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Eldorado Springs INWTP

Operations and Maintenance Manual

Table of Contents

Chapter Description Page

INTRODUCTION 3

TYPES OF WASTE DISCHARGES 11

SAFETY PROCEDURES 13

Collection System Safe Practices Safety Equipment

Lift Station and Treatment Plant Safe Practices Safety Equipment

Bodily Infections 15 Routine Plant Operations

Safe Practices Safety Equipment

Oxygen Deficiency, Noxious Gases and Explosive Mixtures... 16 Routine Plant Operations

Safe Practices Safety Equipment Hazards

Emergency Operating Plans and Procedures 18 General Emergency Information Emergency Telephone numbers

Eldorado Springs

0 & M MANUAL

III ACTIVATED SLUDGE 21

Definitions Process Description Requirements for Control

IV OPERATIONS SECTION 25

Fill/React Phase Interact/React Phase Settle Phase Decant Phase Aspirating Aeration System Effluent Equalization Disinfection System Effluent Pumping/Discharge Outfall Biosolids Handling Operations Building Recommended Operations Procedures

TROUBLESHOOTING & GUIDES 39

Grab Samples Composite Samples Sample Preservation Methods

Testing Methods 46 pH Testing Total Residual Chlorine

Lab Testing Procedures 48 Records Lab Procedures

Percentage of Settleable Solids in the Mixed Liquor 49 General Discussion Procedure

NPDES Testing 50 Discharge Permit Limits

SAMPLE LOG SHEET 51

VI

MAINTENANCE SECTION 52

Recommended Maintenance Procedures 52 Daily Maintenance Weekly Maintenance Monthly Maintenance Annual Maintenance

Most Common Problems and Possible Solutions 53

INTRODUCTION

YOU THE OPERATOR

Ramey Environmental Compliance, Inc. believes that the art of wastewater treatment is one of the most important and essential areas of application of scientific knowledge.

Modern civilization depends on the maintenance of a healthful environment and an abundance of clean water — possible today only where adequate wastewater treatment facilities exist and responsible men/women with knowledge of waste treatment science supervise the operation of these facilities.

Competent, trained operators and supervisors of wastewater treatment works are in demand everywhere. As the installation of a new and more efficient wastewater treatment works continues at an ever-increasing pace, the need for more and better-trained operators will increase. Operators of treatment plants today should take advantage of every opportunity to increase their knowledge and skill by text book study, reading of technical magazines, and attendance at special schools and conference sponsored by universities, state health departments and state water pollution control agencies.

Where state certification or licensing programs for wastewater operators are available, the plant operator should obtain the appropriate certificate or license as promptly as possible whether or not this should be required by law or by only a voluntary program of recognition of wastewater operators' competency.

A wastewater operator constantly should be aware of the vital role they perform in the life of their community, and their community should be aware of this role also. This awareness is good public relations. The key to good public relations is responsibility, individual and organizational responsibility.

The wastewater operator is responsible for competent, conscientious maintenance and operation of their facility. The operator is responsible to their city council or municipal governing body and to the public. The council, board of directors, owner, etc. should share this responsibility and work together with the operator. When the public is aware of responsible treatment plant operation through its contact with the municipal and operational personnel, then good public relations exist.

These contacts may be as informal as filling out a questionnaire on your facility for a water pollution control agency or patiently answering a complaint on the telephone. A more formal contact may be conducting a tour through your plant for a civic or educational organization.

Remember good public relations is not a relationship that is particular to a specific locality or industry, but an image which has been created through hard, competent work and an active communications program with the public.

A waste treatment plant represents a substantial investment of money from which no tangible return will be realized, for it exists solely to prevent pollution of stream or lake, to eliminate a nuisance condition, or to avoid a hazard to a community's health. But this investment can be lost very quickly or the capabilities of the plant it represents never utilized if adequate operation and maintenance are not provided. A wastewater treatment works simply will not function efficiently without an operator.

This manual of instruction will have the highest value when it is in the hands of a conscientious operator who attends to the treatment plant regularly. That operator will find this manual helpful in operating and maintaining the plant at peak efficiency with a minimum of time and effort.

THE TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

This portion was prepared especially for the new WASTEWATER treatment plant operator. If you are an experienced operator, you may find some new viewpoints.

What is a Treatment Plant Operator?

Before modern society entered the scene, water was purified in a natural cycle.

But modern society and the intensive use of the water resource and the resulting water pollution could not wait for sun, wind, and time to accomplish the purification of soiled water; consequently, treatment plants were built. Thus, nature was given an assist by a team consisting of designers, builders, and the treatment plant operators. Designers and builders occupy the scene only for an interval, but operators go on forever. They are the final and essential link in maintaining and protecting the aquatic environment upon which all life depends.

