation: INVENT Environmental Technologies The Rock River WRD is a 40 MGD treatment plant that uses fine bubble membrane diffusers in their eight aeration basins. The diffusers are arranged in a series of grids. The last grid was operated at the minimum air to maintain solids in suspension. Since there was minimal oxygen demand, excessive dissolved oxygen levels were typical. The District purchased and installed slow speed vertical shaft hyperboloid shaped mixers in the last zone of each aeration basin. With this change, the plant could operate with one blower in lieu of two. With six of the eight mixers installed in December 2014, the plant reduced their energy consumption by 339 kW. Additionally the system is maintaining a dissolved oxygen level in excess of 2 mg/l. Additionally, the plant reports better settling in their secondary clarifiers due to the gentle mixing and reduced floc shear.


Session: E SCADA, Communication & WPDES Permit Review

Moderator: Nate Tillis


1:30 PM to 2:00 PM – Can You Hear Me Now?

Presenter(s): Eric Fisher

Affiliation: Integrated Process Solutions The City of Mandan, North Dakota recently implemented a city-wide, cellular, lift station telemetry system using Verizon’s machine-to-machine cellular network. The project was originally bid using a fixed frequency radio system, but due to the terrain and overall geography of the area, the physical equipment and infrastructure required to build a reliable communication system made the project cost prohibitive. The system was then re-designed and re-bid using cellular telemetry for the City’s 30 lift stations, with a significant cost reduction. This presentation will be a case study for this project and cover the following topics.

• Project background and budget • Radio telemetry basics • Project design and bidding • Fixed radio system versus cellular network • Cost analysis • System operation and performance





2:05 PM to 2:40 PM – SCADA Upgrade-O-Rama – A Review of Key Components & Options for SCADA System Upgrades

Presenter(s): Steve Muther & Debbie Goehner

Affiliation: Muermann Engineering SCADA technology does not stand still. Options in PLCs, operator interfaces, computer hardware, wastewater management software, and remote access seem to be constantly evolving. The purpose of this presentation is to provide operators and administrative and supervisory staff with an overview of the current options available so that they are better equipped to provide input and ask the right questions if they will be upgrading their SCADA system in the near future.





2:55 PM to 4:00 PM – Fiber & Cellular & Radio, Oh My!

Presenter(s): Steve Muther & Debbie Goehner

Affiliation: Muermann Engineering To steal another line from the Wizard of Oz, “We’re not in Kansas anymore,” when it comes to SCADA communication options. While there are still systems which use telephone lines for remote station monitoring, or even a dedicated metallic pair, the days those systems remain in use are numbered. So what are the current options for communication links? How do the costs compare? What are the Pros and Cons? This is the type of information we will be sharing so that operators, administration, and supervisory staff are better equipped to make the best decision when the time comes to change how your SCADA system communicates.





3:30 PM to 4:00 PM – Making the Most of Your Reissued WPDES Permit

Presenter(s): Dan Greve

Affiliation: MSA Professional Services, Inc. Wisconsin Pollution Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permits are reissued every five years, so there is limited opportunity for changes to your discharge permit. It is critical that the permit holder take the opportunity provided by DNR to review the permit closely before it is reissued. This is especially true given the increased complexity of discharge permits, which commonly include discharge limits and compliance schedules for nutrients, metals, temperature, etc. Past experience has indicated that many permits are reissued with little or no review by the permit holder or their consulting engineer. Limit calculations and permit language can contain errors, and there can be opportunity to negotiate revisions to permits with respect to sampling requirements, effluent limits, and compliance schedules. This presentation will identify key items to review in your discharge permit before it is reissued.


Session: F Biosolids

Moderator: Jon Butt


1:30 PM to 2:00 PM – Biosolids Dewatering Equipment Comparisons

Presenter(s): Vernon Witthuhn

Affiliation: Strand Associates, Inc. Operators have a number of options to choose from when selecting biosolids dewatering equipment including belt filter presses, dewatering centrifuges, screw presses, rotary fan presses, and others. Each of these alternatives has specific advantages and disadvantages and no one technology is the best choice for all facilities’ situations and objectives. Power use, polymer use, operator attention, equipment capacity, cake dryness, and maintainability are among the factors that should be considered when evaluating these technologies. The presentation will provide an overview of available dewatering equipment options and the results of several equipment evaluations. Pilot study and full-scale operating data will also be presented.



