FWEA Focus—Sondra W. Lee

FWEA FOCUS Collection System Advancements

Sondra W. Lee, P.E.

President, FWEA

When it comes to collection systems, it seems that very few people would ever state that they miss the “good old days.” Gone is the time of tossing buckets outside of windows; now we can use technologies to manage our collections systems. These systems have come a long way and will continue to advance as more is learned about, and developed, for improved, economical ways to collect sewage and deliver it to treatment facilities.

Areas of Expertise

For such a simple concept, there are many areas of expertise within the topic of collections systems. This is really evident when you review a presentation lineup at conferences, seminars, or workshops.

For example, utilities should have a master plan to keep an eye on the big picture, considering where collection systems may need to be expanded, or where there may be areas that need to convert from septic tanks to centralized sewer. In addition to determining phasing of projects and selecting methods of conveyance (e.g., pressure versus gravity), each utility must make difficult decisions based on budgeting constraints. With the recent escalation of construction costs, prioritization of these needs becomes immensely important.

Implementing projects in areas already developed introduces another set of skills and needed tools. Having a good data base of existing underground infrastructure is incredibly helpful during both the design and construction phases. Note that utilities would be wise to capture the knowledge of their longterm field crews in some sort of document. Planners and designers need to continually learn about other alternative construction methods for implementing new collections systems, like using trenchless technologies to reduce the impact to communities.

The number of technologies for maintaining a collection system has really grown over the years. These range from maintenance programs that utilize staff, rehabilitation methods, and hardware and software/firmware options. Every utility should stay on top of its asset management programs, especially now with multiple reporting requirements.

There are plenty of options and sources available to assist utilities with asset management programs. A small utility might get away with just using a spreadsheet, while other utilities may run their programs inhouse with an enhanced software package, or with the assistance of a consulting firm. Whichever method is used, utilities really do not have an excuse for not having a plan that works for them.

Another challenge for utilities may be the funding of new technologies. It would be wise to have someone on the team who can prepare business case evaluations to demonstrate the costs and benefits of purchasing these tools. It’s likely that smart technologies will continue to improve and possibly become more affordable for utilities and consultants to overcome other challenges facing collection systems, such as pump station and piping rehabilitations, climate resilience, storm management, and power supply.

The Other Advancement: Outreach

Public outreach is another tool available to extend service life and capacity, in addition to reducing maintenance. Utility management would benefit by teaming up with its marketing department, or setting aside funds for hiring firms, to assist with public outreach efforts. Notifying communities about ideal locations and types of tree plantings, and education on how to dispose of oils, wipes, and other objects, should lead to a reduction in reactive maintenance. Encouraging water conservation would also be beneficial to prolong the capacity of a collection system.

In recent years, the wastewater industry has also been reaching out to firms that produce personal wipes. Through workshops and healthy, constructive conversations, a few firms have stopped advertising their products as “flushable.” Another option to help nudge the industry is to seek out and purchase only those products that have removed the term “flushable” from the packaging. So, perhaps if the word “flushable” is printed on that facial tissue box or personal wipes package, it should be placed back on the shelf and not purchased. Hopefully, another brand can be found that is properly labeled that can be selected for purchase.

Collections Seminars and Committees

There are several ways to get more involved or to learn more about collections systems. For example, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) is planning a Collection Systems Conference in June 2023 in Kansas City, Mo. If interested, abstracts, session proposals, and workshop proposals can be submitted until December 6. More information is available on the conference webpage at www.wef.org/ events/conferences/upcoming-conferences/ collectionsystems.

For a Florida focus, the FWEA Collection Systems Committee is a great source. This committee educates and informs the wastewater industry about trends in collection system design, management, operation, and maintenance. It does this through the development of conference programs, training materials, and seminars. The next Collection System Seminar will take place on Feb. 22, 2023, in Pinellas County.

The committee also offers training for the National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) certification in pipeline, lateral, or manhole assessment certification programs (PACP, LACP, and MACP). The goal of these programs is to help pipeline system owners create comprehensive databases to properly identify, plan, prioritize, manage, and renovate their assets based on condition evaluation.

In addition, the committee has been working on an outreach program to encourage students to consider a career path in the water industry.

To learn more about any of these programs, or to provide sponsorship to the committee, visit www.fwea.org for more information. S