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Websites Florida Water Resources Journal: www.fwrj.com FWPCOA: www.fwpcoa.org FSAWWA: www.fsawwa.org FWEA: www.fwea.org and www.fweauc.org Florida Water Resources Conference: www.fwrc.org Throughout this issue trademark names are used. Rather than place a trademark symbol in every occurrence of a trademarked name, we state we are using the names only in an editorial fashion, and to the benefit of the trademark owner, with no intention of infringement of the trademark. None of the material in this publication necessarily reflects the opinions of the sponsoring organizations. All correspondence received is the property of the Florida Water Resources Journal and is subject to editing. Names are withheld in published letters only for extraordinary reasons. Authors agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Florida Water Resources Journal Inc. (FWRJ), its officers, affiliates, directors, advisors, members, representatives, and agents from any and all losses, expenses, third-party claims, liability, damages and costs (including, but not limited to, attorneys’ fees) arising from authors’ infringement of any intellectual property, copyright or trademark, or other right of any person, as applicable under the laws of the State of Florida.
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For Other Information DEP Operator Certification: Ron McCulley – 850-245-7500 FSAWWA: Peggy Guingona – 407-957-8448 Florida Water Resources Conference: 888-328-8448 FWPCOA Operators Helping Operators: John Lang – 772-559-0722, e-mail – oho@fwpcoa.org FWEA: Karen Wallace, Executive Manager – 407-574-3318
Providing Sewer Service to Commercial Properties in Miami-Dade County—Isabel C. Botero, Steven J. Cook, Alejandro Toro, Bill Hutchinson, Bertha M. Goldenberg, Howard J. Fallon Jr., and Daniel J. Edwards Cost-Effective Pipe Cleaning for Improved Water Quality—David Abbaspour, James Kinard, Matthew Wilson, John Parks, Richard Voakes, Matt Grewe, Edward Talton Jr., and Weston Haggen Surge Protections: Modeling vs. Design vs. Construction—Jinsheng Huo
Education and Training
Membership Questions FSAWWA: Casey Cumiskey – 407-957-8447 or fsawwa.casey@gmail.com FWEA: Karen Wallace, Executive Manager – 407-574-3318 FWPCOA: Darin Bishop – 561-840-0340
Got DBPs? Sanford’s Journey to Come Into Compliance With a More Stringent Disinfection Byproducts Rule—Tara Lamoureux and Migdalia Hernandez Lehigh Named New FSAWWA Chair Biosolids Technical Seminar Helps Outline the Future of the Industry—Dr. Phil Kane Central Florida Water Festival Touts Importance of Water—Chuck Olson Florida Teams Compete in WEFTEC Operations Challenge—Brad Hayes Register Now for 2015 Florida Water Resources Conference Contests! FSAWWA and Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association Strengthen Ties at Conference—Jason A. Johnson How the University of South Florida Won Its Third Student Design Competition—Andrew Filippi News Beat
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C Factor—Jeff Poteet Spotlight on Safety—Doug Prentiss Sr. FWEA Focus—Brian L. Wheeler FSAWWA Speaking Out—Carl R. Larrabee Jr. Certification Boulevard—Roy Pelletier Process Page—Jerry Johnson
Departments 55 57 60 62
New Products Service Directories Classifieds Display Advertiser Index
Volume 66
ON THE COVER: Distribution facilities at the North Springs Water Treatment Plant in Coral Springs. (photo: Michael Gardner)
December 2014
Number 12
Florida Water Resources Journal, USPS 069-770, ISSN 0896-1794, is published monthly by Florida Water Resources Journal, Inc., 1402 Emerald Lakes Drive, Clermont, FL 34711, on behalf of the Florida Water & Pollution Control Operator’s Association, Inc.; Florida Section, American Water Works Association; and the Florida Water Environment Association. Members of all three associations receive the publication as a service of their association; $6 of membership dues support the Journal. Subscriptions are otherwise available within the U.S. for $24 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Clermont, FL and additional offices.
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Florida Water Resources Journal • December 2014
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Got DBPs? Sanford’s Journey to Come Into Compliance With a More Stringent Disinfection Byproducts Rule Tara Lamoureux and Migdalia Hernandez Following a mandate from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the City of Sanford (City) started its compliance with the new Stage 2 Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) Rule in October 2013. The sampling locations and dates to perform DBP testing were selected by EPA; however, the reporting and compliance is the responsibility of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. For many years, the City collected DBP
samples at two locations and the results were averaged using the mandated running annual quarterly average. Initially, under the new DBP rule, the City was requested to add an additional six samples, including tanks. The City used a distribution system hydraulic model to justify sampling reductions, and only two sites were added to the City’s existing Stage 1 DBP Rule sampling plan. After this plan was approved by EPA, the City collected the first compliance samples in November 2013. The new Stage 2 DBP Rule, however, does not allow the City to average all DBP results,
as was done in the past. Each sampling point is a “compliance site” and the average is an annual running average for each sampling point. This new methodology is creating compliance challenges for potable water providers. The DBP maximum allowable levels for haloacetic acids (HAAs) are 60 parts per bil (ppb) and the City is below this regulatory limit. However, the allowable amount for trihalomethanes (THMs) is 80 ppb and the City exceeded this regulatory limit at two sampling sites. These exceedances could lead to Stage 2 Rule annual running average violations. Continued on page 6
Lehigh Named New FSAWWA Chair On December 3, Mark Lehigh will become the 89th chair of the Florida Section American Water Works Association for 2015, succeeding Carl R. Larrabee Jr. Lehigh is the water operations section manager for Hillsborough County Public Utilities Department. He began his employment there directly out of high school and has continually served the public sector for more than 32 years. He learned the water business from the ground up, starting out as a water plant operator trainee, earning his Class A license in water treatment, and working his way through the ranks, gaining valuable hands-on experience along the way. Lehigh was born in Ankara, Turkey, to an Air Force family that moved around several times before settling down in Tampa. He has lived in Florida since 1969, raising four wonderful children: David, Katrina, Lauren, and Tristen. He also loves the outdoors and especially riding his bicycle, so much so that he rode across the state from Cocoa Beach to Weeki Watchee Springs on the Gulf of Mexico, clocking over 170 miles in one day. Mark’s service to FSAWWA started in 1993. He has served as Region IV secretary,
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Region IV chair, Administrative Council chair, founding member and first chair of the Operators Council, Region IV Golf Committee member, section vice chair, and most recently, section chair-elect. He has a true passion for the industry, admires the strength and vitality of the water community, and is an advocate for FSAWWA. “I am extremely proud of this organization and eternally grateful for the opportunity to serve. I have met so many talented people and made longlasting friendships along the way. I truly appreciate what FSAWWA is all about. Before I take any action as chair I will ask myself, ‘Is this the best thing for the section and the members?’ The answer must always be ‘YES!’” When asked about leading FSAWWA in 2015, Mark added, “I can’t wait to continue the journey that began more than 20 years ago. To be selected by my fellow water professionals to serve our organization at the highest level is truly an honor. It’s a great opportunity and an extremely humbling experience.” Mark is very excited about working with section leaders, staff, and members, and highlighting the section’s value to its membership,
December 2014 • Florida Water Resources Journal
utility members, and the greater water community will be a high priority. “I have found over the years that volunteering as a member of FSAWWA has been good for both my mind and body; it has increased my self-confidence and self-esteem,” said Mark. “Doing good works for the community provides a natural sense of accomplishment, while building a sense of pride. Studies have shown that volunteering is good for your health, too; it even increases your life expectancy, so you have more time to work on all of those section goals. So, if you’re not one already, become an FSAWWA member, and for your health’s sake—volunteer!”
Continued from page 4
How the City Prepared for the Rule Step One: Identify Hydraulic Issues Causing High Levels of Disinfection Byproducts Knowing that the City’s infrastructure is very old, and DBP formation is the result of organic matter, chlorine residuals, and contact time (CT) at high temperatures (DBPs = Cl2 Residual and Contact Time (CT) + Precursors + Temperature), it was obvious the challenge to meet the Stage 2 DBP Rule was not going to be easy. With knowledge of this more stringent rule, the City started its journey to reduce DBPs in 2005. The first step was to use the existing geographic information system (GIS) infrastructure geodatabase to evaluate possi-
ble hydraulic issues. The GIS data were imported into a hydraulic model, and output data showed that the City’s GIS geodatabase had many errors and that the pipes were not connected properly. Evaluation of the water distribution system hydraulics was not possible using existing GIS data. Because the City’s water system infrastructure is very old, GIS data correction was needed for hydraulic model evaluations and to expedite water quality improvements. A new GIS intern was hired to expedite GIS database corrections in 2006. After one year of data evaluation, the City’s utility department added a full-time GIS position to correct GIS findings and to implement a pipe asset management program. This led to proper infrastructure maintenance, while keeping the integrity of the utility department’s critical infrastructure. A water quality surveillance program was implemented in 2005 using City staff to capture areas of concern (low chlorine), as well as evaluating treatment process changes. The City could not lower the chlorine to reduce DBPs due to the mandatory 0.2 mg/L chlorine residual within the water distribution system. In 2009, after major GIS corrections were completed, the City hired Reiss Engineering as a consultant to calibrate the City’s hydraulic model. The consultant used staff findings to identify water infrastructure areas with elevated DBPs. The City’s hydraulic model showed and confirmed the areas that needed to be addressed to expedite water quality improvements, including DBPs reductions, while maintaining a disinfectant residual in the water distribution system. As a result of hydraulic model findings, the fol-
Figure 1. Pipe Rehabilitation Project
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December 2014 • Florida Water Resources Journal
lowing steps were immediately taken: 1. Implemented the City’s unidirectional flushing program (UDF), which helped the City to save 19 mil gal (MG) of water. This new flushing program also reduced customer complaints by 90 percent. 2. Started a more aggressive pipe rehabilitation program, including new pipe additions to “loop” water distribution system “dead ends.” 3. Upgraded treatment facility equipment to maintain and monitor lower chlorine residual, as high chlorine levels were leading to higher DBPs. 4. Upgraded elevated tank pumps to maintain water quality by allowing for a better tank turnover. 5. Started to pilot different treatment processes to reduce DBPs. Step Two: Prioritize and Correct Distribution System Hydraulic Issues Pipe rehabilitation areas were selected based on pipe age, chlorine demand, and water loss (i.e., galvanized pipes). To reduce water age, six dead ends with low water demand were selected for looping. The City was able to obtain funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and the State Revolving Fund (SRF) to perform the pipe rehabilitation project, as shown in Figure 1. Step Three: Address the Source of the Problem The City was able to reduce chlorine at the treatment facilities from 3.5 mg/L daily average to less than 2 mg/L by rehabbing aged pipes with high chlorine demand and by looping large water main pipes at dead-end locations, as shown in Figure 1. A pilot study using granular activated carbon (GAC) to reduce DBPs was completed in 2011. The results suggested the need for a powerful oxidant (such as ozone) to extend the GAC performance. A second pilot study was performed in 2012 using ozone and GAC extended to biological mode to reduce operation and maintenance (O&M) costs, as the goal was to use the GAC filter in that mode. The pilot study included an equalization tank to make sure ozonated water did not enter the filter to damage natural biofilm. Figure 2 shows a diagram of the pilot study using GAC and ozone. Figure 3 shows the THM pilot study results at 120 hours, which represents the water distribution’s highest detention time; the HAA results were below regulatory limits during this pilot test. Also during the test, GAC absorption stopped after two months and biological mode started at week nine; usually, GAC media is regenerated or replaced after Continued on page 8
Figure 2. Pilot Study Using Granular Activated Carbon and Ozone
Continued from page 6 absorption is no longer present. The City’s intention is to run these filters in biological mode to reduce O&M costs. The best THM results are observed at the time these filters became fully biological (weeks 22-32). Based on these pilot results, the City preceded with water facility design and construction of a new water plant, known as Water Plant No. 2.
Conclusion Construction on Water Plant No.2 was completed in July 2014. This upgraded treatment facility will have a better water quality, but with higher dissolved oxygen than the one in the water distribution pipes.
Figure 3. Total Trihalomenthane Results for 120 hours
The City was concerned about the possibility of discolored water. To minimize customer impact, the City performed a hydraulic model evaluation to follow the water from the time this facility was put into service until it reached the end of the distribution system. The goal was to flush all metal pipes with the new water to the end of the line to remove any discoloration. Using hydraulic model results addressing the metal pipe’s impact, staff started the flushing system within two hours of plant start-up. It took the flushing crew 48 hours to move the new water through the metal pipes. The flushing plan was very successful and the City did not receive any customer complaints for discolored water. As shown in Figure 4, the City’s timeline
to reduce DBPs was very long. The use of autoflushers, pipe rehabilitation, and UDF reduced DBPs (THMs) close to compliance limits, and in April 2014, only one sampling site was exceeding the 80 parts per mil (ppm) THM level. Since Water Plant No. 2 was put on line, DBP formation has been below 20 ppm. It is expected that DBPs (THMs) will increase close to regulatory limits during carbon absorption reduction and biofilm food (organic matter) recognition. At this time, it is unknown when the GAC filters will change to biological filters since they are still under absorption mode. The City is currently using UV-254 on-line analyzers to monitor filter efficiency (organic removal). The City’s personnel commitment and its excellent teamwork approach led to a successful outcome for its water distribution system. Tara Lamoureux is a water quality specialist and Migdalia Hernandez is a water resource engineer with City of Sanford Water.
Figure 4 . Total Trihalomethanes, Prepipe and Postpipe Rehabilitation
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December 2014 • Florida Water Resources Journal
Operators: Take the CEU Challenge! Members of the Florida Water & Pollution Control Association (FWPCOA) may earn continuing education units through the CEU Challenge! Answer the questions published on this page, based on the technical articles in this month’s issue. Circle the letter of each correct answer. There is only one correct answer to each question! Answer 80 percent of the questions on any article correctly to earn 0.1 CEU for your license. Retests are available.
This month’s editorial theme is Distribution and Collection. Look above each set of questions to see if it is for water operators (DW), distribution system operators (DS), or wastewater operators (WW). Mail the completed page (or a photocopy) to: Florida Environmental Professionals Training, P.O. Box 33119, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420-3119. Enclose $15 for each set of questions you choose to answer (make checks payable to FWPCOA). You MUST be an FWPCOA member before you can submit your answers!
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Cost-Effective Pipe Cleaning for Improved Water Quality Matt Grewe, Edward Talton, and Weston Haggen (Article 1: CEU = 0.1 DS/DW) 1. The City’s pilot unidirectional flushing (UDF) program reduced turbidity by a. 79 percent. b. 88 percent. c. an average of 1.21 mg/l. d. an average of 2.0 nephelometric turbidity units (NTUs).
2. The UDF program’s effectiveness in mitigating nitrification could not be evaluated because a. ammonia nitrogen could not be measured. b. the water’s pH remained unchanged. c. heterotrophic plate counts remained unchanged. d. of the influence from adjacent distribution areas.
3. __________________ in the southern part of the City’s water system during warmer months is contributing to nitrification. a. High velocity b. Low flow c. Turbidity d. Calcium buildup
4. Which of the following measures was taken at City parks as part of the recommended action plan? a. Cease irrigation b. Increase irrigation meter size from 4-in. to 8-in. c. Set up continuous flow flush meters discharging into storm drain inlets d. Change irrigation source water from reclaimed to potable
SUBSCRIBER NAME (please print)
Article 1 ________________________________________ LICENSE NUMBER for Which CEUs Should Be Awarded
If paying by credit card, fax to (561) 625-4858 providing the following information:
___________________________________________
5. The pilot program was planned for a portion of the City’s distribution system where a. all mains were less than 20 in. in diameter. b. all mains were known to be undersized. c. historical low chloramine residuals had been identified. d. the unusual number of dead ends made UDF simpler.
(Credit Card Number)
Earn CEUs by answering questions from previous Journal issues!
___________________________________________
Contact FWPCOA at membership@fwpcoa.org or at 561-840-0340. Articles from past issues can be viewed on the Journal website, www.fwrj.com.