Moderator: Jon Butt


2:05 PM to 2:40 PM – Maximizing Polymer Value in Sludge Dewatering

Presenter(s): Yong Kim

Affiliation: UGSI Chemical Feed, Inc. Operating an efficient polymer mixing system has become more important than ever because the cost of polymer is frequently the third largest operating expense at many wastewater treatment plants. This presentation illustrates how to maximize the value of polymer by utilizing the knowledge of fluid dynamics and polymer chemistry. Results of various laboratory testing are followed regarding the effect of dilution water chemistry and different mixing technologies on the effectiveness of polymer solution – effect of residual chlorine in treated effluent for polymer mixing, benefit of employing two-stage mixing, etc. Field evaluation at a wastewater treatment plant (Fairfield, CA) showed that a well-designed polymer mixing system can improve the performance of screw press and gravity belt thickener. It was also observed that the polymer consumption was reduced by 22% and 31% for dewatering and thickening processes, respectively.



Moderator: Jon Butt


2:55 PM to 3:25 PM – Low Cost Improvements to Maximize Wet Weather Capacity – A Superior Approach

Presenter(s): Steve Roberts & Bill Marten

Affiliation: City of Superior and Donohue & Associates Over the last few years the City of Superior, WI has been implementing targeted, cost-effective improvements to its collection system, including both combined and separate sewer areas, and 7.6 mgd activated sludge wastewater treatment plant. In this endeavor, the City has been using limited financial resources to optimize its wastewater infrastructure to maximize flows captured for full treatment prior to discharge to Lake Superior. This presentation highlights key aspects of the City’s wastewater system and provides background information on historical flow capture and treatment performance. It then discusses the City’s goals, targeted improvements, along with modifications to process control and operational decision making. Performance results following these changes will be included.



Moderator: Jon Butt


3:30 PM to 4:00 PM – Troubleshooting Activated Sludge Systems

Presenter(s): Troy Larson

Affiliation: Strand Associates, Inc. The evolution of industrial cleaning chemicals and water conservation are among the conditions that are chronically providing toxic stresses on our wastewater treatment plants. More restrictive effluent limits have made it more difficult to simply accept marginal losses in treatment performance. This presentation will use multiple case studies to describe treatment stresses such as increased effluent biochemical oxygen demand concentrations, murky effluent and failed whole effluent toxicity tests that have led to troubleshooting and monitoring. An overview of monitoring associated with troubleshooting a toxicity event will be provided to illustrate the spectrum of effort level and cost that can be expected. Techniques employed to minimize stress will be discussed in addition to monitoring intended to identify the problem. Information presented is derived from the authors work experience and through his involvement with a Central States Committee that held a workshop designed to create conversations related to troubleshooting toxicity in activated sludge systems.

WWOA TECHNICAL PROGRAM SCHEDULE Thursday, October 8, 2015

Exhibits 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in Rooms 1- 8 / Plant Tours 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Time

Session G: Phosphorus Moderator: Jim Johnson Room: Tamboti/Aloeswood

Session H: Anaerobic Digestion Moderator: Rusty Schroedel Room: Marula/Aralia

Session I: Technology Moderator: Rick Mealy Room: Guava/Tamarind

8:00 – 8:45

Biological Nutrient Removal Leads to Energy Savings

Greg Droessler, Diane Thoune

Kankakee River Metropolitan Agency – Digester

Improvements Kevin Hopkins

3D Laser Scanning the Jones Island Water Reclamation

Facility Robert Chavez, Jon Chapman

8:50 – 9:35

How Low Can You Go?

Rachel Lee, Troy Larson, Randy Thater

Converting Biogas into Energy and Vehicle Fuel

Tony Schilling

GIS Survey Results

Ryan Eckdale-Dudley

Break: Exhibit Area 9:35 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Time

