WERF Briefing to the Wastewater WERF Briefing to the Wastewater Treatment Workgroup of the Treatment Workgroup of the

Chesapeake Bay ProgramChesapeake Bay Program::

Trading, Nutrients and Other Trading, Nutrients and Other Pertinent WorkPertinent Work

July 23, 2007July 23, 2007Annapolis, MDAnnapolis, MD

What Does WERF Do?What Does WERF Do?

• Provides peer-reviewed research that Provides peer-reviewed research that advances science and technology to find advances science and technology to find solutions for wastewater and water quality solutions for wastewater and water quality issuesissues

• Delivers results that subscribers can useDelivers results that subscribers can use

• Fosters partnerships and collaborations Fosters partnerships and collaborations between subscribers, water sector orgs, policy between subscribers, water sector orgs, policy makers, regulators, NGOsmakers, regulators, NGOs

Who Supports WERF Who Supports WERF Research?Research?

• WERF’s 310+ Subscribers:WERF’s 310+ Subscribers:• Public Utilities (WW and SW agencies)Public Utilities (WW and SW agencies)• Environmental & Engineering Firms Environmental & Engineering Firms • Industry Industry • Equipment ManufacturersEquipment Manufacturers• State RegulatorsState Regulators

• Partnerships and CollaborationsPartnerships and Collaborations• Federal FundingFederal Funding

Program Directed ResearchProgram Directed Research

• WERF’s Vision of Success: WERF’s Vision of Success: • Attract industry LEADERSAttract industry LEADERS• Engage subscribersEngage subscribers• Focus on highest priority challengesFocus on highest priority challenges• Guarantee continuity of researchGuarantee continuity of research• Deliver practical research findingsDeliver practical research findings• Timely resultsTimely results• More transparent = more involvementMore transparent = more involvement

Program Areas and Priority Program Areas and Priority ChallengesChallenges

• Wastewater Treatment and ReuseWastewater Treatment and Reuse• NutrientsNutrients

• Solids Treatment, Residuals and ReuseSolids Treatment, Residuals and Reuse• Risk from Pathogens in BiosolidsRisk from Pathogens in Biosolids

• Infrastructure Management/SecurityInfrastructure Management/Security• Strategic Asset ManagementStrategic Asset Management

Program Areas and Priority Program Areas and Priority Challenges (Con’t)Challenges (Con’t)

• Conveyance SystemsConveyance Systems• Optimization of Wastewater and Solids Optimization of Wastewater and Solids

OperationsOperations

• Stormwater/Decentralized SystemsStormwater/Decentralized Systems• Stormwater BMP Systems PerformanceStormwater BMP Systems Performance

• Watersheds and Water QualityWatersheds and Water Quality• Trace OrganicsTrace Organics• Pathogens Pathogens

WERF Water Quality Credit Trading WERF Water Quality Credit Trading ResearchResearch

Five demonstration projects completeFive demonstration projects complete Findings include projected cost savings in Findings include projected cost savings in

meeting TMDL implementation, and have meeting TMDL implementation, and have resulted in adoption of official programsresulted in adoption of official programs

Research informing newer programs, Research informing newer programs, including those in the Chesapeake Bayincluding those in the Chesapeake Bay

WERF Water Quality Credit Trading WERF Water Quality Credit Trading ResearchResearch

Water Quality Trading: A Guide for the Water Quality Trading: A Guide for the Wastewater CommunityWastewater Community, Cy Jones, et. al. , Cy Jones, et. al. 2005.2005. Joint effort by WERF and WEFJoint effort by WERF and WEF Well received by the trading communityWell received by the trading community

Water Quality Credit Trading: PowerPoint Water Quality Credit Trading: PowerPoint Workbook for a Detailed Assessment of Workbook for a Detailed Assessment of Opportunities and OptionsOpportunities and Options. 2007.. 2007.

