Attachment 4 - Operations Manual - North Central Lagoon.doc

DRAFT

North Central Lagoon Wastewater Treatment Facility Operations and Maintenance Manual

Located in

Allegheny National Forest

McKean County, Pennsylvania

January 2011 Prepared by:

F. X. Browne, Inc.

P.O. Box 401

Lansdale, PA 19446 www.fxbrowne.com

FXB Project No. PA1847-01

Table of Contents

Section 1: Description of System, Basic System Information

Section 2: System Site Plan

Section 3: System Component Schematics Section 4: Normal Operation and Maintenance Procedures

Section 5: Seasonal Startup and Shutdown Procedures

Section 6: Common Problems and Solutions

Section 7: Sampling, Testing, and Monitoring

Section 8: Recordkeeping and Reporting

Section 9: Equipment Details

Section 10: Chemicals

Section 11: Safety and Emergency Response Section 12: Contacts, Emergency Contacts

Appendix A: Part II Permit Appendix B: Bradford Pump Station Installation and Service Manual Appendix C: Air-O-lator Aquarian Mechanical Aerator Information Manual Appendix D: Sanuril 100 Tablet Chlorinator Information Appendix E: Spray Irrigation Pump Information

Appendix F: Comminutor Manual

Appendix G: Laboratory Test Results

Appendix H: Condition Surveys

Appendix I: Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs)

Appendix J: Maintenance Logs

Appendix K: Flow Logs

Appendix L: Forest Service Handbook Chapter 20 – Personal Protective Equipment

Appendix M: Forest Service Handbook Chapter 30 – Reporting Accidents Section 1.0 Description of System, Basic System Information A. General Description

The North Central Lagoon Wastewater Treatment Facility (Facility) is located within the Allegheny Nation Forest, Corydon Township, McKean County, Pennsylvania. Specifically, the Facility is located adjacent to the Bradford Ranger Station/Administrative Site (Bradford Station), on the southwest corner of the intersection of PA Routes 59 and 321, approximately 15 miles west of Bradford, PA. A map of the Facility is located in Section 2.0 of this Manual.

The Facility was originally constructed in 1976 to treat and dispose of two primary sources of sewage flow:

1.

Sewage collected from various vault toilets and holding tanks located throughout the Allegheny National Forest recreation areas, and 2.

Sewage pumped directly from the Bradford Station.

The North Central Lagoon wastewater treatment facility includes a receiving pit with coarse bar screen, a comminutor, a primary aeration lagoon, a chlorine contact tank, a holding pond, a spray irrigation pump, and a spray irrigation field. The facility also contains a small control building which houses electrical and pump controls, chemicals, and a hydropneumatic water tank. A duplex grinder pump station is located off-site to pump sewage from the Bradford Ranger Station to the Facility.

The system is operational year-round and spraying is permitted between March 15 and November 15. During the winter months, the Facility acts as a large holding pond. The water level in the lagoon is pumped down in the late fall, and sewage from the Bradford Station slowly fills the lagoon over the winter. No vault sewage is delivered to the Facility during this time, and no spray irrigation occurs throughout the winter.

Typical operations include adjusting control timers for proper aeration, setting irrigation pumping cycles, testing effluent to determine suitability for spraying, screening and grinding incoming truckloads of waste, and general recordkeeping. Maintenance includes cleaning and maintaining equipment, yard piping, and structures as well as general cleanliness and landscaping of the Facility.

North Central Lagoon

Wastewater System - Basic Information

Site and System Name

North Central Lagoon

Water Uses and Connections

Toilet buildings, fixtures

Vault toilets not connected to sewer system Toilets and sinks at Ranger Building

Shower buildings, fixtures

Safety shower in maintenance building at Ranger Building

Precipitation falling directly onto lagoons (accounted for in flows listed above)

System Operators

Operator Names, phone numbers

Operator Certification required?

if so – Certification number Yes,

Sewage Collection System

Pump model #, hp

Hydr-O-Grind, Model SPG-150-A, 1 ½ hp submersible grinder pump designed to operate at 40 gpm at 64.2 TDH.

Describe pump controls

Pump on-off level floats, high and low water alarms, automatic alternating duplex pumps.

Treatment Plant

Contacts

Name and phone # of Contractor who installed system

Pump Supplier

Notes

B.

Operator and Managerial Responsibility

This manual is a working document and should be updated regularly to reflect physical and procedural changes to the wastewater system. Also, this manual is to be used as a training tool for new employees and as a guide for qualified operators.

The operator of this wastewater system is responsible for ensuring the proper operation of this lagoon and spray irrigation system that serves the Bradford Ranger District Office and many of the Recreational Facilities in the Allegheny National Forest. Specific responsibilities include:

· Ensure system in operated in accordance with all PA DEP permit requirements. A copy of the most recent Part II Permit is provided in Appendix A.

· Complete and document all required water quality testing.

