Official Publication of the Water Environment Association of Texas OdorChange Control of Leadership for the Future July 2009 Volume 26 Issue 4

Plus . . . • Operator Training a Priority • Experience the Beauty of Corpus Christi – Texas Water 2010 • WEF and WEAT 2010 State Level Nominations • Boynton Takes Top Honors in 2009 Texas SJWP Competition • Tech Talk Articles - Increasing Biological Phosphorus Removal: Case Study at the Colony, Texas - Odor Control and Chapter 217 ODOR and CORROSION

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Full Service Turnkey Technologies • Applications Expertise • Ongoing Program Management

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877. 346. 4262 www.h2o2.com [email protected] Leadership for the Water Environment in Texas July 2009 Volume 26 Issue 4 Table of Contents

Texas WET is published six times a year for the Water Environment Regular Features Association of Texas. A Message from the President 4 2619 Jones Rd, Ste. C WET Tech Talk Austin, Texas 78745 Increasing Biological Phosphorus Removal: 512-693-0060 / Fax 512-693-0062 Case Study at the Colony, Texas 5 WEAT Staff and Volunteers Odor Control and Chapter 217 8 Editor Cheryl Smith WEAT Section Activities 12 Association Manager New Members 14 866-406-WEAT [email protected] A Message from the Executive Director 16 Calendar of Events 16 Advertising Highlights from the Association Office 18 Christianne Castleberry 512-751-9272 Professional Directory 28 c.castleberry@ WEAT Mission Statement, Officers and Committees 30 castleberryengineering.com Layout and Design Special Features American Printing & Mailing 512-452-5058 Operator Training a Priority 13 WEAT Webinar Huge Success 14 WET Tech Talk Richard Eason Experience the Beauty of Corpus Christi 15 512-261-6222, ext. 14 2010 WEF and WEAT Awards [email protected] State Level Nominations 19 Texas WET Technical Editor Boynton Takes Top Honors Stephen H. Jeffus, P.E. In 2009 Texas SJWP Competition 22 512-240-4412 [email protected] WEAT Website David Kobelein 512-626-4872 [email protected] On the Cover: Texas WET issues are published in Newly-installed foul air treatment system at City of Granbury Wastewater Treat- January, March, May, July, September ment Plant headworks area and November. Deadline for submitting articles is the 1st day of the Update Membership Info Online: Don’t miss your mailings. Update your member- month ­preceding the issue month. ship information online at www.weat.org. Go to membership, then update your membership profile. You will need your membership ID number (8 digits on WEF WE&T and WEF Highlights mailing label). Your ­password is your last name.

July 2009 Texas WET | 3 A Message from the President

By Betty Jordan, President

Greetings for the month of July – when the weather report supplying filtered water (arsenic removed). She and one of her grows monotonous with predictions of heat, more heat, and then sons work in keeping the books and collecting the fees for the more heat. It used to amaze me that my dad insisted on silence clean water supply. Her husband and another son collect small in the living room during the July and August weather reports – fees for delivering the water. Another man in the village earns what? Did he expect some revelation about a new way to say hot extra money selling containers for the water. Health improves and getting hotter? Anyway, we’re fortunate – after working in the because the water is better. Life improves because opportunities heat or just walking from our cars to our air conditioned houses for commerce are opened. Everybody wins because people like and getting all sticky and sweaty, we have the option of a cold you “gladly” open your wallets and hand over your $20s. drink of water or a quick, refreshing shower. We just take it for In other areas, women form cooperatives to produce baskets granted that we have clean water available and that our wastes or weave cloth or make clothing. They have time to teach their will be quickly flushed from our houses. And that, despite Mother daughters how to make the same products. These are not just Nature’s best efforts, our lawns will continue to be green and women teaching their daughters to sew but one generation beautiful throughout the summer. passing along the culture and art forms to the next. It is the But much of the world does not have this luxury. You’ve heard preservation of the heritage of a people. Various organizations the stats – 884 million people lack clean water; 2.5 billion people take these products and sell them. Macy’s has a line of native lack adequate sanitation. Everyday more than 6,000 people die garments. UNESCO sells local crafts in their shops around the from water-related illnesses – most of these are children. But world. Overstock.com offers many of the cottage industry wait! This column is not about the horror – it’s about the hope products on their web site. And some groups set up their own web and the wonderful work being done by Water for People through sites to sell their own products. It’s wonderful. And it’s possible the generosity of people like you – the patrons of Texas Water! because people like you bid on items at the silent auction. Hope happens – and you’re a big part of it. I could go on and on and on about young girls finishing Water for People school, going on to higher education, and returning to their Most of you know that Water for People (WFP) is near and villages as teachers or nurses or doctors, starting schools and dear to my heart. It is the charity of choice for both WEF and clinics. There are stories of old people freed from the yucks of AWWA. Briefly, it provides water and sanitation to some of the diarrhea for the first time in their lives. There are stories of hope poorest areas in the world through well-managed funds, local Continued on page 27 materials, sweat equity of the locals, hygiene education, and followup evaluations. Historically, WFP worked in the countries of Bolivia, Guatamala, Honduras, Malawi, and India. In June In our profession it is hard to stand pat. New regulations, 2007, WFP’s Board of Directors selected five additional countries always more stringent than the last, require us to be creative, in which to work: Ecuador, Nicaragua, Rwanda, Uganda, and open minded, as well as understand and implement innovation Dominican Republic. You, the generous members of WEAT and and advances in technology to solve our wastewater related Texas AWWA, make visions of expansions possible. issues. The great technical articles in this issue of Texas WET The Good News – A Domino Effect showcase some of the newer regulations. We are provided Women bear the burden of obtaining water for their families’ with an overview of the Odor Control guidelines contained cooking, cleaning, and agricultural needs. As many as 10 hours in Chapter 217 (30 TAC 217) and a case study relating to an per day may be spent collecting water. When water is available in expected tighter phosphorus discharge limit. their houses or in the village, women are freed from the tyranny of These technical articles submitted by our WEAT peers supplying water. Giving them water equates to giving them their continue to show the tremendous knowledge base that lives back. So what do they do when they no longer have to work exists within our membership. We can all take pride in our as the human pipeline supplying water? Moms take their young profession and our participation in WEAT’s effort to protect children in their arms and nurture them, freeing the little girls and enhance Texas’ water resources. tasked with caring for them while mom was collecting water to We welcome your comments and feedback on our technical go to school. Young children are freed from most of the ravages articles. Our goal is to inform and enlighten you. Please let us resulting from poor quality water and their attendance at school know how we are doing. Send your comments to Stephen improves along with their general health. Jeffus at [email protected] or call him at 214.240.4412. And this is one of the most exciting areas of quality of life improvement resulting from supplying clean water – women Sincerely, have time to do other work. Some may elect to grow vegetables Stephen H. Jeffus, P.E. or other crops they can sell bringing needed income into the WEAT Publications Committee member family and raising the quality of life. In India, one lady opened a Texas WET Technical Editor small grocery store. Another woman started an industry around

4 | Texas WET July 2009 WET Tech Talk

INCREASING BIOLOGICAL retrofitted with multiple integrated fixed film activated sludge (IFAS) units (Figure 1). When the plant was upgraded in 2006, PHOSPHORUS REMOVAL: two anaerobic swing zones were included at the head of each CASE STUDY AT THE COLONY, TEXAS aeration basin due to anticipated phosphorus removal criteria Leon Downing, Ph.D. in future permits (Figure 2). The goal of the staff at The Colony Theodore W. Chan, P.E. WWTP is to maximize biological phosphorus removal, as the David R. Jackson, P.E., BCEE biological phosphorus removal produces no excess sludge and Leonard E. Ripley, Ph.D., P.E. does not require chemical addition. Freese and Nichols, Inc. Figure 1 Aerial view of The Colony Tod K. Maurina WWTP showing Utility Superintendent aeration basin (AB) A and B; The City of The Colony the RAS wet well, ABSTRACT which served as Regulations concerning nutrient removal are quickly the Johannesburg gaining ground in the state of Texas, specifically with respect reactor; and the to phosphorus discharges. The City of The Colony, located sludge holding tank on Lewisville Lake in North Texas, faces a future phosphorus discharge limit of 1 mg/L. Recent upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) included features for biological nutrient removal. Historical data indicated that the facility had the potential to achieve the 1 mgP/L discharge limit. Field sampling and process evaluation were conducted to determine the limiting factors of enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) at the facility. Operation as an anoxic-anaerobic-oxic (A-A-O) process resulted in high levels of nitrate and oxygen in the return activated sludge, producing elevated oxygen reduction potentials (ORPs) in the first anaerobic zone and limiting phosphorus release. Operation as a Modified Johannesburg process produced ideal ORP conditions in both anaerobic zones, but phosphorus removal below 1 mgP/L was not achieved. Influent characterization indicated that a relatively low readily biodegradable chemical oxygen demand (rbCOD) was present in the influent relative to the influent phosphorus, limiting the amount of volatile fatty acids available for phosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs) in the anaerobic zone. Future improvements to limit the nitrate and oxygen in the RAS as well as to supplement the rbCOD content in the Figure 2 Aeration basin (AB) A, with two anaerobic anaerobic zones would increase the potential for EBPR at The swing zones and a large oxic zone containing multiple Colony WWTP. IFAS fixed film media units.