““Nutrient Farming” studies in the MidwestNutrient Farming” studies in the Midwest

Trading Demonstration Projects: Trading Demonstration Projects: Laying the FoundationLaying the Foundation

(97-IRM-5a-e)(97-IRM-5a-e)

Cherry Creek Reservoir in ColoradoCherry Creek Reservoir in Colorado Long Island Sound in ConnecticutLong Island Sound in Connecticut Michigan’s Kalamazoo RiverMichigan’s Kalamazoo River Fox-Wolf River in WisconsinFox-Wolf River in Wisconsin Market Feasibility for Trading in MarylandMarket Feasibility for Trading in Maryland

Highlight: Connecticut’s Long Highlight: Connecticut’s Long Island Sound ProgramIsland Sound Program

WERF study served as the basis for the adopted state WERF study served as the basis for the adopted state trading program and watershed permit in Connecticuttrading program and watershed permit in Connecticut

Program has informed other trading programs Program has informed other trading programs nationwidenationwide

Watershed Permitting ProgramWatershed Permitting Program Nitrogen Permitting Bubble: approximately 80 plants state-wide Nitrogen Permitting Bubble: approximately 80 plants state-wide

involved.involved. Weighted credit approach (not all nitrogen removed is the same; Weighted credit approach (not all nitrogen removed is the same;

ratios applied relative to the anoxic zone in Sound)ratios applied relative to the anoxic zone in Sound) Goal is to help meet TMDL in the Sound, reduce hypoxic zone Goal is to help meet TMDL in the Sound, reduce hypoxic zone

improve water quality in more cost-effective fashion.improve water quality in more cost-effective fashion.

Highlight: Trading Feasibility Study Highlight: Trading Feasibility Study For MarylandFor Maryland

Study conducted prior to the “flush tax” Study conducted prior to the “flush tax” and LOT requirements, so is not directly and LOT requirements, so is not directly applicable at this time.applicable at this time.

However…However… Study Examined several scenarios, Study Examined several scenarios,

demonstrated important points about demonstrated important points about feasibility of trading in the Bay region.feasibility of trading in the Bay region.

Although based on different assumptions from Although based on different assumptions from this study, current efforts are underway in the this study, current efforts are underway in the state to adopt a trading program.state to adopt a trading program.

Water Quality Trading: A Guide for Water Quality Trading: A Guide for the Wastewater Communitythe Wastewater Community

To help Wastewater Community understand issues and To help Wastewater Community understand issues and processes involved in Water Quality Tradingprocesses involved in Water Quality Trading

Inspired by, but not limited to, the 5 WERF Inspired by, but not limited to, the 5 WERF demonstration studies.demonstration studies.

Highlights:Highlights: Conceptual models of tradingConceptual models of trading Excellent overview of water quality and wastewater treatment Excellent overview of water quality and wastewater treatment

plants and how trading fits inplants and how trading fits in Economic FrameworkEconomic Framework Getting to the TradeGetting to the Trade Science and Data needsScience and Data needs Societal Requirements and Public AcceptanceSocietal Requirements and Public Acceptance Useful resources and examplesUseful resources and examples

Water Quality Credit Trading: Water Quality Credit Trading: PowerPoint Workbook for a Detailed PowerPoint Workbook for a Detailed

Assessment of Opportunities and Assessment of Opportunities and Options (02WSM1)Options (02WSM1)

CD-ROMCD-ROM Designed to complement EPA HandbookDesigned to complement EPA Handbook For use by individuals or groups exploring For use by individuals or groups exploring

trading as a potential solutiontrading as a potential solution Provides a more interactive option for Provides a more interactive option for

groups to explore the feasibility of trading groups to explore the feasibility of trading in their watershed.in their watershed.

Objectives of Trading WorkbookObjectives of Trading Workbook

Generate practical tools to support Generate practical tools to support implementation of watershed-based implementation of watershed-based trading efforts for use by both point and trading efforts for use by both point and nonpoint source dischargersnonpoint source dischargers

Build upon the many lessons learned Build upon the many lessons learned Involved several partner trading initiatives Involved several partner trading initiatives

in the development of the tools.in the development of the tools.