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Florida Water Resources Journal • December 2014
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F W R J
Providing Sewer Service to Commercial Properties in Miami-Dade County Isabel C. Botero, Steven J. Cook, Alejandro Toro, Bill Hutchinson, Bertha M. Goldenberg, Howard J. Fallon Jr., and Daniel J. Edwards iami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (Department), with assistance from Black & Veatch Corp., developed a plan, including planning-level cost estimates and project schedules, for the addition of sewer infrastructure to commercial and industrial properties within the Department’s service area currently not connected to these systems. The plan and cost estimates will be utilized to comply with the requirements of the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners’ Resolution R-597-13, directing the county mayor or mayor’s designee to provide a plan to extend sewer service to commercial areas and industrial areas within the county. The recommended improvements identified in the plan and respective cost estimates have been included in the Department’s capital improvement plan (CIP).
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Background In April 2013, the Department issued an estimate of the costs to extend water and sewer infrastructure to various commercial properties within its service area. The methodology for the costing used a Class 5 Opinion of Probable Cost, which includes a 40 percent contingency and a +/- 40 percent accuracy appropriate for planning-level projects. The implementation schedule and potential financing approaches for funding were also determined.
Site Loadings Wet weather loads were the basis for determining the diameters of the sewer site loadings, included dry weather wastewater flows, wet weather flows, and corresponding peaking factors. The average dry weather wastewater loadings for each commercial property were determined by applying a unit factor of 1,500 gal per day per acre (gpd/acre) to the property area being evaluated. This factor was determined jointly in coordination with Department staff. The peak weather flow from each property was determined by utilizing the Department’s pump station flow database. This database contains the dry weather flows, wet weather flow hydrographs, and peaking factors for the existing and future
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loading conditions for the collection system. The respective commercial property’s peaking factor was assigned by looking up the connecting pump station’s basin peaking factor. The pump station flow database contained separate peaking factors for the existing and future loading conditions for each pump station basin. Accordingly, separate peak wet weather loads were determined for each planning year. These wet weather loads were the basis for determining the diameters of the sewer extensions to serve these properties.
Sewer Extensions The Department provided a geographic information system (GIS) shape file of the approximately 3,000 commercial properties that were under consideration for being connected to the existing sewer system. To evaluate the feasibility and relative cost of connecting each commercial property, GIS databases and satellite imagery were reviewed to locate the nearest existing manhole, and available roadways and routes, for the sewer system extension. In order to focus on the most cost-effective solutions, preference was given to connecting properties to existing gravity lines and avoiding the addition of pump stations, unless necessary. The crossing of major highways, railroad tracks, and canals was also avoided, unless it was required to serve a high-priority area. Single, isolated properties that could not be easily or cost-effectively connected to gravity lines were also excluded from the improvements. The new sewer extensions were drawn in a separate GIS layer following the most direct path along the roadways. It was assumed that sufficient space and clearance from other utilities within the roadway was available to construct the sewer extensions, which would be verified during detailed design. In several locations, the sewer extension would likely connect below the invert of the existing collection system. In these cases, a pump station was recommended to pump the flow to the closest force main. The pump stations were sized to have sufficient firm capacity to convey the peak wet weather flow. The rim and invert elevations were provided by the Department at the connection points for
December 2014 • Florida Water Resources Journal
Isabel C. Botero, P.E., is engineering manager, Steven J. Cook, P.E., is senior planning engineer, and Alejandro Toro, P.E., is managing director with Black & Veatch in Sunrise. Bill Hutchinson is a principal with PEG in Miami. Bertha M. Goldenberg, P.E., is assistant director for planning and environmental compliance, Howard J. Fallon Jr., P.E., is planning division chief, and Daniel J. Edwards, P.E., is master planning section chief with Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department.
subsequent review to verify if the sewer extension could connect directly or would require a pump station; it was determined that 45 proposed Department pump stations would be required. There are also some areas that could potentially be served by 24 private pump stations. All Department-proposed pump station force mains were routed to the manifold with the nearest force main. The wet weather loads contributing to each sewer extension were summed to determine the peak wet weather flow in each sewer. The sewer extension should be able to convey the peak flow without surcharging the sewer above its crown. It was assumed that the sewers would be installed at minimum slope based on the Department’s design standards. To determine the required diameter, Manning’s formula (an empirical formula that estimates the average velocity of a liquid flowing in a conduit that doesn’t completely enclose the liquid) was used with a roughness coefficient of 0.013 to determine the capacity for the pipe when flowing full, under gravity flow, at the required minimum slope. The results of the analysis showed that the peak flows in the sewer extensions would be less than 0.50 mil gal per day (mgd); therefore, every gravity sewer extension identified will be 8 in. in diameter.
Pump Station Basin Capacity Assessment Extraction of Sub-Basins The all-pipe modeling database was supplied by the Department for analysis of the impact of the
proposed commercial property’s additional loadings on the collection system. The pump station basins, where the commercial property extensions connected, were extracted to establish smaller submodels to facilitate analysis. Any pump station basins discharging into the extracted basin were also extracted and placed into the submodel. Similarly, basins downstream of the extracted basin were also placed into the submodel, as were connecting pump stations and force mains. Basins were extracted into the submodel until the connection with the pressure network that conveys wastewater to the wastewater treatment plants was made.
Table 1. District 1 Improvements
Updated Dry Weather Loadings The dry weather loadings in the all-pipe modeling database were updated using the following two data sources: Geocoded water consumption data Pump station basin dry weather loads There is a geocoded water consumption GIS layer for all of the Department’s sewer customers. This database was joined to the manhole database in the submodel to determine the water consumption records for the contributing customer for each manhole. The pump station flow spreadsheet supplied by the Department contained the dry weather loads for the basins for each planning year. This dry weather loading was then allocated spatially on a geocoded water consumption weighted-average basis. Wet Weather Flow Patterns The pump station flow database also contained the wet weather flow hydrographs for each pump station basin corresponding to a two-year storm event. A wet weather flow pattern was developed by dividing the wet weather flow hydrograph to the dry weather flow for the basin. This pattern was then applied to the allocated dry weather loadings in the pump station basin. Baseline Improvements A baseline model was developed for the existing loading conditions without the commercial property loads. The flow path from the connection points downstream was analyzed under wet weather conditions. If a sewer was surcharged and the hydraulic grade line rose to be within 4 ft of grade elevation, a sewer improvement was recommended. It should be noted that the sewer inverts and rim elevations were not updated from the asbuilt/record drawing database. The inverts in the all-pipe model (and therefore the submodel) were assumed. It is recommended that the inverts and rim elevations in these basins be reviewed and updated in the future to verify the sewer improvements that are required.
Extensions Improvements The baseline model, with the improvements, was updated with the commercial property loadings; the existing planning year was used for this analysis. Similar to the baseline improvements, if any sewer along the flow path from the proposed developments surcharged within 4 ft of grade elevation, an improvement was recommended. Additionally, locations with
a baseline improvement were reviewed to determine if the additional loading caused the sewer to be surcharged above the crown of the pipe. If any surcharging was observed, an additional improvement was recommended to avoid installing an improvement that would cause surcharging conditions. In cases where surcharging was observed that resulted from caContinued on page 12
Florida Water Resources Journal • December 2014
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Continued from page 11 pacity limited pump stations, the station was expanded within the model to convey the peak flow. Future Planning Year Improvements The extensions model, with the improvement, was updated for the future planning year conditions. The update includes both the dry weather flows, as well as the wet weather flow patterns. Similar to the extension improvement, any surcharged conditions within 4 ft of grade elevation initiated an improvement to relieve the surcharging to be below the crown of the pipe. Also, any surcharged condition at an improvement identified in the baseline or the extension improvement models was relieved to eliminate the surcharging.
Manifold Pressure System Capacity Assessment Design flows were developed and simulated in the Department model where proposed pump stations were identified. The analysis indicated that no major upgrades to the manifold pressure system were required to accommodate the proposed improvements to connect the commercial properties included in this evaluation.
Improvements The projects were grouped by major commercial corridors along a main avenue or street and included the infrastructure needs of nearby commercial areas that were not located directly on the main avenue or street, but were close enough so that it was practical to include them in a single construction project. Table 1 shows a summary of the
Table 2. Improvements to Existing Pump Stations
individual improvements that would be required to provide sewer connections to the commercial properties. Improvements listed by the MiamiDade County Commission District encompass gravity sewer pipe extensions, new pump stations, and new force mains. Also, some existing pump stations in the existing system would need to be increased in capacity. The pump stations requiring capacity expansion are included in Table 2. The improvements proposed would provide sewer service to a total of 2,194 commercial properties, covering an area of 1,189 acres within Miami-Dade County.
Opinion of Probable Construction Cost The Opinion of Probable Construction Cost covers the improvements identified and includes the construction, engineering, and land acquisition costs as needed. Each commission district cost is summarized in Table 3.
Schedule Table 4 presents an eight-year timeline, as requested by the Department, after preliminary activities, including land acquisition and architectural/engineering selection, are performed.
Potential Financing Alternatives Table 3. Opinion of Probable Construction Cost Summary
Table 4. Capital Expenditures: Proposed Plan
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December 2014 • Florida Water Resources Journal
This section summarizes the options available for financing wastewater system improvements, how these options could be applied for financing the projects, and the financial implications of developing these projects to both the potential new customers, as well as the Department. Procedures for Financing Wastewater Projects The basic procedures for financing wastewater projects, as well as water projects, are described in the Department’s Implementing Order No. 10-8; the financing procedures are different for wastewater collection facilities and wastewater transmission facilities. Wastewater collection facilities are defined as those lines and pump stations that are needed to provide service only to retail customers, and are generally referred to as local facilities, or assets. Wastewater transmission facilities are those pump stations and lines that are needed to serve all customers, both retail and wholesale, and are often referred to as regional facilities, or assets. Wastewater transmission and collection facilities are defined as follows: “The Water and Sewer Department’s definition of wastewater transmission facilities is all interceptor lines and all pump stations and force Continued on page 14
Continued from page 12 mains receiving wastewater flows that are pumped from wastewater collection systems. Transmission force mains convey wastewater that has been collected and pumped from more than one collection basin. Pump stations and lines that connect to these facilities are classified as wastewater collection.” The minimum size of a force main for purposes of defining regional facilities was listed at 8 in. The essential provision of the procedures as they apply to new sewer service, either to existing or new developments, is provided in Section 3.02(3) of the order. This rule stipulates that the customer is responsible for the expense of installing any new laterals, or collection lines, required for providing the wastewater service. For new developments, the new collection lines are generally installed by the developer following specifications established by the Department, and turned over to it, upon completion of the development. For existing developments where collection facilities must be installed, the rule requires the new customers to fund the cost of the new collection facilities either through the creation of a special taxing district or the establishment of fees and charges, through which the Department recovers its costs of installing the collection system. For wastewater transmission facilities (part of the regional system), the procedures stipulated in Section 3.04 state that the Department may require the developer, or customer, to also provide main or transmission lines, or the Department may recover its investment in these facilities through connection fees, which are currently $5.60 per average-day gal of wastewater expected to be produced by each new customer. By collecting this connection charge from each new customer, the Department is presumed to be able to provide the necessary waste-
water transmission and treatment facilities needed to serve an average new customer, recognizing that the Department’s actual cost of transmission facilities varies considerably from one part of the county to another. This section of the implementing order also stipulates that the extension of transmission facilities may be paid for through a special taxing district; this has rarely been used by the Department, but it is widely used in the county for other purposes. In general, the establishment of a special taxing district requires the concurrence of a majority of the property owners within the district. As described, the concept of project financing is closely associated with the concept of recovering all costs of new service from the new customers themselves. Application of this concept necessitates consideration of County Ordinance 93-134, Section 613, which is part of the Department’s bond ordinance known as “no free service.” This section prohibits providing free services or preferential charges to any customer. In evaluating the application of the Department’s financing methods and financing alternatives, it is recommended that the no-free service section of the ordinance be evaluated by an appropriate legal authority to assess the impact it may have when utilizing any of the financing alternatives described. Application of Financing Methods to the Projects Based on the guidance of the Department’s bond ordinance, implementing orders, and supporting information, the projects are classified as either wastewater collection or wastewater transmission facilities. The unfunded costs of the projects, in aggregate, estimated during the course of this study, are as follows: Local costs (wastewater collection facilities): $232.9 million
Table 5. Local and Regional Costs by District
Regional costs (wastewater transmission facilities): $40.7 million Total costs: $273.6 million Table 5 shows the estimated wastewater collection (local) and wastewater transmission (regional) costs by district. The aggregate cost of providing these service extensions on a per gal basis is very high due to the infill nature of the work and the fact that the economies of scale achieved with new developments is not present in these smaller, developed project areas. As additional refinement of planning and design is done, some cost reductions may be realized through the use of low-pressure sewers or other nonstandard design features, and conservative cost estimates are to be provided; these costs do not include the cost of wastewater transmission facilities already included in the Department’s CIP. It is also important to note that the regional costs include only transmission costs, not additional costs or repayment of the Department’s imbedded costs for wastewater treatment and disposal of treated effluent. Connection charges from the Department are intended to address both wastewater transmission and wastewater treatment costs. Financing of Wastewater Collection and Transmission Facilities As noted, based on the Department’s regulations, new customers would be required to directly fund the local (collection) costs to reimburse the Department for the cost of installing wastewater collection lines and pump stations. Based on the information provided by the Department, new customers would generate a total wastewater flow of approximately 1.64 mgd, which is based on their current average daily water purchases. Customers are billed for wastewater service based on their metered water use. Based on this additional wastewater service, the new customers would be required to pay an average of approximately $25 per gal of expected wastewater use to fund the new wastewater transmission (regional) facilities. The calculation of this charge, as well as the other figures referenced, is shown in Table 6. This amount would differ among corridors and, possibly, within corridors, inasmuch as the charge is based on the cost of serving each new customer or group of customers. The information provided by the Department indicates that the average flow from the new customers to be served by the projects evaluated in this analysis is about 800 gpd. Financing Collection Facilities The standard practice for the Department to recover the cost of new wastewater collection facilities is to have new customers construct the fa-
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December 2014 • Florida Water Resources Journal
cilities, as in the case of a new development, or reimburse the Department the full cost of the facilities. Based on the estimated $140 average cost per gal for wastewater collection facilities, the average new customer would pay about $111,000 for those additional collection facilities. This cost is far greater than is typical for new connections in the Department’s service area, and upfront payment of the connection cost would present a serious financial burden to new customers. To mitigate the high costs, the Department has several potential alternative methods for recovering them: Funding by the county using general obligation bonds Funding by the Department using revenue bonds Rate surcharge Special taxing district Tax increment financing Each of these funding methods and their implications are described as follows: General Obligation Bonds Issued by the County The County has funded Department improvements, including local collection systems for new customers, with general obligation bond proceeds. Funding for the local collection system component of the project from general obligation bonds would provide the greatest relief to property owners. Assignment of available general obligation bond funds for this purpose would require approval by the board of county commissioners.
implemented such a program, but only in association with the acquisition of utility systems. However, in the case of the improvements considered in this study, implementing a surcharge would place the Department at risk of failing to recover the anticipated amount of revenue as a result of lower than expected water, and wastewater, sales. The risk would probably render this alternative unattractive compared to formation of a special taxing district, which would not incur this type of risk. A variation of the rate surcharge is the basin fee, recently utilized to increase collection system capacity in several areas with services that are redeveloping and intensifying their uses. This is a per-gal-of-capacity charge that is added to the regular connection charge to support expansion of the local collection system. Special Taxing District Funding and financing could be provided through a special taxing district. Under this method, the Department would fund the improvements with bond proceeds and recover the debt service through a recurring tax on the project’s beneficiaries—the new customers. The impact to each customer would vary according to how much of the total project cost was financed in
this way, the size or frontage of the parcels comprising the special taxing district, and the interest rate and duration of the bonds; the costs, however, would be substantial based on the high cost of the collection and transmission system improvements. Tax Increment Financing This financing method is used mainly to provide broad assistance to blighted areas through community redevelopment agencies. Bonds are sold to make improvements to a designated tax increment financing area, and the bonds are repaid from the increased property value and corresponding property tax revenues that result in part from the improvements that have been made. Because of the very high costs associated with bringing sewers to these areas, it appears to be unlikely that property values would increase sufficiently due to the presence of sewers to recover their costs within any reasonable time period. Presumably, separate financing districts would need to be established for each of the project areas to utilize this financing approach, and the process of qualifying and establishing these districts could be time-consuming. This financing alternative does not appear to be practical or applicable to this project. Continued on page 16
Revenue Bonds Issued by the Department Revenue bonds are routinely issued by the Department to finance capital improvements to water and wastewater systems. The proceeds from these bonds are generally used to fund projects benefitting all or a large number of customers, both retail and wholesale. The bonds are amortized through payments made by utility customers through water and sewer rates. While revenue bond proceeds have routinely been allocated to fund new wastewater transmission facilities, they historically have not been used to provide funding for local collection systems to service new customers. Pursuant to Implementing Order 10-8, the use of Department funds for the extension of local collection systems must be reimbursed to the Department through a special taxing district, with fees and charges paid by the customers benefiting from the service, or from other revenues not collected by the Department. Rate Surcharge The Department could recover the high cost of the wastewater collection improvements by imposing a surcharge on new customers. It has Florida Water Resources Journal • December 2014
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Continued from page 15 Financing Transmission Facilities The total cost for wastewater transmission facilities to serve the new customers is estimated to be approximately $40.7 million, which averages out to about $25 per gal of new wastewater service. It is important to note that this per-gal transmission cost is far greater than the Department’s average cost for providing wastewater transmission services to its customers. The Department’s current methods for recovering and financing wastewater transmission facilities include the methods described previously, as well as two other financing methods: connection charges, and connection charge surcharge/basin charge. Each of these funding methods and their implications are described as: Connection Charges The Department has established connec-
tion charges for new wastewater customers of $5.60 per gal of expected average day water use. Based on this amount, the Department would recover about $4,500 from the average new customer served by these projects. Connection charges are deposited into the Department’s plant expansion fund and can be used to support capacity improvements to the regional wastewater transmission system, so to the extent that the funds are available, the regional system costs can be funded in that way. Connection Charge Surcharge The Department could impose a connection charge surcharge on each new customer as a condition of connection to recover system expansion costs for some or all of the regional and local collection systems. To recover the full cost of the transmission facilities not covered by standard connection charges, the typical new customer would be assessed about $15,000.