What Does a Treatment Plant Operator Do?

Simply described, the operator keeps a wastewater treatment plant working. Physically the operator turns valves, pushes switches, collects and analyzes samples, lubricates equipment, reads gages and records data.

An operator may also maintain equipment and plant area by painting, weeding, gardening repairing and replacing. Mentally an operator inspects records, observes conditions, and makes calculations to determine that the plant is working effectively, and predicts necessary maintenance and facility needs to assure continued effective operation of the plant. The operator also had an obligation to explain to supervisors, councils, civic bodies and the general public why expanded financial support is vital to the welfare of the community.

Who Does the Does the Treatment Plant Operator Work For?

An operator's paycheck usually comes from a city, sanitation district, or other public agency. The operator may, however, be employed by one of the many large industries, which operate their own treatment plants. As an operator you are responsible to your employer for maintaining an economically and efficiently operating facility. An even greater obligation rests with the operator because the great numbers of people who rely upon downstream water supplies are totally dependent upon the operator's competence and trustworthiness for their welfare. In the final analysis, the operator is really working for these vitally affected downstream water users.

Where Does the Treatment Plant Operator Work?

Obviously the operator works in a wastewater treatment plant. But the different types and locations of treatment plants offer a wide range of working conditions. From the mountains to the sea, wherever people congregate into communities, wastewater treatment plants will be found. From a unit process operator at a complex municipal facility to a one-person manager of a small town plant, you can select your own special place in treatment plant operation.

What Does It Take To Be a Treatment Plant Operator?

Desire. First you must choose to enter this profession. You can do it with a grammar school, a high school, or a college education. While some jobs will always exist for manual labor, the real and expanding need is for TRAINED OPERATORS. New techniques, advanced equipment, and increasing instrumentation require a new breed of operator, one who is willing to learn today, and gain tomorrow, for surely your plant will move towards newer and more effective operating procedures and treatment processes. Indeed, the truly service minded operator assists in adding to and improving the plant performance on a continuing basis.

You can be an operator tomorrow by beginning your learning today, or you can be a better operator, ready for advancement, by accelerating your learning today.

Your Qualifications

The skill and ability required for your job depend to a large degree on the size and type of treatment plant where you are employed. You may work at a large modern treatment plant serving several hundred thousand persons and employing a hundred or more operators. In this case you are probably a specialist in one or more phases of the treatment process.

On the other hand, you may operate a small plant serving only a thousand people or fewer. You may be the only operator at the plant or, at best, have only one or two additional employees. If this is the case, you must be a "jack-of-all-trades" because of the diversity of your tasks.

Your Job

To describe the operator's duties, let us start at the beginning. Let us say that the community has long recognized the need for a new or improved wastewater treatment plant. The community has voted to issue the necessary bonds to finance the project, and the consulting engineers have submitted plans and specifications. It is to the best interest of the community and the consulting engineer that you're in on the ground floor planning. If it is a new plant, you should be present or at least available during the construction period in order to become completely familiar with the entire plant, including the equipment and machinery and their operation. This will provide you with the opportunity to relate your plant drawings to actual facilities.

You and the engineer should discuss how the treatment plant should best be run and the means of operation the designer had in mind when the plant was designed. If it is an old plant being remodeled, you are in a position to offer excellent advice to the consulting engineer. Your experience provides valuable technical knowledge concerning the characteristics of wastewater, its sources, and the limitations of the present facilities. Together with the consultant you are a member of an expert team able to advise the district, city, or owner.

Once the plant is operating, you become an administrator. In a small plant your duties may not include supervision of personnel, but you are still in charge of records. You are responsible for operating the plant as efficiently as possible, keeping in mind that the primary objective is to protect the receiving water quality by continuous and efficient plant performance. Without adequate, reliable records of every phase of operation, the effectiveness of your operation has not been documented (recorded).

You may also be the budget administrator. Most certainly you are in the best position to give advice on budget requirements, management problems, and future planning. You should be aware of the necessity for additional expenditures, including funds for plant enlargement, equipment replacement, and laboratory requirements. You should recognize and define such needs in sufficient time to inform the proper officials to enable them to accomplish early planning and budgeting.

You are in the field of public relations and must be able to explain the purpose and operation of your plant to visitors, civic organizations, school classes, representatives of news media, and even to city council or directors of your district. Public interest in water quality is increasing, and you should be prepared to conduct plant tours that will contribute to public acceptance and support. A well-guided tour for officials of regulatory agencies or other operators may provide these people with sufficient understanding of your plant to allow them to suggest helpful solutions to operational problems.