Workbook ApproachWorkbook Approach5 Sessions 5 Sessions focus on focus on screening, decision making screening, decision making and stakeholder readinessand stakeholder readiness

11 Sessions 11 Sessions focus on focus on various aspects of developing various aspects of developing a trading programa trading program

11. Evaluation

10. Oversight

9. Tracking

8. Market Models and Framework

7. Market Elements, Part Two

6. Market Elements, Part One

5. Credit Generation & Use

4. Trading Ratios

3. Who Trades, Why

2. What to Trade, Where

1. Opportunities & Constraints

E. Information Management

D. Stakeholder Readiness

C. Stakeholder Identification

B. Decision Process

A. Are We Ready for TradingA. Are We Ready for Trading

Introduction & User Guide (Word)

Nutrient FarmingNutrient Farming

2 Collaborations with the MWRD of Greater Chicago and 2 Collaborations with the MWRD of Greater Chicago and the Wetlands Initiativethe Wetlands Initiative

Explores the use of nutrient farming as an alternative Explores the use of nutrient farming as an alternative method of lowering nutrient loads in the Upper method of lowering nutrient loads in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. Mississippi River Basin.

Collaboration #1: Comparison of marginal economic Collaboration #1: Comparison of marginal economic costs of in-plant improvements and nutrient farming (the costs of in-plant improvements and nutrient farming (the reclamation of large-scale wetland from tiled floodplains, reclamation of large-scale wetland from tiled floodplains, likely in a levee district). likely in a levee district).

Collaboration #2: Development of GIS-based modeling Collaboration #2: Development of GIS-based modeling tools to help predict effectiveness of nonpoint tools to help predict effectiveness of nonpoint management practices in the Upper Mississippi.management practices in the Upper Mississippi.

Nutrient Farming and Traditional Nutrient Farming and Traditional Removal: An Economic Comparison Removal: An Economic Comparison

(03-WSM-6CO)(03-WSM-6CO)

Donald Hey, Ph.D. and Jill Kostel, the Donald Hey, Ph.D. and Jill Kostel, the Wetlands InitiativeWetlands Initiative

Arthur Hurter, Northwestern UniversityArthur Hurter, Northwestern University Robert Kadlec, Wetland Management Robert Kadlec, Wetland Management

ServicesServices Staff at Metropolitan Water Reclamation Staff at Metropolitan Water Reclamation

District of Greater ChicagoDistrict of Greater Chicago

Nutrient Farming: Findings and Nutrient Farming: Findings and Products of Marginal Cost StudyProducts of Marginal Cost Study

Demonstrates that treatment wetlands can Demonstrates that treatment wetlands can provide potential savings in capital and provide potential savings in capital and operating costsoperating costs

Offers cost equations for nutrient removal Offers cost equations for nutrient removal to compare wetlands and traditional to compare wetlands and traditional treatment processestreatment processes

Provides a nutrient removal model for Provides a nutrient removal model for treatment wetlandstreatment wetlands

Other Research of InterestOther Research of Interest

WERF’s Nutrients “Challenge”: WERF’s Nutrients “Challenge”: Efficient, Cost-Efficient, Cost-Effective Nutrient Removal from WastewaterEffective Nutrient Removal from Wastewater

01-WSM-3, 01-WSM-3, Bioassessment: A Tool for Bioassessment: A Tool for Managing Urban Aquatic Life UsesManaging Urban Aquatic Life Uses

03-WSM-3, 03-WSM-3, Protocols for Studying Wet Weather Protocols for Studying Wet Weather Impacts and Urbanization Patterns Impacts and Urbanization Patterns

04-WEM-4, 04-WEM-4, Evaluating Waterbody Assessment Evaluating Waterbody Assessment and Listing Processes: Integration of Monitoring and Listing Processes: Integration of Monitoring and Evaluative Techniquesand Evaluative Techniques

WERF Nutrient Removal Challenge WERF Nutrient Removal Challenge GoalsGoals

Develop and share credible scientific information about nutrients & Develop and share credible scientific information about nutrients & their bioavailability to help regulators make informed decisionstheir bioavailability to help regulators make informed decisions

Better understand existing mechanisms of nutrient removal and best Better understand existing mechanisms of nutrient removal and best available technologies so treatment plants can become more available technologies so treatment plants can become more efficient and effective, enabling them to cost-effectively meet permit efficient and effective, enabling them to cost-effectively meet permit limitslimits

