United States Washington May 1978
4982 Environmental Protection DC 20460
Agency 810R78101
Water
SEPA Operation, Maintenance
and Management of
Wastewater Treatment
Facilities
A Bibliography of
Technical Documents
-------
-------
OPERATION, MAINTENANCE
AND MANAGEMENT OF
WASTEWATER TREATMENT
FACILITIES
A Bibliography of Technical
Documents
by
Dottie Himes
Program Analyst
(WH-596)
EPA Project Officer
Lehn J. Potter
\
May, 1978
Prepared for
Municipal Operations Branch
Office of Water Program Operations
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C. 20460
Chicago, Ilanols
-------
-------
FOREWORD
The Municipal Operations Branch, under the
direction of Mr. Lehn J. Potter, develops program
strategies and related guidance documents on muni-
cipal wastewater treatment facilities in coopera-
tion with the Environmental Protection Agency's
ten Regions and the 50 States. A prime objective
of the Branch is to assure adequate consideration
of operation and maintenance characteristics in
the planning, design and construction of new plants.
The Branch is also responsible for action plans to
assist States and municipalities in identifying and
correcting wastewater treatment plant operational
problems. Effective performance of these functions
depends on a strong coordinated program involving
Federal, State and local agencies, combined with
the professional expertise of the consulting engi-
neering communities.
111
-------
-------
ABSTRACT
Efficient operations and maintenance saves money!
Since 1956, nearly $20 billion has been spent through
EPA's Construction Grants Program to build new waste-
water treatment facilities or to upgrade existing plants.
If a plant fails to do the job it's supposed to, or de-
teriorates , these tax monies are wasted. There is con-
clusive evidence that one-third to one-half of existing
plants are not operating effectively and efficiently.
Under the sponsorship of the Municipal Operations
Branch, the Operation, Maintenance, and Management manuals
described on the following pages, were prepared by operations
specialists with years of in-plant experience. The manuals
were developed in cooperation with EPA regional technical
staff, as well as State and local governmental personnel.
This Bibliography presents a summary description of the
data included in the manuals. It will be noted that a
broad spectrum of key information is covered, ranging from
descriptions of process components and guidelines for plant
start-up, to troubleshooting, preventive maintenance and
laboratory testing procedures. Aerobic and Anaerobic Sludge
Digestion are addressed, and include case histories of op-
erational experiences and problem-solving techniques. The
materials are designed to assist the operators, plant owners,
consulting engineers and educators.
Copies of the manuals may be obtained by writing direct
to the U.S. Government Printing Office or the National Tech-
nical Information Service. Appropriate data for direct orders
are included as Appendices I and V respectively.
Questions relating to any of these documents should be
directed to the appropriate EPA Regional Office. A listing
of these mailing addresses is shown on the inside back cover
of this Bibliography. Inquiries may also be submitted to
the Municipal Operations Branch (WH-596), Office of Water
Program Operations, United States Environmental Protection
Agency, 401 "M" Street, S.W., Washington, B.C. 20460.
v
-------
-------
]L A B L E OF CONTENTS
Page
Foreword iii
Abstract v
A Planned Maintenance Management System for
Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants 1
Aspects of State-Wide Emergency Response
Programs for Municipal Wastewater
Treatment Facilities 2
Aerobic Biological Wastewater Treatment
Facilities, Process Control Manual 3
Anaerobic Sludge Digestion, Operations Manual 4
Considerations for Preparation of Operations
and Maintenance Manuals 5
Emergency Planning for Municipal Wastewater
Treatment Facilities 6
Estimating Laboratory Needs for Municipal
Wastewater Treatment Facilities 7
Estimating Staffing for Municipal Wastewater
Treatment Facilities 8
Maintenance Management Systems for Municipal
Wastewater Facilities 9
Package Treatment Plants, Operations Manual 10
Performance Evaluation and Troubleshooting at
Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facilities,
Field Manual 11
Sludge Handling and Conditioning, Operations
Manual 12
Stabilization Ponds, Operations Manual 13
Start-Up of Municipal Wastewater Treatment
Facilities 14
Appendices
Information for direct orders to:
U.S. Government Printing Office I
National Technical Information Service thru
(with Order Forms) VI1
EPA Regional Office Addresses. . .(inside back cover)
VI1
-------
-------
A PLANNED MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
FOR MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS
This information was developed and successfully
demonstrated as a Planned Maintenance Management Sys-
tem (PMMS) at the 18-mgd Lower Potomac Wastewater
Treatment Plant of Fairfax County, Virginia. It out-
lines a model maintenance management program for waste-
water treatment plants throughout the United States.