Special care and safety must be practiced when visitors are taken through your treatment plant. An accident could spoil all of your public relations efforts.

The appearance of your plant indicates to the visitor the type of operation you maintain.

If the plant is dirty and rundown with files and other insects swarming about, you will not be able to convince your visitors that the plant is doing a good job. Your records showing a high-quality effluent will mean nothing to these visiting citizens unless your plant appears clean and well maintained and the effluent looks good.

Another aspect of your public relations duties is your dealings with the downstream water user. Unfortunately, the operator is often considered by the downstream user as a polluter rather than a water quality protector. Through a good public information program, backed by facts supported by reliable data, you can correct the impression held by the downstream user and establish "good neighbor" relations. This is indeed a challenge. Again, you must understand that you hold a very responsible position and be aware that the sole purpose of the operation of your plant is to protect the downstream user, be that user a private property owner, another city of district, an industry, or a fisherman.

You are required to understand certain laboratory procedures in order to conduct various tests on samples of wastewater and receiving waters. On the basis of the data obtained from these tests, you may have to adjust the operation of the treatment plant to meet stream standards or discharge requirements.

As an operator you must have knowledge of the complicated mechanical principles involved in many treatment mechanisms. In order to measure and control the wastewater flowing through the plant, you must have some understanding of hydraulics.

Practical knowledge of electrical motors, circuitry, and controls is also essential.

Safety is a very important operator responsibility. Unfortunately, too many operators take safety for granted. This is one reason why the wastewater industry has one of the worst safety records of any industry. YOU have the responsibility to be sure that your treatment plant is a safe place to work and visit. Everyone must follow safe procedures and understand why safe procedures must be followed at all times. All operators must be aware of the safety hazards in and around treatment plants. You should plan or be a part of an active safety program. Chief operators frequently have the responsibility of training new operators and should encourage all operators to become certified.

Clearly then, the modern day wastewater treatment plant operator must possess a broad range of qualifications.

Prevention of Pollution

The operator's main job is to protect the many users of receiving waters. As an operator you must do the best you can to remove any substance which will unreasonably affect these users.

Many people think ANY discharge of waste to a body of water is pollution. However, with our present system of using water to carry away the waste products of home and industry, it would be impossible and perhaps unwise to prohibit the discharge of all wastewater to oceans, streams, and groundwater basins. Present day technology is capable of treating wastes in such a manner that existing or potential receiving water uses are not unreasonably affected. Definitions of pollution include any interference with beneficial reuse of water or failure to meet water quality requirements. Any questions or comments regarding this definition must be settled by the appropriate enforcement agency.

What is Pure Water?

Water is a combination of two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen, or H20. This is true, however, only for "pure" water such as might be manufactured in a laboratory.

Water, as we know it, is not "pure" hydrogen and oxygen. Even the distilled water we purchase in the store has measurable quantities of various substances in addition to hydrogen and oxygen. Rainwater, even before it reaches the earth, contains many substances. These substances, since they are not found in "pure" water, may be considered "impurities". When rain falls through the atmosphere, it gains nitrogen and other gases. As soon as the rain flows overland, it begins to dissolve from the earth and rocks such substances as calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, sulfate, iron, nitrogen, phosphorous, and many other materials. Organic matter (matter derived from plants and animals) is also dissolved by water from contact with decaying leaves, twigs, grass, or small insects and animals. Thus, it should be realized that a fresh flowing mountain stream may pick up many natural "impurities", some possibly in harmful amounts, before it ever reaches civilization or is affected by the waste discharges of society. Many of these substances, however, are needed in small amounts to support life and be useful to humans. Concentrations of impurities must be controlled or regulated to prevent harmful levels in receiving waters.

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CHAPTER I

TYPES OF WASTE DISCHARGES

The waste discharge that first comes to mind in any discussion of stream pollution is the discharge of domestic wastewater. Wastewater contains a large amount of ORGANIC WASTE. Industry also contributes substantial amounts of organic waste. Some of these organic industrial wastes come from vegetable and fruit packing; dairy processing; meat packing; tanning; and processing of poultry, oil, paper and fiber (wood), and many more.

Another classification of wastes is INORGANIC WASTES. Domestic wastewater contains inorganic material as well as organic, and many industries discharge inorganic wastes which add to the mineral content of receiving waters. For instance, a discharge of salt brine (sodium chloride) for water softening will increase the amount of sodium and chloride in the receiving waters. Some industrial wastes may introduce inorganic substances such as chromium or copper, which are very toxic to aquatic life. Other industries (such as gravel washing plants) discharge appreciable amounts of soil, sand or grit, which also may be classified as inorganic waste.