Focus on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P)Focus on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) Wastewater treatment related issues Wastewater treatment related issues

Initial Funding: $450,000 (1Initial Funding: $450,000 (1stst year)year)Anticipated Duration: 5 yearsAnticipated Duration: 5 years

Anticipated Investment: ~$2 Anticipated Investment: ~$2 million over 5 yearsmillion over 5 years

Need to Leverage with AdditionalNeed to Leverage with Additional Funding, Collaboration, etc.Funding, Collaboration, etc.

Nutrient Removal ChallengeNutrient Removal ChallengeNUTR1R06NUTR1R06

HDR + M&E/AECOM + CH2M-Hill + Univ. HDR + M&E/AECOM + CH2M-Hill + Univ. of Washington + other universities + of Washington + other universities + CollaboratorsCollaborators

>30 Utilities and Research Organizations >30 Utilities and Research Organizations nationwide and abroadnationwide and abroad

Others to be added as needed Others to be added as needed Selected teams already identified about $2 Selected teams already identified about $2

to 4 million in additional funds through to 4 million in additional funds through utilities & other researchutilities & other research

Key Nutrient Challenge Tasks (2007 Key Nutrient Challenge Tasks (2007 – 2011)– 2011)

Provide sound information to support regulators and other stakeholders

Increase technology understanding, explore limits of technology (LOT), and reduce costs

Promote collaborative efforts and engage stakeholders

Leverage WERF research dollars to maximize program contributions and impacts

Current Nutrient Challenge Current Nutrient Challenge ActivitiesActivities

Stakeholder meeting and research prioritization1

Nutrient Removal Compendium2

Identify and Recruit Affiliates and Technical Specialists3

Establish web exchange portal4

Develop outreach / communications materials

Initiate Short Term Research Projects6

Evaluate priorities for WERF research funds for years 2 & 37

5

Current Challenge Focus Current Challenge Focus

Determine opportunities nationwide that can Determine opportunities nationwide that can help best leverage WERF funds for top-ranked help best leverage WERF funds for top-ranked research needs in:research needs in: RDON (refractory dissolved organic nitrogen)RDON (refractory dissolved organic nitrogen) Phosphorus speciation, particle characterizationPhosphorus speciation, particle characterization Alternate Carbon sourcesAlternate Carbon sources

Develop Web-Exchange Portal, communicate Develop Web-Exchange Portal, communicate and share knowledgeand share knowledge

Nutrient Removal CompendiumNutrient Removal Compendium Continue to identify additional partners, fundingContinue to identify additional partners, funding

Invited Community

Customers

Invited Agencies

Organizations

Stakeholders

Core Team Collaboration

Engage The

Public

The Web Exchange/Portal is the The Web Exchange/Portal is the Central Location for Nutrient Central Location for Nutrient

RemovalRemoval

Protocols for Studying Wet Protocols for Studying Wet Weather Impacts and Urbanization Weather Impacts and Urbanization

Patterns Patterns Develop protocols and diagnostic measures for Develop protocols and diagnostic measures for

identifying the linkages between identifying the linkages between urban land use policies and practices, urban land use policies and practices, stormwater runoff characteristics (hydrodynamics), stormwater runoff characteristics (hydrodynamics), geomorphic parameters, and geomorphic parameters, and effects on aquatic habitat and biota. effects on aquatic habitat and biota.

Identification of linkages to help evaluate the Identification of linkages to help evaluate the effectiveness of urban stormwater runoff effectiveness of urban stormwater runoff management and development practices, and management and development practices, and

Permit effective multi-scale functional stream Permit effective multi-scale functional stream restoration and rehabilitation activities. restoration and rehabilitation activities.

Bioassessment: A Tool for Bioassessment: A Tool for Managing Urban Aquatic Life Uses Managing Urban Aquatic Life Uses

Michael Barbour and team, Tetra TechMichael Barbour and team, Tetra Tech

Examines how biocriteria and biological Examines how biocriteria and biological assessment can be used to evaluate water assessment can be used to evaluate water quality on a watershed scale and to evaluate quality on a watershed scale and to evaluate aquatic life use designations. aquatic life use designations.