Specifics of maintenance needs on each item of
plant equipment are provided and instructions on the
maintenance of complex equipment are reduced to simple
procedures. For each procedure, the system includes
details of the methods, materials, tools and personnel
required; schedules the task, and provides for data
recording and feedback.
'to
During the 12-month demonstration of the PMMS, a
steady downward trend was noted in the frequency of mal-
functions in various mechanical equipment. In many cases,
the early detection of danger signs led to positive cor-
rective action in preventing breakdowns.
This report describes the system in technical de-
tail; thoroughly explains the installation of the system,
including acceptance by the mechanics and coordination
with plant operations, and outlines an application of the
system to other wastewater treatment facilities.
-------
ASPECTS OF STATE-WIDE EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROGRAMS
FOR MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES
The material provided in this document is designed
to assist in the development of State emergency programs
in responding to spills of raw or inadequately treated
municipal wastewater. It emphasizes the legal aspects
of spill reporting, the definition of a reportable spill
and State-wide aspects of emergency response planning.
Preliminary steps, in this work included a review of
existing and proposed Federal statutes and current State
water pollution control laws and regulations. Over 55
State and interstate agencies were asked to provide in-
information on existing or future water pollution contin-
gency plans; over 200 wastewater treatment facility mana-
gers provided data on emergency actions.
Each State response plan must, of course, be adapted
to the local situation.
-------
PROCESS CONTROL MANUAL FOR
AEROBIC BIOLOGICAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES
This document will provide an on-the-job reference
for operators of activated sludge and trickling filter
wastewater treatment plants. It will also assist opera-
tors in establishing process control techniques and in
optimizing the performance of these two aerobic biological
treatment systems.
The manual, presented in three major divisions, in-
cludes : The Activated Sludge Process; The Trickling Fil-
ter Process, and Appendices. Major subject matters are
divided into the following sections: Troubleshooting;
Process Control; Fundamentals; and Laboratory Control.
These sections emphasize the fundamentals of operating
and controlling aerobic biological treatment processes.
Each section is presented in sufficient detail to allow
the reader to use them independently.
-------
OPERATIONS MANUAL
ANAEROBIC SLUDGE DIGESTION
Included in this manual are comments solicited
from treatment plant operators throughout the country
on the operation, control and troubleshooting of anae-
robic sludge digesters. Major contributions are also
included from scientists and engineers.
Case histories of operational experiences and
problem-solving form a section of the publication which
will be useful to plant operators, designers and engi-
neers who are interested in digester operation and theory
The subject of anaerobic digester operation in mu-
nicipal wastewater treatment plants is presented by
covering the area of troubleshooting, general operation,
safety, start-up of units, basic theory, sampling, lab-
oratory testing and other subjects relevant to day-to-day
operations. The document is intended for plant operators
who have anaerobic digesters as part of their total treat-
ment process. It is structured so that each section is
complete within itself and indexed for quick reference.
-------
CONSIDERATIONS FOR PREPARATION
OF
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUALS
This material provides basic considerations for
the preparation of complete and adequate municipal
wastewater treatment plant operation and maintenance
(O&M) manuals. Proper utilization of these guidelines
will assist the user in complying with the eligibility
requirements of EPA's Construction Grant Program.