Session J: Phosphorus Moderator: Jeff Bratz Room: Tamboti/Aloeswood

Session K: Anaerobic Digestion Moderator: Tom Fitzwilliams Room: Marula/Aralia

Session L: Poop-er-ee Moderator: Randy Herwig Room: Guava/Tamarind

10:00 – 10:50

Low Level Phosphorus Removal – Facts & Figures

Philip Korth

Anaerobic Digester Rehab: Real World Trials &

Tribulations Craig Hendrickson, Bill

Marten

Make Your Lab Like Your Phone…SMART


10:55 – 11:45

Biological Nutrient Removal Challenges at Small WW

Plants – Ellsworth, WI Matthew Eberhardt, Tim

Stockman

Waste Not Want Not, Maximizing High Strength

Waste Addition Chris Lefebvre, Eric Lynne

City of Lodi Adaptive Management Plan

Pat Morrow

Operators Luncheon – 12:00 p.m. / Business Meeting – 12:30 p.m. – Rooms A, B, G, & H

Time Session M: Phosphorus Moderator: Kevin Freber/ Tom Mulcahy Room: Tamboti/Aloeswood

Session N: Collection Systems Moderator: Don Lintner Room: Marula/Aralia

Session O: Operator Technology Moderator: Troy Larson Room: Mangrove

1:30 – 2:15

Startup & Commissioning of the Eau Claire, WI Water

Resource Recovery Facility Tom Crouse, Steve Hayden

Sulfur & Collection Systems: A Common but Overlooked

Challenge Scott Schramm

Operator Tips & Tricks

Eric Lynne

2:20 – 3:05

Maximize Oxidation Ditch Bio-P Performance

Jack Wendler, Greg Paul

Force Main Condition Assessment, Corrosion &

Repair Randy Langer

Maintaining Proper Servicing and Disposal Records

Fred Hegeman 3:15 –

4:00

Upgrading Lagoons to Remove Ammonia, Nitrogen,

and Phosphorus Todd Latchaw

CMOM Case History Kiel, Wisconsin Kris August

Social Hour – 6:00 p.m. Rooms A, B, G & H Awards Banquet – 7:00 p.m. Rooms 3-6 / Entertainment – 9:00 p.m. Rooms 3-6

Thursday, October 8

Session: G Phosphorus

Moderator: Jim Johnson


8:00 AM to 8:45 AM – Biological Nutrient Removal Leads to Energy Savings

Presenter(s): Greg Droessler & Diane Thoune

Affiliation: Clark Dietz A blower replacement project at Lake County, Illinois’ NCT wastewater treatment facility led to an examination of methods to optimize treatment in their extended aeration basins. Plant staff examined several methods of biological nutrient removal, which was aided by extensive modeling of the treatment process. Ultimately the MLE process was selected. DO and nutrient sensors were installed in the basin cells and are used to control the new turbo blower. The DO control system ensures that the optimal amount of air is provided for effective in treatment and energy efficiency.

Thursday, October 8

Session: G Phosphorus

Moderator: Jim Johnson


8:50 AM to 9:35 AM – How Low Can You Go? – A Case Study of Low Level Phosphorus Removal Pilot and Full-Scale Testing at the Waukesha WWTP

Presenter(s): Rachel Lee, Troy Larson, Randy Thater

Affiliation: Strand Associates, Inc. & City of Waukesha The City of Waukesha WWTP is in the process of optimizing phosphorus removal and evaluating feasible alternatives for meeting their total phosphorus (TP) WQBELs. Regulations require Waukesha to meet a WQBEL of 0.075 mg/L phosphorus with the final plan due June 30, 2017. As the first step in the WDNR’s compliance schedule, Waukesha completed a phosphorus operational evaluation report (OER) and began evaluating alternatives for phosphorus compliance. Following the OER submittal is the three-year process of developing a Study of Feasible Alternatives (SFA). Waukesha has considered numerous technologies for advanced TP removal. Many of these technologies are only being used at a few facilities around the country. Additionally, Waukesha has a unique set of treatment processes, the ultimate performance of which has never been tested. To learn more about emerging technologies and their WWTP, Waukesha has completed three tests which will be shared with the audience in this presentation.

Thursday, October 8

Session: H Anaerobic Digestion

Moderator: Rusty Schroedel


8:00 AM to 8:45 AM – Kankakee River Metropolitan Agency – Digester Improvements

Presenter(s): Kevin Hopkins

Affiliation: Strand Associates, Inc. The Kankakee River Metropolitan Agency (KRMA) owns and operates a 18 mgd average design flow wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) that serves the communities of Kankakee, Bradley, Bourbonnais, and Aroma Park, Illinois. A project is currently under construction and near completion for improvements to the WWTP anaerobic digestion facilities. The need for the project was expedited by an explosion that occurred in December 2010 that destroyed the main digester control building and equipment. This presentation will present some of the details from the explosion and discuss improvements made to the digestion facilities. Improvements include equipment and piping to minimize foaming in the digester and from entering digester gas piping. The WWTP historically has had problems with foaming, primarily because of industrial wastes that are treated at the WWTP. The project also included upgrades to the digester mixing systems and new gas holder secondary digester covers. Digester gas is being scrubbed for hydrogen sulfide and burned in a generator for heat and power recovery.