Table 6. Calculation of Estimated Costs and Charges to Commercial Properties
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December 2014 • Florida Water Resources Journal
Conclusions Using currently available financing methods, the Department’s alternatives for financing the projects discussed here are limited to the use of general obligation bonds and/or revenue bonds, the collection of the costs for wastewater collection lines from the new customers, collection of the Department’s standard connection charges from new customers, establishment of a special taxing district or districts, and tax increment financing. Tax increment financing does not appear to be a promising source of revenue, though such an approach might be applicable in some project areas. The availability of grant funds and State Revolving Funds could be helpful, but it is not possible to anticipate availability. It is important to recognize that the difficulties in finding suitable financing methods for these projects is due to the fact that the cost of providing wastewater service to the contemplated new customers is very high, measured on a per-gal or percustomer basis. Recognizing these high costs, exploring alternative designs and technologies and/or construction methods could be considered as alternatives for lowering the costs of these projects. Similarly, recognizing that the cost estimates presented here are high, more detailed analysis of individual projects may enable the Department to identify projects or corridors where the cost per gal or per customer are closer to its norm. Moreover, some of the individual projects can be expected to be substantially more cost-effective than others by virtue of their proximity to existing wastewater transmission lines or a larger concentration of new customers or near-term development potential. Selecting the more cost-effective projects for early implementation would facilitate financing, as well as reduce the Department’s financial burden. Based on these factors, it is recommended that the Department assess the individual projects and corridors addressed and identify those that could be cost-effectively implemented in an early timeframe. Cost-effective areas requiring only new collection facilities may be funded through a combination of direct payment by new customers to partially fund the cost of collection facilities, connection charges, a rate surcharge or special taxing district, and currently available general obligation bond proceeds. Other economically attractive projects may be funded using these same methods, as well as by countyissued general obligation bonds or Departmentissued revenue bonds. Inasmuch as the use of Department-issued revenue bonds to fund new wastewater collection facilities would be a departure from established Department practices, it is important for the county to obtain a clear legal opinion on the use of this funding method.
Biosolids Technical Seminar Helps Outline the Future of the Industry Dr. Phil Kane The Florida Water Environment Association (FWEA) Biosolids Committee hosted a Biosolids Technical Seminar on October 17 at the Lee County Emergency Management Facility. This year's seminar was titled, "Charting the Future of Biosolids Management." Due to the rapidly changing nature of the biosolids industry, this was a much anticipated seminar.
Seminar Format Presentation topics started with speakers from the Water Environment Federation (WEF) addressing the future of biosolids, with an overview of national trends. These were followed by a number of presentations addressing state and local government issues and regulation updates. Also included in the program were presentations by private biosolids entities on the future direction of biosolids. The seminar had more than 70 participants from around the state, who praised the talented speakers and outstanding venue. Intensive discussions, pertinent questions, and lively debate were
prevalent throughout the seminar. Field trips to two nearby compost facilities provided up close and personal views of the beneficial biosolids recycling activities.
Attendee Feedback An integral part of the seminar that reinforced its positive value was an evaluation questionnaire completed by the participants. Comments and observations on the questionnaire, and during the seminar, gave insight into the current seminar and guidance for future biosolids programs. The key issues mentioned in participant re-
Chris Collins, FWEA Biosolids Committee Chair
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Biosolids Seminar Group
Presentation Slide
December 2014 • Florida Water Resources Journal
sponses included: Future trends regarding domestic wastewater treatment facility point sources that will process biosolids on-site for beneficial reuse in a cost-effective manner Converting biosolids to fertilizer Biosolids volume reduction Biosolids regulations Innovative technologies Biosolids regulations were seen by participants as fluid and in constant change, with a hope that they will continue to provide practical guidance for the biosolids industry. Innovative technologies were mentioned with caveats to the
Presentation Slide
costs and applicability to the wide range of biosolids generators in the state. The FWEA Biosolids Committee, led by Chris Collins, was lauded by the participants. This feedback was well received and attendee comments will be use by future program planning committees. The participants definitely want more of these seminars.
Awards Program An announcement of importance at the seminar was the upcoming FWEA biosolids awards program. In its third year, the program has added a new category for private biosolids management companies. Privately owned biosolids haulers, biosolids treatment facilities, and land application sites will now have a chance to win a prestigious biosolids award. The historic biosolids award categories are still in place for recognition of outstanding work in the industry. The FWEA website will have details in the near future on this year’s biosolids awards and how to apply. Dr. Phil Kane is vice chair of the FWEA Public Communications and Outreach Committee. (photos: Gary Hammond)
Florida Water & Pollution Control Operators Association
FWPCOA STATE SHORT SCHOOL March 16 - 20, 2015 Indian River State College - Main Campus – FORT PIERCE –
COURSES Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester ..........................$375/$405
Utility Customer Relations I, II & III................................$260/$290
Backflow Prevention Assembly Repairer ......................$275/$305
Utilities Maintenance I & II ............................................$225/$255
Backflow Tester Recertification ......................................$85/$115
Wastewater Collection System Operator C, B & A ......$225/$255
Basic Electrical and Instrumentation ............................$225/$255
Water Distribution System Operator Level 3, 2 & 1 ......$225/$255
Facility Management Module I......................................$275/$305
Wastewater Process Control ........................................$225/$255
Reclaimed Water Distribution C, B & A ........................$225/$255 (Abbreviated Course) ................................................$125/$155
Wastewater Sampling for Industrial Pretreatment & Operators................................................................$160/$190
Stormwater Management C & B ...................................$260/$290
Wastewater Troubleshooting ........................................$225/$255
Stormwater Management A .........................................$275/$305
Water Troubleshooting ..................................................$225/$255
For further information on the school, including course registration forms and hotels, download the school announcement at www.fwpcoa.org/fwpcoaFiles/upload/2015SpringSchool.pdf
SCHEDULE CHECK-IN: March 15, 2015 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. CLASSES: Monday – Thursday........8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday........8:00 a.m. to noon
FREE BBQ DINNER + Monday, March 16, 4:30 p.m. + 3209 Virginia Avenue Fort Pierce, FL 34981
For more information call the
FWPCOA Training Office 321-383-9690 Florida Water Resources Journal • December 2014
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F W R J
Cost-Effective Pipe Cleaning for Improved Water Quality David Abbaspour, James Kinard, Matthew Wilson, John Parks, Richard Voakes, Matt Grewe, Edward Talton Jr., and Weston Haggen he City of St. Petersburg (City), like most chloramine disinfectant water systems in Florida, faces the challenge of controlling nitrification in its distribution system during warmer months. To optimize delivered water quality to its potable water customers and reduce flushing water volumes in the south portion of its service area, the City implemented cutting-edge nitrification mitigation strategies as recommended by its strategic autoflusher program. Higher water distribution age or stagnation, coupled with utilization of chloramine disinfectant and elevated summer temperatures, typically result in nitrification. The flusher program was prepared in 2010, with assistance from Reiss Engineering, to help address high water age concerns in the southern extremities of the system in three phases: Phase 1 – Develop Action Plan Phase 2 – Design/Implement Recommended Improvements Phase 3 – Track Program Progress and Adjust as Needed
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Phase 1 of the program confirmed that nitrification was occurring in the southern portion of the City’s distribution system, especially during summer months. The City is two years into implementation of Phase 2, including converting park irrigation, deploying autoflushers, pilot testing unidirectional flushing (UDF), and tracking the program’s progress. Available research indicated that nitrifying bacteria can take refuge in distribution pipe sediment (Fundamentals and Control of Nitrification in Chloraminated Drinking Water Distribution Systems; AWWA, 2006); therefore, UDF was considered a potential nitrification mitigation tool. This article focuses on the use
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of UDF to support maintenance of water quality improvement.
Background The City had concerns about oversized pipes and mains being the cause for water quality issues, which in turn was the need for excessive distribution system flushing. The majority of the City was not experiencing nitrification and, over a decade of chloramine disinfection, had maintained a stable distribution system. Excessive flushing requirements had been confined to the southern extremity of the service area. Water mains are typically sized for peak demand and proper fire flows without regard for water quality. These low-flow mains can cause sediment buildup in the bottom of the mains and the high water age in the southern part of the City’s water distribution system was causing nitrification during warmer months, creating biofilm. The City actively implemented recommendations from the flusher program to clean transmission and distribution mains and reduce water age to mitigate nitrification.
David Abbaspour, P.E., is senior professional engineer, James Kinard is water distribution system coordinator, Matthew Wilson is civil engineer II, John Parks, P.E., is technical support manager, and Richard Voakes is water treatment and distribution manager with City of St. Petersburg. Matt Grewe is UDF design engineer, Edward Talton Jr., P.E., is project manager, and Weston Haggen, P.E., is project engineer with Reiss Engineering in Winter Springs.
Methodology The City has implemented a portion of the recommend action plan, including: conversion of four City parks, ranging from 4-in. to 8-in. meters from reclaimed water to potable water irrigation; installation of an additional 17 new autoflushers throughout the south service area (as shown in Figure 1); and piloting a method to clean sediment and biofilm out of the transmis-
Figure 1. Conversion to Potable Locations, New Autoflushing Locations, and Pilot Unidirectional Flushing
December 2014 • Florida Water Resources Journal
sion and distribution mains. Based on a review of, and experience with, various pipe cleaning technologies, the City selected UDF for the pilot; the UDF has significantly lower costs than other available technologies and the City has had a successful experience with UDF in the past.
South Unidirectional Flushing Pilot Program The UDF pilot was approved by the City as it provided the information it needed to make the decision to proceed with a future fullscale UDF implementation in the south area. The pilot program was planned for a portion of the City’s distribution system where historical low chloramine residuals had been identified. This pilot area is circumferentially supplied by 20-in. transmission mains, of which a section was included in the UDF program. The 20-in. mains were sized years ago to serve commercial fire flows and demands that have been significantly reduced due to water conservation, reclaimed water, and lower density development, and are now oversized. The pipelines flushed during the UDF program are shown in Figure 1. The pilot UDF program was designed by Reiss Engineering using the City’s existing hydraulic model for all mains up to 20 in. in the pilot UDF. The pilot had eight zones, shown in Figure 2, including 51 flushing sequences in zone 1, which was a custom UDF design for the section of 20-in. transmission main. Approximately 3 mil gal (MG) of water were used to complete the pilot area UDF program. The custom 20-in. UDF included a 7,800-ft sequence that flushed over a half MG of water for two hours and 10 minutes. The UDF pilot program was executed by City staff, which involved delivery of public notices, assessment of 122 system valves, 53 hydrants, and four blowoff valve assemblies (blowoffs). The assessment of the valves, hydrants, and blowoffs showed that the City had kept its system in excellent condition with all assessed valves, hydrants, and blowoffs located and operational. This was a major advantage
Figure 2. Eight Zones in the Pilot UDF
Figure 3. Examples of Sediment, Debris, and Iron Removal
as UDF redesign is required when valves, hydrants, and blowoffs are in disrepair or cannot be located. The UDF pilot required the City crews to turn over a 100 valves to execute the program, with some sequences requiring up to 29 valve closures prior to implementing flushing activities. The City’s policy is to hand-operate all valves to minimize damage. The large amount of valve closures was the direct result of successfully completing the pilot UDF program in the middle of an extensively interconnected
distribution system. The UDF was designed to use the 16-in. and 20-in. transmission mains as source water for the smaller mains and valving off all other interconnected mains. This was done to maintain clean source water for the UDF, while maintaining minimum system pressure. Additionally, the City had to coordinate around ongoing stormwater projects to prevent flooding of neighborhood streets, residential yards, and driveways. Continued on page 24
Florida Water Resources Journal • December 2014
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Continued from page 23
Results Due to the hard work and coordination of the City’s crews, the pilot UDF program was successful in removing a significant amount of sediment and debris, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) service taps, large sections of pipe lining, and pieces of metal, as shown in Figure 3. The flushing also removed a large amount of iron (shown in the white buckets), as the water that was flushed turned from reddish in color to clear. To evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot UDF program, water quality parameters were collected by the City before and two weeks after the flushing occurred at eight strategically selected sampling points to encompass the overall effect from each UDF zone. The water quality parameters concluded that the pilot UDF program significantly reduced iron and turbidity
levels. Iron had an average reduction of 88 percent, with a preflushing average of 313µg/L, to a postflushing average of 39 µg/L, as shown in Figure 4. Turbidity had an average reduction of 79 percent, with a preflushing average of 1.54 nephelometric turbidity units (NTUs), to a postflushing average of 0.33 NTUs, as shown in Figure 5. Nitrite, nitrate, and chloramine levels were also tested two weeks after the flush. However, it was realized that upon review of the hydraulic flow paths into the pilot area, the nitrified water was flowing in from areas that had not been unidirectionally flushed; the nitrite, nitrate, and chloramine results confirmed this conclusion. For fire flow and reliability reasons, the City could not keep the pilot area isolated, and hydraulic modeling indicated that most of the water flows into the pilot area from neighboring distribution areas and not from the cleaned transmission mains. Therefore, to get meaning-
ful results for the effectiveness of UDF on nitrification mitigation, either a more isolated area should be tested or the entire south distribution area and major feeder transmission mains should be cleaned. Turbidity readings were also performed during flushing activities showing a turbidity profile and how reduction took place. The turbidity profiles were very helpful to field crews to track flushing effectiveness and complete the flushing in an efficient manner. An example of this profile is shown in Figure 6 and an overall summary of all zones turbidity reduction is shown in Figure 7.