· Ensure equipment is operating properly and receives required maintenance

· Perform annual startup and shutdown tasks

· Inform appropriate Allegheny National Forest personnel of problems and/or potential problems

· Keep current on procedures and permit requirements

· Perform DAILY inspections of all parts of the system to insure all are safe and in good working condition

The system operator should be knowledgeable in the operation of wastewater treatment facilities and should be a Pennsylvania certified wastewater treatment plant operator. Additionally, the operator should thoroughly review the operating permit for this Facility and understand how all components of the system work.

The system operator should know who to ask for help for various problems and issues that arise. Emergency and other contacts are provided in Section 12 of this manual.

The system operator needs to consider personnel scheduling to ensure continuous system operation with adequate personnel available to complete seasonal work.

C.

Manpower and Training

The operator of this wastewater system will need to be able to properly start up the system at the beginning of the season, routinely operate the system throughout the season, and properly shut down the system at the end of the season. The operator needs to have a thorough knowledge of the system layout and equipment, be mechanically inclined, be conscientious and work safely. The operator needs to keep current on state requirements for testing, operations, and reporting. The job may at times require strenuous work, heavy lifting, responding at odd hours, and being available on call to quickly to respond to problems.

D.

Scheduling

The system operator should consider employee(s) tour of duty, weekdays, weekends, holidays, vacation and sick leave, and other duties of personnel when planning and scheduling of operation and maintenance of this system.

This wastewater system requires daily observation to ensure it is operating correctly. The system operator is responsible for maintaining a schedule of personnel to complete all necessary jobs in a timely manner each day the system is supplying water to public facilities.

E.

Planning and Budget

The system operator is responsible for typical operation and maintenance expenses. In addition to operator labor costs, other items may include chlorine, testing equipment, testing lab costs, pump repairs, fence repairs, electrical and control repairs, etc.

Annual budget items for operating this system include:

· Chemicals: Chlorine

· Utilities: Electricity

· Personnel: Operator, Assistant Operator

· Misc. Supplies: Cleaning supplies, small tools, testing equipment and supplies

The system operator should inform the Forest Service permit administrator of any foreseeable MRRI budget items for operating this system, (i.e. pump replacement, control replacements, and/or building maintenance).

F. Responsibilities of Key Personnel

The system operator will provide names and responsibilities of staff responsible for managerial decisions, fiscal decision, operations, maintenance, ordering supplies, taking tests, sending test results to the state and Forest Service permit administrator, performing annual inspections, etc.

The “Current Operator and Backup Operator” form on the following page should be kept up to date. The facility operator will be responsible for completing and submitting the DEP Available Operator Annual Report Form. If the operator changes at any time, the DEP Change of Available Operator Form shall be completed and submitted to the DEP within 10 days of the change in operators. The Available Operator Annual Report Form is provided at the end of this section. Instructions for completing this form are included.

Current Operator and Backup Operator Form

KEEP THIS FORM UP TO DATE

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Insert DEP Available Operator Form Here Section 2.0 System Site Plan and Hydraulic Profile A site plan for the North Central Lagoon Wastewater Treatment Facility is provided in Figure 1. Figure 2 is a hydraulic profile of the system.

Figure 1 – Site Plan for North Central Lagoon Wastewater Treatment Facility

Figure 2 – Hydraulic Profile of North Central Lagoon Wastewater Treatment System Section 3.0 System Component Schematics

Bradford Pump Station The Bradford pump station is fed by a gravity sewer line from the Bradford District Ranger Building and various out buildings. The pump station includes duplex grinder pumps, each 1-1/2 HP with a capacity of 40 gpm at 62.4 feet of head. The pumps are Hydr-O-Grind, Model SPG-150-A, The Hydr-O-Matic Pump Co., Ashland, Ohio.

The lift station pumps the raw sewage from the Bradford Ranger District Office to the North Central Lagoon Wastewater Treatment Facility. The force main from the Bradford Pump Station is 2-inch polyethylene plastic and outlets into a manhole and then flows directly into the aeration lagoon.

The installation and service manual for this pump stations is provided in Appendix B and provided detailed information on the pumps.

Receiving Pit Raw sewage from hauler trucks is collected in a concrete receiving pit. This pit is 3 feet wide, 14.5 feet long, and 3 feet deep with removable wooden baffles to control the flow. The sewage leaves the receiving pit through a 2” bar screen where cans, bottles, rags, and other large solids are removed. From the receiving pit, the sewage flows by gravity through a 6-inch cast iron pipe into the comminutor pit, where it is trapped and sheared by rotating cutters. The sewage then flows through another 6-inch cast iron pipe into the aeration lagoon.

Aeration Lagoon and Holding Pond

The aeration lagoon provides for primary treatment of the sewage. The lagoon has a detention time of approximately 150 days when operating under normal conditions. The lagoon includes three 3-HP floating aerators, which should operate about 20 hrs. per day under normal conditions. Detailed information on the aerators is provided in Appendix C. The aeration lagoon is 121 feet wide, 121 feet long and 11 feet deep. The liner for this lagoon is a hypalon 45 mil polypropylene liner installed on sand bedding. Two inspection wells are located on the downgradient side of the lagoon at the base of the lagoon embankment. These wells were installed to monitor the lagoon and ensure that there are no leaks in the lagoon liner.