KEYWORDS Biological nutrient removal (BNR), enhanced biological Biological phosphorus removal depends on selection of a phosphorus removal (EBPR), phylogenetically diverse set of bacteria that accumulate high INTRODUCTION levels of intercellular phosphorus. Some biological phosphorus Regulations concerning nutrient removal are quickly removal occurs in all activated sludge systems, as bacteria gaining ground in the state of Texas, specifically with respect accumulate 3 to 5% of the biomass as phosphorus. If low to phosphorus discharges. The City of The Colony, located phosphorus permits are implemented, selection of the bacteria on Lewisville Lake in North Texas, faces a future phosphorus that exhibit larger phosphorus accumulation in their biomass discharge limit of 1 mg/L. The wastewater treatment plant is required. These bacteria can accumulate 8 to 12% of their (WWTP) at the The Colony is a plug flow activated sludge biomass as phosphorus, significantly increasing the phosphorus plant with parallel aeration basins (AB A and AB B) treating removed from the wastewater. an average daily flow of 3 MGD. Each aeration basin has been Achieving enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) Continued on page 6 July 2009 Texas WET | 5 WET Tech Talk Continued from page 5 in activated sludge systems is dependent on exposing the mixed liquor to alternating anaerobic (i.e. no oxygen or nitrate) and aerobic conditions. To achieve this in an activated sludge plant, an anaerobic zone is incorporated at the head of the aeration basin, followed by an aerobic zone. In the anaerobic zones Figure 4 Process schematic of anoxic-anaerobic-oxic of an EBPR process, no electron acceptors are available for (A-A-O) process exhibiting anoxic (AX), anaerobic (AN), respiration by phosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs) (the and aerobic (AER) conditions. bacteria responsible for increased phosphorus accumulation in biomass). Under these conditions, PAOs use readily volatile Operations leading to oxygen entrainment in the RAS and fatty acids (VFAs) to produce intracellular polyhydroxybuturate influent flow may present limitations for EBPR at The Colony (PHB), a storage product that can be metabolized for energy plant. The water surface in the RAS/WAS wet well is several feet under aerobic conditions. In order to produce the energy below the pipe that carries the clarifier underflow to the wet well required to transform the VFAs into PHB, poly-phosphates are (Figure 5). The significant mixing that occurs due to this drop broken down inside the cell and large amounts of phosphorus would entrain oxygen, decreasing the amount of anaerobic are released. In aerobic zones, the PAOs accumulate large contact time for the PAOs, and also decreasing the amount of amounts of phosphorus to produce sufficient poly-phosphates, VFAs available for the PAOs. A similar condition exists in the which can then be used for energy when the PAOs return to headworks, where RAS is mixed with screened influent just down anaerobic conditions. stream of the screens and grit chambers. The RAS has a drop of To maximize EBPR, it is critical that no nitrate or oxygen several feet to the influent water surface (Figure 6), producing enter the anaerobic zone. If nitrate or oxygen is present in the turbulent conditions and oxygen entrainment. anaerobic zone, PAOs are not as effective at phosphorus uptake, and uptakes rates decrease significantly. Nitrate and oxygen impact PAOs in two ways. First, all PAOs are facultative aerobes and most are denitrifers, meaning that if oxygen or nitrate are present, they will preferentially use these electron acceptors to oxidize VFAs rather than relying on the less energetic production of PHBs. This production of PHB is critical in maximizing phosphorus uptake in the aerobic zones. Second, as VFAs are consumed with oxygen or nitrate, less is available for PHB production, again resulting in less phosphorus uptake in the aerobic zones.

OPERATIONS After plant upgrades were completed, the plant has operated under two different process designs. Initially, a modified Figure 5 Mixing of clarifier underflow and RAS in the Johannesburg process was implemented (Figure 3). A small RAS/WAS wet well. flow of screened influent was piped from the headworks to the RAS wet well using an existing line. The RAS wet well effectively served as the Johannesburg reactor to reduce nitrate in the RAS and increase the anaerobic reaction time in the aeration basin, and the screened influent was used to eliminate the need for an external carbon source for denitrification. Due to hydraulic constraints, this feed line was closed in July 2007. After closing the valve on the screened influent line, the operations switched to an anoxic-anaerobic-oxic (A-A-O) process (Figure 4).

Figure 3 Process schematic of modified Johannesburg Figure 6 RAS pipe returning RAS to the headworks, where process exhibiting anoxic (AX), anaerobic (AN), and it mixes with screened influent. The RAS drops several aerobic (AER) conditions. feet to the influent water surface, creating turbulent conditions and oxygen entrainment. 6 | Texas WET July 2009 An additional operational constraint on low level effluent phosphorus is operation of the sludge holding tank under anaerobic conditions. A diffused aeration system is present in the holding tanks to supply sufficient oxygen to keep the sludge from going anaerobic before dewatering. To reduce the polymer demand while increasing the dewaterability of the waste sludge, an anaerobic decant period has been introduced to the process operation. Under these anaerobic conditions, the sludge tank has a stagnant surface (Figure 7), and anaerobic conditions quickly develop. This leads to a significant amount of phosphorus release, increasing the phosphorus loading to the treatment train and increase the effluent phosphorus concentration.

Figure 8 Effluent phosphorus concentration since implementation of anaerobic zones in May 2006. Note the marked difference in effluent phosphorus during operation as a Modified Johannesburg process and A-A-O process FIELD SAMPLING As a first step to optimizing EBPR at The Colony, two field sampling events were conducted. Sampling Day 1 occurred whileTxWet_AUS_ICT_QuarterPage_FINAL.eps the plant was operated 12/17/2008 as 11:26:13 an A-A-O AM process, with two operational modifications. The high and low water levels in the RAS/WAS wet well were adjusted one week prior to Continued on page 24

Figure 7 Sludge holding tank operated under anaerobic conditions.

HISTROICAL PERFORMANCE Phosphorus has been monitored at The Colony WWTP since May 2006. Raw influent phosphorus is typically between 8 and 12 mg/L. Between May 2006 and July 2007, when the plant was operated as a Modified Johannesburg Process, effluent phosphorus was typically between 2.0 and 2.5 mg/L. There where multiple events during this time period that resulted C in effluent phosphorus at or below 1 mgP/L, the anticipated effluent permit limit. When operation was changed to Mthe A-A-O process, effluent phosphorus increased to between 3.5Y and 4.5 mg/L (Figure 8). Beginning in late July 2008, the operationCM of the waste sludge holding tank was modified. The plant staff began MY turning the aeration off for several hours prior to dewatering to decrease the volume of sludge processed, resultingCY in a small filtrate flow containing 60 mg/L of phosphorusCMY tothe headworks. This increased effluent phosphorus toK between 4 and 5 mg/L (Figure 8). The ability of the plant to reduce effluent phosphorus levels to 1 mg/L or below indicates that the facility has the potential to rely on EBPR to meet the future phosphorus permit limits. The inconsistency of the removal rate combined with the increased effluent phosphorus concentrations under the current operating conditions indicates that process optimization will be required in EBPR is to be maximized.