EFFECTS OF WASTE DISCHARGERS

Certain substances not removed by wastewater treatment processes can cause problems in receiving waters. This section reviews some of these substances and discusses why they should be treated.

SLUDGE AND SCUM

If certain wastes (including domestic wastewater) do not receive adequate treatment, large amounts of solids may accumulate on the banks of the receiving waters, or they may settle to the bottom to form sludge deposits or float to the surface and form rafts of scum. Sludge deposits and scums are not only unsightly but, if they contain organic material, they may also cause oxygen depletion and be a source of odors. PRIMARY TREATMENT units in the wastewater treatment plant are designed and operated to remove the sludge and scum before they reach the receiving waters.

OXYGEN DEPLETION

Most living creatures need oxygen to survive, including fish and other aquatic life. Most streams and other surface waters contain less than 0.001% DISSOLVED OXYGEN (10 milligrams of oxygen per liter of water), or 10 mg/L. Additionally, a majority of fish can thrive if there are at least 5 mg/L and other conditions are favorable. When oxidizable wastes are discharged to a stream, bacteria begin to feed on the waste and decompose or break down the complex substances in the waste into simple chemical compounds.

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These bacteria also use dissolved oxygen (similar to human respiration or breathing) from the water and are called AEROBIC BACTERIA. As more organic waste is added, the bacteria reproduce rapidly; and as their population increases, so does their use of oxygen. Where waste flows are high, the population of bacteria may grow large enough to use the entire supply of oxygen from the stream faster than it can be replenished by natural diffusion from the atmosphere. When this happens, fish and most other living things in the stream which require dissolved oxygen die.

Therefore, one of the principle objectives of wastewater treatment is to prevent as much of this "oxygen-demanding" organic material as possible from entering the receiving water. The treatment plant actually removes the organic material the same way a stream does, but it accomplishes the task much more efficiently by removing the wastes from the wastewater. SECONDAY TREATMENT units are designed and operated to use natural organisms such as bacteria in the plant to STABILIZE and to remove organic material.

Another effect of oxygen depletion, in addition to the killing of fish and other aquatic life, is the problem of odors. When all the dissolved oxygen has been removed, ANAEROBIC BACTERIA begin to use the oxygen which is combined chemically with other elements in the form of chemical compounds, such as sulfate (sulphur and oxygen), which are also dissolved in the water. When anaerobic bacteria remove the oxygen from sulfur compounds, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which has a "rotten egg" odor, is produced. This gas is not only very odorous, but it also erodes concrete and can discolor and remove paint from homes and structures. Hydrogen sulfide also may form explosive mixtures with air and is capable of paralyzing your respiratory center. Other products of anaerobic decomposition (putrefaction) also can be objectionable.

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CHAPTER II

SAFETY PROCEDURES

Safety is the major consideration during installation, operation, and maintenance of mechanical equipment. Use care in selection of proper clothing, tools and methods of handling, to prevent serious accidents. All personnel working on equipment should follow basic rules of safety as well as any precautions mentioned in this manual.

The personnel directly responsible for operation and maintenance of the equipment must be given instructions in safety.

Guards and other safety devices furnished by the manufacturer must be installed. Also, the procedures indicated in this manual must be followed carefully.

The user is responsible for furnishing and installing any guards, handrails or other safety equipment as needed to protect operating personnel, even though such safety equipment may not have been furnished by the Seller with the purchased equipment.

When working on any part of the drive mechanism the safety disconnect switch to the motor is to be locked in the off position.

All unauthorized personnel must be instructed to remain a safe distance away from rotating shafts, couplings, etc.

GENERAL

Wastewater treatment plant personnel are subject to physical injury and bodily injury as are workers in all industry. However, the wastewater treatment industry has a high potential for accidents due to the presence of noxious gases and various bacterial organisms. Therefore, anyone engaged in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant should be familiar with safety practices that pertain specifically to their profession.

Although those that are listed below apply specifically to potential hazards in the wastewater plant, these and other safety practices are covered in more detail in the following publications:

Safety in Wastewater Works by the Water Environment Federation Manual of Practice No. 1.

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PHYSICAL INJURIES

Collection System

Safe Practices

There should always be sufficient manpower available to do the job without hazard to life and limb.

The removal of manhole covers should not be attempted without the proper tools and then the rule "Lift with your leqs instead of your back" should be observed.

The covers of opened manholes should be laid flat on the ground at least two feet from the open manhole.

When descending into a manhole, caution must be observed to guard against slippery, loose, corroded, broken or otherwise defective steps or rungs. Any defects in the steps or rungs along with any cracks in the manhole walls should be fixed immediately.