The effluent flows from the aeration lagoon into a chlorination chamber which is located underneath the control building. The chlorination chamber uses a tablet-feed system for delivering chlorine for disinfection of the wastewater stream (Sanuril Model 100). As the wastewater flows past the feed tubes (containing Sanuril 115 tablets), active chlorine is released into the wastewater by the dissolving action of the tablet/water contact. A weir at the chamber outlet controls the water level in the chlorinator. This, in turn, automatically controls the chlorine concentration regardless of surges in wastewater flow. See Appendix D for information on the tablet chlorinator.

The chlorinated wastewater then flows into the chlorine contact chamber with a minimum detention time of one hour and average detention time of seven hours for effective disinfection. The chlorine contact chamber has a capacity of 1125 gallons and is located under the control building. The tablet chlorinator is accessible via a large manhole in the corner of the control building. This is a confined entry point, and all necessary precautions should be taken if entry to this tank is required. Treated effluent then flows into the holding pond, where further chlorine contact and settling occurs.

See the hydraulic profile in Section 2 for details on the setup and valving of treatment and holding lagoons

Irrigation Pump The spray irrigation pump is a 1.5 hp centrifugal pump installed within a manhole located just outside the control building. This pump conveys treated effluent from the holding pond to the spray irrigation field. The controls are located inside the NEMA 3 control panel located adjacent to the pumping manhole. The pump and controls are Hydro-O-Grind, Model SPG-15OA, The Hydr-O-Matic Pump Co., P.O. Box 327, Ashland, Ohio.

Detailed information on this pump and control system is provided in Appendix E.

Spray Irrigation Field Flow from the irrigation pump is conveyed under pressure by a 1-1/2-inch copper nickel alloy pipe to the irrigation field. A control box is located between the holding pond and the irrigation field, and houses a pressure gauge and a ball valve. A gate valve and a pipe cap are located at the end of the spray field lateral to facilitate system drainage. The irrigation field consists of five sprinkler nozzles spaced approximately 70 feet apart. The sprinkler heads are Rain Bird #20A brass impact sprinklers. There are five heads operating at 2.8 gpm. The total spray area is 19,242 square feet (0.422 acres). The average design irrigation volume is 23,300 gallons per week, and the maximum irrigation volume is 24,000 gallons per week.

Facility Water System The water system consists of a water well with a 1 HP submersible pump, Model SG1O2-1OA, F. E. Myers & Bros. Co. The control building houses an 82 gallon pressure tank and (2) hose bibs. One hose bib is located just outside the control building and the other is located near the receiving pit. The water is non-potable and is used for washing down the sewage receiving station and sewage sampling and testing in the control building.

Control Building The control building houses the following equipment:

· Power control boxes for all electrical equipment

· Timers for the aerators and the spray irrigation pump

· Flow totalizer for the spray irrigation system

· Manhole access to the chlorine contact tank and tablet chlorinator

· Hydropneumatic tank for water storage

· All logs for wastewater received, daily flow recordings, etc.

· Miscellaneous tools

· Sink

Motor control boxes and timers are all labeled.

Section 4.0 Normal Operation and Maintenance Procedures The North Central Lagoon Wastewater Facility must be operated to meet the following NPDES discharge requirements:

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) 25 mg/L

Total Suspended Solids

30 mg/L

Fecal Coliform Bacteria

200 colonies/100 mL pH between 6.0 and 9.0 s.u.

The following general, daily, weekly, monthly and annual operation and maintenance procedures should be followed while operating this facility.

General

· Maintain a supply of commonly needed maintenance and repair parts.

· Keep a log book of all maintenance tasks performed at the facility

· Ensure that updated manufacturer’s literature is filed in this manual when components are replaced.

· Any parts and equipment repaired and/or replaced shall be of the same or better quality.

Daily

· Check the pump station at the Bradford Ranger Building to ensure that it is operating properly.

· Check all components of the treatment facility, including the spray nozzles, to ensure that they are operating properly.

· Record volume of wastewater pumped to the spray irrigation system.

· Record the volume of all truckloads of sewage dumped into the receiving pit.

· Clean the mechanical bar screen. Put screenings inside garbage can located near the tank.

· Manually turn the spray irrigation system pump on and off for the required number of hours.

Weekly

· Perform general maintenance, cleaning, mowing, and removing weeds.

· Check the chlorine residual, add or adjust chlorine tablets.

Bi-Weekly

· Collect an effluent sample from the sampling port after the flow meter. Take the sample to the contract laboratory for required analysis.

Monthly

· Complete DMR form and submit the Forest Engineer.

· Make sure all laboratory data and the monthly DMR is inserted into this manual.

· Ensure that the building is clean, secure, and in good repair.

Annually

· Inspect fence and make repairs as necessary. Clear any tree branches from on or near the fence.

· Ensure that the locks to the gate are working and not rusty. Lubricate locks, as necessary.

· Inspect liner in treatment lagoon and holding lagoon for any holes, repair as necessary, using approved repair kit.