July 2009 Texas WET | 7 WET Tech Talk

Odor Control and Chapter 217 requirements for most treatment unit processes. Following is a brief discussion of each requirement. By James S. McMillen, P.E. §217.10(e)(10) requires any collection system report Perkins Engineering Consultants, Inc. submittal to include “an engineering analysis showing ...minimization of odor-causing conditions…”. Chapter 217 Odor control at municipal wastewater treatment plants does not provide acceptable methods for minimizing odor and in collection systems has become an important issue causing conditions in collection systems. Typical techniques for owners and operators in recent years. Increased public would be to avoid turbulence in pipelines and structures, involvement in the permitting process, changes in regulations maintain aerobic conditions in the flow, seal manholes and and rapid residential development near these facilities other structures, include air jumpers at inverted siphons, have all contributed to raising public perceptions of how or use chemical addition to minimize odor release. Foul air treatment plants are operated. Most owners and operators collection and treatment can also be used in some cases. want to be a “good neighbor” to residents and businesses §217.10(f)(2)(c) requires any wastewater treatment near their facilities, but they must also be a good steward of facility report submittal to document compliance with the funds entrusted to them and approach odor control in buffer zone criteria given in 30 TAC 309.13. Chapter 309 sets logical and systematic manner. three alternatives for nuisance odor prevention: (1) Buffer With the recent adoption of 30 TAC 217 “Design zones of 500 feet for lagoons with anaerobic activity and Criteria for Domestic Wastewater Systems” by the Texas 150 feet for all other treatment units; (2) A nuisance odor Commission on Environmental Quality a greater emphasis prevention plan in the form of an engineering report; or (3) is now placed on odor abatement at new and modified Legal restrictions held by the owner preventing residential wastewater treatment plants and collections systems. structures within the buffer zone. Owners and designers must now proactively address odorous §217.38 sets buffer zone requirements and requires the air emissions during design and construction of any new, report to include design of any odor abatement measures upgraded, or substantially modified wastewater facility. used in lieu of buffer zones. This requirement expands on This article presents an overview of the new regulations in the §217.10 requirement by requiring “..design of any odor odor control as well as a discussion of other regulations in abatement measures intended to comply with…” the Chapter Texas that are applicable to odor emissions. 309 buffer zone requirements. Note that odor abatement used in lieu of buffer zones is considered an innovative or Introduction nonconforming technology. §217.53(h) requires The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) the owner to determine the need for collection system recently enacted new regulations pertaining to wastewater odor control based on the potential for hydrogen sulfide collection systems and treatment facilities. The new rules formation for initial and 50 year flows. No specific method replaced 30 TAC 317 with 30 TAC 217 “Design Criteria for is given in the chapter for predicting future hydrogen sulfide Domestic Wastewater Systems” (Chapter 217) and became formation, although there are suitable methods such as effective August 28, 2008. As of March 1, 2009 all plans those outlined in ASCE Manual of Practice 69. and specifications for new, materially altered, or re-rated §217.53(n) requires the design to minimize odors for sag wastewater treatment plants and collection systems must pipes in inverted siphons. Since inverted siphons are always comply with the new regulations. filled with wastewater there will always be a section of pipe Although the new rules primarily set design criteria for immediately upstream of the inverted siphon filled with wastewater and biosolids conveyance and treatment there pressurized headspace air. This pressure is formed by the is an increased emphasis on odor control when new or dragging of the air by the wastewater. A practical way to substantially modified treatment facilities are constructed. minimize nuisance odor (and the associated corrosion) is to This effectively shifts odor control from a “reactive” issue (i.e., install air jumpers across the sag to relieve the air pressure. only considered after odor complaints arise) to a “proactive” Chemical addition or foul air treatment may also be used. issue that must be considered prior to construction. However §217.59(d) requires a lift station design to minimize the rules provide only limited guidance on odor control potential odor and odor control design must be included design, leaving it up to the owner to provide a facility that in the report submittal if used. §217.60 requires wet well minimizes odorous emissions. ventilation and requires that the invert of the influent line be above the pump “on” setting and requires that the wet Overview of Chapter 217 Odor Control Requirements well be designed to reduce odor in a populated area. From Chapter 217 sets the regulatory design requirements for an odor control perspective it is desirable to have an invert wastewater collection systems and treatment plants. The enter the wet well below the pump “off” setting to minimize regulations place a greater emphasis on nuisance odor turbulence. Since this is prohibited by the chapter and since prevention and mitigation than the previous regulations wet wells must be ventilated, practical solutions are limited although they do not set specific odor control design to maintaining aerobic wastewater (by setting the pump

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AQUA-AEROBIC SYSTEMS, INC. • 6306 N. Alpine Rd. • Rockford, IL 61111 • PH 815.654.2501 • FX 815.654.2508 • www.aqua-aerobic.com/OptiFiber.asp WET Tech Talk Continued from page 8 lagoon. Recirculation water may also be returned by spray irrigation to maintain aerobic conditions on the lagoon cycle time appropriately), using chemical addition, or use surface. foul air scrubbing. §217.208(b) requires evaporative lagoons to be sited $217.67(d) and (f) requires the discharge end of a force so that the prevailing winds will be toward less populated main inside a manhole to “remain steady” and produce non- areas; turbulent flow, terminate below a manhole invert (submerged §217.209 requires constructed wetlands to have primary discharge) and be designed for odor abatement. Submerging treatment units designed to control odor and algae. a force main discharge will reduce turbulence and reduce §217.209(e)(2)(C) requires floating material removed from release of odorous air. a constructed wetland be stored and disposed of in a manner §217.96(c)(6) requires small diameter effluent lines in that minimizes odor. alternative collection systems collection pipes to have in-line §217.213(b)(12) sets odor control requirements for odor control devices that are accessible for maintenance. integrated facultative lagoons. An inlet to a pit must be 3 §217.97(d)(12)(D) requires that control panels or feet above the bottom of the lagoon, must have a downward electrical enclosures in pressurized sewers prevent the discharge and must not be allowed to siphon from the inlet. migration or venting of odors to the panels. §217.97(f)(12) The design must allow at least 50% of the design flow from a (B) requires and air release valve in a pressurized sewer to downstream lagoon to be recirculated to the surface of the control odor by its operation if located within 50 feet of a facultative lagoon. Note that integrated facultative lagoons residence or public building. are considered non-conforming technologies. §217.127(a) allows the use of pre-aeration chambers for §217.246 requires sludge processing units be designed odor control. Although the addition of oxygen will reduce to prevent nuisance odors. In addition, ventilation must be the septicity of the wastewater, the stripping action of the provided for personnel safety. Ventilation must be provided aeration may create an odor problem. § 2 1 7 . 1 8 2 ( d ) to eliminate the accumulation of fumes or gases that pose requires that trickling filters have upstream preliminary a threat to safety or air quality. Enclosed areas must be treatment that controls the release of hydrogen sulfide. No continuously ventilated at six air exchanges per hour or requirement is set for how this is accomplished or to what intermittently ventilated at 30 air exchanges per hour. Note extent “control” is required. that the ventilation may cause a nuisance odor condition §217.182(q) sets requirements for flushing, covers, and requiring treatment of the exhaust air. odor scrubbing for trickling filters. A trickling filter system §217.249(w)(5)(G)(ii) requires diffused air mixing tanks must use ventilation with periodic flushing at higher dosing have ventilation and odor control for alkaline stabilization intensity to minimize odors. Covers may be required if the of sludge. facility has a history of odor complaints; in this case, covered §217.251(c)(4)(C) requires separate sludge storage for filters must have forced air ventilation with odor control primary clarifier sludge be aerated and mixed to prevent a scrubbing. A trickling filter with “high” influent organic nuisance odor condition. Aeration of the sludge may cause loading must have forced ventilation in a down-flow mode. stripping of odorous compounds so care must be taken to Odorous air from the down-flow ventilation may be recycled avoid creating an odor condition. into a trickling filter, sent to an aeration basin, treated §217.251(c)(1) requires the design of a sludge storage separately in an odor control scrubber, or used to ventilate a facility to minimize odors. nitrifying trickling filter in an up-flow mode. §217.251(g)(2) requires dried solids storage in enclosed §217.185(a) requires pre-aeration of rotating biological structures be ventilated at 20 air exchanges per hour and contactor influent if the influent has a “high” hydrogen must have an odor control system for the exhaust. sulfide concentration. Note that “high” hydrogen sulfide concentration is not defined. Other Texas Regulatory Requirements §217.204 (d) and (h) requires Imhoff tanks to have gas Note that Chapter 217 does not define “odor” or “nuisance vents and that these vents minimize the effect of odor. An odor” and for the most part does not set specific abatement odor control scrubber may be required to minimize odor. design requirements. However, 30 TAC 309 “Domestic §217.205(d) sets odor control requirements for facultative Wastewater Effluent Limitation and Plant Siting” does define lagoons. Inlets must be 24 inches below the water surface and nuisance odor prevention as: be designed to prevent siphoning through the inlet. Outlets “The reduction, treatment, and dispersal of potential odor must be 12 inches below the water surface and not disturb conditions that interfere with another’s use and enjoyment of the anaerobic zone. The lagoon must allow for recirculation property that are caused by or generated from a wastewater of between 50% and 100% of the design flow. treatment plant unit, which conditions cannot be prevented §217.207(b) sets odor management requirements by normal operation and maintenance procedures of the for stabilization lagoons. Stabilization lagoons must be wastewater treatment unit.” situated so that prevailing winds are towards less populated Finally, 30 TAC 112 “Control of Air Pollution from Sulfur areas. Lagoons must be pre-filled to a depth of 2 feet prior Compounds”, paragraphs §112.31 and §112.32, state that to startup if uncontaminated water is available. Piping no person can cause or allow a 30-minute average hydrogen arrangements must allow for recirculation of effluent from sulfide concentration to exceed 80 ppb on any residential, a final lagoon to the influent side of an initial stabilization 10 | Texas WET July 2009 business or commercial property and cannot exceed 120 Center for Environmental Research Information, U.S. ppb for industrial, range land, and vacant tracts of land not Environmental Protection Agency, 1985. normally occupied by people. Sulfide Task Group of the Water Pollution Management Committee of the Environmental Engineering Division of the Discussion American Society of Civil Engineers. Sulfide in Wastewater In general the purpose of odor mitigation and control is Collection and Treatment Systems. Manual of Practice No. to prevent complaints from communities around collection 69. American Society of Civil Engineers, 1989. systems and wastewater treatment plants. In essence, Chapter 217 requires owners, operators, and design engineers to Acknowledgements consider odor control before constructing, altering, or This article was prepared by the WEAT Air Quality and Odor rerating wastewater systems. Since it does not affect existing Control Committee. The committee develops, recommends, permitted facilities and for the most part does not set specific and conducts programs to promote general improvement in odor limits or define the extent of odor control necessary, air quality and reducing odor emissions impacts related to odor issues may still occur and facilities. The references listed water quality, biosolids handling, treatment and disposal, below provide further information on general odor control and wastewater treatment and collection. Members of the and specific method for preventing or mitigating the release committee also develop workshops, moderate technical of odors from facilities. References sessions, and sponsor the biannual Texas Odor and Biosolids 30 TAC 217 “Design Criteria for Domestic Wastewater specialty conference. Several members of the committee are Systems”, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, active in the WEF Air Quality and Odor Control Committee, 2008. serve as peer reviewers for WEF publications and have Control of Odors and Emissions from Wastewater authored numerous textbooks and Manuals of Practice on Treatment Plants Task Force of the Water Environment the subject of odor and corrosion control. Federation. Control of Odors and Emissions from Wastewater Treatment Plants. Alexandria, VA: the Water Environment About the Author Federation, 2004. James McMillen is a project manager with Perkins Design Manual: Odor and Corrosion Control in Sanitary Engineering Consultants, Inc., in Arlington, Texas. Sewerage Systems and Treatment Plants. EPA/625/1-85/08.