Conclusions Since implementation of the strategic autoflusher program in spring 2011, the City has consistently reduced the potable water quantities flushed, resulting in lower labor and potable water costs. The flusher program has
Figure 4. Iron Results Data for Pre-UDF and Post-UDF Sampling Events
Figure 5. Turbidity Results Data for Pre-UDF and Post-UDF Sampling Events
Figure 6. Zone 7 Initial Versus Final Turbidity During UDF
Figure 7. Turbidity Results Data Summary: Percent Turbidity Reduction During UDF
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December 2014 • Florida Water Resources Journal
saved the City approximately $80,000 per year in flushing costs over the first two years of the program. The UDF pilot program was successfully and efficiently completed due to the hard work of the City’s staff, which was very effective at locating valves and executing the UDF flushing sequences. The City’s diligent valve and hydrant maintenance program allowed UDF to be fully executed with minimal delay for repairs and UDF redesign. Staff knowledge of the system and familiarity with adopted procedures eliminated broken valve issues and saved the City considerable cost. The City’s policy of hand-operating all valves resulted in no damaged valves during the UDF effort. Also, due to the high number of valves operated for each sequence, the City’s flushing team resourcefully devised a protocol for tracking and checking valve openings and closures. Water quality testing during the pilot program indicated that there was a significant amount of sedimentary particles in the pilot distribution area, especially in the larger diameter 20-in. transmission main. The pilot demonstrated that UDF was effective in cleaning the pipes, including the 20-in. transmission main, and flowing turbidities were reduced from over 100 NTUs in some cases to less than 3 NTUs. Preflush turbidities were reduced from up to 3 NTUs to less than 0.5 in almost all locations. Turbidity profiles devised during this project were vital in assessing the flushing effectiveness and flush durations. While UDF’s effectiveness to mitigate nitrification could not be evaluated due to the influence from adjacent distribution areas that were not unidirectionally flushed, and research has identified that significant nitrification biomass exists in distribution sediment, it is surmised that a larger scale effort could significantly reduce nitrification rates. A very complex pilot UDF was conducted, and a future full-scale UDF of the south system would significantly reduce the valve closing complexities. The pilot UDF demonstrated outstanding removal of turbidity and iron, which was sustained for at least two weeks after the flushing. The pilot UDF also demonstrated the
effectiveness in cleaning 20-in. transmission mains, heretofore considered too large for UDF application. Overall, the pilot program demonstrated that the City could utilize UDF as an effective tool to help clean and maintain water distribution and transmission mains, providing City customers continued high-quality potable water delivered to the tap.
Florida Water Resources Journal • December 2014
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Lisa Prieto, left, gave the opening announcements for this year’s festival. Bob Cadle, right, again served as master of ceremonies. (photo: Greg Kolb)
At the Water for People booth, Yvonne Picard and Da Yu discuss water quality for surface water bodies with interested attendees. (photo: Kunal Nayee)
Central Florida Water Festival Touts Importance of Water Chuck Olson The fourth annual Central Florida Water Festival, which celebrates the importance of water in Florida's environment, was held on October 25 at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs. A significant difference of this year’s festival from the previous three is that it was entirely organized by members of the Central Florida Chapter steering committee.
As with previous festivals, the objective of this free event is to promote to the public the importance of protecting the water environment. The mix of activities appealed to people of all ages and included Walk for Water, water quality testing, biosolids demonstrations, open channel flow and groundwater recharge model demonstrations, water conservation demonstration, oil and grease demonstration, wastewater demonstration, a water color poster contest, and a water scavenger hunt.
The festival was funded by donations from sponsors and local businesses. The Central Florida Chapter gratefully thanks all of the sponsors and businesses who made this event so successful: Premier sponsor: CH2M HILL Gold sponsors: Hazen and Sawyer Orlando Utilities Commission City of Orlando Wastewater Silver sponsors: Reiss Engineering CPH Inc. Thanks also go to the Central Florida Water Festival Committee, which consisted of Stacey Smich, festival chair and chapter vice chair; Alyssa Filippi, festival vice chair; Greg Kolb, chapter chair; Bob Cadle, Tim Madhanagopal, Jason Weiss, and Kunal Nayee; and the many who volunteered the day of the festival. Chuck Olson, P.E., is a senior engineer with Neel-Schaffer Inc. in Maitland.
The festival was a rousing success again this year, thanks to the efforts of the volunteers. (photo: Kunal Nayee)
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December 2014 • Florida Water Resources Journal
C FACTOR
Create Some Memories! Your involvement will leave you with a lifetime of great experiences!
Jeff Poteet
Busy Board Meeting
President, FWPCOA
raditionally, our last meeting of the year is held in November; however, this year the meeting was held the last week of October. This change allowed the regional directors the opportunity to celebrate with the Bishops, Betsy and Rim, at the annual Bishop Birthday Bash. The setting was at the Jupiter Civic Center, which is located right on Jupiter Beach. Friends, family, and professional colleagues celebrated Rim’s birthday in a setting that was simply breathtaking! Along with a plethora of friends and food, there was a live band and an open bar. My wife and I really enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with the Bishop’s, their friends, and our members who were able to attend. I hope to be able to join the celebration again next year. After leaving the party, I met up with several colleagues back at the hotel billiard room. Several of our members showed up, including Jon Meyer, Patrick Murphy, Tim and Terry McVeigh, and Holly Hanson, executive director for the Florida Water Resources Conference (FWRC). Jon and Patrick challenge Holly and me to several games of Scotch Doubles 8Ball. Although Jon and Patrick played valiantly, it was the outstanding play by Holly that made our team victorious! Why am I sharing this event with you? It’s simple: it’s the memories, which is what I have been trying to communicate to you in my last 22 articles. Memories, the great ones, are made by getting involved in the things that you do. I truly love the industry we work in for several reasons. For instance, the people love to get involved to help make our communities a better place to live, and those same people are there to help in time of need. My hero’s include people like Rim Bishop, Tim McVeigh, Ray Bordner, and Jon Meyer (just to name a few). These people are passionate about the things that they do and they take the time to share their knowledge to all who want to learn. Our industry needs more people to become involved in the Association in an effort to improve our workforce—and our communities.
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We had a couple of notable guests at our recent board of director’s meeting held in Jupiter. Ron McCulley, with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Operator Certification Office, thanked FWPCOA, and particularly Tom King, for our support of the industry certification program at the local Heritage High School. Since the inaugural year of the program (it’s now in its second year), the participation has more than doubled. This year, three of the students passed the Florida Class C wastewater plant operator licensing exam and eight others students scored within five points of passing. Other Florida high schools, in Hillsborough and Charlotte counties, have expressed an interest in the program. This is very exciting news as we try and recruit the younger generation into this industry. If you read my previous article, you know that FDEP’s contract with the firm that administers the Florida’s operator licensing exams expired. Ron noted that, in an effort to keep costs down so that examination fees can remain the same, the certification office is discussing cooperative computer-based testing alternatives with other state agencies. If such arrangements can be made, FDEP’s costs could decline, thus keeping exam fees low. Ron also reminded the board that the period for obtaining continuing education units for license renewal is drawing to an end. The FWPCOA has the solutions for you to meet those renewal requirements. Brad Hayes, representing the Florida Water Environment Association (FWEA), gave a report on the Operations Challenge competition and is trying to get more utilities involved in participating. I am a huge advocate of both the Operations Challenge and the Top Ops Competition, as they foster camaraderie among the participants, give sponsors some notoriety, and promote the industry by showing off the things that we do. Please contact Brad at 352-742-6485 if you would like to start a team or get involved in the contest. Hands-on training is what separates FWPCOA from most other training organiza-
December 2014 • Florida Water Resources Journal
tions. One of our members, Bob Case, is a perfect example of what the Association is all about. Bob talked about a device he has built that will help train people on how to properly align pumps and motors. This device will allow us to do hands-on alignment training in a classroom setting. There is a clear need for this training that will potentially save your utility thousands of dollars a year by having someone on your staff that can align pumps and motors. We are very excited about Bob’s efforts and plan to have a pumps alignment class at the spring short school. Holly Hanson gave a report on this year’s FWRC. Holly noted that the conference continues to expand; in 2014, it was attended by 2,600 people and 300 booths were sold. In terms of numbers and revenue, this was the best show ever! I personally talked to many people about the technical sessions and all were extremely impressed. I am looking forward to next year’s conference, which will be held May 3-6, 2015, at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando. Rene Moticker, our Awards Committee chair, is actively seeking nominations for the Pat Robinson scholarships. The scholarship awards goes to deserving members of the Association to attend the state spring or fall short school. There are 13 scholarships, one for each region, given out each calendar year. In the event that a region doesn’t submit a nomination, that scholarship will be available to those regions that submit multiple nominations. The scholarship consists of a fee waiver for attendance at the annual state short school and reimbursement of travel costs up to $800. Please get your nominations into your regional director as soon as possible; the deadline is Dec. 31, 2014. The election for the FWPCOA 2015 state officers took place at this meeting. I am excited, as the Association could not be in better hands. The 2015 slate of state officers is as follows: President ..............................Tom King Vice President ......................Scott Anaheim Secretary-Treasurer ..............Rim Bishop Secretary-Treasurer-Elect ....Mike Darrow Past President ......................Jeff Poteet Our next board meeting will be held on Jan. 17, 2015.
Florida Teams Compete in WEFTEC Operations Challenge Brad Hayes I recently had the pleasure to travel to the Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) in October to support our two Florida teams, Methane Madness, from St. Cloud, and Rusty Pelicans, from St. Petersburg, in the national Operations Challenge competition. There were a total of 43 teams entered in the contest from around the United States, with one international team from Argentina. The event area was full of fresh faces, as 14 of the 43 participating teams were new to the competition. Traveling the farthest to the conference was the team from Buenos Aires. While a serious competition, the teams certainly showed their sense of humor, as reflected in their names, which very often combined their profession and geographic location, such as Motley Poo, Sewer Rats, Force Maine, Brown Tide, Poo Fighters, Colorado Brown Trout, and Royal Flush, to name a few. Most of the teams have hard hats and shirts that are individualized to promote their name and bolster team spirit.
Event Categories The competition consisted of events in five competitive wastewater operations categories: collection systems, laboratory, maintenance, process control, and safety. Collection Systems Event - Simulates connecting a 100-mm (4-in.) polyvinyl chloride
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(PVC) lateral sewer to an existing 20-mm (0.8-in.) PVC sewer pipe and the identification of known pipe defects. Laboratory Event - Competitors perform a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) analysis using an optical BOD probe. Maintenance Event - Competitors perform routine maintenance on a centrifugal pump, positioning it at the lift station and installing suction and discharge hoses from the pump to the lift station inlet manhole and flanged force main tie-in gate valve. A level controller connects to the pump to enable unattended operation. Process Control Event - This is a written test. There were two new changes this year: questions containing math or process data were in both English and metric units, and one of the process scenario problem sets was mandatory to encourage study in a particular area of wastewater operation. Safety Event - Teams respond to a simulated serious, life-threatening scenario. One member of a crew collapses inside a manhole and is found unconscious at the bottom of a confined space/lift station; it is suspected that this coworker has been overcome with an unknown gas or lack of oxygen. The in-plant rescue team is called immediately to the scene. As soon as the team arrives, another person has a heart attack; this is when the stopwatch starts for each team and a rescue effort begins. The heart-attack victim is unconscious, and the designated first responder calls 911 emer-
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gency services. The rescuer begins giving aid to the heart attack victim. Once the rescuer has finished giving aid, he or she will place a lock-and-tag on the gang hasp. At this point, the rescuer assists the rest of the team.
Teams Garnered and Gave Support This year the competition took place over two days. By utilizing a schedule of no more than three hours between events, teams were able to have their supporters present as they moved from one to the next. The excitement and enthusiasm was something to see! This passion for our work is at the very core of our industry operation and maintenance personnel. This year’s competition was gut-wrenching, but solidarity amongst the teams was indescribable. The two FWEA teams demonstrated a lot of camaraderie. Methane Madness, a repeater at this national event, provided numerous tips and suggestions to the newcomer, Rusty Pelicans. The Rusty Pelican’s coach, Anthony Lee, was at Methane Madness events coaching them during some of the categories. Both teams gave it their all and proudly represented Florida against the 41 other national teams. Although our teams did not bring home any awards, they represented Florida with passion, camaraderie, and competiveness in every event. They went there to compete, learn, and have fun. They saw firsthand what it takes to become number one, and yes, some of the
members felt disappointment. Like the professionals that they are, however, they sat together after the competition to discuss where they made mistakes and what they could have done better. The Florida Water Environment Association (FWEA) would like to say thank you to all the members who participated. I would hope that we as an industry can get behind this event in the coming year to support and elevate our teams to an award-ranking level.
Sponsors Provide Travel Support A big thank you also goes out to all of the sponsors, without whom these teams might not have been able to travel to New Orleans to compete in this important industry event. This year’s sponsors were: Blue Planet Environmental Systems Inc. Odyssey Manufacturing Co. L.J. Ruffin & Associates ARCADIS Water Resource Technologies Crom LLC FWPCOA Heyward Florida Inc. HD Supply Waterworks
Jones Edmunds Dallas1 Corporation Tetra Tech Inc. Reiss Engineering Inc. Polston Process
We look forward to their continued support of this event.
Competition Involvement and Sponsorship These competitions present the very best of our industry. Do you ever wonder what transpires behind the scenes during the operation of a wastewater treatment facility? Do you want to know how operators and technicians overcome flooding, sewer collapse, process failure, and other emergencies? Don’t take these unsung specialists for granted! Come see some of the best wastewater collection and treatment personnel in the world display their skills during Operations Challenge 2015 at next year’s Florida Water Resources Conference (FWRC), to be held May 3-6 in Orlando. Each team is entered by a Florida utility or could be part of a Florida Water and Pollution
Control Operators Association (FWPCOA) district. The first- and second-place teams from FWRC will be cosponsored by FWEA, FWPCOA, and various industry sponsors to compete at the national level at WEFTEC, which is being held Sept. 26-30, 2015, in Chicago. My goal for writing this article is to provide more exposure for this competition and to increase the number of teams entering the competition at the state level at FWRC. To help offset the cost to send a team to the nationals, we need help from the industry. You can support the Operations Challenge by becoming part of the sponsorship team. There are three levels of support and contributions can be sent to: FWEA Operations Challenge P.O. Box 782164 Orlando, FL 32878 For more information please visit the FWEA website at www.fwea.org or send me an email at bhayes@tavares.org. Brad Hayes is director of the City of Tavares Utilities Department.
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Register Now for 2015 Florida Water Resources Conference Contests! Operations Challenge Treatment plant operators from across Florida will compete in the 26th annual Operations Challenge at the Florida Water Resources Conference, which will be held May 3-6, 2015, in Orlando. Participants will be timed in five separate operational competitions to determine the state’s representative for the national Operations Challenge at WEFTEC 2015. The Operations Challenge promotes team
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building, leadership, education, and pride within a utility. Any utility that didn’t have a team in last year’s contest is especially encouraged to participate in the 2015 event. For information and entry forms, contact Chris Fasnacht, Operations Challenge chair, at 407-709-7372 or cfasnacht@stcloud.org.
Top Ops Competition The annual statewide Top Ops contest will also be held at the 2015 Florida Water Resources Conference. Top Ops is the “College Bowl” of the water industry. Teams of one, two, or three water operators or laboratory personnel from the FSAWWA regions compete against each other in a fast-paced question-and-answer tournament at the conference. A moderator poses a wide range of technical questions and math problems, and the team scoring the most points in the championship round is awarded the Florida Section AWWA Top Ops championship. The win-
December 2014 • Florida Water Resources Journal
ning team will earn a trip to ACE15 in Anaheim, Calif., to compete with teams from other AWWA sections in AWWA’s Top Ops contest. Utilities throughout the state are encouraged to enter. Teams do not have to consist of employees of the same utility; multiple utilities can sponsor a team. No video, audio, or digital recordings will be allowed during the competition. For registration forms and the 2015 rules, contact Chris Wetz, Top Ops Committee chair, at christopher.wetz@tampagov.net or 727-215-3514, or visit www.fsawwa.org/topops.
SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY
Safety Updates Doug Prentiss Sr. afety is and has always been a moving target, and one of the things I have tried to do is bring the most important changes in safety to the water and wastewater field—especially those changes that affect our core water industries. This year, I noticed several changes that were, in my humble opinion, very positive. Some of the items in this article have been discussed before, but some have not, so read on if you have any interest in keeping up with safety.