· Make sure a copy of the maintenance log, volume of effluent sprayed log and volume of wastewater dumped by haulers log are added to this manual

Bradford Pump Station The controls for this pump station are located inside the NEMA3 control panel at the lift station. The power comes from the circuit breaker inside the Bradford Station garage-workshop. For normal operation of the system, the control switch must be in the automatic position.

The pumps are controlled by mercury switch liquid level controls. The liquid level control system starts one pump motor at high water elevation, stops the pump motor at the low water elevation, and automatically alternates the pump motor operation. The controls will start whichever pump is not operating if the liquid level rises to the standby mercury switch, so both pumps are operating. If the liquid level continues to rise, a fourth mercury switch will trigger the high water alarm located in the control panel enclosure. If pumps are not operating, check the control panel to see that the pump switch is ON. If the problem is in the pumps, pull and repair pumps. Pump the lift station with a vault waste pumper, if necessary, until all repairs are complete and pumps are back in operation.

Receiving Pit The Receiving Pit shall be kept clean at all times. The operator should coordinate with vault haulers so that someone is present every time that a load is delivered to the Facility. Prior arrangements between the operator and the hauler are necessary if the hauler need to dump wastes on an emergency basis. If this is the case, the hauler will be required to contact the operator to let them know that they dumped waste. The operator needs to make sure that the hauler knows the proper procedure for dumping the waste, turning the comminutor on and off, and recording the volume of waste that was dumped. The operator shall inspect the facilities as soon as possible after the dump was completed to make sure that all procedures were followed and the volume of waste was recorded. The operator shall always be on the lookout for improper dumping practices. If any illegal dumping is suspected, the operator should contact the Forest Engineer immediately.

Comminutor The Comminutor is controlled by a program controller located just outside the pit. The power comes from the circuit breaker inside the control building. Push the START button on the control box to start the comminutor as soon as dumping begins and push the STOP button once all wastewater has passed through the receiving pit and comminutor. A green indicator light indicates normal operation of the unit.

If an overload (jam) occurs, the Comminutor will automatically reverse direction for two seconds in an attempt to clear the jam. The unit will then resume forward direction. If a subsequent overload occurs, the same schedule will apply. However, if a fourth overload occurs within 30 seconds of a third, the unit will reverse for two seconds, automatically shut down, and a red indicator light will be energized. To clear the overload, the stop push button must be pressed. This will reset the control system. If the overload is still present, push the STOP push button on the control box. The amber light will remain on. Turn the circuit off at the circuit breaker inside the control building. Now the amber light on the control box will be OFF. Check the Maintenance and Service Manual for trouble shooting problems.

Aeration Lagoon and Holding Pond The aeration lagoon has three 3 hp floating mechanical aerators which should operate approximately 20 hours per day under normal conditions. The controls for the aerators are located inside the control building. Each aerator has a time clock and control box which permits the hours of operation throughout the day to be regulated individually. Any changes in the hours of operation should be discussed with the Facility Engineer.

The lagoon is designed to handle a maximum of 14,400 gallons of sewage per week, of which 2,400 gallons is from the Bradford Ranger Station. The remaining 12,000 gallons may be added in any of the following combinations:

1.

12,000 gallons LOW VOLUME FLUSH waste from KPIC and/or Red Bridge Campground

2.

4,000 gallons of VAULT waste

3.

3,000 gallons of VAULT waste and 7,000 gallons LOW VOLUME FLUSH waste

Any changes from the above combinations should be checked with the Facility Engineer. The above procedures allow for the design detention time necessary to reduce the BOD to an acceptable level, which is a maximum BOD value of 25 mg/l at discharge based on the NPDES permit requirements.

The chlorinator is a solid tablet, gravity feed type. The tablets dissolve as the effluent flows through the chlorinator housing. The dosing rate is automatically adjusted; as the effluent flow increases, more tablets become submerged. Only minimal maintenance is required since the unit is permanently installed on the effluent line and tablets will have to be added only once during the operating season under normal conditions. The chlorination chamber is designed for a minimum detention time of one hour with an average of seven hours.

The holding pond is designed with two feet of free board, which is approximately 48,600 gallons that could be stored during periods of excessive precipitation and runoff. The holding pond should be maintained at the designed operating levels.

Irrigation Pump The controls for the irrigation pump are located inside the NEMA3 control panel at the pump station. The power circuit breaker is inside the control building. The pump is controlled through a time clock that will limit operation to the desired spray cycle. The pump should be operated manually to eliminate spraying during periods of excessive precipitation and runoff. When the pump is in operation, it is controlled by a mercury switch liquid level control. The liquid level control system stops the pump motor at low water elevation. A second mercury switch will trigger a high water alarm located in the control panel enclosure. If the pump does not operate properly, check the service manual, time clock, and circuit breaker.

Spray Irrigation Field The spray irrigation field design allows spraying 20 hours per week based on a maximum application rate of two inches per acre per week. The spray cycle can be varied to suit the operation (i.e. 20.hours @ 1 day/week, 10 hours @ 2 days/week, 5 hours @ 4 days/week, etc.).