July 2009 Texas WET | 11 WEAT Section Activities

Abilene Representative needed Meeting sponsors included: Espey Consultants, Hartwell En- vironmental Corporation, HDR, MWB Group and Perkins Engi- Amarillo neering. Representative Dr. Paul T. Baumgardner, 806-353-7798 Upcoming dinner meeting will be held Thursday, July 16, 2009 at Texas Star Euless. Mark your calendars for the Darryl Hall Golf Austin Tournament to be held on Friday, September 25. Representative Lynne Moss, 512/346-1100, [email protected] The WEAT North Texas Section would like to congratulate all The Central Texas Section of WEAT met on May 19, 2009, of the award winners from the Texas Water 2009 Convention where Mr. Pat Hogan, P.E, presented an overview of the City of from the DFW Metroplex: President’s Award Recipients: Trooper Austin’s Waller Creek Tunnel Project. The project, with an estimat- Smith, Malcolm Cowdin, Ray Longoria, John Bennett, and V. K. ed construction cost of about $100 million, will control the drain- Gupta; Lifetime Achievement Award – Alan Plummer; Ronald B. age from, improve the water quality in, and enhance the economic Sieger Biosolids Management Award – TRA Central; Outstanding development along the creek for about a mile from Waterloo Park Municipal Operator of the Year Award – Ron Lucero; Emerging (12th Street and Red River) to Lady Bird Lake. Leader Award – Trooper Smith; George W. Burke, Jr. Award – TRA Mr. Hogan is a Senior Project Manager and Austin Office Man- Denton Creek; Medal of Honor of Heroism – Steve Hodges and ager for Brown & Gay Engineers, Inc. He received a B.S. in Civil Andrew Esquibel from TRA – DCRWS; TRA CReWSers 1st Place Engineering and an M.S. in Environmental Health Engineering in Operations Challenge State Competition, and Dallas Aqua from the University of Texas at Austin, and he has worked in civil Techs 2nd Place in State Competition. and environmental consulting engineering for over 33 years. Many thanks to meeting sponsors: Hartwell Environmental Houston/Galveston Corp., Freese & Nichols, and Brown & Gay Engineers, Inc. Representative Jennie Almerico, P.E., 281-367-9512 In other news….The Central Texas Section awarded scholar- Our annual social was held on May 21st at St. Arnold Brewery. ships of $500 each to three deserving Central Texas students. We showed our appreciation to this season’s past speakers and Congratulations to Timothy Coonan, Sarah Eason and Hector elected next year’s officers. Garcia. The WEAT Houston/Galveston Section by-laws state that the The Central Texas Section of WEAT and the Capital Area Chap- current officers of President-Elect, Vice President, Treasurer and ter of TAWWA will be hosting the joint summer social event on Secretary will automatically advance to the next office. There- Sunday, July 19. This year come out to cheer on the Round Rock fore, the next President, President-Elect, Vice President, and Trea- Express play the Oklahoma Red Hawks. The event will be held in surer of WEAT Houston/Galveston Section will be Evelyn Zapata, the United Heritage Center facility located on the first base line at Vinoth Manoharan, Richard Weatherly, and Lindsay Pierce re- Dell Diamond. The event will include burger/hot dog buffet with spectively. We congratulate all of our officers and thank them for chips, cookies, soft drinks, beer, and stadium tickets. Please stay their service to WEAT. tuned for more details. If you have any specific questions please If you would like to receive the Houston/Galveston Section contact Joe Hoepken at: [email protected]. e-newsletter, please email me ([email protected]) or contact one of our officers and ask to be added to our distribution list. Beaumont/Port Arthur As always, if you are interested in getting involved in the Hous- Representative Karin Warren, 409-785-3006 ton/Galveston Section of WEAT, please contact one of the offi- cers. You will find all of our officers’ contact information on our Bryan/College Station Representative needed website www.weat.org/southeast.

Corpus Christi Laredo Representative needed Representative Foster Crowell, 361-857-1801 Longview/Tyler/Texarkana/Lufkin Dallas/Fort Worth Representative Kathy J Bell, MS P.E., 903-647-1278 Representative Becky Guthrie, 940-349-8938 The North Texas Section of WEAT met on May 21, 2009 at Lubbock City Place in Dallas. The dinner meeting topic “Trenchless Collec- Representative Dr. Andrew Jackson, 806-742-2801 tion System Rehabilitation – Lessons Learned” was presented by Steven Schrader with the Austin Water Utility. The presentation Midland/Odessa focused on the application of cure-in-place lining and implemen- Representative Debbie McReynolds, 915-335-4625 tation in real world situations. Officer elections were held at the meeting. The new slate of officers for 2009-2010 are: President – Port Lavaca Representative needed John Bennett; President Elect – Darryl Corbin; Vice President – Erin Flanagan; Secretary – Gilbert Trejo; Treasurer – Dawn Anderson; San Angelo Representative needed Past President – Amy Robinson; Section Representative – Becky Guthrie; and Past Section Representative – Dawn Anderson. Continued on page 28 12 | Texas WET July 2009 Operator Training a Priority

By Bill Bertera, WEF Executive Director

One of the conversations that inevitably occurs at any directed at one group do not reach the other. WEF gathering involves “operators”. For all the right Front line operators, for example, are the people reasons, those who actually run wastewater treatment who actually make our plants work. They are not the plants of all kinds and sizes are always on our minds. These supervisors or the designers or the utility executives. Front are the members of the water environment profession line operators do not have the options of travel or time that actually “do water”…they are the front line between management for purposes of education and training that public health, environmental protection and the disease other WEF members do. And in smaller plants, they often and environmental degradation that occurs in the absence have duties other than running the facility. They may run of the plants they make work. Consequently, the quality snow plows, or cut grass or any variety of other tasks that of operator credentials and knowledge, as well as their municipal employees in small communities are called upon recruitment and training, are of critical importance to to perform…and therein lays the nub of the problem. those who supervise them and to the communities our That, and of course, the dilemma that lumping all utilities serve. operators into a single class (for conversation’s sake) Conversation, however, gets complicated when it presents in keeping us from addressing the issues of becomes clear that when we talk about operators we are operator training and education. So long as we mix not all talking about the same people. WEF has a category front line operators up with their supervisors, engineers, of membership for operators, but a look at that list makes managers and executives, we are never going to solve the clear that the vast majority of the people on it are not front “operator problem”. And that is because there is no single line operators, but their supervisors in some cases, and in or universal answer to the subject of operator training. others, engineers who think of themselves as operators. Providing access to training is a primary responsibility The distinction is important because it is clear there are for those who run individual utilities. Even when money “operators” and then there are “operators”. Programs Continued on page 18