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Trench Update This news came from Scott Holowasko at Gainesville Regional Utilizes. Scott is one of our long-time FWEA Safety Committee members and he picked this up at his last in-service Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) trainer update class at Georgia Tech. A new letter of interpretation focuses on the part of a protective system that prevents materials from rolling over the side and into an open trench. The old rule consisted of a 2-ft setback of the spoil pile, but also required an 18-in. lip sticking up around the excavation opening to provide a fence or barrier so something like a pipe could not roll into the excavation and endanger the workers inside. The new interpretation no longer requires the 18-in. barrier to be above the ground-level surface. For instance, a trench shield being used with angle of repose must only have the upper top of the protective box at 18 in. above where the angle of repose meets the upper part of the box. So, if the top of the protective system is lower than the existing ground surface, but a slope or angle of repose is used to provide adequate protection down to the box and still provides the 18-in. barrier, it is acceptable. This was really a common-sense adjustment, but we all know common sense just isn’t that common any more. The last update before this allowed the use of an earthen ramp instead of a portable ladder. Ladders, ramps, or stairways must be located so as to allow no more than 25 ft of travel for workers to escape.
Excavation for a new lift station at Gainesville Regional Utilities
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December 2014 • Florida Water Resources Journal
Chlorine Update This update is pretty exciting for me because I am so pleased with some very positive movement in the world of chlorine gas. Pat Allman, who is widely known in our industry for his work related to bleach disinfection, used to call me Green dragon represents toxic gases the “Gashead from used by water and wastewater utilities, Gainesville” because of my such as chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, and involvement and support for carbon monoxide the chlorine gas form of disinfection. As a current member of the Florida Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers, I got to nominate Pat for the group’s award that was presented at this year’s Florida Water Resources Conference. When Tom Baber ushered Pat into the society, he talked about all the positive contributions Pat has made as a parent, professional, and volunteer, but I submitted the nomination to recognize him as one of the people who has helped to improve public and worker safety in Florida.
Chlorine Gas Perhaps the reason I am excited this year is that, in my view, the chlorine gas industry, in general, is making noticeable improvements that benefit everyone using gas or elemental liquid. The Chlorine Institute has always promoted safety and good stewardship of chlorine. There have always been many good chlorine vendors who promoted safety, but there were many who simply operated on price. It’s interesting that some organizations didn’t understand that price is not a reason when public safety is the issue. The good news I see is from the Institute, chlorine suppliers, state regulators, and from our operators. The Institute has funded research and enhanced safety standards in its guidance documents and standards. The chlorine suppliers are adopting and applying procedures to improve safety and working directly with plants to ensure a coordinated effort. State regulators are performing risk management plan audits at all gas facilities and encouraging the use of the latest technology to ensure public safety and that our operators are better trained and have better equipment. The first improvement of note is the increased qualChlorine gas apparatus ity control effort by the busi-
nesses that repackage elemental chlorine and provide many of our treatment plants with gas and elemental liquid. This year, I travelled all over Florida, and the quality of service being given to containers and cylinders has improved visibly; examples are quality control indicators on the containers and cylinders fresh tare weights written legibility next to the original tare weight, which allows operators to make accurate decisions.
Chlorine Containers Packing nuts are being torqued and then labeled to reduce leaks by discouraging operators from loosening them when trying to open stuck valves. Valves are being closed by torque wrenches to allow for a more controlled resistance during opening of valves by an operator. Because of these actions, the service, inspection, and replacement or rebuilding of valves and fuse plugs appears to have improved. I do still see some 1-in. thread fuse plugs, but all appeared to be installed perfectly with the correct range of threads showing. Properly serviced, these containers were designed to give a lifetime of safe service. Right now, sitting in secure sites in the Unites States are similar containers filled with our most dangerous military chemicals. Buried in bunkers waiting to be neutralized or destroyed, some of these same ton containers have held chemicals captive since the end of World War II. The basic design of 1-ton containers is very safe, rugged, and reliable, but still requires trained professional to handle, store, and use them, and I think that is what I am seeing at our plants. Our workers are better trained, and so are the suppliers’ workers, and the result appears to be a new level of professionalism by handlers of hazardous chemicals at every level.
New side patch device in Chlorine Institute emergency B kit
ton kit contains a new device that works on valves or fuse plugs and it works really well on both! The kit is over $3000, but it’s worth every penny. I recently had a chance to use one of the new B kits and it resolves several significant issues present in the old ones. The A kit looks even better because the hood now has the bolts located on it so you can individually adjust each bolt to ensure that the hood tightens down evenly to stop the leak. The program being developed for chlorine technicians at the Training Research and Education for Environmental Occupations (TREEO) Center, which will be presented in January, will include training for the new kits, and we will have one new 1-ton kit for some hands-on training. If you coordinate gas chlorine use, this would be a good program to attend if you’re interested in the new kits and their capabilities. The 150-lb emergency recovery and containment vessel is not new, but its use as a primary tool for utility first responders is. The emergency recovery vessel is becoming the new best friend of many chlorine first responders. Similar to a torpedo tube on wheels, the cylinder is slid into the tube and a door with six latches is bolted down to lock away the dangerous gas. The recovery vessel also has a valve on it to remove the gas and safely deal with the damaged cylinder. Once again, this device is over $3,000, but what it gives responders is a way to resolve any leak on a cylinder. Yes—any leak! Complete information about the kits is available at www.chlorineinstitute.org.
Gas Detection
New Chlorine A and B Kits
Years ago, gas detectors were the size of a large suitcase and took three separate bottles of gas to calibrate, but they were a lot safer than looking for coach roaches. We all liked it when they became smaller and started using one bottle for all the gases—but more big changes are happening. The latest technology stretches the warranty time on sensors, simplifies the calibration process, and makes the bump test possible with the push of a button. If you’re thinking at all about replacing or purchasing a gas detector, do your comparison shopping because prices are coming down and capabilities are going up in gas detection. If you have any other new information related to safety that you would like to share, please contact me at dougprentiss@windstream.net. I wish each of you Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and a safe New Year!
The Chlorine Institute has released the much awaited updates to the chlorine A and B emergency response kits, and they are excellent. The 1-
Doug Prentiss Sr. provides a wide range of safety services throughout Florida. (photos and graphic: Doug Prentiss Sr.)
Silver chlorine containers
Overall, the appearance and function of 1-ton containers and 150lb cylinders appears to have improved, and those improvements seem to have been adopted by all of the Florida elemental chlorine suppliers. The Institute only makes recommendations, and each of these chlorine suppliers must ultimately decide the level of safety they will employ on a daily basis. It’s been good this year to see the bar raised by our Florida suppliers and the Institute itself.
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FWEA FOCUS
After the Election: The Future of Water Resources Funding Brian L. Wheeler, guest columnist ow that the U.S. election is over, the water and wastewater industry can begin to assess its impacts and begin to look towards the 2015 legislative session. Next year’s session has the potential to be very significant with respect to water resources and water quality. Prior to the election, Governor Rick Scott, Senate President Andy Gardiner (R-Orlando), and Speaker of the House Steve Crisafulli (R-Meritt Island) had signaled that one of the main focuses of the session would be water resources. Some have begun to label next year’s legislative session as the “Year of Water,” but time will tell. Potentially, the most significant outcome of
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the election for the water and wastewater industry, and perhaps the state, was the landslide passage of Amendment 1, known as the Water and Land Conservation Amendment to the Florida Constitution. The amendment requires 33 percent of the net revenues from the excise tax on documents for the next 20 years to be dedicated to the “Land Acquisition Trust Fund to acquire, restore, improve, and manage conservation lands. . .lands protecting water resources and drinking water resources, including the Everglades and the water quality of rivers, lakes, streams. . .” The primary source of the document tax is real estate transactions, with the estimate of the amount available under Amendment 1 for 2015 to be around $700 million, and growing to over $1 billion in several years, if the
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economy continues its recovery. Does this amendment mean that there will be significant new funding for water projects and programs in the next 20 years? Based on the statements of various legislative leaders about Amendment 1, there will most likely be some additional funding designated for water resource-related projects or programs; however, all of the Amendment 1 revenue will not fund new programs and projects. There are presently a number of existing environmental and water resource-related programs that are presently funded annually by the legislature, which will now receive their funding from Amendment 1. For example, in the last two years, the legislature has allocated significant funds to Continued on page 41
FSAWWA SPEAKING OUT
Change is the Key! Carl R. Larrabee Jr. Chair, FSAWWA
he quote, “The only thing that is constant is change,” is attributed to Greek philosopher Heraclitus (c. 535–475 BC). Whether we want it to occur or not, change happens. Change in and of itself is neither good nor bad. Change can be for the better or for the worse. Sometimes change is thrust upon you, and sometimes you make it happen. Oftentimes, you don’t know the results until something has been changed and it’s been experienced for a while. Those of us in the water industry are continually impacted by change. Technologies are ever expanding. Workers change employers or retire. The economy races ahead or stalls. Costs increase. Treatment plants are expanded and/or upgraded. New (cheap) water sources become scarcer. Political policies vary with election results; altered budgeting philosophies follow and are taken in stride. Competition occurs as utilities’ boundaries draw nearer. Rules for withdrawing, treating, and distributing water are amended, requiring changes to rates, human resources policies, and/or treatment methods and equipment. Fortunately, humans have the capacity for adaptation. Many of us are problem solvers. Others are good at putting solutions into practice and making them work. In spite of all these changes, overall, the record for continuous water
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Focus Continued from page 40 projects related to the Everglades Restoration Project, totally approximately $120 million this year. In the future, those types of funds will most likely be budgeted from the Amendment 1 revenue. Additionally, in the last couple years, the legislature has budgeted $50-70 million for local water projects, funding that could now come from Amendment 1. Environmental interests, which were behind Amendment 1, expect a significant portion of the funds to be spent for purchase and management of lands for conservation. In other words, there are existing programs that will be competing for a slice of the Amendment 1 revenue pie. The previously mentioned expressions of intent by the governor and legislative leaders to
supply to customers is consistently extremely high throughout our country. I know at my home of 28 years in Cocoa, I don’t recall the water ever being out of service. That’s definitely not the case for power, telephone, and cable TV! The dedication and the performance of the professionals in public water supply are truly phenomenal. I recall in my 33 years in municipal utilities scores of situations that were dealt with to keep the water flowing. Treatment plant workers routinely dealt with commercial power outages or minor equipment failures. The resourcefulness they consistently exhibited kept the water supply going without customers being impacted or even knowing there was a problem. During hurricanes, operators and maintenance workers stayed at their posts, assuring continuous flow during and after the high winds subsided. In the distribution system, utility workers made repairs, often maintaining water pressure to avoid disruption of service. On one occasion, a puncture leak caused by a grading contractor on a 36-in. pipe was temporarily stopped by inserting a carved wooden shovel handle. Water loss and traffic disruption were abated until permanent repairs were scheduled for a more opportune time. I’m sure that many of you reading this have numerous similar accounts. If they were written and compiled, they’d make a wonderful testimonial to the commitment of the folks in this industry. Dealing successfully with the changes thrown at those providing safe, affordable water is one aspect of change. Another major one is
promoting change from within. “The most damaging phrase in the English language is, ‘We’ve always done it this way.’” This quote is attributed to Rear Admiral Grace Hopper (1906–1992). The mindset that precedes the utterance of this phrase is in direct conflict with change. Oftentimes it stymies constructive change; good ideas that, once implemented, could reduce costs, improve service and reliability, and provide a stepping stone to even greater advancements. Two groups you aren’t likely to hear such a phrase from are employees just entering the field and experienced new hires. Look for them in the workplace. Encourage opportunities for them to ask “why” or “what if ” questions. If you aren’t in one of those groups, you would do well to fight the tendency to ignore looking beyond standard operating procedures. It probably won’t be easy, but what you may find are fresh fields ripe with opportunities for change—real change that actually turns out for the better! This is my last “Speaking Out” column. As the Florida Section AWWA chair, it’s been fun bringing you these writings each month. This past year has gone by especially fast; as soon as one article was written, it seemed another one was already due! Rick Harmon, editor for this magazine, has been a pleasure to work with. My daughter, Jessica Endress, has been my personal copy editor throughout the year. Thanks to both of you, my columns have had that professional touch! To all of our readers, thank you as well for letting me share a bit of my life’s knowledge and experience with you this past year. It’s been a real treat!
have some focus on increased funding for water resource projects in 2015 probably means that Amendment 1 will be that source of increased funding. There are some common themes being heard relative to that potential for increased funding. One area of focus will be for springs restoration and preservation. Some form of the springs bill, which passed the senate last year, is expected to be proposed again in 2015. There are several areas related to springs restoration and preservation that would require significant funding; for example, converting septic tanks to central sewage systems and improving nitrogen removal levels from wastewater treatment facilities within a spring protection and management zone. Funding for water resource projects will most likely focus on alternative water supply
(AWS) projects and include some formula for matching funding from the water management districts and a significant local match. Emphasis for AWS funding could by prioritized for regional projects that involve multiple agencies. These are two of the areas that are likely to benefit from the Amendment 1 funding in the short term. The implementation of Amendment 1 beginning next year will begin a discussion and debate that will continue over the next several years over the best application of the designated funds. The water and wastewater industry needs to be a strong voice in that discussion, articulating and educating the legislature about the needs of the state. Brian L. Wheeler is executive director of Toho Water Authority in Kissimmee.
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F W R J
Surge Protections: Modeling vs. Design vs. Construction Jinsheng Huo ydraulic transients, also known as pressure surge or water hammer, are the timevarying phenomena that occur when the equilibrium of steady flow in a system is disturbed by a change of flow that occurs over a relatively short time period, such as rapidly closing a valve or loss of power on a pump. Hydraulic transients can introduce large pressures and rapid fluid accelerations into a water distribution system, which can result in pump and device failures, system fatigue or pipe ruptures, and dirty water backflow and intrusion. Thus, surge control is extremely important for the design of hydraulic systems and for water system operation and protection. To complete surge protection systems, engineering projects typically have three phases (modeling, design, and construction) that might lead to changes in a system. During the modeling phase, the surge problems are identified by the surge modeling programs and alternatives are evaluated and recommended based on the modeling results. Although modeling results provide a good reference on what to do to mitigate potential surge damage, it is sometimes impractical to apply all of these methods. As a result, during the design phase, sound engineering judgments are needed to finalize the engineering design, as well as the consideration of other factors, such as tradeoff between risk and cost, client preferences, etc. The last phase is the construction phase, where uncertainties could be anywhere and anytime. Therefore, it is not uncommon that some engineering design may need to be re-evaluated and revised based on the real field conditions and other factors, such as unavailability or unreliability of specified or alternative equipment, which may be changed during the value engineering or bidding phase. The surge analysis might be needed to reevaluate the new conditions and confirm that the revised surge protections can meet the designated requirements. To elaborate why and how the surge protection systems changed during these three phases, the regional Peace River Water Treatment Facility expansion project is presented. Its final surge protection systems include hydropneumatic tanks, bypass valves, surge valves, air valves, etc., as well as operations and maintenance guidelines. The final simulation results indicate that the surge control
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strategies will provide adequate surge protections to the pumping and pipe systems. Common methods of surge control include: careful design of the plan and profile of the pumping station and pipeline system; selection of pipes and fittings to withstand the anticipated pressures; identification of proper start-up, operation, and shutdown procedures for the system; and selection and location of the proper control devices to mitigate the adverse effects of surge events. The advantages and disadvantages of the control devices, such as hydropneumatic tanks, air vacuum or release valves, surge anticipation or relief valves, and pump control valves, are also discussed. Furthermore, analysis of a surge protection system for a large pumping system is presented.
Methods Surge Review The primary cause of hydraulic transients is start-up or shutdown of pumps, or rapid opening or closing of valves. The analyses of pressures, velocities, and other abnormal behaviors caused by hydraulic transients make it possible to effectively choose various control strategies, such as: 1) selection of pipes and fittings to withstand the anticipated upsurge and downsurge pressures, 2) selection and location of the proper control devices to mitigate adverse effects of pressure transients, and 3) control of start-up, operation, and shutdown procedures to avoid rapid flow changes. Pumping and piping systems are subject to potential surge problems. However, in practice, sometimes it is impossible to analyze them all due to time and budget constraints. Therefore, empirical guidelines can be used to determine whether a complete transient analysis is required (Jones, G.M.; Sanks, R.L.; Tchobanoglous, G.; and Bosserman, B.E., 2006). Generally speaking, a surge analysis is recommended if a system has one of following cases: Pumping system with a total dynamic head (TDH) larger than 14 meters (m) or 50 ft, and a flow greater than 115 cu meters per hour (m3/h) or 500 gal per minute (gpm). Any pressurized pipe with a diameter greater than 200 mm (8 in.) and a length longer than
December 2014 • Florida Water Resources Journal
Jinsheng Huo, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE, is capital projects manager with City of Sunrise and is president and chief engineer of JINSHENG HUO in Fort Lauderdale.