Thursday, October 8

Session: H Anaerobic Digestion

Moderator: Rusty Schroedel


8:50 AM to 9:35 AM – Converting Biogas Into Energy and Vehicle Fuel

Presenter(s): Tony Schilling

Affiliation: Unison Solutions, Inc. Utilizing biogas as a source of fuel for producing electricity, heat and vehicle fuel is not a new concept, but it can be confusing. This presentation will discuss all facets of a biogas to energy project, from the suitability factors needed to start a project to the equipment and technologies available. The presentation will also present case studies of different sites that have been operational for many years.

Thursday, October 8

Session: I Technology

Moderator: Rick Mealy


8:00 AM to 8:45 AM – 3D Laser Scanning the Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility

Presenter(s): Robert Chavez & Jon Chapman

Affiliation: MMSD & R.A. Smith National MMSD created a Plants GIS project responsible for creating an application called PlantMan which shows accurate underground piping throughout Jones Island. The creation of this project aided MMSD in the identification of inaccuracies in the current site plan created from heads up digitizing. Originally MMSD planned to create an accurate site plan using conventional survey techniques. With an internal staff estimate of roughly 800 hours for Jones Island we decided to research and use LiDAR technology, which proved to be more efficient. Robert Chavez of MMSD and Jon Chapman of R.A. Smith National, Inc. will discuss and demonstrate the use of static LiDAR for the project, including a brief overview of the technology, the deliverables, and provide some examples of how this data is currently being used by the District.

Thursday, October 8

Session: I Technology

Moderator: Rick Mealy


8:50 AM to 9:35 AM – GIS Survey Results

Presenter(s): Ryan Eckdale-Dudley

Affiliation: Symbiont Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are being used by State, County, and municipal governments throughout the State of Wisconsin. These systems have proven extremely effective and efficient at displaying wide varieties of information for multiple stakeholders. Simplified access to information stored in GIS is becoming increasing important and the demand for additional mobility and functionality is expanding. In an effort to help summarize the current status of GIS and to objectively access market goals, Symbiont conducted a survey of municipalities, large and small, in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana. The survey asked questions in three key areas: System Functionality; Functionality and Technological trends; and Future Planning, Investment, and Training. This presentation will summarize the results from the GIS survey with the purpose of helping individual municipalities understand how their system compares to that of their peers. The presentation will conclude with a case study of Watertown, including their recent advancements in GIS and plans for the future. The City operated several information based systems, none of which could efficiently communicate with the others making difficult for individual departments to share and collect information. The City decided to upgrade its system to use software that is more flexible. The improvements began within the wastewater, stormwater, and water utilities then expanded to include more City departments.

Thursday, October 8

Session: J Phosphorus

Moderator: Jeff Bratz


10:00 AM to 10:50 AM – Low Level Phosphorus Removal – Facts & Figures

Presenter(s): Philip Korth

Affiliation: Foth Infrastructure & Environment

The presentation will use a typical activated sludge facility as an example in calculating the amount of effluent TSS allowed to meet low level phosphorus effluent limits. Typical operation is evaluated showing effluent soluble and particulate phosphorus. Optimizing activated sludge for phosphorus removal is also shown but cannot reliably meet low level phosphorus limits. An example is shown that allows an activated sludge facility to meet 0.07 mg/l effluent phosphorus with effluent TSS below 1.5 mg/l needed. Several technologies have proven effective in meeting low level phosphorus removal. These technologies include:

♦ Final effluent chemical treatment and filtration ♦ Proprietary filtration processes (BluePRO, DynaSand D2) ♦ Membrane technology ♦ Final effluent chemical treatment and ballasted settling (Actiflo, Co-Mag) ♦ Alternative chemicals (SorbX, activated aluminum oxide)

These technologies will be discussed and where these technologies may be best applied. Budget costs will be presented for some of the technologies that can meet the low level phosphorus limits. The costs will be based on a typical small wastewater plant. Attendees will learn the keys to meeting low level phosphorus limits through optimization or technology. They will also have an idea of which technologies are appropriate for their WWTP and a reasonable estimate of the cost for some of the technologies.

