Introduc On To Wastewater Treatment Week # 1: Grades 1 4, Course #2201

Introduc on to
Wastewater Treatment
Week # 1
Grades 1 ‐ 4, Course #2201
Fleming Training Center

January 10-14, 2022
2
I N T R O D U C T I O N T O WA S T E WAT E R
T R E AT M E N T W E E K # 1
Course #2201 Grades 1-4
Monday
8:30 Welcome and class introduction
8:45 Introduction to Wastewater Treatment
11:00 Lunch
12:00 Basic Math Review
Tuesday
8:30 Preliminary Treatment
9:45 Flow Measurement
11:00 Lunch
12:30 Activated Sludge Part 1
Wednesday
8:30 Sedimentation
9:45 Ponds and Lagoons
11:30 Lunch
12:30 Attached Growth Systems
Thursday
8:30 Wastewater Disinfection
10:00 Effluent Disposal
11:00 Lunch
12:00 Plant Tour (TBD)
Friday
8:30 Administration and Management
9:45 Review
11:00 Lunch Instructor: Sarah Snyder
12:00 Exam Phone: 615-898-6506
Fax: 615-898-8064
E-mail: sarah.snyder@tn.gov
State of Tennessee
Dept. of Environment & Conservation
Bureau of Environment
Fleming Training Center
2022 Blanton Dr.
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
1
4
Introduc on to Wastewater Treatment
Table of Contents
Sec on 1 Introduc on to Wastewater Treatment 5

Sec on 2 Basic Math Review 19
Sec on 3 Preliminary Treatment 57
Sec on 4 Flow Measurement 83
Sec on 5 Ac vated Sludge Part I 107
Sec on 6 Sedimenta on and Floata on 153
Sec on 7 Ponds and Lagoons 183
Sec on 8 A ached Growth 213
Sec on 9 Disinfec on 249
Sec on 10 Eﬄuent Disposal 287
Sec on 11 Administra on & Management 355
Sec on 12 References & Need to Know 365
Sec on 13 Answers to Review Ques ons 383
6
Section 1
Introduction to Wastewater
5
Section 1 TDEC Fleming Training Center
Ancient History
• Sewers in Rome
Introduction to Wastewater • Water from the baths, latrines,
Treatment palaces, fountains, etc., as well
as other urban runoff was
discharged into collection
system.
• Few private connections to the
sewers.
– Rich paid to use public latrines, poor
used chamberpots
• No significant improvements in
collection systems until the
1840's (17 centuries later)
http://www.waterhistory.org/histories/rome/
Ancient History – Roman Baths Ancient History – Roman latrines
• Elevated latrines, suspended over
trenches
• Waste was flushed away by used public
bath water
Images from: https://www.nature.com/news/the‐secret‐history‐of‐ancient‐toilets‐1.19960
History ‐ 1800’s Cities History – United States

• Night soil men
• 1833: Water piped into White House, a year later
• 1829‐1849: The Second
Cholera Pandemic “bathing room” installed in East Wing
– reached from India to Asia, • 1857: Home connections to Philadelphia
Europe, Great Britain and the
Americas sewerage system
• 1854: London cholera • 1850s‐1885: Chicago first American city to have
outbreak led to Dr. Snow’s comprehensive sewer system
breakthrough
• 1891: Thomas Crapper • 1885: San Diego installs separate “sanitary”
• BOD test created in London sewers
– Waste dumped in Thames River • 1924: Introduction of the percolation test (septic
took 5 days to reach ocean
– 1908 test officially adopted
tanks)
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/quite‐likely‐the‐worst‐job‐ever‐319843/ Source:http://www.sewerhistory.org/chronos/new_amer_roots.htm
8 Introduction to Wastewater Treatment

TDEC Fleming Training Center Section 1
Cuyahoga River Fire ‐ 1952
Important Dates
• 1948: Federal Water
Pollution Control Act
• 1972: Clean Water Act
– National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) permits
– Goals: achieve fishable
and swimmable waters
by 1983 and eliminate all
pollutant discharges to
navigable waters by
1985
NPDES permits Purpose of Wastewater Treatment
• Typically specify: 1. Prevention of Pollution
– Discharge location • Protection of receiving streams is main job
– Allowable discharge flows – Receiving water = a stream, river, lake, ocean, or
– Allowable concentrations (mass loads) of other surface or groundwaters into which treated
pollutants in the discharge or untreated wastewater is discharged
– Limits of the mixing zone (if any) • Today’s technology is capable of treating
– Monitoring and reporting requirements wastewater so that receiving streams are
• Before discharge, municipal wastewater must reasonably unaffected
have received secondary treatment
TDEC ‐ Fleming Training Center 10
Purpose of Wastewater Treatment What is Pure Water?
2. To protect public health by:  Water is made up of
two hydrogen atoms
• Removing solids and one oxygen atom
• Stabilizing organic matter  “Pure” water is
– Organic material is stabilized by bacteria that manufactured in labs
convert material to gases and other relatively inert
substances  Even rain and distilled
water contain other
• Removing pathogenic organisms substances called
– Pathogenic refers to bacteria, viruses, cysts, or
protozoa that cause disease H2O impurities
TDEC ‐ Fleming Training Center 11 TDEC ‐ Fleming Training Center 12
Introduction to Wastewater Treatment 7