300 m (1000 ft). Any system where column separations can occur, such as systems with knees (points where gradient reduces) or high points, or pressurized pipelines with a more than 100m (300-ft) steep gradient followed by a long, shallow gradient. There is no simple way to perform reliable transient analyses due to many complicated factors. Computer modeling is available to analyze surge events; however, it might not always be practical to conduct surge analysis due to the high cost of proprietary surge programs. Therefore, the extent of the analysis should be related to the size and cost of specific project requirements. It is suggested that designers use more than one program to compare results as a check on the surge simulations. Experience shows that different programs might provide significantly different simulation results, although these programs are based on the same or similar principal theories. Two principal equations are:
(1)
(2)
Where, a is elastic wave speed in water contained in a pipe (m/s, or ft/s), K is the bulk modulus of elasticity of water in (N/m2, or lb/ft2), E is modulus of elasticity of pipe material (N/m2, or lb/ft2), D is inside pipe diameter in meters (m, or ft), e is the pipe wall thickness (m, or ft), C is a correction factor for type of pipe restraint, r is the density of water (kg/m3, or slugs/ft3), Dh is the change in pressure head (m, or ft), is the change in velocity of water caused by the event (m/s, or ft/s), and g is the acceleration due to
gravity (m/s2, or ft/s2); Jones, G.M., et al, 2006. Table 1 shows the typical values for wave speed for water in pipes. Program developers provide designers a “black box” solution. Designers generally do not exactly know how the computer analysis program solves the complicated surge events. Therefore, designers should not depend solely on computer results; instead, they should use their own judgment to make the reasonable decisions, with help from computer simulations.
Table 1. Typical Wave Speed in Pipe for Water Containing Dissolved Air
Surge Control Methods Three key elements should be considered when designing a surge protection: 1) identify events that result in surge conditions, 2) evaluate system vulnerability to surges, and 3) consider susceptibility to infiltrations under low pressure (down surge) transients. Surge control strategies are developed according to operational practices that can cause transients, engineering practices that will minimize the impact of transients, and maintenance practices to reduce the likelihood of intrusion when surge occurs. The commonly used surge control devices and their advantages and disadvantages are shown in Table 2; surge control strategies are shown in Table 3. From a review of the plan and profile of the pumping station and pipeline system, as well as the operation and maintenance procedures, it is possible to determine where potential hydraulic transient problems may exist and what methods might be taken to control them with the help of computer simulations. Designers can reduce transient pressure by avoiding knees, high spots, and steep gradients near the pump or along the pipelines (i.e., flatten grade lines). If any of these conditions cannot be avoided, a combination of piping/fitting strength and control strategies can be used to provide adequate protection at reasonable cost. It is recommended to design the surge protections based on advanced surge analyses and simulations.
Table 2. Commonly Used Surge Control Devices
Table 3. Commonly Used Surge Control Strategies
Surge Analysis Programs These programs have their advantages and disadvantages. There is no easy way to choose one program over another; ideally, a designer should have access to at least two programs so that the results can be compared and evaluated.
Surge Analysis Project Description The Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority (Authority) is an independent regional water supply company providing drinking water to Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties in southwest Florida. A con-
sultant will design and expand the Regional Peace River Water Treatment Facility from 24 mil gal per day (mgd) to 51 mgd. This expansion program included three major pumping stations: North Regional High-Service Pumping Stations (NRHSPS) – The North System: Design Flow = 21 mgd, Head = 80 pounds per
sq in. (psi) South Regional High-Service Pumping Station – The South System: Design Flow = 45 mgd, Head = 80 psi River Pumping Station – Design Flow = 90 mgd, Head = 40 psi Continued on page 44
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Figure 1. Pipe Length (ft) and Junction Elevation (ft) of the North System
Figure 2. Profile of the North Regional System Transmission Main
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Continued from page 43 The North System is reviewed as an example; the South System will also be discussed briefly because it changed to an integrated system with the North System during the construction/operation phase. The North System consists of four variable speed pumps with a firm capacity of 21 mgd and discharge head of 80 psi. The design condition of each pump is 7 mgd, 80 psi, or about 5840 gpm, 185 ft. The main transmission line is 23 mi of 42-in. thin-wall (3/16-in.) steel pipe. It conveys finished potable water at the plant to the North Regional Transmission System, primarily pumping to ground storage located at Sarasota County’s T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Water Treatment Plant (Carlton WTP). This pump was designed to pump 21 mgd flow with a minimum of 20 psi residual pressure at the end of the 42-in. diameter pipeline, in accordance with the Authority’s water supply contract. Hydraulic Modeling It is necessary to run the hydraulic modeling first to determine the starting point before a surge event happens. As shown, the hydraulic modeling of the NRHSPS system is completed
to: 1) confirm the design of pumping and piping systems, and 2) determine the starting point for the following surge analysis: 1. Discharge pressure for Sarasota County at the Carlton WTP is set at 20 psi (about 47 ft). The pipeline terminates at a future ground storage reservoir. 2. The North Regional Transmission Line is a 122,000-ft (38.71-km), 42-in. steel pipe. A roughness factor of C = 120 was used. 3. With three pumps running and one standby, the simulated operating condition for each pump running is 5,758 gpm, 189 ft, according to the simulation results. The hydraulic system is shown in Figure 1. For hydraulic modeling, a lower C-value needs to be selected to be conservative. However, for surge analysis, it is opposite—the higher the C-valve is, the more conservative the modeling result is. Surge Analysis: Settings 1. Pressure Wave Speed – The wave speed varies from 340 m/s (1,115 ft/s) to 1,438 m/s (4,718 ft/s) for thin-wall plastic pipes to thick steel pipes. The North Regional Transmission System has thin steel pipes. A pressure wave speed of 1,000 m/s (3,280 ft/s) is calculated using Equation (1). 2. Critical Time Period – The equation (tc = 2*L/a = 2*122,000 ft / 3,280 ft/s ≈ 75 s) means a valve closed in any shorter time produces the maximum pressure head rise at the valve, where pressure rise is reduced if the valve is closed in a longer time interval. 3. Liquid Properties – Because the pumped fluid in the system is drinking water, a temperature of 20 ºC (68 ºF) and a specific gravity of 1.0 are assumed. 4. Vapor Pressure – For drinking water systems at typical temperatures and pressures, an approximate vapor pressure of –10.0 m (– 14.2 psi, –32.8 ft) is used. If the system’s elevation is significantly different from sea level, the vapor pressure should be adjusted according to published references. 5. Elevations – Extremely important in hydraulic transient modeling. Therefore, defining the profile of a pipeline is a key requirement prior to undertaking any hydraulic transient analysis. The piping profile, as shown in Figure 2, is built based on the record drawings.
modeling results. The surge analysis of the existing system without surge protections is illustrated in Figure 3.
Modeling of Surge Protection Systems The hydraulic modeling and surge analysis of the North System is completed and corresponding surge control strategies and equipment are recommended based on the
Figure 3 shows that: There are serious downsurge problems, as highlighted with the gray color under the pipelines. The most serious consequence of downsurge is column separation, which
Figure 3. Surge Analysis of the North System Without Surge Protections
Figure 4. Surge Analysis of the North System with Recommend Protections
must always be avoided. Column separation occurs if water is boiling and forming large air pockets when external air pressure drops below the saturated vapor pressure at a certain temperature. There are also air pocket problems, which is also likely to occur at knees. When air pockets collapse, two or more liquid columns can Continued on page 46
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Continued from page 45 collide at extremely high speed, which can cause enormous forces and damages; the first and second highest point and the discharge point from pumps will be considered. It should be noted that air pocket problems commonly are the key reasons for downsurge/upsurge problems. The corresponding control strategies and equipment are similar as previously discussed. Various control methods for preventing column separation include, but are not limited
to: 1) adding flywheels to the pumps sized to prevent the column separation, 2) installing pneumatic tanks (air chambers), and 3) adding air vacuum or release valves. Theoretically, adding flywheels to the pumps is an option to prevent column separation and downsurge pressures by extending the pump shut-off time, especially when there is a power outage; however, the mechanical flywheel might not be practical in reality. Some pump manufacturers hesitate to use flywheels because
of potential adverse effects on the pump performance (for example, reduced efficiency). A hydropneumatic tank is selected to provide the required surge protection, especially for downsurge, which is modeled at Junction J28 (pump discharge point). According to record drawings, a 6-in. air combination valve is also installed at Junction 60 (flow meter), which has the highest elevation (25 ft). Figure 4 shows the results of the surge analysis without proposed surge protections. From the simulation results, it can be concluded that: The selected hydropneumatic tank is a 3600ft^3 bladder tank with an inlet diameter of 24 in. and a preset pressure of 50-ft H2O. With recommended surge protections, it will reduce upsurge and downsurge pressures significantly. Ideally, negative pressure should be eliminated under any condition; however, modeling results indicate that the theoretical size of a hydropneumatic tank to eliminate native downsurge is impractically large. The allowable negative pressure will be discussed. During the modeling phase, the North and South systems are designed to operate separately. These two systems have two interconnections, but both connections are defaulted as “closed.”
Figure 5. Surge Analysis of the North Regional High-Service Pumping Stations System With Recommend Surge Protections
Figure 6. Recommended Surge Protections for the North and South System During the Design Phase
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December 2014 • Florida Water Resources Journal
Design of Surge Protection Systems Although modeling results provide a good guidance to designers on the selection of surge control devices, the indicated selections and sizes of devices may be impractical to construct. As a result, during the design phase, sound engineering judgment is needed. A document provided by a manufacturer of surge tanks shows that pipe systems will be tested and qualified in terms of their ability to withstand a certain “negative pressure.” If there is no further explanation, it means that it is an atmospheric test: atmospheric pressure air outside the pipe, with cyclical pressure drop inside. In practice, pipes are usually buried, and the external pressure is different from atmospheric pressure. The North Regional Transmission Main is a 42-in. steel pipe with a 3/16-in. wall thickness. The theoretical design standard to prevent buckling of this pipe is a negative pressure of -5 psi. For selection of the surge control system, a design goal of -2 psi is used, with a safety factor of 2.5. To do this, use of hydropneumatic tanks could be avoided by considering that the existing 42-in. transmission has roughly one 6-in. air valve every half mi and adding one 18-in. pump bypass line. The results indicate that the pressure in the pipeline will not fall below –2 psi (-
4.62 ft) if 6-in. fast-acting air valves are installed every mi (not even every half mi). The modeling results are shown in Figure 5. After evaluation of the surge simulation results, the recommended surge protections for the NRHSPS are: 1) add four 6-in. quick-response combination air valves at four pump discharge lines, 2) upgrade the combination air valve next to the flow meters to a 6-in. air valve, 3) use pump control valves instead of regular weighted check valves, 4) add one 18-in. surge anticipation and relief valve, and 5) add a 18in. pump bypass line. For the South System, the recommended surge protections are: 1) add five 6-in. quick response combination air valves at pump discharge lines, 2) upgrade the air valves next to the flow meters to 6-in. combination air valves, 3) use pump control valves instead of regular weighted check valves, 4) add one 18-in. surge relief valve, 5) add a 18-in. pump bypass line, and 6) use two hydropneumatic tanks at Node 116 at the pump discharge manifold, with a total volume of 2500 ft^3. For the River Pumping Station, the recommended surge protections are: 1) add 6-in. quick-response combination air valve at pump discharge line, 2) add or replace the 6-in. combination air valves next to where the flow meter is, at the local high point, 3) use pump control valves instead of regular weighted check valves, and 4) add one 24-in. surge anticipation and relief valve to release high-pressure backflow water to the Peace River. For the Recycle Pumping Station, the recommended surge protections are: 1) add 6-in. quick-response combination air valve at pump discharge line, 2) add or replace the 6-in. air combination valves next to where the flow meter is, at the local high point, 3) use pump control valves instead of regular weighted check valves, and 4) add one 18-in. surge anticipation and relief valve to release high-pressure backflow water to the wet well. Construction of Surge Protection Systems The last phase of implementation is the construction phase, where various details and needs to coordinate with related construction will become apparent. Therefore, it is not uncommon that some engineering designs may need to be re-evaluated and revised based on field conditions and other factors, such as unavailability or unreliability of specified or alternative equipment. Based on final adjustment or constraints on equipment, the surge analysis may need to be updated to reevaluate the new conditions and verify that the finalized surge protections can meet the designated requirements.
Figure 7. Recommended Surge Protections for the North and South System During the Construction Phase
Two major changes occurred during the construction phase: It was decided to interconnect the North and South system discharge piping to function as one system to improve reliability and provide backup systems. This change was made in consideration of existing piping, system reliability, compatibility of North and South system operating pressures, common ground storage tanks, and proximity. Due to indoor space limitation and construction feasibility, the two indoor smaller hydropneumatic tanks established in the design phase were revised to one large tank and moved out to the closest location outside the pump building. The revised configuration was re-evaluated and confirmed by the modeling results. Other minor changes are mainly to originally specified equipment: The surge valve manufacturer was changed during value engineering. These surge valves require positive pressurized water source to close the valves. The hydropneumatic tank was changed from a bladder to nonbladder tank using an air compressor due to vender experience and cost concerns.
Figures 6 and 7 compare the as-designed versus as-constructed configuration of the North and South pumping system.
Conclusions Commonly used surge control strategies were presented, including: 1) redesign of the plan and profile of the pumping station and pipeline system, 2) selection of pipes and fittings to withstand the anticipated pressures, 3) identification of proper start-up, operation, and shutdown procedures for the system, and 4) selection and location of the proper control devices to mitigate the adverse effects of surge events. The advantages and disadvantages of the control devices, such as hydropneumatic tanks, air valves, surge valves, and pump control valves, were also discussed. To complete the surge protection systems, typical engineering projects have three phases: modeling, design, and construction. During the modeling phase, the surge problems are identified by the surge modeling programs and several alternatives are evaluated and recommended based on the modeling results. To avoid overdependence on “black box� software, independent analyses using three differContinued on page 48
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Continued from page 47 ent programs were conducted to verify the simulation results. Although modeling results provide a good guidance of selecting a surge control device and strategy, it is sometimes impractical to apply all of these methods. As a result, during the design phase, sound engineering judgment is needed to finalize design details. The last phase is the construction phase, where various details and the need to coordinate with related construction will become apparent. Therefore, it is not uncommon that the design details will need to be re-evaluated and revised based on field conditions and other factors, such as unavailability or unreliability of specified or alternative equipment. The surge analysis might be needed to re-evaluate the new conditions and confirm that the revised surge protections can meet the designated requirements. To illustrate why and how the surge protection systems changed during these three phases, the 51-mgd Regional Peace River Water Treatment Facility expansion project was presented. Obviously, the pipelines and pumping systems serving public water supplies are critical and no failures are acceptable; plus, effectiveness of surge control cannot be tested. Therefore, reliable surge analysis and protection system are needed and redundant surge control systems are also recommended. The final surge protection systems as constructed include hydropneumatic tanks, bypass valves, surge valves, air valves, etc., as well as operations and maintenance guidelines. The final simulation results indicate that the surge control strategies will provide adequate surge protections to various pumping systems and large-capacity transmission mains.
Reference • American Water Works Association (1989), Manual of Water Supply Practices: Steel Pipe A Guide for Design and Installation, AWWA M11. • AECOM/Boyle Engineering Corp. (2005), Basis of Design Report, Peace River Facility Expansion, Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority. • HAMMERTM User Guide, Bentley Systems Inc. 2005. • Huo, J.; Eckmann, D.H.; and Morris, K.E. (2007), Surge Protections:Review, Analysis, and Engineering Design, Proceedings of AWWA/ACE07, Toronto, Ont., Canada. • Jones, G.M.; Sanks, R.L.; Tchobanoglous, G.; and Bosserman, B.E. (2006) Pumping Station Design, Third Edition, Butterworth-Heinemann, Woburn, Mass.