Facility Water System 1.

Controls for the submersible pump are located in the control building. They consist of a timer and operation light to indicate when the system is in operation. The static water level is at 66ft. @ 4gpm. The pump is capable of pumping 10 gpm @ 200 ft. of head. The pump is set at 190 ft. below ground; the draw down tube is set at 185 ft. below ground. The timer should be set to pump for 25 minutes and OFF for 1 hr.

2.

The storage tank has a capacity of 82 gallons, with operating pressures of 20 to 40 PSI.

3.

Draw down tube-checking water level with airline draw-down tube; the tube shall have an accurate altitude gauge and air valve attached to it at the surface. The vertical distance from the bottom of the airline to the center of the gauge shall be recorded. The line shall then be charged with air under pressure of at least one pound per square inch for each two feet of airline and until the gauge will read no higher, and the water level in the well computed by subtracting altitude in feet registered on the gauge from the length of the airline.

Section 5.0 Seasonal Startup and Shutdown Procedures

A. Spring Startup Bradford Pump Station This system is in operation year round. The pumps require no lubrication under normal operating conditions. Conduct a visual inspection of the system daily while the pumps are in operation to ensure they are operating as designed. This can be accomplished by manually operating the mercury switches, if necessary.

Receiving Pit

1. Make sure the receiving pit and bar screen is clean and free of debris.

2. Make sure wooden baffles are in working order.

Comminutor

1.

Remove plastic cover from the comminutor control panel.

2.

Perform scheduled maintenance on the slow and high speed shaft bearings and reduction mechanism. Use only recommended lubricants. See Comminutor Manual, located in Appendix F.

Aeration Lagoon and Holding Pond

1.

Make a visual check of the exposed hypalon liner checking for holes caused by ice, rodents, etc. Make any repairs necessary with manufacturer approved repair kits.

2.

Replace the three aerators in the lagoon. Check electric cable for tight connections and make sure there are no worn spots in outer covering of the wires. Anchor aerators into position with cables.

3.

Set the 3 time clocks and turn on electrical circuit breakers checking to see that each aerator operates.

4.

Check lagoon monitoring wells for liner leakage. If water is in the pipe, collect a sample and have it tested for fecal coliform bacteria. Facility Engineer should be contacted if fecal coliform bacteria are present.

Irrigation Pump 1.

Replace Hydr-O-Grind Pump in the pump station and hook up to discharge pipe.

2.

Remove plastic cover from control panel.

Spray Irrigation Field 1.

Replace Water Meter.

2.

Remove plastic covers from each of the sprinklers.

3.

Close valve on the drain line and replace the plug in the outlet end of the valve.

4.

Open the valve (inside valve box) on the irrigation line.

5.

Turn circuit breaker ON at the irrigation pump control box.

6.

Set timer at control panel for desired spray cycle and turn pump control ON. While the pump is in operation, see that it is operating the mercury switches.

7.

Adjust the line pressure to the sprinklers to 35 PSI. The valve and pressure gauge are located inside the valve box.

8.

Sprinkler heads should be checked visually while working to ensure they are functioning properly.

9.

Record the reading on the water meter to make sure no more than 14,400 gallons per week are sprayed.

Facility Water System 1.

Replace water meter in supply line at the well.

2.

Close drain line in back of the control building.

3.

Open valve to pressure tank.

4.

Close sink faucet and two hose bibs.

5.

Turn circuit breaker ON to start pump.

6.

Check water meter to see that pump is working.

7.

While the well is pumping, check the pump. Draw down tube for static water level is located in the well.

Control Building 1.

Replace drain plug in service sink trap.

2.

Fill chlorinator feed tubes with Sanuril - 115 chlorine tablets.

3.

Turn circuit breaker ON to the irrigation pump.

B. Fall Shutdown

Bradford Pump Station This system is in operation year round. The pumps require no lubrication under normal operating conditions. Conduct a daily visual inspection of the system while the pumps are in operation to determine if they are operating as designed. This can be accomplished by manually operating the mercury switches, if necessary.

Receiving Pit

1. Make sure that the receiving pit and manual bar screen are clean and free of all debris.

Comminutor Pit

1.

Cover the control panel with plastic.

2.

Check inside manhole to make sure the drain line is open.

Aeration Lagoon and Holding Pond

Aeration Lagoon:

1.

Three days after the last load of sewage has been dumped into the lagoon, two of the aerators can be removed for the winter. Shut the circuit breaker OFF on the two aerators that are being removed.

2.

The lagoon volume required for the sewage from the Bradford Ranger Station and winter precipitation necessitates lowering the lagoon three feet below normal operating level. This will be a manual operation. Lower water level to the 25th bolt on the loading dock During the shut-down period, it will be necessary to spray 14,400 gallons three times per week for six weeks. The upper two feet of drawdown can be achieved by opening the upper draw down valve, which will drain through the chlorinator. Once the holding pond reaches normal operating level, shut the valve and set the time clock to operate for twenty hours. Every other day, repeat the same procedure until the lagoon level has dropped to the elevation of the drawdown pipe. The last one (1) foot of sewage will have to be drained out by opening the lagoon drain valve. An automatic chlorinator will have to be set up to add chlorine while draining the lagoon by this method. Again, fill the holding pond to normal operating level. Allow the sewage to set overnight in the holding pond before starting the spray irrigation. Repeat this procedure until there is only one (1) foot of sewage over the bottom of the aerator dock.