Thursday, October 8

Session: J Phosphorus

Moderator: Jeff Bratz


10:55 AM to 11:45 AM – Biological Nutrient Removal Challenges at Small Wastewater Plants – Ellsworth, WI

Presenter(s): Matthew Eberhardt & Tim Stockman

Affiliation: Foth Infrastructure & Environment The presentation will describe the original process and the effluent limit options available to Ellsworth. The vendor recommended design will be reviewed and the operational data presented while operating under the original design. The troubleshooting approach will be reviewed and the final adjustment made to bring the plant into compliance. Photos, figures, and data will be used to illustrate the presentation. Attendees will learn the critical parameters in the design and operation of a biological nutrient removal system and the challenges of a small plant with limited BOD5 available. The resulting process change and operation is a cost effective and simple means of internal recycle that should be considered in future oxidation ditch designs.

Thursday, October 8

Session: K Anaerobic Digestion

Moderator: Tom Fitzwilliams


10:00 AM to 10:50 AM – Anaerobic Digester Rehab: Real World Trials & Tribulations

Presenter(s): Craig Hendrickson & Bill Marten

Affiliation: City of Eau Claire & Donohue and Associates The Eau Claire WWTP anaerobic digestion system has undergone rehab and upgrading during 2014 and 2015. Significant improvements included digester cover repairs, new linear motion mixing systems, and modifications to sludge heating and digested sludge transfer facilities. The work required emptying/cleaning of the plant’s digesters at different times, and then restarting the digesters quickly to expedite contractor work on other digesters. Special procedures were developed to for the restart of the digesters and to minimize safety challenges. While preparing to bring two primary digesters back on line, the plant experienced an activated sludge bulking and foaming episode which transferred to a digester foaming episode. This created additional challenges to restarting the digesters. This presentation will briefly review key digester rehab/upgrade features. It will then discuss expedited startup activities including special provisions for digester tank preheating and digester gas system isolation to avoid potential explosive mixes of air and digester gas. Finally, actual implementation of the planned digester restarts, including modifications and key operational considerations to deal with digester foaming challenges, will be presented and discussed.

Thursday, October 8

Session: K Anaerobic Digestion

Moderator: Tom Fitzwilliams


10:55 AM to 11:45 AM – Waste Not Want Not, Maximizing High Strength Waste Addition

Presenter(s): Chris Lefebvre & Eric Lynne

Affiliation: City of Stevens Point & Donohue and Associates Stevens Point digestion case study of loading rate information observed (both stable and overloaded) during a series of recent loads from Sanimax, a large regional grease processor. Over the past year, the facility has excelled at becoming energy neutral, yet knows there is more to be had. Recent brewery expansions lead to a design that contains, conveys, and treats the brewery waste in a sustainable fashion. This public:private undertaking saves both entities on treatment costs, while developing a handling system that can be utilized to collect and buffer large quantities of other wastes. The result is a system that helps to attenuate gas production (and subsequent electricity) and therefore generates the maximum revenue for a faster return on investment.

Thursday, October 8

Session: L Poop-er-ee

Moderator: Randy Herwig


10:00 AM to 10:50 AM – Make Your Lab Like Your Phone…SMART

Presenter(s): Rick Mealy & George Bowman

Affiliation: Wisconsin DNR Are you still stuck on the same hamster wheel generating reams of quality control data from samples that are not required and data for which you have insufficient time for review? Would you consider a $500 or $600 investment in upgrades to some everyday equipment that will provide incredible return on investment while saving you headaches by eliminating common sources of contamination? Have you made the one simple switch in technology that can save you countless hours of labor in the lab? Have you considered “batching” samples to free some time up? Metaphorically speaking, are you using a “nuke”, when a hand grenade is all you need? The trend today is injecting more “Smart” in our lives: smart phones, smart cars, smart TVs. But is your lab “smart”? It’s time to work smarter in the lab instead of harder. There are many demands on the time of WWTP staff, and there are things we can do to make our jobs easier. This presentation will highlight some of the areas of focus to make every lab a SMART lab.