July 2009 Texas WET | 13 WEAT Welcomes New Members for May 2009

Sandra S. Adams Nooreen Jilani Sally Stewart Bob Wenyon Dallas, TX City of Houston V&A Consulting Engineers Inc. AWC, Inc. Houston, TX Houston, TX Dallas, TX Pete Anaya Sponsor: Sharon Miller Sponsor: David Copeland City of Corpus Christi Waste- Vincent Sullivan water Justin A. Kirchdoerfer All American Septic Solutions Perry Williams Corpus Christi, TX Bartonville, TX Manchaca, TX City of Fort Worth Water Dept. Sponsor: Sharon Miller Fort Worth, TX Joe Leal Richard T. Upton Sponsor: Sharon Miller Richard Carroll Bost Guadalupe Blanco Bernard Controls Inc. Hibiscus Hill Plantation Inc. River Authority Houston, TX Kim Ann Wilson Waller, TX Lockhart, TX Houston, TX Sponsor: Sharon Miller Darlene Virgel Seth Brooks DSM Nutritional Products Inc. Stacy Wright DSM Nutritional Products Anthony Mbroh Freeport, TX City of Farmers Branch Inc. Mbroh Engineering, Inc. Dallas, TX Belvidere, NJ Dallas, TX Sponsor: Sharon Miller Simon J. Chavez WEAT Webinar Huge Success! Fort Worth, TX Martin Murdock Montgomery & Assoc. By Brad Castleberry, WEAT Past President Emily Chen Houston, TX Anchor QEA On June 10th, WEAT hosted its first ever webinar to discuss Austin, TX Edward Murphy and educate the industry on impending changes to TPDES Mbroh Engineering, Inc. Michael Clarke Dallas, TX permits. Over 200 people participated in this event. The CDM Constructors Sponsor: Sharon Miller webinar showcased TCEQ’s proposal to include bacterial Houston, TX limits in all TPDES permits, and highlighted some of the Sponsor: Sharon Miller Jack Murphy design and operational considerations associated with the City of League City Jason Fulco League City, TX proposed rulemaking. The webinar, moderated by Brad City of The Colony Sponsor: Sharon Miller Castleberry, featured Sherry Smith (TCEQ), Rex Hunt (Alan The Colony Plummer & Associates, Inc.), and Curtis Smalley (Brazos River Sponsor: Sharon Miller Julio R. Oviedo Authority). The webinar was provided free of charge thanks City of McAllen to the generous sponsorship of Alan Plummer Associates, Charles Galeas McAllen, TX Norit Americas Inc. Sponsor: Sharon Miller Inc. and Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle and Townsend, PC. Marshall, TX Many WEAT members have expressed a desire for online Fred Eugene Owen training events given travel budget constraints. As such, WEAT Brigette Gibson Rowlett, TX is striving to develop additional webinars and educational Arlington, TX Tina Peterson events for its members in order to be responsive to the needs Gustavo Gonzalez CDM of operators and professionals in the water quality industry. City of Corpus Christi Water Houston, TX If you have ideas on additional training opportunities or Dept. Sponsor: Sharon Miller would like to be involved in this aspect of WEAT’s educational Corpus Christi, TX message, please contact Brad Castleberry (512) 322-5856 or Horace N Pizzarello Randy Greene Criado & Assoc. [email protected] Municipal Valve & Equipment Dallas, TX Plano, TX Jerry Pressley Rod K. Hill City of Fort Worth Water Dept. City of Denton Fort Worth, TX Denton, TX Sponsor: Sharon Miller Sponsor: Rebecca Guthrie Jose Ruiz Carlton Hoefling North American Develop Bank GBRA San Antonio, TX Victoria, TX Sponsor: Sharon Miller Karen Stafford-Brown Trinity River Authority Stephen Jeffus Arlington, TX RJN Group Inc. Sponsor: Sharon Miller Dallas, TX

14 | Texas WET July 2009 Experience the Beauty of Corpus Christi Let the adventure begin for Texas Water 2010 – April 13-16

By Yolanda Marruffo

It’s not too early to set our sights to Texas Water 2010 Field’s home plate. That’s closer to the batter than the where beautiful Corpus Christi will serve as the conference pitcher’s mound! So grab some peanuts and cracker jacks site. Corpus Christi is an outdoor odyssey that offers a va- or even a cheeseburger from the Whataburger inside the riety of recreational activities with more than 100 miles of ballpark and watch future Hall of Famers start their career windswept dunes along the southeastern Texas shoreline. playing for the Corpus Christi Hooks! Choices abound in Corpus Christi - swimming, fishing, Soar over to the USS LEXINGTON to experience their hiking, beach combing, bird watching, wildlife photog- newest exhibit, the virtual Battle Stations. A complete raphy, surfing … and that’s just to name a few. Corpus multi-media experience which lets you become the pilot. Christi is not only a place to relax and unwind while soak- Shoot enemy aircraft, take off and land on the flight deck. ing up the sun, it’s also a nature lover’s dream with more It’s all action packed and it’s all aboard the most famous than 150 nature sites within the coastal area. aircraft carrier in U.S. naval history! Now the largest coastal city in the state of Texas, this Make sure to visit the award-winning Xeriscape Learn- slice of paradise provides plenty to do for an active group ing Center and Design Garden. Take a stroll through the or a vacationing family. Navigate your way to the longest curved paths located at the entrance of the Corpus Christi primitive barrier island in the world, Padre Island National Museum of Science and History. Seashore to witness one of nature’s wonders. Gather on Have it all in Corpus Christi - an unforgettable retreat the wind-swept beach to watch endangered Kemp’s Rid- for relaxation and an adventurous getaway with endless ley sea turtle hatchlings released into the wild. These tiny possibilities for outdoor activities in America’s Birdiest City. creatures make a beeline to the warm waters of the Gulf Texas Water 2010 will spark your imagination to explore of Mexico, where they’ll begin a perilous journey to adult- new opportunities. Corpus Christi waits for you in 2010. hood. Discover the amazing underwater world of the Texas State Aquarium! Thousands of animals representing over 250 species are ready to enchant, entertain and inspire. Be sure to stop by the Texas State Aquarium’s newest exhibit, Eagle Pass, which promotes a strong message of backyard conservation. All the raptors in this exhibit were rescued and rehabilitated through the Aquarium’s Wildlife Reha- bilitation Program. n Water & Wastewater Treatment Plants Root, root, root for the home team –as the Family Night n Lift Stations & Force Mains takes place at Whataburger Field. The Corpus Christi n Hydraulic Modeling Hooks are a Minor League Baseball Class AA affiliate of n Detention/Retention Ponds the Houston Astros and were brought to Corpus Christi n Pump Stations & Tanks by Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan. Take a seat in the grand- n Pipeline Design stands where you can sit just 55 feet from Whataburger n Master Plans

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Austin | Dallas | Houston | San Antonio | Temple | TEXAS

May 2009 Texas WET | 15 A Message from the Executive Director

By Carol Batterton, Executive Director

Legislative Update including final disposition, can be accessed on the WEAT The regular session of the 81st Texas legislature ended on website at http://www.weat.org/governmentalaffairs.htm. June 1, 2009. WEAT tracked approximately 65 bills, and 15 Many thanks to Holly Tichenor, WEAT’s Government Affairs of those bills passed. Several of the significant bills include: Committee chair, and GAC members Heather Cooke, Carolyn HB 1174 by Rep. Harnett which allows a municipality or Ahrens and Brad Castleberry for advice and assistance during river authority to pay actual property damages caused by this session of the legislature. the municipality’s or river authority’s operation of a sanitary sewer system, specifically overflows. Certain river authorities Regulatory Update are exempt from these provisions. TCEQ proposed rules for bacterial limits in discharge HB 1433 by Rep. Lucio increases the cap on the permits at their agenda meeting on May 20. Brad Castleberry consolidated water quality fee. This bill calls for an initial provided testimony on behalf of WEAT. Brad is coordinating cap on the consolidated water quality fee of $100,000. with WEAT subject matter experts to prepare written Subsequent fee adjustments are linked to the Consumer comments on this proposal. A public hearing was held June Price Index with a maximum fee of $150,000. This bill 30, 2009, and comments are due July 5, 2009. becomes effective Sept. 1, 2009. TCEQ’s fee rules are scheduled for adoption on the July HB 1831 by Corte relates to emergency management 8, 2009, agenda. TCEQ advises that their funding status and adds language to the State Emergency Plan Annex remains close to what was predicted when the rules were that requires the Division of Emergency Management proposed. The agency will need to generate approximately (DEM) to develop a plan for initial response (first 120 $15 million a year in fee revenue to fund the agency’s water hours after disaster). The plan must include a provision for programs. restoring power for continuing operation of critical water and wastewater services following a disaster. “Critical” wastewater facility is defined as wastewater collection or treatment equipment that is essential to prevent the CALENDAR OF EVENTS discharge of untreated wastewater to waters in the state. The bill also requires DEM to maintain an online database 2009 of emergency generators, procedures for transportation and July 9 WEAT Executive Board Meeting, Lewisville, TX deployment of generators, and procedures to maintain the July 16 North Texas Section Meeting, Euless, TX list through mutual aid agreements. July 16 San Antonio Section Meeting at SAWS main SB 361 by Sen. Patrick requires drinking water facilities office, San Antonio, TX in Harris County and contiguous counties of 400,000 or July 19 Central Texas Section & TAWWA Summer more (Fort Bend) to ensure the emergency operation of water systems during an extended power outage as soon as Social, Dell Diamond, Round Rock, TX safe and practicable following the occurrence of a natural August 3-6 Region 6 Pretreatment Assn. Workshop, disaster. The utility must also adopt and submit to the Dallas, TX TCEQ for its approval an emergency preparedness plan August 6&7 Texas Environmental Superconference, that demonstrates the utility’s ability to provide emergency Austin, TX operations. August 24&25 CMOM Workshop, Austin, TX SB 1757 by Sen. Watson requires the TCEQ to conduct August 27&28 Odor and Biosolids Management: Bridging a study and make recommendations regarding the methods to the Future Conference and Expo, San to be used by consumers, health care providers, and others Marcos, TX for disposing of unused pharmaceuticals so that they do August 28 South Central Texas Water for People not enter a wastewater system. The commission shall Chapter – 1st Annual Charity Golf submit a report of the results of the study to the legislature Tournament Canyon Springs, TX by December 1, 2010. In a related action, HB 19 requires September 25 Darryl Hall Golf Tournament, Dallas, TX pharmacies to label certain prescription drugs with a “Do October 10-14 WEFTEC.09, Orlando, FL Not Flush” label. November 5&6 FROG Workshop, Houston, TX The bills listed above will become law unless vetoed by December 2 San Antonio Section End of the Year the Governor. The deadline for veto was June 19, 2009. A Meeting, San Antonio, TX complete list of all legislation WEAT tracked this session,