Safety harnesses should be used when descending a sewer and two people should be above the manhole manning the lifeline should trouble be encountered.

Safety barriers should be placed at a sufficient distance "up" traffic to protect workmen in the vicinity of the manhole. In addition, the maintenance vehicle can be parked "up" traffic for additional protection.

All workers should be made aware of all hazards and know all safety precautions.

Safety Equipment

Four traffic warning signs should be set up to warn motorists of the work that is in progress.

Rubberized cloth gloves and rubber boots should be worn when working in sewers.

Proper tools in good repair should be used at all times.

If it is necessary to work in a manhole at night, proper flashing warning lights should be used to warn traffic.

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Lift Station and Treatment Plant Safe Practices

All structures and appurtenances should be kept in good repair and be well maintained at all times. Tools should be kept stored in a neat and orderly manner when not in use.

Always keep walkways free of oil, grease and ice. When walks become icy, apply salt, sand, or cover with ashes or earth to facilitate safety in walking.

Do not work on electrical equipment or wiring when hands, cloths or shoes are wet.

Do not use switchboards for clothes or tool racks.

As in collection system work, be sure adequate personnel are present for all hazardous type jobs.

All personnel should be kept aware of safe working practices and emergency procedures. This can be done through the posting of instructions, regarding emergency phone numbers, safe practices and common first-aid practices.

In the vicinity of all open tanks, special precautions should be taken such as not working alone in areas without railings unless using a safety harness and lifeline.

Safety Equipment

1 Warning signs around hazardous areas should be placed to warn visitors and remind personnel of hazards. A "Danger-Chlorine" sign on the entrance to the chlorination building and a "Danger High Voltage" sign near the emergency power unit are examples.

2 Fire extinguishers approved by the Underwriter's Laboratories should be placed in areas of fire hazard. For example, there should be a type for electrical fires near the major electric control panels and a type for ordinary fires.

BODILY INFECTIONS

Routine Plant Operations

Safe Practices

All cuts, skin abrasions and similar injuries should be treated promptly. In addition, it is recommended that all cuts and scratches, no matter how small, be treated immediately with 2% tincture of iodine solution.

A doctor should be called for all but minor injuries.

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Treatment plant personnel should be familiar with first-aid treatment. This training can be obtained through the Red Cross.

Personnel should be inoculated for typhoid and paratyphoid fever. In addition, tetanus toxoid inoculations are highly desirable as well as both types of hepatitis (A&B).

Avoid putting fingers in the nose, mouth or eyes while working.

Thoroughly clean hands when convenient and always before eating or leaving work.

Fingernails should be kept short to aid cleanliness.

In laboratory work, be sure pipettes are kept clean and that contamination of the mouth is not brought about through carelessness. Do not use laboratory glassware for drinking.

8 Rubber gloves should be worn whenever possible if handling wastewater, grit, or sludge.

Safety Equipment

Emergency first-aid kits should be available for treating minor cuts, burns, and wounds.

Rubber gloves should be available for use in cleaning clogged pumps or for handling wastewater, grit, or sludge with the hands.

Coveralls or a complete change of clothes are recommended for work hours.

Boots are recommended for use in all wet or damp areas of work.

OXYGEN DEFICIENCY, NOXIOUS GASES AND EXPLOSIVE MIXTURES

Routine Plant Operation

Safe Practices

Prohibit smoking around open manholes, sewers, or digester areas.

Use explosion proof lights and electrical tools when working in potentially hazardous locations.

Safety Equipment

Oxygen Deficiency Indicator. Although oxygen deficiency should not normally be a problem at the treatment plant, this type of indicator is a good piece of equipment to have. It should be used to test the atmosphere of an enclosed area before entering the area.

Warning Signs. As mentioned earlier in this section, warning signs should be placed in strategic areas should dangerous or potentially dangerous areas.

Safety Belts. The only type that should be used is that consisting of a body belt with buckle and a shoulder harness. The belt should be made of harness leather and be equipped with tested hardware. In addition, the lifeline should be at least 3/4" manila rope.

Hazards

Sewer Gas. The principal hazard is the accumulation of sewer gas with other gases or air, which may injure operating personnel through explosion or asphyxiation as a result of oxygen deficiency.

Chlorine. Chlorine gas is an irritant to the eyes and respiratory tract. It settles in low places since it is 2.5 times heavier than air. It escapes by leakage from chlorine cylinders or feed lines and settles in the low areas nearby. Special precautions for chlorine are given on the next page.