Some of the information included was extracted
from the appendix of the "Federal Guidelines for De-
sign, Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater Treat-
ment Facilities", (1970). Information was gathered
from individuals experienced in the preparation of
plant O&M manuals and data compiled from existing O&M
manuals.
The document contains separate sections on each
major topic recommended for inclusion in an O&M manual
and detailed discussions on the type of information to
be included. A suggested manual outline is presented
for treatment plants; another for pumping stations and
pipelines. The guidelines are not intended to present
a rigid format; each manual must be adapted to the local
situation.
-------
EMERGENCY PLANNING FOR
MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES
Information provided in this document is designed
to assist those responsible for developing comprehen-
sive emergency operating procedures and systems for
wastewater treatment facilities. It provides assist-
ance for treatment plant staffs to use in explaining
to local governing bodies the need for additional funds
to remedy malfunctioning units at their plants. The
material is also useful for municipal department heads
and staff in developing plans suited to the peculiari-
ties of their plants. It assists regulatory agencies
in evaluating the emergency operating program sections
of the O&M manuals.
Consulting engineers may use it as a guide for
writing the emergency operating portion of an O&M
manual for any municipal treatment system. Guidance
is provided to ensure each plant's discharge of pol-
lutants does not exceed the effluent limitations dic-
tated by the facility's discharge permit.
-------
ESTIMATING LABORATORY NEEDS FOR
MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES
Because treatment processes and combinations
of processes vary widely, laboratory needs must be
specifically tailored to each installation. This
manual provides data to make possible the rough
estimation of laboratory needs for municipal waste-
water treatment plants. Criteria for physical fa-
cilities , staffing and laboratory services are in-
cluded. Considerations for sampling and testing
needs are presented for individual processes, and
include the minimum and the best testing require-
ments . The testing programs are designed to meet
the needs of each process.
Guidelines for equipment and supplies are di-
vided into six categories: Major Equipment; Mis-
cellaneous Equipment; Expendable Supplies, Glass and
Plasticware; Test Kits; and Chemicals. The guidelines
for Major Equipment and Chemicals are based on test-
ing requirements, while the others are usually general
and indicate items needed at any laboratory.
Estimates for staffing needs are given as the
annual base man-hours for laboratories serving the
several types of treatment facilities, and include
methods for adjusting the number of man-hours for
local conditions. The manual describes two ways of
optimizing laboratory services: regional laboratories
serving several facilities, and local laboratories serv-
ing both water and wastewater facilities.
-------
ESTIMATING STAFFING FOR
MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES
Materials in this document are intended primarily for
consulting engineers, plant management personnel, State reg-
ulatory agencies and the Environmental Protection Agency.
The manual describes a four-step method for preparing staff-
ing estimates for sewage treatment plants. It covers plants
with capacities from 0.5 to 25 million gallons per day (mgd)
of sewage, using primary, secondary and advanced treatment
processes. The four steps described provide guidance to:
1. Develop, using a "Table of Adjustment for Local
Conditions", factors for increasing or decreasing staffing
needs relative to those required for an "average" plant.
2. Develop the staffing for an "average" plant using
staffing curves showing annual man-hour needs. Items cov-
ered are:
a. Supervisory, clerical, laboratory and yard
tasks based on plant design capacity.
b. Operation and maintenance work on the basis
of both plant design capacity and types of
process units or steps. The operation and
maintenance man-hour needs for certain types
of non-continuous processes on the basis of
the time that the equipment for these processes
is in operation.
3. Increase or decrease the annual manhour staffing
for the above listed types of work using the factors taken
from the "Table of Adjustment for Local Conditions".
4. Analyze and break-down staffing functions into
specific tasks.
Note: Staffing estimates prepared according to this manual
should not be used as rigid or final requirements. The ulti-
mate decision on staff requirements for a particular plant
should be determined by personnel familiar with similar
plants under similar circumstances.
-------
MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS FOR
MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER FACILITIES
Basic information furnished in this document
was obtained from individuals experienced in mainte-
nance management systems at various-sized facilities.
Existing systems were reviewed at different munici-
palities, the private sector and defense establish-
ments .