3.

The last aerator should be removed for the winter. Shut the circuit breaker OFF. Cover the aerators with plastic to protect them from the elements. It may be necessary to use a row boat to remove the last aerator.

Holding Pond:

Beginning on or around September 1, keep Holding Pond pumped down to lowest level.

Irrigation Pump 1.

Shut the circuit breaker for the irrigation pump to the OFF position.

2.

Disconnect pump, remove it from the manhole, and store it a the Ranger Station garage workshop.

3.

Cover the control panel with plastic. DO NOT shut the electricity off to the controls. The control panel has a strip heater inside to keep the controls dry.

Spray Irrigation Field 1.

Remove the plug from the valve at the end of the line and open the valve. This will allow the system to drain.

2.

Cover the sprinklers with plastic covers.

3.

Open the valve in the valve box.

4.

Remove the water meter.

Facility Water System 1.

Turn the circuit breaker to the water well OFF.

2.

Open the drain line in back of control building.

3.

Open sink faucet and (2) hose bibs (#1) outside control building (#2) at Comminutor Pit.

4.

After the pressure is off the system, drain the water pressure tank.

5.

Remove the water meter at the well and store it at Ranger Station garage workshop.

Control Building 1.

Remove tablets from chlorinator feed tubes (Sanuril - 115 chlorine tablets) and store in an air tight container.

Section 6.0 Common Problems and Solutions

Bradford Pump Station

Entry to the pump station chamber through the access hatch is constricted due to the layout of the guide rails holding the pumps in place. Under normal operation and maintenance, entry of the chamber should not be necessary; the pumps can be lifted and serviced from the surface. However, if entry is necessary to inspect or clean the chamber, proper equipment and planning should be used. This may include utilizing a tripod/harness for individual entering the chamber, as well as all appropriate confined space entry precautions required by OSHA.

Comminutor Pit

The bar screen in the pit can become blocked with rags, pieces of wood, or other debris. Such material can created a blockage and inhibit sewage flow. The pit does contain a bypass line, however the bar screen should be cleaned of debris as necessary, and checked daily for any items that can block sewage flow.

Aeration Lagoon Placing the floating aerators in the lagoon by a single individual each spring can be challenging and time consuming. It is recommended that the floats for the aerators are placed in the lagoon first, followed by lowering the aerators on top of them. This allows for the spacing of the floats and attachment to the shoreline anchors be achieved before the aerators can add to any confusion. The flats are placed around the lagoon in a triangular fashion. Positioning them can be accomplished by walking cables around the pond and adjusting the cables. Once the proper position of the floats is completed, they can be brought to the wench one at a time to have the aerators lowered onto them. The floats/aerators can then be returned to their position and the cables can finally be secured to the shoreline anchors. Caution should be used that the power cables for the aerators do not touch/rub the steel cables holding them in position. Such rubbing can cause the protective coating on the power cables to deteriorate.

The reverse process should be used to remove the aerators and floats in the fall.

Overall Operations Most of the wastewater that is treated by this facility during the summer months is generated at numerous locations throughout the Allegheny National Forest. This wastewater is brought to the facility via a pumper truck that discharges the wastewater from the pumper truck directly into the receiving pit. There is no set schedule for trucks to arrive at the facility. It would be ideal for the treatment plant operator to be at the site each and every time a truck load of wastewater is dumped at the facility. The operator and the contract wastewater hauler should work together and communicate with each other so that the operator is at the site as much as possible to ensure that no improper dumping occurs.

Section 7.0 Sampling, Testing and Monitoring

Sampling and testing of the treated effluent must be completed on a regularly scheduled basis and as required by the facilities NPDES discharge permit. The operator is responsible for collecting effluent samples and delivering them to the Contract Laboratory. Samples shall be collected two times per month from May through November.

Effluent samples shall be collected from the sampling port located just past the flow meter on the effluent pipe from the spray irrigation pump to the spray field. Samples shall be analyzed for the parameters listed on the DMR.

There are six test wells in the spray irrigation area that should be tested for fecal coliform bactaria every other month, starting in June and ending in October. Any positive tests will be reported to the Forest Engineer. Additionally, if there is water in the treatment lagoon monitoring wells, collect a sample from the wells and have the sample tested for fecal Coliform bacteria. Directions for taking these samples are included below. Samples will be taken by the operator and run by the approved contract laboratory.

All testing and sampling shall be conducted in accordance with applicable permit limitations and in compliance with all EPA and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) regulations. Sampling and testing shall be conducted by a Pennsylvania certified wastewater plant operator.

All test results should be mailed to the Forest Engineer and should be added to this Manual in Appendix G.