16 | Texas WET July 2009

Highlights from the Association Office

By Cheryl Smith, Association Manager

WEAT held their first Webinar on June 10th with over Biosolids Management: Bridging to the Future Conference 200 individuals participating. Everything went real smooth and Expo in San Marcos, TX. With changing regulations and very good comments were received. The plan is to have and ever increasing economic pressures, managing a Webinar bi-monthly charging a nominal fee. WEAT is successful odor and biosolids programs is more challenging working with TCEQ to obtain operator wastewater credit than ever. Come join your peers for insights into tools to hours for future Webinars. develop sustainable programs that will meet your odor and It is now more important than ever to make sure that biosolids management needs today and into the future. WEAT has your correct email address. In the very near Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about your industry. future, to register for conferences and seminars, you will Registration form is included in this issue of Texas WET as go to “My WEAT, My Information” on the WEAT website well as register online at www.weat.org. and put in your email address and password. If you have WEFTEC 2009 will be held October 10-14 in Orlando, not setup your password, the default is “Password1” (make Florida. WEAT has another opportunity to send four sure you capitalize the “P”). Once you get into your record, Operations Challenge Teams to compete this year. To make you can change your information as well as register for this happen, we need your support. If you are interested in upcoming events. contributing to the funds, please go to the WEAT website, What’s Happening Operations Challenge and download the form and fax or On August 24&25, 2009, WEAT, EPA, TCEQ and City of email to [email protected]. Austin will sponsor the 6th Annual EPA Region 6 CMOM On November 5&6, 2009, WEAT will sponsor the Workshop to be held at the Austin Convention Center in FROG (Fats, Roots, Oil and Grease) Conference and Expo Austin, Texas. Brochures will be mailed shortly as well as in Houston, TX. More information will be coming in the on-line registration on the WEAT website at www.weat. future. org. WEAT is YOUR association and we always like to hear On August 27&28, 2009, WEAT in association with from our members on types of educational webinars, TCEQ, Texas Association of Clean Water Agencies and seminars and conferences that you would be interested in Air and Waste Management Association Central Texas attending. You can contact us my email or by phone toll Chapter of the Southwest Section will present the Odor and free at 866-903-WEAT (9328).

Operator Training Continued from page 13 for travel is not the problem, providing the time is… for this role because they are physically closer to the utility especially for small and mid-sized utilities where the luxury and can therefore more easily and more economically of redundancy is almost non-existent and where utility meet their needs. employees are responsible for other critical municipal This is not to say that even state or regional associations services. And then there are the varying requirements do not have challenges in reaching the critical operator for competency of each state which adds additional community. But for many reasons, those obstacles are complexity to issues associated with training operators. more easily addressed with sufficient resources and A new service model is needed for training and educating planning closer rather than farther from home. And that operators. Acknowledging that training is a primary is where WEF can come in. In the complicated world of interest of the utility itself, there is still an important role operators, WEF’s job is not to train operators but to assist for public interest associations. That is why professional utilities and member associations in training operators. associations exist…to serve utilities in their training How best to do that? needs…for both front line operators and management. The first step is to recognize that every state and region The Water Environment Federation has historically been is different and that no single model is likely to fit every best at serving those who can travel. That is still the case situation. The second is to recognize that any solution much of the time, though new distance learning tools and is likely to be heavily dependent upon the resources and the web are erasing some of the distinctions and benefits. programs of the local member association. The third is For the present, though, it is clear that even an organization to acknowledge that some member associations need and like WEF with all its resources, is disadvantaged in trying to would welcome assistance from WEF were it available and service the needs of the local front line operator. State and easily accessed. regional associations, on the other hand, are better suited Continued on page 21 18 | Texas WET July 2009 2010 WEAT & WEF AWARDS STATE LEVEL NOMINATIONS NOMINATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 1, 2009

WEF ARTHUR SIDNEY BEDELL AWARD acknowledges WEAT MEDAL OF HONOR FOR HEROISM recognizes an extraordinary personal service to the Water Environment individual (or group of individuals) from the State of Texas Association of Texas. who has demonstrated exceptional courage and bravery in the performance of a single act of heroic behavior involving the WEF GEORGE W. BURKE, JR. AWARD recognizes municipal water environment industry. and industrial wastewater facilities for active and effective safety programs. WEAT SIDNEY L. ALLISON AWARD recognizes a person (or entity) who has made significant contributions to the WEF WILLIAM D. HATFIELD AWARD recognizes operators engineering, science, and/or operation and maintenance of of wastewater treatment plants for outstanding performance wastewater collection and pumping stations with the mission and professionalism. to transport wastewater to a treatment plant.

WEF LABORATORY ANALYST EXCELLENCE AWARD WEAT WINFIELD S. MAHLIE AWARD recognizes a person recognizes individuals for outstanding performance, who has made significant contributions to the art and science professionalism, and contributions to the water quality analysis of wastewater treatment and water pollution control. profession. WEAT T. L. SATTERWHITE AWARD recognizes an individual, WEAT LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD recognizes a an engineering firm, or an industrial entity for the development current or past WEAT member who has demonstrated continual of a solution to an industrial wastewater treatment problem. and tireless contributions toward the improvement of the water environment throughout a long, distinguished career in the WEAT RONALD B. SIEGER BIOSOLIDS MANAGE-MENT wastewater treatment industry and in WEAT/WEF. AWARD recognizes a WEAT member (s), an engineering firm, a specific project, a municipality, or a specific municipal or WEAT PILLARS OF THE PROFESSION AWARD recognizes industrial facility that has made significant accomplishments an individual with a long and distinguished career in the in the field of biosolids technology and management practices wastewater treatment or water quality industry who has within the boundaries of the State of Texas. demonstrated meaningful and substantial contributions toward the improvement of the water environment and who WEAT EMERGING LEADER AWARD recognizes a young has had a positive impact on the success and growth of WEAT member who has provided outstanding service in WEAT. support of WEAT.

WEAT MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT WEAT EXEMPLARY EMPLOYER AWARD recognizes Texas OF THE YEAR AWARD acknowledges a municipal wastewater employers that support and facilitate employee involvement treatment plant in Texas that has consistently exhibited and activities within the WEAT and WEF organizations. outstanding performance of daily activities beyond the normal call of duty. WEAT OUTSTANDING PUBLIC OFFICIAL AWARD recognizes an elected official or regulator who actively promotes WEAT INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT sound science in environmental policy and regulations. OF THE YEAR AWARD acknowledges an industrial wastewater treatment plant in Texas that has consistently exhibited Full criteria for all awards may be found at www.weat.org. For outstanding performance of daily activities beyond the normal further information and assistance in submitting a nomination, call of duty. please contact:

WEAT OUTSTANDING OPERATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD WEAT Awards Committee recognizes a wastewater treatment plant operator (municipal Attn: Bob Hill, Chair and/or industrial) in the State of Texas who has demonstrated EMA, Inc. outstanding professionalism at his/her facility and has 1100 Chateau Woods Parkway performed his/her duties tirelessly and with dedication to the Conroe, Texas 77385 betterment of the water environment. Phone: 281-300-8367 E-mail: [email protected]

July 2009 Texas WET | 19

Odor and Biosolids Management:

Bridging to the Future Conference & Expo August 27 & 28, 2009 – San Marcos, TX Sponsored by the Water Environment Association of Texas in association with TCEQ, Texas Association of Clean Water Agencies and Air and Waste Management Association Central Texas Chapter of the Southwest Section

With changing regulations and ever increasing economic pressures, managing successful odor and biosolids programs is more challenging than ever. Join your peers for insights into tools to develop sustainable programs that will meet your odor and biosolids management needs today and into the future. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about your industry. Register on line at www.weat.org.

Early Registration Deadline – August 14, 2009 Please register me for the - “Odor and Biosolids Method of Payment: Management: Bridging to the Future Conference & Expo. Check Credit Card- Visa/MC/AMEX

Name ______Card#______

Expiration Date:______Title/Position ______Name on Card______Organization ______Card Holder Signature ______Mailing Address______Amount:______

City ______State _____ Zip______Registration Fee Includes: CD Rom, Wednesday evening reception, continental breakfast, lunch, and breaks. Space is Email Address ______limited, so register early.