The manual includes a number of recommendations
covering each of the basic elements required to develop
an effective maintenance management system. These rec-
ommendations may be tailored or modified to meet spe-
cific equipment and plant type requirements. The pro-
cedures are comprehensive and will assist in the devel-
opment of effective systems.
-------
OPERATIONS MANUAL
PACKAGE TREATMENT PLANTS
Package treatment plants were originally designed
to serve areas not easily connected to existing sewage
treatment plants. Such areas include the subdivisions
developed in the "fifties" and commercial establishments
such as restaurants, motels and parks. More recently,
package plants have increased in size so they can serve
small municipalities. Many were installed with the con-
cept the plants would operate with little or no operator
attention. However, to meet today's more demanding pol-
lution discharge regulations, these plants do require
daily attention by a knowledgeable and conscientious op-
erator thoroughly familiar with the plant. Materials in-
cluded in this manual are designed to give the operator
an increased knowledge of the basic principles in the
effective operation of a package treatment plant.
The document is also directed to the plant owner and
the design engineer. The owner may be either the actual
purchaser of the plant, if privately owned, or the indi-
vidual (s) or group responsible for making policy decisions
concerning the treatment plant, such as a city council.
The owner is responsible for enlarging the treatment plant
when necessary, controlling sewer construction practices in
the service area, keeping supplies at the plant and super-
vising the operator. Most importantly, the owner, in the
final analysis, is legally and administratively responsible
for the performance of the treatment plant. Detailed des-
criptions are provided, which outline the duties and re-
sponsibilities of the owner.
Also, for the engineer, this manual provides informa-
tion that can be used wholly or in part with an O&M manual,
prepared for a specific plant. It may be valuable to the
consulting engineer in plant selection, by alluding to
various design problems inherent in previous package plant
installations.
10
-------
FIELD MANUAL FOR
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION AND TROUBLESHOOTING AT
MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES
This manual is considered useful as a technical
field guide or reference document for improving the
performance of municipal wastewater treatment plants.
A primary objective of the document is to provide a
troubleshooting guide for identifying, analyzing and
solving operating problems. It is also useful in EPA
and State training courses for plant inspectors and
performance evaluations. Consulting engineers, de-
signers, plant operators, educators and students may
also find the information useful.
A description is provided on procedures to evaluate
the performance of treatment processes and equipment com-
monly used in municipal wastewater facilities. The pro-
cedures also cover other items related to the effective
operation of municipal wastewater treatment plants.
Troubleshooting and performance evaluation material is
provided for each unit process commonly used in waste-
water treatment facilities.
The style, language and format of the manual are di-
rected to the level and technical knowledge of a tech-
nician having some experience in plant operation, design,
inspection or performance evaluation.
-------
OPERATIONS MANUAL
SLUDGE HANDLING AND CONDITIONING
This manual was initiated with the overall objec-
tive of providing guidance to assist in the proper op-
eration and maintenance of various sludge processing,
conditioning and disposal systems at wastewater treat-
ment plants. Emphasis is placed on the establishment
of good operational procedures, proper testing, effec-
tive measures for detection and correction of opera-
tional problems. The style and format of the manual
is tailored to the needs of the potential user.
The processing and disposal systems presented in
the document include those designed to treat various
types of sludge generated from primary, secondary and
chemical wastewater treatment processes. The principal
sludge processes and unit operations are included such
as sludge thickening, stabilization and conditioning,
chemical and heat dewatering, heat drying, and ultimate
disposal systems.
Step-by-step operation and maintenance procedures
are presented for the various systems. Each section
contains explicit instructions on process control pro-
cedures for detecting and correcting operational prob-
lems . Plant type and size are considered where ap-
plicable to operational procedures. Useful trouble-
shooting guides, solutions to design shortcomings and
descriptions of design variations of particular pro-
cesses are also included.