The procedure for collecting bacteriological samples consists of the following:

1. Obtain sample bottles and forms from the approved laboratory.

2. Wash hands and wear latex gloves if possible.

3. Take samples from all approved sampling locations.

4. Avoid contamination of the sample during collection. Keep the sample bottle closed until the sample is collected. Do not touch the threads on the cap or the neck of the sample bottle and do not place the cap on the ground. Do not rinse the sample bottle before collecting the sample, as sometimes chemicals are added to neutralize residual chlorine in the sample.

5. Hold the sample bottle near the bottom, fill it ¾ full, and replace the cap immediately.

6. Label the sample bottle, fill out the collection form, and deliver the form and sample to the laboratory. Keep a copy of the form for your records.

7. Samples should be kept upright and refrigerated or kept on ice. Deliver the samples to the laboratory within 4 hours of being collected and before the contract laboratory closes for the day. Coordinate sample times with the contract laboratory. It is best to collect bacteria samples first thing in the morning and deliver them to the laboratory by noon so that all holding times are maintained. The holding time for fecal Coliform bacteria is 6 hours.

Section 8.0 Recordkeeping and Reporting It is important to keep records of all condition surveys, water quality testing, DMRs, data logs, routine maintenance, and equipment repairs/replacements. Ensure that updated manufacturer’s literature is added to this manual when components are added or replaced. Copies of all reports and tests should be added to this manual. Copies of state required parameter testing shall be kept for a minimum of 5 years.

Wastewater System Condition Survey A condition survey is a physical inspection of the wastewater treatment facility. The survey should be conducted annually to assess the overall condition and operation of the facility. The survey should note any recent alterations or additions to the system or the facility equipment, recommend any corrections to system operation or equipment replacement, and note any potential facility issues.

A Wastewater System Condition Survey generally includes the following:

1. Description of site features.

2. Assessment of treatment tanks.

3. Assessment of treatment equipment.

4. Description of small equipment enclosures (not on building inventory).

5. Miscellaneous equipment and records.

6. Assessment of the collection system.

Ideally, condition surveys can be conducted semi-annually for efficient, ongoing system operation. Condition surveys conducted in the fall after shut-down can identify issues that should be corrected before start-up of the next season. Plans can be made and parts can be ordered during the winter to prepare for early season maintenance. Condition surveys conducted in the spring before start-up can identify any damage or necessary repair from vandalism, storms, frost action, etc. All condition surveys should be added to this manual in Appendix H, including any notes, sketches, and correspondence regarding facility issues. Condition Surveys are required each Spring before start-up and are encouraged in the Fall, but not required.

Recordkeeping and Testing Results

All flow and treatment records as well as wastewater testing results should be added to this manual. Laboratory testing data (Appendix H) and DMRs (Appendix I) should be added to this manual as they are received/generated.

Maintenance Log Keep an updated log of all maintenance activities performed, including the location and any problems encountered. Copies of the maintenance log should be added to this manual at the end of each operating season. Insert Maintenance Log in Appendix J.

Flow Logs

Flow logs showing the cumulative flow meter readings and the daily flows pumped to the spray field should be added to Appendix K at the end of each year. Insert all logs showing the total volume of wastewater received at the facility each day in Appendix K.

Section 9.0 Equipment Details

Comminutor

JWC Environmental Model 30001-1206

Aeration Lagoon

Floating mechanical mix/spray, electric propeller type, 3hp, Air-o-lator Aquarian. 6.0 lb/hr standard O2 transfer rate. Liner information - 45 mil reinforced polypropylene on sand bedding.

Irrigation Pump

1.5 hp centrifugal, 18gpm at 60 psi of head.

Spray Irrigation Field

RainBird #20A brass impact sprinklers, 5 heads, each 2.8 gpm.

Water Pump

HP submersible pump, Model SG1O2-1OA, F. E. Myers & Bros. Co.

Bradford Pump Station

Grinder pump duplex lift station – 1-1/2 hp submersible grinder pumps Section 10.0 Chemicals

Sanuril - 115 Chlorine Tablets

Sanuril 115 is a disinfecting agent that provides a chemically stable source of chlorine and bromine for disinfecting the wastewater. When the tablets come into contact with the water stream, chlorine and bromine are released into the effluent at a controlled dissolve rate. There are no toxic gases to handle, or equipment such as pumps, tanks or flow meters to maintain. Tablets can be readily handled when wearing standard safety or work gloves.

Sanuril tablets should be stored in a cool, dry and secure location. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Sanuril 115 is located at the end of this section.

Household Bleach/Cleaning Agents Household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) and other similar cleaning agents may be used to clean and sanitize the testing area in the control building. Bleach contains a solution of approximately 3-6% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO). Other cleaning agents typically contain sodium hypochlorite as their active ingredient. Chlorine is a respiratory irritant and can burn the skin. Exposure to chlorine has been limited to 0.5 ppm by OSHA. Use with adequate ventilation and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Avoid contact with eyes,on skin or clothing. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Bleach is highly toxic to plants, fish and invertebrates.