Area Code ______Telephone______Please mail or fax registration form with check or credit card payment to: WEAT Area Code ______Fax______2619 Jones Road, Suite C Austin, Texas 78745 Phone: (512) 693-0060 Yes, I will attend Wednesday evening reception. Fax: (512) 693-0062 Register on line at www.weat.org Member of WEAT/WEF @$175 = ...... $______Member – Government/City @$125= ..... $______Cancellation Policy: Full refund if registrant cancels 10 days before program date. Student @$30= ...... $______*Non-Member @$215= ...... $______WEAT has reserved a block of rooms at the Embassy Suites, *Non-Member – Government/City@$165 $______1001 McCarty Lane, San Marcos, TX 78666. WEAT has *(includes WEAT Only Membership) obtained discounted single or double rate of $129. The Total = ...... $______reservation deadline is August 14, 2009. After this date, reservations will be accepted on a availability basis. To make your reservation, call 512-392-6450. Be sure to mention AFTER AUGUST 14TH – ADD $50 TO FEE. WEAT when making your reservation. Please duplicate form for additional registration

QUESTIONS: Call Cheryl at WEAT Office at (866) 406-9328 or email [email protected]. Exhibits and Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Air and Waste Management Association TACWA A Clear Commitment to Texas Waters

of the Southwest Section Operator Training Continued from page 18 That assistance could take many forms to include curriculum development and support, demonstration projects, distribution and packaging of MA developed sessions to other member associations, introduction of subsidized programming, WEF sponsorship of training modules, packaging and distribution of cutting edge sessions on emerging topics, and local public service messages to suggest just a few possibilities. The bottom line is that utilities and their operators need access to operator training and member associations and WEF exist to provide that training. A little creativity can go a long way to meeting the needs of our operators and the utilities they serve, but that creativity is dependent upon a close working relationship between the member association and WEF. One of our Midwestern member associations is working with WEF staff on a pilot project to see if we can figure out how best to combine what WEF does best with the assets of a state association to meet that need. This is a start.

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July 2009 Texas WET | 21 BOYNTON TAKES TOP HONORS IN 2009 TEXAS SJWP COMPETITION

The top three winners in the 2009 Texas SJWP Com- through reverse osmosis. Sahil will receive a $100 cash petition were announced May 1, 2009. Ms. Li Boynton, prize and a commemorative plaque. 17, of Houston; Mr. Sahil Khetpal, 16, of Plano; and, Ms.  Ms. Shivani Gaitonde, James Madison High School in Shivani Gaitonde, 15, of San Antonio were selected for San Antonio, was the third place winner with her project their commitment to research into global water issues. “Nitrate Knockout! A Study of the Effets of Nitrate Phy- The research projects were selected from twenty projects toremediation in Contaminated Wastewater Using Hor- submitted by first place winners in ISEF Regional Fairs, as deum vulgare”. Shivani investigated the possibility that well as several independent fairs, across the state of Texas. Hordeum vulgare (barley) would be an efficient, low cost The number of projects was more than double the num- nitrate hyperaccumulator for removal of nitrate nitrogen ber submitted for consideration in 2008. in commercial fish farms or contaminated drinking water sources in developing countries. Shivani will receive a $50 cash prize and a commemorative plaque. Local WEAT Section representatives contact the win- ning students and their schools to organize presentation of the awards. The first place winner’s school also receives a plaque from WEF recognizing their winning student. The 2009 Texas SJWP Competition was judged by a di- verse panel of water professionals from across the state of Texas. These judges represent different facets of the water environment as well as different geographical areas. These dedicated individuals deserve a special thank you for contributing their time and expertise in support of the science fair program. The judges for 2009 include:

 Raj Bhattarai, City of Austin  Glen Clingenpeel, Trinity River Authority of Texas  Ms. Li Boynton, Bellaire High School near Houston,  Richard Grayum, Huitt-Zollars won first place with her project titled “Using Luminescent  Russell Grubbs, City of Nacogdoches Bacteria to Detect Water Contaminants”. Li developed a  Nosakhare Irenumaagho, Dallas Water Utilities biosensor from bioluminescent bacteria (a living organ-  Susan Landruth, Vickery & Associates, Inc. ism that gives off light) to detect the presence of contami-  Femi Osidele, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio nants in public water. Li’s biosensor is cheaper and easier  Lisa White, Texarkana Water Utilities to use than current biosensors, and she hopes it can be  Jody Zabolio, Upper Trinity Regional Water District used in developing countries to reduce water toxicity. As  Alissa Lockett, CDM the first place winner, Li receives a complementary student membership to WEF, a $250 cash prize, a commemora- tive plaque, and travel expenses to Anchorage, Alaska, June 23-25th, to represent the State of Texas at the U.S. USEPA Region 6 National Stockholm Junior Water Prize Competition. Fol- in association with TCEQ, WEAT and City of Austin lowing the national competition in June, a copy of Li’s Presents: paper will be available for review online in the U.S. SJWP “Capacity, Management, Operation & Research Journal. Maintenance Proactive Approach to CMOM”  Mr. Sahil Khetpal, Texas Academy of Math and Science Monday, August 24, 2009 in Plano, placed second with his research paper “Utilizing Tuesday, August 25, 2009 Designed Surfactant Peptides to Purify and Increase Solu- bility of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Its Impli- Austin Convention Center, Ballroom A cations in the Purification and Desalinization of Water.” 500 E. Cesar Chavez Street Sahil theorized that Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Austin, TX 78701

(SWCN) might be used to develop efficient water filtration Registration Fee $125 per person (non-refundable) devices for the removal of heavy metals and other pollut- Register online at www.weat.org ants from water, and might also be used for desalinization

22 | Texas WET July 2009

WET Tech Talk Continued from page 7 sampling to eliminate the large flow drop (Figure 5), and thus reduce the oxygen entrainment in the RAS caused by excess turbulent mixing conditions. The anaerobic contact time previously used in the sludge holding tank was also eliminated during Sampling Day 1. For Sampling Day 2, a screened influent flow of approximately 250 GPM was routed to the RAS/WAS wet well for one week prior to sampling. This influent flow diversion was introduced to increase denitrification of the RAS in the wet well, thus shifting operation to a Modified Johannesburg Process scheme. The second difference between Sampling Day 1 and 2 was that the sludge holding tank was operated with an anaerobic contact time during Sampling Day 2, resulting in excess phosphorus in the sludge dewatering filtrate water of 60 mgP/L. Before analyzing the activity in the aeration basins, characterization of the influent was performed on both sampling days. The VFA content of the influent wastewater is important when evaluating the ability to achieve high levels of EBPR, and the ratio of VFAs to influent phosphorus is a critical component of the wastewater. Measuring VFAs can be difficult, and the fraction of readily biodegradable chemical oxygen demand (rbCOD) can be used as a surrogate for VFAs. Three influent samples from Sampling Day 1 and Sampling Day 2 were analyzed for rbCOD content, and the average rbCOD was 55 mg/L. The Colony has a relatively high phosphorus concentration in the Figure 9 Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) profiles influent of 10 mg/L, resulting in an rbCOD to phosphorus ratio through AB A on Sampling Day 1 (A-A-O process) and of approximately 5.5. Typically, an rbCOD to phosphorus ratio of Sampling Day 2 (Modified Johannesburg process). 7 to 10 is required for EBPR to below 1 mg/L. Reducing nitrate in the anaerobic zones is a critical aspect of EBPR, as nitrate inhibits PAOs from releasing adequate phosphorus. Nitrate concentrations in the anaerobic zones were shown to be less than 1 mgN/L. The nitrate in the RAS was above 5 mgN/L while operating as an A-A-O process, but was reduced to below 1 mgN/L while operating as a Modified Johannesburg process. Despite the fact that no nitrate was measured in the anaerobic zones, a significant amount of denitrification may be occurring. Measuring the ORP of the zones would indicate the metabolic state of the microorganisms, and a higher ORP value would be present if a significant amount of denitrification and oxygen respiration were occurring. Operating under the A-A-O process produced elevated ORPs in the first swing zone during Sampling Day 1 (Figure 10 Day 1), limiting anaerobic contact time for the phosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs) and resulting in decreased phosphorus removal efficiency. When screened wastewater was supplied to the RAS wet well on Sampling Day 2, the ORP values in both swing zones indicated anaerobic conditions (Figure 10 Day 2). These conditions are ideal for EBPR, as increased anaerobic contact time should result in increased phosphorus release in the anaerobic zone and then increased phosphorus uptake in the aerobic zone. Operation as a Modified Johannesburg process produced elevated phosphorus release in the anaerobic zones as compared to the A-A-O process (Figure 12), but did not reduce the effluent phosphorus to below 1 mgP/L. An intriguing result of the field sampling was the fate of Figure 10 Phosphorus release on Sampling Day 1 and Day nitrogen in the system. Nitrogen balances through the aeration 2. Increased phosphorus release occurred on Sampling basins on Sampling Day 1 and 2 indicated that a significant Day 2 due to the longer anaerobic contact time created by amount of denitrification (5-6 mgN/L) was occurring in the operation as a Modified Johannesburg process. 24 | Texas WET July 2009 Texas Ad:Layout 1 12/9/08 1:37 PM Page 1 oxic portions of the aeration basins. This change in nitrogen was determined by looking at the change in nitrogen across the basin, with the nitrogen used for biomass assimilation removed (Figure 13). The increase in nitrogen removal in the oxic zone would be the result of denitrification within the aerated portion of the basin. This denitrification is most likely occurring in the IFAS biofilm, and the reduction of nitrate in the aeration basin reduces the amount of denitrification required in the RAS wet well and/or the first anaerobic swing zone of the aeration basin.