12
-------
OPERATIONS MANUAL
STABILIZATION PONDS
Stabilization ponds for wastewater treatment were
first used in the midwest for remote communities. They
have since been used extensively in various parts of the
country. In addition to domestic uses, ponds are now
being used to treat various types of industrial wastes,
including vegetable, oil refineries, slaughter houses,
dairies, and rendering plants.
The manual is intended to:
A. Supplement the specific operation and maintenance
manual prepared for municipal ponds.
B. Provide basic information on the theory of stabili-
zation pond requirements for the entry-level operator.
C. Provide operation and maintenance suggestions for
operators based on current pond experiences.
D Provide a troubleshooting guide in handling various
problems common to ponds.
The document is divided into six major divisions:
I. The Basics
II. Control Information
III. Operation and Maintenance for Ponds
IV. Troubleshooting for Ponds
V. Safety
VI. App en di ce s
13
-------
START-UP OF MUNICIPAL
WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES
This document serves as a guide for establishing
the initial outline for the operation of a new municipal
wastewater treatment plant, a new addition to an exist-
ing plant or a change in the mode of a plant's operation.
Information is provided in preparing for actual
treatment plant start-up, including: staffing, develop-
ing standard operating procedures; establishing proced-
ures when construction is continued during start-up; dry
and wetrun testing of equipment; on-site operator train-
ing; and safety training.
Start-up procedures are described for some of the
more common pre-treatment and primary treatment units.
Methods are also provided for specific secondary treat-
ment processes of activated sludge, trickling filters,
stabilization ponds and aerated lagoons, as well as
sludge handling units and the anaerobic digestion process
14
-------
INFORMATION FOR DIRECT ORDERS
SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS
U.S.GOVERNMENT PRINTING
OFFICE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20401
Title
G.P.O. Stock Number
A Planned Maintenance Management System
for Municipal Wastewater Treatment
Plants
Aspects of State-Wide Emergency Response
Programs for Municipal Wastewater
Treatment Facilities
Aerobic Biological Wastewater Treatment
Facilities, Process Control Manual
Anaerobic Sludge Digestion, Operations
Manual
Considerations for Preparation of Oper-
ation and Maintenance Manuals
Emergency Planning for Municipal Waste-
water Treatment Facilities
Estimating Laboratory Needs for Munici-
pal Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Estimating Staffing for Municipal Waste-
Water Treatment Facilities
Maintenance Management Systems for Mu-
nicipal Wastewater Facilities
Package Treatment Plants, Operations
Manual
Performance Evaluation and Trouble-
Shooting at Municipal Wastewater
Treatment Facilities, Field Manual
Sludge Handling and Conditioning, Op-
erations Manual
Stabilization Ponds, Operations Manual
Start-Up of Municipal Wastewater Treat-
ment Facilities
5501-00756-6
055-001-01077-0
055-001-01071-1
055-001-01075-3
5501-00644-6
5501-00778-7
5501-00651-9
5501-00569-5
5501-00762-1
055-001-01072-9
055-001-01078-8
055-002-00167-0
055-001-01076-1
5501-00763-9
Price
$2.75
2.20
4.75
3.25
3.10
1.25
1.45
1.75
1.60
2.50
5.50
5.75
2.30
1.40
-------
-------
ORDER FORM
To: ^Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, D.C. 20402
Please send the following listed document(s):
No. of
Copies Title of Document
G.P.O Stock Cost per
Number Copy
$
TOTAL: $"
i
i
1 My (check/money order), made payable to the Superintendent
i of Documents, is enclosed.