Wastewater
What is Wastewater?
Flows
• The flow of water from a community or city
• Sanitary Sewer:
• Water from showers, sinks, dishwashers, – Domestic
laundries, car washes, hospitals, food processing – Industrial
operations, etc. • Storm water:
• 99.94% water, 0.06% waste – Snow melt
– Street wash
– Human waste, food particles, paper, dirt, oil, grease,
proteins, organic material, inorganic material, etc. • Combined sewer: http://www.chesapeakequarterly.net/V15N1/main1/
– Sanitary Sewer plus Storm water
• Domestic and Industrial
• Inflow/Infiltration
– Most plants treat both – Inflow: direct discharge into the sewer from sources other than
• Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) regular connections
– Infiltration: Seepage of groundwater into the sewer system
– Collection System through cracks, manholes, pipe connections, etc.
14
TDEC-Fleming Training Center
Wastewater Collection and
Conveyance System
Image source: https://trekkllc.com
Manholes should be placed Constant minimum slope is

Minimum
every 300-500 feet apart to required to provide a velocity
size is 4”
provide access for inspections of at least 2 fps to avoid
and cleaning solids depositing
TDEC - Fleming Training Center
https://www.alsplumbing.com/trenchless‐sewer‐line‐replacement/
Wastewater Collection and Conveyance Wastewater Collection and
System Conveyance System
• Manholes are installed in lateral, main, • Horizontal Separation – sewers should be laid with at
trunk, and intercepting sewers for the least 10 feet of horizontal clearance from any existing
purpose of placing persons, equipment, or proposed water line
and materials into these sewers for • Vertical Separation – when sewers must cross a water
inspection, maintenance, and the line, they should be laid 18” below the bottom of the
removal of solids from cleaning water line
operations
 Manholes must be installed:
 At the ends of any line 8” in diameter or larger line
 Changes in grade, size of pipe or alignment
 At intersections
 And not greater than 400 ft on a 15” diameter and
smaller sewers or 500 ft on 18‐30” sewers
TDEC - Fleming Training Center TDEC - Fleming Training Center

Wastewater Collection and Conveyance
System
Types of Waste
Sucrose
• Hydrogen sulfide is made in the collection system and • Organic waste
can: • Contains carbon
– Make waste more difficult to treat
– Damage concrete structures
• Inorganic waste
– Cause odor problems
• Salts
• Biological activity in long, flat sewer lines will likely • Metals
cause: • Gravel
– Hydrogen sulfide production • Sand
– Oxygen deficiency in sewers, manholes or wet wells
– Metal and concrete corrosion
• Both may come from domestic or industrial
• Chlorine can be used in the collection system or at the
waste
plant headworks to oxidize hydrogen sulfide
Types of Waste ‐ Organic and Inorganic Water Pollution

• Domestic and industrial wastewater contain both • The impairment of water quality by
organic and inorganic material agricultural, domestic, or industrial
– Domestic wastewater contains a large amount of organic wastes, rendering it unusable or
waste offensive
– Industries also contribute some amounts of organic wastes • Any condition caused by human
(Ex: vegetable and fruit packing, dairy processing, meat
activity that adversely affects the
packing, tanning and processing of poultry, oil, paper and
fiber.) quality of stream, lake, ocean, or
groundwater.
• Some inorganic wastes that may come to the plant
are salts, metals (chromium or copper), gravel, soil, • Creating or posing a potential
sand and grit threat to human health or the
– Indicator that a toxic load has entered an activated sludge plant = environment
increase in oxygen concentration in the aeration basin
Water Pollution Impacts Dissolved Oxygen O2
• Unpolluted water has a wide diversity of aquatic • Dissolved oxygen is oxygen that has been
organisms and contains enough dissolved oxygen. incorporated into water
• Polluted water inhibits the growth of aquatic
organisms. • Many aquatic animals require it for their
– Industrial wastes highly acidic or alkaline (basic) survival
– Toxic substances
• Wastes can affect clarity and color of receiving waters
– Unsightly and unpopular for recreation
• Taste and Odor issues in drinking water
• Treated wastewater contains nutrients that can cause
excess algae and plant growth