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Certification Boulevard
Test Your Knowledge of Distribution and Collection Topics
Roy Pelletier 1. What is the term for the slope that granular material forms when it finally comes to rest? A. B. C. D.
Angle of repose Pitch Exfiltration Friction
B. 959 yd3 D. 266 yd3
A. B. C. D.
Pig TV device Boring machine Backhoe machine
7. Which type of sewer system contains both sanitary wastewater and stormwater?
A. True B. False 3. Ammonia and sulfuric acid are common oxidizing chemicals used to counteract the corrosion caused by hydrogen sulfide in collection systems and pumping stations. A. True B. False 4. What is water entering a collection system from the ground level, like a manhole cover, called? Infiltration Exfiltration Inflow Oxidation
A. 7,172 yd3 C. 36 yd3
6. What type of machine is used to construct collection system pipelines when they are too deep for trench excavations?
2. When a flap gate is mounted in a pipe, the fluid is allowed to flow only in one direction.
A. B. C. D.
5. Given the following data, how many cubic yards of backfill will be required to fill this trench? • 6.75 ft wide • 125 ft long • 8.5 ft deep
A. B. C. D.
Domestic wastewater system Combined sewer system Separate collection system Sewer system evaluation survey
8. Given the following data, how long will it take for wastewater to flood a wet well if the wet well is empty and the pumping station fails? • 450 ft of 10-in. force main pipe entering the wet well • wet well diameter is 10 ft • bottom elevation of wet well is 78.5 ft • top elevation of wet well is 89.4 ft • flow entering wet well at 75 cu ft/min A. 2.1 hours C. 9.35 minutes
B. 11.4 minutes D. 1.4 hours
LOOKING FOR ANSWERS?
Check the Archives Are you new to the water and wastewater field? Want to boost your knowledge about topics youʼll face each day as a water/waste-water professional? All past editions of Certification Boulevard through the year 2000 are available on the Florida Water Environment Associationʼs website at www.fwea.org. Click the “Site Map” button on the home page, then scroll down to the Certification Boulevard Archives, located below the Operations Research Committee.
9. What is the minimum velocity in a sanitary sewer pipeline necessary to prevent settling of solids and debris? A. B. C. D.
1 fps (ft per second) 0.5 fps 2 fps 2 fpm (ft per minute)
10. Given the following data, what is the volume of this wet well? • flow entering is 155 gal per minute (gpm) • frequency and duration of flow is 4 minutes every 10 minutes • detention time is 1.2 hours A. B. C. D.
169,280 gal 0.08928 mg 4,464 gal 0.0744 mg
Answers on page 62
SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS Readers are welcome to submit questions or exercises on water or wastewater treatment plant operations for publication in CertificationBoulevard. Send your question (with the answer) or your exercise (with the solution) by email to roy.pelletier@cityoforlando.net, or by mail to: Roy Pelletier Wastewater Project Consultant City of Orlando Public Works Department Environmental Services Wastewater Division 5100 L.B. McLeod Road Orlando, FL 32811 407-716-2971
Florida Water Resources Journal • December 2014
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FSAWWA and Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association Strengthen Ties at Conference Jason A. Johnson This past October, FSAWWA chair-elect, Mark Lehigh, participated in the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) Conference and Exhibition that was held in Paradise Island, Bahamas. Mark’s participation is part of a memorandum of understanding (MOU), executed in July 2011, among the American Water Works Association (AWWA); the Caribbean Basin Water Management Program (CBWMP), now known as the Caribbean Water and Sewerage Association (CAWASA); and the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA). The MOU envisions the completion of a work plan to: Create a collaborative relationship among the parties. Increase the regional water-focused intellectual and professional capacity.
Work toward establishing an agreement among the parties to explore the additional value to what already exists within AWWA and the two Caribbean associations. During the CWWA conference, Mark participated in a workshop on risk management and natural disasters for water operators in the Caribbean that was co-organized by the regional platform of Water Operators' Partnerships in the Caribbean (Cari-WOP), Water Operators' Partnerships-Latin America and the Caribbean (WOP-LAC), and Global Water Operators Partnership Alliance (GWOPA)/United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat). The meeting concluded with inquiries about the possibilities for establishing water operator partnerships between Caribbean and U.S. utilities. Mark suggested that CariWOP could begin by introducing itself, its partners, and its
programs by sending profiles and information about CariWOP and its member utilities, including CWWA and CAWASA, to FSAWWA’s fall conference. The CWWA has now committed to sending representatives to attend the conference to distribute information and make contacts. Additionally, Mark was able to accept a banner on behalf of FSAWWA as the cohost for the 2015 CWWA Conference and Exhibition to be held in Miami, Fla., the week of August 24. The FSAWWA Region VII, in cooperation with CWWA, has already initiated planning and preparations, with additional announcements to be made at the FSAWWA fall conference. Jason A. Johnson, P.E., is president of the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association.
Mark Lehigh, FSAWWA chair-elect, at the Risk Management and Natural Disasters Workshop.
Mark Lehigh accepts the 2015 CWWA host banner with Jason Johnson, the then-incoming CWWA president.
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How the University of South Florida Won Its Third Student Design Competition Andrew Filippi The Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) is the largest conference of its kind in North America and offers water quality professionals from around the world some of the best water quality education and training available today. It is also recognized as the largest annual water quality exhibition in the world. Our University of South Florida (USF) team competed against seven other universities at the national-level Student Design Competition held at WEFTEC in New Orleans on September 28. Each university was representing their region within the United States. We won the regional competition in May at the Florida Water Resources Conference in Orlando to earn a spot in the national competition. Work on this project started in December 2013 as part of the capstone senior design course, which is traditionally taken in the last semester of an engineering student’s undergraduate program. It was a great experience that puts all of the concepts we learned in school into practice. One of the great things about the program at USF is that all of the capstone projects use realworld issues. Our instructors, Professor Sarina Ergas and Tom Cross, ask local municipalities to work with students to solve real-life problems. Our team worked with Tom Rawls and Kim Rogers of the Hillsborough County Public Utilities Department to analyze three wastewater treatment plants in its south/central service area and to design an expansion for one of them. Our project was titled “South/Central Hillsborough County Service Area Capital Improvements Project.” In addition to working with professionals at Hillsborough County, we also had the pleasure of
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Undergraduate students from the University of South Florida win first place in the national wastewater design competition at WEFTEC in New Orleans. From left to right: Winsome Jackson, Lauren Davis, Andrew Filippi, Herby Jean, Richard Johnson, Michael Esteban, and Dr. Sarina Ergas (adviser).
working with Juan Oquendo of Gresham Smith & Partners and Ifetayo Venner of ARCADIS U.S. Inc., who both mentored us throughout the project. Working with all of these individuals helped bridge the gap between school and the work environment. With all of us graduating soon, it was a very valuable experience. Dr. Ergas has had teams competing in the WEF and Florida Water Environment Association (FWEA) student design competitions since 2011.This is the third year in a row that USF has won first place at the national level in either the wastewater or environmental design categories (2012, environmental; 2013, wastewater; and 2014, wastewater). Our team put a lot of time and effort into this year’s competition. We’re glad that we could keep USF’s momentum going. It
December 2014 • Florida Water Resources Journal
goes a long way in bringing positive national recognition to our school’s program. This year, the first-place prize included a $2,500 cash award; copies of Computer Applications in Hydraulic Engineering, 8th Edition; an engraved plaque; and a year-long subscription to USF for a suite of architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) computer programs offered by Bentley Systems Inc. Our team was able to travel to New Orleans for the national competition with sponsorships from FWEA and ARCADIS. We want to say thank you to everyone who has helped us along the way. Go Bulls! Andrew Filippi was the project manager for the University of South Florida team.
FWPCOA TRAINING CALENDAR
PROCESS PAGE Greetings from the FWEA Wastewater Process Committee! We are excited to bring you this edition of “Process Page,” with information on one of the many outstanding treatment facilities in Florida. This column highlights the winners of this year’s Earle B. Phelps Award. We hope that you will enjoy reading about these award-winning facilities and learn something that could be implemented at your plant.
Lee County Utilities Three Oaks Wastewater Treatment Plant Jerry Johnson ee County Utilities owns and operates the Three Oaks Wastewater Treatment Plant, which has a permitted treatment capacity of 6 mil gal per day (mgd) annual average daily flow (ADF). The current process train consists of influent flow metering, screening and grit removal, odor control, biological treatment with nitrogen removal using simultaneous nitrification/denitrification (SND) in three extended aeration oxidation ditches with brush aerators, two center feed clarifiers, four peripheral feed clarifiers, deep bed filters, and chlorine contact tanks. Biosolids are held in aerobic storage tanks and dewatered with a belt filter press. Figure 1 shows the main components of the plant. The facility is permitted to discharge treated effluent to an unrestricted public access reuse system and deep injection wells. Use of the deep injection well is strictly as an emergency backup when the reuse storage tanks and reuse sites are full. Historically, all the effluent has
L
been used for reuse. The irrigation ponds at the golf courses in the area that accept reclaimed water have responded well to the better quality water, and little algae can be seen floating in the water. Lee County Utilities is very proud of the plant and the crystal clear effluent it produces. Effluent turbidity averaged under 0.20 nephelometric turbidity units (NTUs) for 2013. Figure 2 shows a photo of the treated effluent in the chlorine contact tank, which is 12 ft deep. The process control and field monitoring system at the facility has been upgraded to include daily ammonia and nitrate analysis, which allows the levels to be more closely controlled and produces a very consistent effluent, with levels of nitrate below primary drinking water standards. The plant does not have dedicated anoxic zones in the process train. In 2013, the use of SND in the oxidation ditch process resulted in average effluent concentrations for ammonia and nitrate of 0.18 mg/L and 5.7 mg/L, respectively. Table 1 summarizes
Figure 1. Treatment and Reclaimed Water Components
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December 2014 • Florida Water Resources Journal
the secondary treatment process performance of the facility. The superior effluent the facility produces is not the only thing that the operations staff at the plant is proud of. Each staff member is assigned a portion of the facility grounds to maintain and all of them have been noticed by the local students who frequently tour the facility for educational purposes. This facility is truly an asset to the residents of Lee County. Jerry Johnson is with Lee County Utilities and is lead operator with the Three Oaks Wastewater Treatment Plant in Fort Myers. Table 1. Facility Performance Data For 2013 Parameter
BOD5
TSS
Influent
188
233
Effluent
1.0
0.20
Permit Limit
20
5
99.5%
99.9%
Percent Removal
Figure 2. Treated Effluent Being Chlorinated
New Products Biosolids drying systems from KomlineSanderson can handle more than 1,000 tons of wet cake per day. They use steam or thermal fluid, and heat is supplied by natural, digester, and landfill gas, or fuel oil. Excess heat from combustion engines or turbines can also be used to heat thermal fluid or produce steam. The dryer’s shaft, hollow paddles, and trough are all heated. Indirect drying using the airtight dryer minimizes off-gases, simplifying odor control and enhancing safety. The system produces Class A exceptional quality granular product for agricultural uses. It can operate as a scalper to generate an autogenuous product for use as green fuel (www.komline.com)
The Spiral Press from JDV Equipment Corp. combines dewatering, compacting, and conveying in a single compact unit for wastewater screenings and miscellaneous debris. A drainage zone at the feed end drains free water as solids are conveyed through the system. The compaction zone forms the material into a plug that is squeezed against an adjustable-pressure, spring-loaded door, which further dewaters and compresses the material against a wedge wire cage. The resulting liquids are drained off to return into plant flow. The end product of plugged solids is periodically expelled into a bagging system or container. (www.jdvequipment.com)
The MetroMail™ alarm-messaging system from Metropolitan Industries provides end users with reliable alarm notification capability of equipment status or problems and can assist customers in avoiding potential disaster when troubles arise. Designed to send email and text messages based on the status of eight optically-isolated dry inputs accepting 10 to 30 volts of AC or DC power, the system can monitor any electrical and/or mechanical system, including water, wastewater, and stormwater applications. (www.metropolitanind.com)
Singer Valve has designed an innovative vertical diaphragm that rolls while opening and closing, enabling it to lock the valve in place without any friction. This ensures stable pressure from the highest to the lowest flows, unlike flat diaphragm or traditional pistonstyle valves. By reducing pressure, the valve technology also reduces leakage. The rolling diaphragm reacts faster to changing pressure as it typically has much less water volume
above the diaphragm, enabling a quicker response. Sizes range from 6 to 36 in. and are NSF-372 certified. (wwwsingervalve.com)
LabStrong Corp. has manufactured a ventgard filter suitable for operation in Thermo Scientific Barnstead water purification storage reservoirs. The product protects pure water during storage by preventing airborne impurities such as organic vapors, carbon dioxide, alkali, and acid gases from entering the water storage reservoir. The product effectively filters dust and particles as small as 0.2 µm from the air. Under normal operating conditions, the filter will last up to 90 days or until 1,000 gals of water have been drawn from the reservoir. (www.labstrong.com)
The Amacan P submersible motor pump from KSB Inc., previously known as the PNT pump and originally designed for stormwater and wastewater applications, is an ideal fit for the wave machines commonly used in water parks. The pump has a capacity of up to 110,000 gal/min and a power range up to 550 hp. It can be installed vertically or horizontally. Built to handle stormy conditions, this system includes a sealed shaft and motor and double-sealed cables. This design protects the cables at entry to the pump motor and prevents movement inside the tube, stabilizing the cables and helping to prevent damage. The diffuser casing and motor housing are made of cast iron; the shaft, casing wear ring, screws, bolts, and nuts are stainless steel. An aluminum-bronze/duplex stainless steel propeller completes the pump. In addition to its use in wave simulators, the pump is suited for other water features, such as river rafting and flumes. (www.ksb.com)
Stonchem linings from Stonhard are seamless, resinous systems that protect underlying substrates from a broad range of chemicals, including most fuels, salts, oils, alkalis, acids, and petroleum. Designed to resist corrosion and abrasion, temperature extremes, and chemical attack, the systems are approved by the U.S. National Science Foundation. The linings provide protection for secondary containment, clarifiers, equalization basins, digesters, and walls. They can be applied over many substrates and on both horizontal and vertical surfaces to restore safety and productivity. (www.stonhard.com)
The 1100 series magnetic level indicator from SOR Controls Group provides an alternative to traditional sight glasses. Vessel contents are totally contained within the float chamber for use in high-pressure systems. External point-level switches or continuouslevel transmitters can be incorporated into the system without breaking the pressure boundary or disturbing existing piping. Applications include oil and water separators, flash drums, surge tanks, gas chillers, vacuum tower bottoms, alkylation units, propane vessels, and storage tanks. (www.sorinc.com)
The DR1900 portable spectrophotometer from Hach is flexible and built for rugged conditions, accepting the widest range of vial sizes. Created with field use in mind, the DR1900 has a large, clear screen and a simple user interface that makes testing easy in even the most demanding conditions. Easy to hold and operate, it is a valuable tool for field technicians. Tests are performed with a wavelength range of 340 to 800 nm, which makes this a field instrument that finds results usually seen in laboratory instruments. (www.hach.com)
MCI®-2005 NS from Cortec Corporation is a liquid concrete admixture that provides protection of multimetals embedded in concrete from corrosion induced by carbonation, chloride, atmospheric attack, and other corrosive contaminants without changing the set time of concrete mixes. This long-term inhibitor doubles the time to initiation of corrosion and reduces the corrosion rate up to five times over the life of the structure. It also reduces the effects of shrinking and cracking. (www.cortecvci.com)
Fiberglass aboveground tanks and basins from Orenco provide long-lasting, low-maintenance bulk storage solutions for wastewater, potable water, and process applications. These helically-wound, lightweight vessels are more corrosion-resistant than steel and have longer service lives. They are available in sizes up to 250,000 gal and underground basins range from 2-24 ft in diameter. Both can be shipped as single units or in sections that are stacked and can be assembled on-site. (www.orenco)
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News Beat John Giachino has been hired by PC Construction as a director of business development to focus on the firm’s integrated delivery public-private partnership markets in the Southeast, with a focus on the Florida sector. President of the Florida region of the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), Giachino brings more than 40 years of industry experience to his new role, including more than 35 years in municipal water and wastewater utility asset management, operations and maintenance, and capital program execution. While working for major global engineering, construction, and operations companies, his contributions have been instrumental in the development and management of more than 20 water and wastewater utility projects in the United States and abroad. Giachino plays an active role in several industry groups, serving as DBIA Water/Wastewater Markets Committee chair, the Florida Water Resources Conference board of directors, and the Florida Water Resources Journal board of trustees. He is also a member of the House of Delegates Steering Committee for the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and its conference advisory committee.