(NAME)
(FIRM) (STREET ADDRESS)
r (CITY) (STATE) (ZIP CODE)
\ NOTE: DO NOT SEND ORDER REQUESTS TO EPA
*A11 orders must be sent direct to the U.S. Government
1 Printing Office
Appendix III
-------
-------
INFORMATION FOR DIRECT ORDERS
NATIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION SERVICE
5285 PORT ROYAL ROAD, U.S. DEPT. OF COMMERCE
SPRINGFIELD, VIRGINIA 22161
Title
Price
PB Number Papercopy Microfiche
A Planned Maintenance Management
System for Municipal Wastewater
Treatment Plants
Aspects of State-Wide Emergency
Response Programs for Municipal
Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Aerobic Biological Wastewater
Treatment Facilities
Anaerobic Sludge Digestion
PB233111/AS $ 6.50
PB279551/AS
PB279474/AS
PB250129/AS
Considerations for Preparation of
Operation & Maintenance Manuals PB227096/AS
Emergency Planning for Municipal
Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Estimating Laboratory Needs for
Municipal Wastewater Treat-
ment Facilities
Estimating Staffing for Municipal
Wastewater Treatment Facilities
PB256612/AS
PB256613/AS
PB227321/AS
Maintenance Management Systems for
Municipal Wastewater Facilities PB256611/AS
Package Treatment Plants
Performance Evaluation and Trouble-
shooting at Municipal Wastewater
Treatment Facilities
Sludge Handling and Conditioning
Stabilization Ponds
Start-Up of Municipal Wastewater
Treatment Facilities
PB279444/AS
PB279448/AS
PB279449/AS
PB279443/AS
PB256614/AS
5.25
12.00
9.00
9.50
6.00
$3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
7
6
6
6
13
12
6
.25
.00
.50
.00
.25
.50
.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
6.00
3.00
Appendix V
ftU.S GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1978 724-065/1149
-------
-------
I
I
I
I
I
I
, ORDER FORM
1 To: ^National Technical Information Service, U.S. Department
1 of Commerce, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield
i Virginia 22161
Please send the following listed document(s):
' No.of PB Indicate Papereooy Unit
i Copies Title of Document No. or Microfiche' Cost
; $
i
i
i
i
*
i
, TOTAL: $
1 My check/money order, made payable to the National Technical
• Information Service, is enclosed.
1 (NAME)
i
i
(FIRM)(STREET ADDRESS)
(CITY) (STATE) (ZIP CODE)
, NOTE: DO NOT SEND ORDER REQUESTS TO EPA
( *A11 orders must be sent direct to the National Technical
Information Service
i
i
, Appendix VII
-------
-------
-------
-------
EPA REGIONAL OFFICES
For the States of: CT, ME, MA,
NH, RI, VT
Operation and Maintenance Section
Municipal Facilities Branch
Water Division
EPA Region I
JFK Federal Building
Boston, MA. 02203
For the States of: AR, LA, NM,
OK, TX
Operation and Maintenance Chief
Municipal Facilities Branch
Water Division
1201 Elm Street
First International Building
Dallas, TX. 75270
For the States of: NJ, NY, PR,
VI
For the States of: IA, KS, MO,
NB
Municipal Permits Section
EPA Region II
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY. 10007
Inspection Group
Technical Services Branch
Division of Surveillance & Analysis
25 Funston Road
Kansas City, KS. 66115
For the States of: DE, MD, PA,
VA, WV, DC
Municipal Permits Branch
EPA Region III
6th & Walnut Streets
Philadelphia, PA. 19108
For the State of: CO, MT, ND,
SD, UT, WY
Operation and Maintenance Section
Control Technology Branch
Water Division
1860 Lincoln Street
Denver, CO. 80203
For the States of: AL, FL, GA,
KY, MS, NC, SC, TN
Operation and Maintenance Unit
Technical Support Branch
Water Division
EPA Region IV
345 Courtland Street, NE
Atlanta, GA. 30308
For the States of: AZ, CA, HI,
NV, American Samoa, Tr. Terr, of
Pacific Islands, Guam
Water Investigation Section
Technical Support Branch
Division of Surveillance & Analysis
215 Freemont Street
San Francisco, CA. 94105
For the States of IL, IN, MI,
MN, OH, WI
Operation and Maintenance/Municipal
Permits Section
Construction Grants Branch
Water Division
230 S. Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL. 60604
For the States of: AK, ID, OR,
WA
Operation and Maintenance Unit
Municipal Section, Water Branch
Water Division
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, WA. 98101
-------
------- |