Evaluates the degree to which urban systems Evaluates the degree to which urban systems can be assessed using predictive relationships can be assessed using predictive relationships between relative gradients of urbanization and between relative gradients of urbanization and biological conditions. biological conditions.

Defining biological potentialDefining biological potential

1) Urban Gradient of Stressors

2) U

rban

Bio

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ica

l Ind

ex

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++++

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3) Biological Potential

Evaluating Waterbody Assessment and Listing Processes:Evaluating Waterbody Assessment and Listing Processes:Integration of Monitoring and Evaluative Techniques Integration of Monitoring and Evaluative Techniques

(04-WEM-4)(04-WEM-4) Lindsay Griffith and team, Brown and CaldwellLindsay Griffith and team, Brown and Caldwell Documents the “state-of-the-science” regarding the Documents the “state-of-the-science” regarding the

waterbody assessment process employed by the states. waterbody assessment process employed by the states. Provides guidance on integration of monitoring data Provides guidance on integration of monitoring data

with analysis methods so that states can better with analysis methods so that states can better understand waterbody ecological condition.understand waterbody ecological condition.

Provides guidance on how to evaluate data using Provides guidance on how to evaluate data using scientifically defensible methodologies that can scientifically defensible methodologies that can characterize water quality with greater confidence.characterize water quality with greater confidence.

Provides guidance regarding how to more reliably Provides guidance regarding how to more reliably determine which waterbodies should be designated as determine which waterbodies should be designated as impaired.impaired.

04-WEM-4:04-WEM-4:Findings and RecommendationsFindings and Recommendations

States continue to struggle with uncertainty (how States continue to struggle with uncertainty (how well does assessment reflect reality)well does assessment reflect reality)

Recommendations to refine assessment process Recommendations to refine assessment process and help characterize water quality with greater and help characterize water quality with greater consistency and confidence. consistency and confidence. Recommendations Recommendations include:include: Publish Minimum Data RequirementsPublish Minimum Data Requirements Integrate Monitoring with AssessmentsIntegrate Monitoring with Assessments Develop standardized data extrapolation techniquesDevelop standardized data extrapolation techniques Develop numeric wq criteriaDevelop numeric wq criteria Use statistical evaluation techniquesUse statistical evaluation techniques Include public in methodology developmentInclude public in methodology development

State SubscribersState Subscribers

• Arkansas Department of Environmental QualityArkansas Department of Environmental Quality• Connecticut Department of Environmental QualityConnecticut Department of Environmental Quality• Kansas Department of Health & EnvironmentKansas Department of Health & Environment• Kentucky Department of Environmental ProtectionKentucky Department of Environmental Protection• ORSANCO (Ohio River Valley Sanitation ORSANCO (Ohio River Valley Sanitation

Commission)Commission)• NEIWPC (New England Interstate Water Pollution NEIWPC (New England Interstate Water Pollution

Control)Control)

Chesapeake Bay Watershed

How You Can ParticipateHow You Can Participate

• WERF invites WERF invites all state regulatory agenciesall state regulatory agencies to partner to partner with us to find solutions & breakthroughs for your with us to find solutions & breakthroughs for your highest priority challengeshighest priority challenges

• ASIWPCA – discover opportunities for collaborationASIWPCA – discover opportunities for collaboration

• Work with teams of world class expertsWork with teams of world class experts

• Leverage your funding investmentLeverage your funding investment

• Join WERF and help make a difference together!Join WERF and help make a difference together!

Thank You!Thank You!

Glenn Reinhardt, Glenn Reinhardt, greinhardt@werf.orggreinhardt@werf.org Claudio Ternieden, Claudio Ternieden, cternieden@werf.orgcternieden@werf.org Jane Knecht, Jane Knecht, jknecht@werf.orgjknecht@werf.org Margaret Stewart, Margaret Stewart, mstewart@werf.orgmstewart@werf.org

703-684-2470703-684-2470