Leading conservation organizations in Florida are joining forces to launch the Florida Water and Land Legacy Campaign—a constitutional amendment for the state’s November ballot. The amendment would provide 20 years of funding for conservation, land acquisition, wildlife management, and urban and suburban conservation. In order for the amendment to be placed on the ballot, the campaign must collect 683,149 valid signatures, which is 8 percent of all regis-
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tered voters who cast ballots in the last general election. According to the Florida Wildlife Federation, the campaign currently has more than 300,000 signatures. If the amendment goes to a vote and is passed, it would be the largest statelevel conservation initiative in the United States. The petition can be found online at www.floridawaterlandlegacy.org.
A bipartisan group of state senators is preparing to launch what could be the first in a series of bills protecting Florida’s natural springs, lakes, and aquifers. The first bill would focus on reducing nutrient levels in state waters. It would encourage water recycling and storage by developers and the agriculture industry, limit the amount of water removed from spring sheds, and develop buffer zones to reduce pollutants from entering water supplies. Increasing water flow into natural springs throughout northern and central Florida would cost the state millions of dollars, with land purchasing around waterways constituting the biggest expense.
The money is the second obligation from NFWF’s Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund, created 18 months ago as part of the settlement between the U.S. Department of Justice and BP and Transocean to resolve certain criminal charges against both companies in relation to the spill. Under the allocation formula and other provisions contained in the plea agreements, a total of $356 million will be paid into the Gulf Fund over a five-year period for conservation projects in the state of Florida. “The model for the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund is one of partnership,” said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and chief executive officer of NFWF. “In order to succeed, NFWF must bring together state resource agencies, federal agencies, and other public and private partners, all working in harmony, to fund the best projects that will do the most good for the Gulf of Mexico and the communities that depend on it each and every day. The projects we announce today demonstrate the value of our efforts to work in a collaborative fashion to select projects that will provide significant benefits to wildlife and people for many years to come.”
Governor Rick Scott and The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announced the funding of $34.3 million for nine Florida projects that address high priority conservation needs. The projects, developed in consultation with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and federal resource agencies, are designed to remedy harm or reduce the risk of future harm to natural resources that were affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
The Big Coppitt Regional Water Reclamation Facility received the Domestic Wastewater Plant Operations Excellence Award from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The facility won in the medium-sized plant category over 34 other utilities. Selection criteria for the award is based on compliance history, recordkeeping, and reporting; customer relations and outstanding operation and maintenance practices; and facility operation, including staff training and safety.
December 2014 • Florida Water Resources Journal
ENGINEERING DIRECTORY
Tank Engineering And Management Consultants, Inc.
Engineering • Inspection Aboveground Storage Tank Specialists Mulberry, Florida • Since 1983
863-354-9010 www.tankteam.com
ENGINEERING DIRECTORY
Showcase Your Company in the Engineering or Equipment & Services Directory Contact Mike Delaney at 352-241-6006
ads@fwrj.com
EQUIPMENT & SERVICES DIRECTORY
Motor & Utility Services, LLC CEC Motor & Utility Services, LLC 1751 12th Street East Palmetto, FL. 34221 Phone - 941-845-1030 Fax – 941-845-1049 prademaker@cecmotoru.com • Motor & Pump Services Test Loaded up to 4000HP, 4160-Volts • Premier Distributor for Worldwide Hyundai Motors up to 35,000HP • Specialists in rebuilding motors, pumps, blowers, & drives • UL 508A Panel Shop, engineer/design/build/install/commission • Lift Station Rehabilitation Services, GC License # CGC1520078 • Predictive Maintenance Services, vibration, IR, oil sampling • Authorized Sales & Service for Aurora Vertical Hollow Shaft Motors
EQUIPMENT & SERVICES DIRECTORY
CLASSIFIEDS Positions Av ailable City of Vero Beach Electronics Technician Services, maintains, installs and performs preventative maintenance of electronic and electrical equipment throughout the water and sewer system. Must have thorough working knowledge of configuring, programming and maintenance of Modicon Programmable Logic Controllers and GE IFix HMI software version 5.5 and later. Visit website for complete job description, qualifications needed, and instruction to apply. $28.04 p/hr www.covb.org City of Vero Beach EOE/DFWP 772 978-4909
Asset Management/Project Specialist $50,514-$71,077/yr. Implements and maintains the Utility’s Asset Mgmt & Maint. database. BS degree with major coursework in Computer Science, IT or Communications.
Utilities Treatment Plant Operations Supervisor $53,039 - $74,631/yr. Assists in the admin & technical work in the mgmt, ops, & maint of the treatment plants. Class “A” Water lic. & a class “C” Wastewater lic. req. with 5 yrs supervisory exp.
Utilities Treatment Plant Will Call Operator $17.93-$27.82/hour. Part time. Must have passed the C drinking water or wastewater exam. Apply: 100 W. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33060. Open until filled. E/O/E. http://pompanobeachfl.gov for details.
US PEROXIDE Application Specialist We are seeking an Applications Specialist to work on challenging and industrial and municipal projects. Provide critical technical and operational support for these programs. BS Degree in Chemical/Environmental Engineering, Chemistry or related field. Minimum of 2-4 years experience. Inquire at mnostro@h2o2.com
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December 2014 • Florida Water Resources Journal
UTILITIES TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR Bay Laurel Center CDD is now accepting applications for a State certified treatment plant operator, seeking full time employment to join our team. All applicants must hold at least a minimum “C” operator’s license in water and wastewater treatment. Valid FL driver’s license is required. Salary is based on experience. Applications are available at: 9850 SW 84th Court, Suite 400 Ocala, FL 34481 Phone: 352-414-5454 Fax: 352-414-5461 Job description is available on our website. www.blccdd.com Posting will remain open until the position is filled DFWP/EOE
Deputy Director of Utilities Martin County Board of County Commissioners is seeking a Deputy Director of Utilities who will assist in the long range planning for new water supply sources and facilities, provide professional administrative oversight for the County's water & wastewater operations, and coordinate with governmental agencies, engineers and financial staff to assure the most cost effective systems. The ideal candidate will hold a P.E., a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and have 8 years of experience in water or public utilities field. Please visit www.martin.fl.us and click on the Jobs board for additional information regarding this position.
City of Marco Island Water & Sewer Customer Service Manager The City of Marco Island is seeking qualified applicants for a Water & Sewer Customer Service Manager. Three years of experience in automated billing and accounting functions; Supervisory experience required. Experience in Tyler-Munis municipal billing preferred. Visit www.cityofmarcoisland.com for more information and to download an application. EOE/DFWP/VP
Orange County Utilities (OCU) is one of the largest utility providers in Florida and a leader in many aspects of effective utility management, including national certification, a strong credit rating, and a comprehensive capital improvement program. OCU has a workforce of over 900 employees who service over 200,000 water and wastewater customers; operate the largest publicly owned landfill in the state; and manage in excess of a billion dollars of water, water reclamation and solid waste infrastructure assets. Our focus is on maintaining excellent quality, customer service, and sustainability.
CITY OF WINTER GARDEN – POSITIONS AVAILABLE The City of Winter Garden is currently accepting applications for the following positions: - Collection Field Tech – I & II - Utilities Operator II - Water/Wastewater Plant Operator Class C - Distribution Field Tech – I & II - Public Service Worker I/Parks
Orange County Government in Orlando, Florida is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill a Deputy Director position for Utilities. This is an appointed, executive-level position, whose incumbent serves at the pleasure of the County Mayor. This position reports to the Director of Orange County Utilities.
Please visit our website at www.cwgdn.com for complete job descriptions and employment application. Applications may be submitted online, emailed to jobs@cwgdn.com or faxed to 407-877-2795.
Interested applicants should apply at www.orangecountyfl.net using Job ID 14870. Questions call 407-254-9652
Sarasota County Government
Job Title: Job ID:
Deputy Director, Utilities 14870
Application Deadline OPENING DATE: 11/23/2014 CLOSING DATE: 12/31/2014 Salary $87,755 - $144,830 Minimum Qualifications Graduation with a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in Engineering, Business Administration or a related field and ten years of progressively responsible experience in water, wastewater or solid waste engineering or management, including five years of supervisory experience. A Master's Degree in specified areas can be substituted for two years of required experience. Applicant must possess and maintain registration as a State of Florida Professional Engineer. Representative Duties • Prepare, coordinate and review consent agendas and discussion reports for discussion with the Director and placement on the agenda. Coordinate the preparation of amendments to county ordinances and regulations as directed. • Meet with representatives of the development community and other agencies outside the County for coordination purposes. Assist in the formulation and negotiation of agreements on behalf of the utility. • Meet with the County Mayor, County Commissioners, County Administration and other senior staff. Attend Board meetings to facilitate and communication Utilities related matters. Meet with citizens to discuss issues and problems that can be addressed and resolved by the County. • Provide input and assist the Director in the preparation and review of the Department's Capital Improvement Program, Operations and Maintenance budgets to ensure consistency with County, Department and Division objectives. • Responsible for personnel matters within the Department, including hiring, discipline, training, employee development, performance appraisals and related activities. • Provide direction and guidance to Utilities Division managers and act on behalf of the Director during absences. Address 9150 Curry Ford Road Orlando, FL 32825
Watershed Coord or Stormwater Maintenance Coord Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field and three or more years of related experience. A Master's Degree may substitute for one year of experience. Must have or obtain EI Certification within 12 months. See entire job descriptions at www.scgov.net/Careers and submit an online application. Make sure you refer your application to each position of interest. For assistance call (941) 861-5742.
City of Groveland Class C Wastewater Operator The City of Groveland is hiring a Class "C" Wastewater Operator. Salary Range $30,400-$46,717 DOQ. Please visit groveland-fl.gov for application and job description. Send completed application to 156 S Lake Ave. Groveland, Fl 34736 attn: Human Resources. Background check and drug screen required. Open until filled EOE, V/P, DFWP
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator The City of Edgewater is accepting applications for a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, minimum Class C license required. Valid FL driver license required. Annual Salary Range is $31,096 - $48,755. Applicants will be required to pass a physical and background check. Applications and information may be obtained from the Personnel Dept or www.cityofedgewater.org, and submitted to City Hall, 104 N Riverside Dr, Edgewater, FL 32l32. EOE/DFWP
UTILITIES DEPARTMENT OPPORTUNITIES The City of Venice has several openings in the Utilities Department: Utilities Director, Project Manager, and two Field Operations Technicians. View Job Announcements and apply before posted deadlines at www.venicegov.com or Administrative Services Dept., 401 W Venice Ave, Venice 34285, phone 941-486-2626 x21003, or e-mail ksmith@venicegov.com EOE/DFWP Florida Water Resources Journal • December 2014
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Certification Boulevard Answer Key From page 49
Water Operator I Full Time position -$16.83 - $24.04 Hourly Minimum “Operator C” license. “Operator B or A” candidates welcomed to apply for consideration. H. S. Diploma/GED. Florida Driver’s License. For more info and to submit an application, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov
Utilities, Inc.
1. A) Angle of Repose The angle of repose, or the critical angle of repose, of a granular material is the steepest angle of descent or dip relative to the horizontal plane to which a material can be piled without slumping. At this angle, the material on the slope face is on the verge of sliding. More simply stated, the angle of repose is the slope that granular material forms when it comes to rest. The natural slope of a pipe is called pitch.
2. True
WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR Utilities, Inc. is seeking a Water/Wastewater Operator for the Pasco/Pinellas County area. Applicant must have a minimum Class C FDEP Water license. A dual license is preferred. Applicant must have a HS Diploma or GED & a valid Florida driver’s license with a clean record. To view complete job description & apply for the position please visit our web site, www.uiwater.com, select the Employment Opportunities tab. Search the Operations & FL, Holiday categories.
Positions Wanted SHARIFF THOMAS – Passed the Wastewater C Exam and needs additional plant hours to obtain his license. Prefers the area from Sanford to Kissimmee. Contact at 844 Grand Regency Point, Altamonte Springs, Fl. 32714. 321-460-3164 EDWARD T. URBANEK – Holds a Florida Dual C level water and wastewater operators license with eight years experience with five years in route work and a clean drivers license and strong maintenance skills. Seeking permanent employment in anywhere in Region 9. Contact at 15750 NE 45th St. Williston, Fl. 32696. eddieurb58@gmail.com 352-528-0281
Looking For a Job? The FWPCOA Job Placement Committee Can Help! Contact Joan E. Stokes at 407-293-9465 or fax 407-293-9943 for more information.
Display Advertiser Index Blue Planet ............................63 CEU Challenge ........................9 Crom ....................................48 Data Flow ..............................33 FSAWWA Conference ........17-19 FWEA Collection ....................25 FWPCOA Online Training ........51 FWPCOA Short School ..........21 FWPCOA Training ..................53 FWRC ..............................28-31 Garney ...................................5
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Gemini Group ........................13 GML Coating....................40, 44 Hudson Pump ........................27 Hydro International ................36 PCL ......................................15 Polston Technology ................37 Reiss Engineering ....................7 Stacon.....................................2 Stantec..................................56 TREEO ..................................50 Xylem ...................................64
December 2014 • Florida Water Resources Journal
A flap gate allows flow to travel in only one direction, preventing backflow.
3. False The most common oxidizing chemicals to minimize corrosion caused by hydrogen sulfide are chlorine and hydrogen peroxide.
4. C) Inflow Water entering a collection system from manhole covers and other drain connections is called inflow. Infiltration is when water underground enters the collection system through joints, cracks, and holes in the pipes.
5. D) 266 yd3 6.75 ft wide x 125 ft long x 8.5 ft deep ÷ 27 cu ft per cu yd = 265.6 cu yd
6. C) Boring Machine A horizontal boring machine, or horizontal boring mill, is a machine tool that bores holes in a horizontal direction. There are three main types: table, planer, and floor.
7. B) Combined sewer system A combined sewer is a type of sewer system that collects sanitary sewage and stormwater runoff in a single pipe system. Combined sewers can cause serious water pollution problems due to combined sewer overflows, which are caused by large variations in flow between dry and wet weather.
8. B) 11.4 minutes Detention time, minutes = wet well capacity, ft3 ÷ flow, cfm (0.785 x d2) x (89.4 ft - 78.5 ft) ÷ 75 cfm 78.5 ft2 x 10.9 ft ÷ 75 cfm 855.65 ft3 ÷ 75 cfm = 11.4 minutes
9. C) 2 fps At design pumping rates, a cleansing velocity of at least 2 fps should be maintained to prevent solids from settling.
10. C) 4,464 gal Q, mgd ÷ 24 hrs/day x D.T., hrs = volume, mil gal Q = 24 mins/hr x 24 hrs/day = 576 mins/day x 155 gpm = 89,280 gpd 0.08928 mgd ÷ 24 hrs/day x 1.2 hrs = 0.004464 mil gal x 1,000,000 = 4,464 gal
Editorial Calendar January . . .Wastewater Treatment February . . .Water Supply; Alternative Sources March . . . . .Energy Efficiency; Environmental Stewardship April . . . . . .Conservation and Reuse May . . . . . .Operations and Utilities Management; Florida Water Resources . . . . . . . . . .Conference June . . . . . .Biosolids Management and Bioenergy Production July . . . . . .Stormwater Management; Emerging Technologies; FWRC Review August . . . .Disinfection; Water Quality September .Emerging Issues; Water Resources Management October . . .New Facilities, Expansions, and Upgrades November . .Water Treatment December . .Distribution and Collection Technical articles are usually scheduled several months in advance and are due 60 days before the issue month (for example, January 1 for the March issue). The closing date for display ad and directory card reservations, notices, announcements, upcoming events, and everything else including classified ads, is 30 days before the issue month (for example, September 1 for the October issue). For further information on submittal requirements, guidelines for writers, advertising rates and conditions, and ad dimensions, as well as the most recent notices, announcements, and classified advertisements, go to www.fwrj.com or call 352-241-6006.