Other hazardous gases. Other hazardous gases that may be encountered in sewers and treatment plants include:

Methane may be found in sewers or enclosed areas of treatment plants due to leaking natural gas lines. It may cause suffocation due to oxygen deficiency.

Ammonia, which is explosive and harmful to the respiratory tract and eyes, may be found in sewers or enclosed treatment plant areas due to leaks in refrigeration systems. Vapors resulting from the discharge of gasoline, lubricating oils, benzene, naphtha, and similar solvents and petroleum products.

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EMERGENCY OPERATING PLANS AND PROCEDURES

General

In the event of an emergency on-site, the Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) makes a determination as to the course of action. The ORC then contacts the Local Improvement District Contact. This section outlines suggested emergency procedures and plans for responding to various types of disasters. Effective emergency planning requires considerable coordination and forethought by the operating staff; therefore, this section is meant to serve as a guide to identify the major considerations in each type of emergency. Detailed plans should be worked out by the operating staff who can best assess their own capabilities for dealing with emergencies and who have fuller knowledge of emergency resources available in the area.

It is necessary for the operator to have an idea of what his/her procedures should be in the event of an emergency. Emergency conditions are of varying degrees of seriousness. In any event the operator should be concerned with:

Safety of personnel both within the plant area and in the surrounding area.

The safety of equipment within the plant area.

Continuation of the plant functioning to assure proper treatment of wastewater.

In the event of a power failure the wastewater treatment facility has a propane fueled emergency generator that will run the entire facility. The E-One lift stations will be powered by a portable generator. There are four drop down circuits wired throughout the community (see electrical site plan below) that the portable generator will be moved around to power up and pump down all the lift stations systematically.

Emergency Information

The table on the following page shows a suggested list of emergency phone numbers, which should be posted, in a conspicuous place near each telephone at the plant. This list should be checked for accuracy at least quarterly and changes in names/telephone numbers should be noted on posted lists. One person should be given the responsibility for maintaining the accuracy of this list.

List of Emergency Telephone Numbers Physician

Centennial Peaks Hospital, Louisville, CO (303)673-9990 Centura Health, Louisville, CO (303)673-1000 Boulder Medical Center, Boulder, CO (720)854-7854 l; •

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Fire/Ambulance

Rocky Mountain Fire Department — 911 or (303)494-3735 Marshall Fire Department— 911 or (303)499-7167

Police/Adams County Sheriff

Boulder County Sheriff's Office — 911 or (303)441-3600 (non-emergencies)

Power Company

Xcel Energy1-800-895-1999

Telephone Company

Qwest— 1-800-564-1121

Electrician

Erie Electric (303)828-8405 Dan's Custom Construction (303)356-8043

Contractor

Fisher Construction (303)485-8855 Dan's Custom Construction (303)356-8043

Gas

Propane is used for the back-up Generator; a propane provider will be added prior to plant start-up.

Consulting Engineer

Frachetti Engineering (303)300-3464

County Health Department

Boulder County Health Department — (303)441-1100

CDPHE 24 hour Emergency Reporting and Spill Hotline

1-877-518-5608

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CHAPTER III

ACTIVATED SLUDGE

DEFINITIONS

ACTIVATED SLUDGE. Activated sludge consists of sludge particles produced in raw or settled wastewater by the growth of organisms (including zoogleal bacteria) in aeration tanks in the presence of dissolved oxygen. The term "activated" comes from the fact that the particles are teaming with bacteria, fungi, and protozoa.

ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS. The activated sludge process is a biological wastewater treatment process that uses MICROORGANISMS to speed up decomposition of wastes. When activated sludge is added to wastewater, the microorganisms feed and grow on waste particles in the wastewater. As the organisms grow and reproduce more and more waste is removed, leaving the wastewater partially cleaned. To function efficiently, the mass of organisms (SOLIDS CONCENTRATION) needs a steady balance of food (FOOD MICROORGANISM RATIO) and oxygen.

PROCESS DESCRIPTION

Secondary treatment in the form of the activated sludge process is aimed at OXIDATION and removal of soluble or finely divided suspended materials that were not removed by previous treatment. Aerobic organisms do this in a few hours as wastewater flows through an aeration tank. The organisms STABILIZE soluble or finely divided suspended solids by partial oxidation forming carbon dioxide, water and sulfate and nitrate compounds. The remaining solids are changed to a form that can be settled and removed as sludge during sedimentation.

Conversion of dissolved and suspended material to settable solids is the main objective of high-rate activated sludge processes. The oxidation may be by chemical or biological processes. In the activated sludge process, the biochemical oxidation carried out by living organisms is stressed. The same organisms also are effective in conversion of substances to settable solids if the plant is operated properly.

