Tips for Sewage Treatment Plant Operators
Treatment Plant Operators have numerous critical responsibilities. From implementing various steps for water treatment, and maintaining equipment, to preparing for risks and emergencies, water treatment workers do a lot to ensure the safety of the plants and protect the workers.
Bar Screening Inspection
Bar Screening is a system used in water treatment plants to separate large and solid materials from fresh or wastewater. It is a large and coarse bar that filters debris from sewage water, such as plastic, wood, fabric, paper, metals, fats, leaves, and branches. In addition to removing any solid materials from the water, bar screening helps prevent damage to the station’s valves, pumps, and other equipment.
After sewage water passes through the bar screening equipment, plant workers wash, compress, and dispose of the materials in a landfill.
Sand Removal
During this stage, operators of sewage treatment plants remove fine sands such as sand and gravel by moving sewage water through a sand chamber. Fine sands, much like larger debris, need to be removed to prevent damage to pumps and equipment. Since they are too small for the bar screening, sand removal is done through a sand chamber.
There are several types of sand chambers, including a grit chamber, horizontal flow chamber, and vortex chamber. Each type allows heavy sand particles to settle to the bottom of the chamber, while light organic particles remain suspended. Plant workers manually remove sand from the bottom of the chamber, and then the materials are disposed of in a landfill.
Primary Treatment
Treatment Plant Operators remove primary sludge—materials that settle at a slower rate than sand—using large circular tanks called primary clarifiers. They pump the primary sludge from the bottom. The water then exits the tank from the top.
They capture any floating debris, such as fats, from the top. They may also add chemicals to remove phosphorus. After water removal, sludge is disposed of and often used as fertilizer.
Aeration
During aeration, plant workers pump air into a large tank, encouraging the conversion of ammonia into nitrates, allowing beneficial bacteria to grow and break down organic matter. This process is called nitrification.
After nitrification occurs, microorganisms remove oxygen particles from nitrate particles, converting pollutants into nitrogen, cell tissue, and water. Nitrogen is released as nitrogen gas.
Bleaching
Workers pump treated sewage water into a secondary treatment, allowing any remaining organic residues to settle. Chlorine is then added to kill any remaining bacteria in the chamber.
Once sewage water is tested for acidity, ammonia, nitrates, residual chlorine, and dissolved oxygen levels, they can discharge the treated water—or effluent—back into the environment.
The main stages of sewage water treatment:
Primary Treatment:
Sewage water is introduced into a treatment tank, allowing bar screens and sand chambers to remove large solid materials and fine sands.
Primary Clarification:
Treated sewage water moves through primary clarifiers, allowing other impurities to settle.
Secondary Treatment:
During secondary sewage treatment, beneficial microorganisms assist in breaking down solid materials.
Some plants may implement a fourth stage – tertiary treatment – for an additional layer of disinfection and filtration. However, tertiary treatment is usually optional and is used for particularly stringent discharge requirements.
4 Tips for Sewage Treatment Plant Workers:
Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Workers should wear face shields or masks, rubber gloves, boots, liquid-resistant jackets or aprons, and helmets to avoid contact with contaminated sewage water.
Know how to Identify and Address Potential Issues:
Workers should monitor all aspects of the facility during sampling, recording readings, and performing different stages of sewage water treatment. They need to recognize subtle changes that may indicate a potential problem and intervene accordingly.
Proper Cleaning and Maintenance of Equipment:
Every wastewater treatment facility must ensure the presence of protocols for planning potential emergencies. These protocols should include:
Backup Power Sources:
Stations should have backup power sources, such as portable and fixed generators, capable of operating all vital equipment. Workers should test all backup power sources and transfer switches monthly. Additionally, there should be a sufficient fuel supply for 10 to 14 days.
Hazardous Material Inventory:
Workers at wastewater treatment plants should conduct an inventory of potentially hazardous materials and chemicals. They should pay special attention to chlorine equipment and storage areas, as these materials are toxic and have corrosive properties. Station managers should develop safety protocols for a hazardous leak, including a list of emergency contacts such as the local fire department.
Employee Training:
All station employees should be familiar with emergency protocols and responsibilities. They should also be trained in the Incident Command System and National Incident Management System in case their intervention is required in an emergency situation. Managers should conduct periodic training exercises as well.
We Carewater are always happy to assist water treatment operators with support and guidance in the operation, installation, and maintenance of various types of water treatment plants.