Bleach decomposes on contact with air and when exposed to sunlight. Store bleach in a cool, dry, ventilated area in a tightly closed container. Do not mix with other chemicals. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is located at the end of this section.

INSERT SAFETY SHEETS

Section 11.0 Safety and Emergency Response Safety

Operating and maintaining wastewater systems can be dangerous. It is your responsibility to consider your and other safety at all times when operating and maintaining the system. This manual cannot possibly cover all situations and every safety precaution. If you are in doubt about anything, contact the Forest Service Engineer.

1. Emergency telephone numbers are located in Section 12 – Emergency Contacts. Review these numbers periodically and make any necessary corrections, additions, or deletions.

2. Hazards that may be encountered in the operation of this system include:

a. General Safety Concerns: These include walking on rough or uneven terrain, poor footing, falling, cuts from sharp objects, lifting heavy objects, encounters with animals, animal droppings (hantavirus), venomous insects, etc. Other individuals should be aware of your location and when you expect to arrive at and leave the Facility.

b. Chemical Exposure Concerns: These include inhalation and chemical burns. This system uses sodium hypochlorite (bleach). When handling chlorine tablets, chlorine cleaners, or other similar chemicals, care should be taken to use the materials per manufacturer’s directions. Protective gloves and eye protection are recommended while handling such materials. Individuals should apply chlorine cleaners only in ventilated areas. All Federal, local, and Agency requirements must be followed. For more information, see Section 10.0 – Chemicals.

c. Confined Spaces: Confined spaces associated with this facility include the chlorine contact tank, the Bradford Ranger Building, and the spray irrigation pump station. These facilities should be labeled as confined spaces on the manhole covers or lids per OSHA regulations. Confined spaces associated with a wastewater treatment facility may be subject to oxygen deficiency and noxious gases. The types of spaces shall be entered only by following confined space requirements as established by OSHA and the Forest Service (see FSH 6709.11, chapter 30). Use all required protective devices and equipment, ventilation, and safety procedures.

d. Electrocution and Entrapment Concerns: Any repairs or replacement of electrical panels or lines should be conducted by licensed and experienced professionals only. When servicing electrical panels or equipment, all proper lock-out procedures should be followed. Inspect all wiring, especially wiring associated with the floating aerators, electrical boxes, electrical cords and other electrical equipment on a regular basis and have an electrician or trained professional make electrical repairs or replacements.

e. Water hazards: When working around pools of water, especially when walking around uneven terrain, there exists the possibility of falling into the water. Care should be taken to always perform maintenance and servicing with solid footing. Avoid walking along liner edges when possible, for the liners could become slippery. The side slopes of both the aeration lagoon and holding pond could cause an individual to slide further into the pooling water.

f. Mechanical Hazards: Mechanical equipment often includes moving parts that can readily harm individuals handling them. Caution should be used when inspecting and servicing such equipment. Ensure all proper lock-out procedures are in place, or that power to units has been shut down, before handling them. Perform any routine maintenance according to manufacturer instructions. Should repairs be extensive, then servicing should be conducted by individuals certified to make such repairs by the manufacturer.

3. Safety equipment requirements. Use of Personal Protective Equipment as listed in FSH 6709.11, chapter 20 is required. A copy is located in Appendix L. Ensure that the required equipment is available and in good condition and employees have been trained in its use:

a. First-aid kits.

b. Protective clothing, gloves, face shield.

c. Eye protection.

d. Fire extinguisher

4. Accident reporting. Refer to the requirements listed in FSH 6709.12, chapter 30. A copy is located in Appendix M.

Emergency Procedures:

1. Natural Disasters:

Wildfire – Wildfires may damage portions of the system. The spray irrigation field is particularly vulnerable since the spray heads are located in a wooded area. The pumps are cast iron but may encounter seal and gasket damage. Preventive Measure: Keep fuel accumulations away from the pumps. Alert firefighting crews of vulnerable locations.

Flood – Flooding does not appear to be a major concern, but may cause washout and erosion and overflowing of the aeration and/or holding pond. Preventive Measure: maintain positive drainage away from all facility the pumps to divert surface runoff away.

Drought – Drought is not a significant problem for this facility. The water system at the facility does not use a significant amount of water; therefore, the water source should be sufficient for the required use without concern. As always, use the available water wisely under all operating conditions, check for leaks and repair quickly.

2. Malevolent Acts - Sabotage, Vandalism, Terrorism:

This wastewater treatment facility received wastes from a contract wastewater hauler. The chances of the system receiving toxic wastes intentionally are small, but the threat does exist. Although this facility is not a drinking water facility, contamination of the system from sabotage and terrorism could result in untreated wastewater being applied to the spray field. Ultimately this situation could contaminate the groundwater. Keep the gate to this facility locked at all times to reduce the chance of sabotage, vandalism, and terrorism.

3. Man-Made Disasters:

· Spill of hazardous chemicals

· Accidental contamination of system

· Breakdown of major equipment

For all of these events, the FS Inspector must be notified immediately.

4. Communication Procedures:

During most emergencies, it…