When wastewater enters the aeration tanks, it is mixed with the activated sludge to form a mixture of sludge, carrier water, and influent solids. These solids come from roofs or streets in combined sewer systems and also from the discharges from homes, factories, and businesses. The activated sludge, which is added, contains many different types of helpful living organisms that were grown during previous contact with wastewater.

These organisms are the workers in the treatment process. They use the incoming wastes for food and as a source of energy for their life processes and for the reproduction of more organisms. The organisms will use more food contained in the wastewater in treating the wastes. The activated sludge also forms a lacy network of floc mass that entraps many materials not used as food.

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Some organisms (workers) will require a long time to use the available food in the wastewater at a given waste concentration. Many organisms will compete with each other in the use of available food (waste) to shortening the time factor and increase the portion of waste stabilized. The ratio of food to organisms is a primary control in the activated sludge process.

Organisms tend to increase with waste (food) load and time spent in the aeration tank.

Under favorable conditions the operator will remove (sludge wasting) the excess organisms to maintain the required number of workers for effective waste treatment.

Therefore, removal of organisms from the treatment process (sludge wasting) is a very important control technique.

Oxygen is needed by the living organisms for oxidation of wastes to obtain energy for growth. Insufficient oxygen will slow down aerobic organisms, make FACULTATIVE organisms work less efficiently, and favor production of foul-smelling intermediate products of decomposition and incomplete reactions.

An increase in organisms in an aeration tank will require greater amounts of oxygen.

More food in the influent encourages more organism activity and more oxidation;

consequently, more oxygen is required in the aeration tank. An excess of oxygen is required in the aeration tank for complete waste stabilization. Therefore, the dissolved oxygen (DO) content in the aeration tank is an essential control test. Some minimum level of oxygen must be maintained to favor the desired type of organism activity to achieve the necessary treatment efficiency. If the DO in the aeration tank is too low, FILAMENTOUS BACATERIA will thrive and the sludge FLOC will not settle in the secondary settling process. Also, if the DO is too high, pin floc will develop and not be removed in the secondary settling process. Therefore, the proper DO level must be maintained so solids will settle properly and the plant effluent will be clear.

Depth of sludge blanket in the secondary settling process and concentrations of solids in the aerator are very important for successful wastewater treatment. Centrifuge tests will give a quick estimate of solids concentrations and locations in the units. Precise solids tests should be made periodically for comparison with centrifuge solids tests.

Before any changes are made in the mode of operation, precise solids measurements should be obtained. Settlability tests show the degree and volume of solids settling that may be obtained in a secondary settling process; however, visual plant checks show what is actually happening.

Primary tanks are designed to remove material that settles to the bottom or floats to the top. Activated sludge helps this process along by collecting and AGGLOMERATING the tiny particles in the primary effluent or raw wastewater so that they will settle better.

If for some reason the organisms fail to make this change in the soluble solids, then the secondary process effluent quality will not be satisfactory. For the activated sludge process to work properly, the operator must control the number of organisms, the

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A floc mass is made up of millions of organisms (1012 to 1018/100 ml in a good activated sludge), including bacteria, fungi, yeast, protozoa, and worms. The surface of the floc mass is irregular and promotes the transfer of wastewater pollutants into the solids by means of mechanical entrapment, absorption, or adhesion. Many substances not used as food also are transferred to the floc mass, thus improving the quality of the plant effluent.

Material taken into the floc mass is partially oxidized to form cell mass and oxidation products. Ash or inorganic material (silt and sand) taken in by the floc mass increase the density of the mass. Mixing the contents of the aerator causes the floc masses to bump into each other and form larger clumps. Eventually these masses become heavy enough to settle to the bottom of the secondary settling process where they can be removed easily. This sludge now contains most of the organisms and waste material that had been mixed in the wastewater.

The next step in the activated sludge process is removal of sludge from the secondary clarifier. Some of the material is converted and released to the atmosphere in the form of stripped gases (carbon dioxide or other volatile gases not converted and released in the aeration tank). That leaves water and sludge solids. A certain amount of the solids (returned activated sludge or RAS) will be returned to the aeration basin to treat incoming wastewater. The operator must pump these solids to the aerator. The rest of the waste activated sludge or WAS must be removed and disposed of so that it does not continue in the plant flow. After the sludge solids have been removed from the final clarifier, the treated wastewater moves to advanced waste treatment processes and/or the disinfection process.

The successful operation of an activated sludge plant required the operator to be aware of the many factors influencing the process and to check them repeatedly. To keep the organisms working in the activated sludge, you MUST provide a suitable environment.