Figure 11 Change in nitrogen through AB B on Sampling Day 1. Nitrogen assimilation was assumed to account for 2.5 mgN/L removal. The results shown here are similar for both basins on both sampling days.

DISCUSSION Historical and field sampling data indicated that the modified Johannesburg process produced the lowest effluent TP values New Engineering Rules to Affect (Figure 14). EBPR appeared to be limited by several factors: Process for Sealing Documents

Rules associated with the Engineering Practice Act, specifically 22 TAC Sections 137.33 and 137.77, have recently been revised to require that all engineering documents released, issued, or submitted by or for a registered engineering firm, including preliminary documents, must clearly indicate the engineering firm name and registration number. It is both the responsibility of the professional engineer that signs and seals a document, and the firm that releases the document, to verify that the firm name and Figure 12 Performance of the three process configuration number appear on the engineering work. For deployed by The Colony since May 2006. Historical more information about this rule change, please data was used for the Modified Johannesburg effluent contact the Texas Board of Professional Engineers phosphorus; the historical data and the results of Sampling at (512) 440-5715 or go to Day 1 were similar for the A-A-O process; and the modified http://www.tbpe.state.tx.us/firmseal_faq.htm Johannesburg data from Sampling Day 2 included the supernatant from the anaerobic sludge holding tank. Continued on page 27 July 2009 Texas WET | 25 WATER FOR PEOPLE GOLF TOURNAMENT

Save the Date

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2009

Canyon Springs Golf Club 24405 Wilderness Oak San Antonio, Texas

South Central Texas Water for People Chapter— Supporting Water for People

Water for People is a nonprofit, charitable organization in the United States and Canada that helps people in developing countries obtain safe drinking water.

The Texas Section AWWA Water for People Committee works with local partner organizations to provide financial and technical assistance to communities, depending on their needs. The Water for People commitment is to help people help themselves.

Water for People helps people in developing countries im- prove their quality of life by supporting the development of locally sustainable drinking water resources, sanitation facili- ties and health and hygiene education programs.

The Texas Section Water for People Committee has a com- mitment to support projects along the Texas/Mexico border area when possible.

Our vision is a world where all people have access to safe drinking water and sanitation; a world where no one suffers or dies from a water– or sanitation-related disease.

Currently looking for sponsors!

If interested, please contact Marisa Vergara at 210.494.8004 or [email protected] WET Tech Talk Continued from page 25 insufficient rbCOD in the influent, as the influent ratio was between 4 and 5.5 for rbCOD:TP; nitrate in the RAS limiting anaerobic contact time; and the TP in the anaerobic sludge holding tank supernatant/solids filtrate. Denitrification appears to be occurring in the biofilm of the IFAS units, which helps to reduce nitrate in the RAS and produce longer anaerobic contact times. Several options exist for achieving higher EBPR at The Colony WWTP. Increased diversion of screened influent to the RAS wet well would help to reduce nitrate returned to the anaerobic zone, but would not help to increase the available VFAs in the anaerobic zones. Adding a readily degradable carbon source (e.g. acetate) to either the RAS wet well or to anaerobic zone would help to reduce nitrate and increase the VFA content. The fourth option is to increase the EBPR to near its potential, and polish the remaining phosphorus chemically. These alternatives for improving phosphorus removal will be evaluated and implementation will occur preceding the next effluent permit update.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors would like to express their appreciation to the City of The Colony Wastewater Treatment Plant staff for providing valuable efforts in collecting historical and field data that were essential in the evaluation process.

President’s Message Continued from page 4 for babies to live beyond their first or second birthday. There are so many wonderful stories that stem from providing clean water and sanitation. And these stories are your stories because you help with your contributions to WFP. Texas Water Tallies – A Very Good Year You guys are so phenomenally generous and good natured about the blatant extortion of funds. This year we raised a little over $16,000 for WFP through the raffle and the silent auction. Almost $6,000 of that came from the raffle – yes, those $20 bills you hand over so hilariously at times add up. Do you even remember how much you gave? The many small contributions from you add up to such a big difference in the lives of others. Take pride in your contribution. Thanks to all of you who just open your hearts and wallets when you see me coming – even Louis Herrin who is trained now to the point that he not only pulls out his wallet and extracts his $20 to hand over, but encourages anyone within ear shot to do the same. Hip, hip, hooray for the Boards of TAWWA and WEAT who contributed over $2,000 the first day of the conference in friendly competition. You guys are incredible! Be a Part of the Ongoing Work Go to www.waterforpeople.org to check out more good news about the exciting projects underway and to find out how you can participate even more through regular giving or a short- term visit to one of the projects. Coming in September’s column – The Sanitation Industry. Taking Pride in Who We Are and What We Do!

July 2009 Texas WET | 27 WEAT Section Activities Continued from page 12 Texas AWWA/WEAT Bowling Social on June 26th at the AMF The San Antonio Section had County Lanes off of Hwy 281 and Bitters Rd. A good time will be a monthly meeting on June 19th had with friends, family, and members of the organization along at the San Antonio Water Systems with popcorn, pizza, soda, and prizes to be given out. The next Main Office with the Section’s Presi- monthly meeting will take place on July 16th with Mike Rice from dent Rudy Kilian, PE from Carollo So-Deep giving a presentation on Subsurface Utility Investigation. Engineers as the speaker on SAWS The meeting will take place at the San Antonio Water System main Leon Creek WRC Improvements. office. Before the featured presentation, And as always, if you are receiving the Texas WET magazine Alissa Lockett and Dennis Laskows- and are in the San Antonio Section area, but are not receiving the ki gave out the WEAT Stockholm electronic local section newsletter, please let me know via e-mail Junior Water Prize 3rd Place Texas ([email protected]) or by phone (210-233-3682). This news- State Competition Award to Miss letter will allow you to be up-to-date with the latest information Shivani Gaitonde from Madison on your section and its events when you are added to our distribu- High School, which is pictured above. In addition the section had tion list. officer elections of which were very close in tabulation withRobert Macias and Raymond Perez being voted in as the newly elected Heart of Texas Vice President and Treasurer respectfully. Congratulations go out Representative Trey Buzbee, 254-761-3168 to these two new officers of the San Antonio Section. Other activities in the section include the 7th Annual South Wichita Falls Representative Russell Schreiber, 817-645-0942 PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

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Executive Committee Collection Systems Publications Audit and Budget President Leigh Cerda Richard Eason David Briggs Betty Jordan (214) 306-9266 512-261-6222, Ext. 14 512-346-1100 817-284-2724 Electrical, Instrumentation & Scholarship Bylaws President-Elect Controls Cathy Henderson Sieger David Jackson Jody Zabolio V.K. Gupta 972-262-5186 817-735-7300 972-219-1228 972-490-7661 Committee Leadership Council Specialty Conference Paul Roach Vice-President Environmental Management Chamindra Dassanayake (CD) 214-638-0500 David Briggs Systems 972-663-2153 512-346-1100 David James Meera Victor Management Review 512-239-3184 512-461-4318 Paul Roach Secretary 214-638-0500 Jennifer Covington Ground Water Texas Water Steering 972-980-2188 Andrew Chastain-Howley Jody Zabolio Membership 817-335-5408 972-219-1228 Dawn Anderson Treasurer 214-640-1726 Heather Harris Industrial Waste & Pretreatment Texas Water Program Sharon Miller 512-453-2468 Martha Martin Jeff Caffey 972-960-4437 281-490-9535 817-806-1700, ext.1123 Member-at-large Nominating Alberto Rodriguez Laboratory Texas Water Exhibits Brad Castleberry 210-841-2800 Dana White Rhonda Harris 512-322-5800 512-461-4318 214-821-7393 WEF Director Strategic Planning Richard Eason Municipal Waste Treatment Texas Water Planning Jody Zabolio 512-261-6222, Ext. 14 Walter Chiang Richard Eason 972-219-1228 512-261-6222 WEF Director 214-638-0500 Jim Taafe Liaisons Committee Chairs Curtis Smalley Operations and Maintenance 817-594-2277 254-495-8482 TAWWA Curtis Smalley Brad Castleberry Past WEF Director 254-495-8482 Stakeholders Committee Chairs 512-322-5800 Government Affairs Foster Crowell Stormwater 361-826-1801 Holly Tichenor International Heather Harris 512-652-1147 Jaya Zyman-Ponebshek Executive Director 512-453-2468 512-419-5316 Public Education (co-chairs) Carol Batterton Utility Management 830-990-1029 Karen Bick Texas Water Management Yehuda Morag 214-665-7539 Foster Crowell Historian 512-453-1980 Cathy Henderson Sieger 361-826-1801

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