Thursday, October 8

Session: L Poop-er-ee

Moderator: Randy Herwig


10:55 AM to 11:45 AM – City of Lodi Adaptive Management Plan

Presenter(s): Pat Morrow

Affiliation: MSA Professional Services The City of Lodi will be submitting one of the first Phosphorus Adaptive Management Plans in the State of Wisconsin by December 31, 2015. The content of the Adaptive Management Plan will be summarized. The presentation will focus on background information, quantification of nonpoint source phosphorus loadings, and the phosphorus load reductions expected from improvements in both the urban and rural portions of the Spring Creek Watershed.

Thursday, October 8

Session: M Phosphorus

Moderator: Kevin Freber & Tom Mulcahy


1:30 PM to 2:15 PM – Startup & Commissioning of the Eau Claire, WI, Water Resource Recovery Facility, A Case Study

Presenter(s): Tom Crouse & Steve Hayden

Affiliation: Donohue and Associates & City of Eau Claire In 2011, the City of Eau Claire made the commitment to invest in improved wastewater treatment facilities. Their existing rotating biological contact units (RBCs) had served the City well for over 30 years, but the equipment had served its useful life. Donohue & Associates completed a design in 2013, and startup of activated sludge facilities began in October 2014. The process design focused on efficient aeration, alkalinity balance, and biological phosphorus removal. Several control systems are included in the Eau Claire activated sludge system, including:

• Ammonium based aeration control

• Online control of internal mixed liquor recirculation (IMLR) pumping with ORP measurement

• Online pH control for supplemental alkalinity addition

• Waste activated sludge based on desired SRT

This presentation will discuss these innovative controls as well as the practical challenges of changing from RBC operations to

a biological nutrient removal activated sludge system. Included will be discussion of several key operational challenges

encountered during the process transition, including a bout with filamentous/foaming bacteria and the actions taken to

overcome it.

Thursday, October 8




2:20 PM to 3:05 PM – Maximize Oxidation ditch Bio-P Performance

Presenter(s): Jack Wendler & Greg Paul

Affiliation: City of Ripon & OMp2Myz, LLC The staff at City of Ripon Wastewater Treatment plant (Ripon WWTP) has been working on understanding its biological phosphorus removal (BPR) system and has then been using that improved understanding to make performance improvements specifically through operational adjustments. Reviewing and evaluating all the operational parameters and experimenting with them resulted in a noticeable impact on the performance of the BPR system. In this case reducing the ditch ORP and reducing the hydraulic retention time (HRT) of the aerobic digester/holding tank resulted in improved BPR system performance. The reduced ditch ORP provided an improved anoxic condition for denitrification and the lower HRT in the aerobic digester/holding tank reduced nitrate development. These and other operational changes resulted in the effluent total phosphorus concentrations dropping from an average of 0.25 mg/l to 0.11 mg/l.

Thursday, October 8




3:15 PM to 4:00 PM – Upgrading Lagoons to Remove Ammonia, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus

Presenter(s): Todd Latchaw

Affiliation: Nelson Environmental Historically, most lagoon systems were designed to remove BOD and TSS from the wastewater stream. Increased focus on the effect of effluent toxicity in the receiving stream, along with possible eutrophication of lakes and rivers, has resulted in new requirements for nitrification of ammonia, and removal of both phosphorus and nitrogen. The Submerged Attached Growth Reactor (SAGR) has proven to be an effective nitrification module, which can be added to the tail end of any lagoon system. The SAGR allows new or existing lagoon systems to meet tight effluent ammonia limits (<1 mg/l, even in extreme cold climates). Providing nitrification with the SAGR process not only reduces the toxicity of lagoon effluent, but also provides the first step of the total nitrogen removal process. Adding an Anoxic Submerged Attached Growth Reactor (ANSAGR) module for denitrification provides TN Removal. Lagoon Phosphorus removal is accomplished by chemical addition and filtration.