High concentrations of acid, bases and other toxic substances are undesirable and may kill the working organisms. Uneven flows of wastewater may cause overfeeding, starvation, and other problems that upset the activated sludge process. Failure to supply enough oxygen can cause an unfavorable environment which, results in decreased organism activity.

While successful operation of an activated sludge plant involves an understanding of many factors, actual control of the process as outlined in this section is relatively simple.

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REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTROL

CONTROL CONSISTS OF MAINTAINING THE PROPER SOLIDS (FLOC MASS)

CONCENTRATION IN THE AERATION BASIN FOR THE WASTE (FOOD) INFLOW

BY ADJUSTING THE WASTE SLUDGE PUMPING RATE AND REGULATING THE

OXYGEN SUPPLY TO MAINTAIN A SATISFACTORY LEVEL OF DISSOLVED

OXYGEN IN THE PROCESS.

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CHAPTER IV

OPERATIONS SECTION

FLUIDYNE SBR OVERVIEW

The Eldorado Springs VVVVTF facility will receive pumped influent wastewater from the community's low pressure sewer system via a 3" HDPE force main. All of the influent sewage will be pumped using grinder pumps, thus the influent will not contain large solids, and a barscreen to remove solids is not needed. Influent flow will be metered by a 3" magnetic flow meter, located in a metering vault next to the SBR tankage. An influent sampling station is provided immediately after influent flow metering.

After the flow metering vault and sampling point, influent enters the biological treatment process. The first reactor is a constant-level anaerobic conditioning tank, which acts much like a primary clarifier (or septic tank) to reduce influent BOD by 30-40% by settling and anaerobic stabilization.

Conditioned influent will then flow into an anoxic equalization tank, which will provide influent equalization and holding while the SBR is completing its cycles. Since this tank is anoxic, and also receives nitrate-rich MLSS (during the SBR interact phase), this tank also functions as a high-rate denitrification reactor where nitrate is converted to nitrogen gas.

The next treatment tank is the SBR basin where the wastewater is treated in batches within the following phases: Fill; Interact; Settle; and Decant. The selected SBR process utilizes a control strategy based on tank levels as the primary control, with minimum time limits allotted for each phase. The SBR is fed by two SBR feed pumps located in the anoxic equalization basin. Once the level in the anoxic equalization basis reaches a set point water level (called settle water level, or control water level), the SBR goes into settle mode, followed by decant. Once the decant period is complete, the next batch of wastewater is pumped in the SBR tank ("Fill"). After "Fill", the SBR goes into a period of "Interact" until the influent EQ tank level again reaches the settle water level set point. During "Interact" the SBR feed pumps recirculate MLSS between the anoxic equalization tank and the SBR reactor.

Decant from the SBR then flows into an effluent equalization (EQ) tank, where the high decant rate is equalized. During decant, sodium hypochlorite solution will be automatically injected in the decant piping for disinfection. The effluent EQ tank also provides sufficient chlorine contact time. Effluent pumps in this tank then pump equalized, disinfected (and dechlorinated) effluent to the outfall at S. Boulder Creek via a 3" effluent pipeline. Stabilized biosolids generated by the process will be removed by a licensed hauler approximately monthly.

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The SBR equipment and controls supplier is Fluidyne Corporation. The following graphical overview of the selected SBR Process (reproduced from Fluidyne Corporation literature) illustrates the successive treatment phases comprising a complete SBR cycle.

System Components: Influent continuously enters the anaerobic chamber where solids settle. Settleable GOD is converted to soluble GOD. GOD is reduced by 30%, and solids are reduced by 60%. The influent then flows to the SAM TM reactor. Mixed liquor is maintained in the SAW"' reactor to suppress odors, and initiate and accelerate carbon and nitrogen reduction.

Fill Phase: When the level in the SAKI" reactor reaches a predetermined 'control lever the motive liquid pump is started. The SBR basin is filled and mixed. A variable percentage of the pumped flow is returned to the anaerobic chamber where biological solids settle. The recycle flow is adjustable to maintain the desired MLSS concentration in the SBR basin. Settled solids in the anaerobic chamber are digested.

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Interact Phase: When the level in the SBR reaches TWL. nitrified mixed liquor overflows the surge chamber weir and is returned to the SAM TM chamber to mix and react with the raw influent. Aeration is cycled on and off to provide the required oxygen. Denitrification is reliable and complete. Scum is also removed from the SBR basin.

Settle Phase: When the level in the SAM" reactor again reaches "control level,' aeration is discontinued, and the SBR basin settles under perfect quiescent conditions.

Decant Phase: When the settle timer expires, the decant valve is opened. and treated effluent is withdrawn from the upper portion of the SBR basin by means of a fixed solids excluding decanter.

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