Thursday, October 8

Session: N Collection System

Moderator: Don Lintner

Room: Marula/Aralia

1:30 PM to 2:15 PM – Sulfur & Collection Systems: A Common but Overlooked Challenge

Presenter(s): Scott Schramm

Affiliation: Strategic Municipal Services A. Background. This presentation will use example data, case studies and construction documentation to explain and support the main ideas. Sulfur and sulfur-compounds are routinely found in wastewater. Concentration changes and "side effects" of sulfur-compounds are commonly overlooked until collection systems are damaged requiring expensive maintenance and repair. B. Challenges. Sulfur in wastewater has an unique chemical cycle and relationships that depends on several key factors. Concentration, pH, diurnal flow cycles and flow turbulence are primary contributors. Subtle changes often result in adverse chemical reactions that release gas and provide conditions favorable to bacterial growth, corrosion and damage to infrastructure. C. Strategic Solutions. Sulfur can be dealt with in several ways. Source prevention and pre-treatment are proactive approaches to control sulfur and limit problems. Venting and odor control are simple approaches to mitigate existing conditions. Infrastructure rehabilitation and repair often require expensive construction and staging.

Thursday, October 8



Room: Marula/Aralia

2:20 PM to 3:05 PM – Force Main Condition Assessment, Corrosion & Repair

Presenter(s): Randy Langer

Affiliation: Strand Associates, Inc.

The City of Ashland, Wisconsin, is located on the south shore of Chequamegon Bay of Lake Superior. Approximately 80 percent of all wastewater generated by the City is pumped by the Main Lift Station through a 1.1-mile-long, 24-inch-diameter ductile iron force main that was constructed in 1992. The force main has operated out of sight and out of mind since its construction until 2012 when a leak developed in the force main. Four additional leaks developed in 2013. Because of the frequency of the failures, and the high consequences associated with failure of this crucial piece of the City’s infrastructure, the City determined that additional investigation was needed to determine the causes and extents of the problem. This presentation will take the audience through the entire project - from initial identification of a problem through completion of construction, highlighting unique challenges, technologies, and methods along the way. The presentation will focus on the investigation and analysis used to determine the causes of failure and extents of the failures, discuss the analysis used to evaluate rehabilitation and replacement methods and extents, and conclude with discussion on the challenges associated with construction. An emphasis on relating the experiences in Ashland to operations and maintenance of wastewater force mains in other communities will be provided.

Thursday, October 8



Room: Marula/Aralia

3:15 PM to 4:00 PM – CMOM Case History Kiel, Wisconsin

Presenter: Kris August

Affiliation: City of Kiel

City of Kiel Wastewater Utility as a result of several Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) occurrences in 2008 was required to develop a Capacity, Management, Operation, and Maintenance (CMOM) Program for the Wastewater Utility as part of a compliance agreement with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This presentation will outline the past 5 years of CMOM for the City of Kiel Wastewater Utility. Program development and procedures used to meet the CMOM requirements within a small utility with a limited budget and shrinking manpower will be addressed.

Thursday, October 8

Session: O Operator Technology

Moderator: Troy Larson

Room: Mangrove

1:30 PM to 2:15 PM – Operator Tips & Tricks

Presenter: Eric Lynne

Affiliation: Donohue & Associates

Bring your innovative tips and tricks to share with other wastewater professionals. A few examples will serve as an ice-breaker, after which the session will be open for audience participation. Items can range from using technology for common tasks to sensible flexibility of new equipment. No props needed. Don’t forget the adage: “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” - Do not hesitate to offer ideas, as some items you take for granted could be a big help to others.

Thursday, October 8

Session: O Operator Technology

Moderator: Troy Larson

Room: Mangrove

2:20 PM to 4:00 PM – Maintaining Proper Servicing and Disposal Records

Presenter: Fred Hegeman

Affiliation: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Understanding the reporting requirements ch. NR 113, Wis. Adm. Codes, s. 281.49 and 281.48, Wis. Stats., 40 CFR 503, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Wisconsin County Maintenance Programs is essential to septage servicing and disposal, pathogen control and vector attraction reduction. This presentation will discuss the differences and similarities of records required by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency, requirements to pass state septic business audits, how to provide wastewater treatment plants with appropriate documentation, and code compliant reporting for counties. For septage haulers to receive 1.5 compliance credits, they must attend both parts of the presentation and record their attendance.

WWOA TECHNICAL PROGRAM SCHEDULE Friday, October 9, 2015

Operators Farewell Breakfast – Rooms A, B, G, H 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Moderator: WWOA President Lyle Lutz

Speaker: Leon Downing

Moving Towards Resource Recovery Facilities: Embracing the NEW Paradigm

Conference Concluded

49th annual wastewater operators’ association … wwoa abstract...49th annual wastewater...

Documents