Dissolved Oxygen Oxygen Depletion
• There are two important factors
• Most living creatures, including fish, need oxygen
that can influence the amount of to survive
dissolved oxygen present: – Most fish can survive with at least 5 mg/L DO
– Water Temperature • When organic wastes are discharged to a
• Greater temperature  Less DO receiving stream bacteria begin to feed on it,
• Lower temperature  More DO these bacteria need oxygen for this process
– As more organic waste is added to the receiving
– Organic matter stream, the bacteria reproduce
• Organic material requires oxygen to – As the bacteria reproduce, they use up more oxygen,
decompose faster than it can be replenished by natural diffusion
• More organic material requires more DO,
from the atmosphere
and will tend to deplete water of DO – This can potentially cause a fish kill and odors
Oxygen Depletion Importance of Organic Matter
• Organic material consumes oxygen in water
• One of the principal objectives of wastewater
– Bacteria will feed on organic matter and most
treatment is to prevent as much of this “oxygen‐
need oxygen to be able to do this
demanding” organic material as possible from
entering the receiving water. – We want these bacteria to feed on the organic
• The treatment plant actually removes the organic matter and use it up in the plant and not in our
matter the same way a stream would in nature, receiving water
but it works more efficiently by removing the • High concentrations of organic material can
wastes in secondary treatment cause taste and odor problems in recreational
• The treatment plant is designed and operated to and drinking water
use natural organisms such as bacteria to stabilize
and remove organic matter • Some material may be hazardous
Nutrients Human Health
• Problems associated with excess nutrients: • Initial efforts came from preventing disease
– Cause an increase in productivity of aquatic outbreaks
plants, leading to depleted DO levels – Most bacteria in wastewater are not harmful to
humans
– May cause odor problems – Humans who have a disease caused by bacteria or
– Extra vegetation near surface may inhibit light viruses can discharge some of these pathogens
penetration of light into water – Many serious outbreaks of communicable diseases
have been traced back to contamination of drinking
• Macronutrients: water or food from domestic wastewater
– Nitrogen (many WWTPs test for ammonia)
– Phosphorus • Good personal hygiene is your best defense
– Iron against infections and disease

Cryptosporidium Cholera
Diseases Sludge and Scum
• Bacteria
– Cholera • If wastewater does
– Dysentery Giardia not receive adequate
– Shigella
treatment, solids may
– Salmonella
– Typhoid
build up in the
Dysentary
• Viruses receiving stream as
– Polio sludge in the bottom
– Hepatitis (Jaundice) or scum floating to the
• Protozoa Hepatitis
surface
– Giardia lamblia • Unsightly, may cause
– Cryptosporidium parvum oxygen depletion and be
– Entamoeba hystolitica a source of odors.
Polio
Solids Solids
• Cause many problems • Total solids
in collection and • Dissolved solids
treatment plant
• Suspended solids
systems
– Settleable
– Fill storage areas, clog Dissolved
ditches and channels – Nonsettleable Solids
500 mg/L
Total Solids
– Interfere with mechanical • Organic and 720 mg/L
systems
inorganic solids Colloidal
Solids 70 mg/L
– Associated with Suspended
Solids 220 mg/L
taste/color/clarity • Floatable solids Settleable
Solids 150 mg/L
problems in drinking water
Oil and Grease Typical Wastewater Characteristics
• Generally listed under one heading called FOG • Fresh wastewater is usually a grey/dishwater
(fats, oils and greases) as it is often not color
important to know the exact make‐up of this – Typically septic wastewater will have a black color
group of components.
• Fresh domestic wastewater has a
musty/earthy odor
– If the wastewater is allowed to go septic, this will
change significantly to a rotten egg odor
associated with the production of hydrogen
sulfide gas

Wastewater Treatment Processes Preliminary Treatment
Preliminary Primary Secondary Bar Racks and Screens Aerated Grit Chamber
Treatment Treatment Treatment • Trash and debris caught on • 1 ft/sec flow through grit
 Screening bars chamber
 Grit Removal – Manual or Mechanical • Used to remove grit –
 Preaeration
 Flow Metering and Sampling • Removes roots, rags, cans, heavy, mainly inorganic
etc. solids (sand, egg shells,
Tertiary Solids • Failure to keep a bar screen gravel, seeds, etc.)
Disinfection
Treat. (Advanced) Treatment clean can result in a • Aeration also freshens
shockload wastewater and helps
Comminutors/Barminutors remove floatables
• Shreds solids, they remain
in wastewater stream
Preliminary Treatment ‐ Flow Measurement
• TN regs /NPDES permits: flow measuring devices
must be calibrated and maintained to ensure +/‐
10% of true flow
• Flow determined by depth of water
Parshall Flume
• Entrance, Throat, Discharge
• Depth is measured behind flume crest
• Best for:
– Flow with solids or debris
– Large Flows
– Variable flows
TDEC - Fleming Training
40 Center
Wastewater Treatment Processes Primary Clarifier Scum removal
Cross section of circular clarifier
Preliminary Primary Secondary
Treatment Treatment Treatment
 Sedimentation and Flotation
Tertiary Solids
Disinfection
Treat. (Advanced) Treatment  Velocity drops to < 1 fps
 Separates settleable and floatable
solids
 Detention time ~ 1.5‐2.0 hrs
 Raw water is gray Rectangular clarifier

Trickling Filter
Wastewater Treatment Processes
 Biological Treatment
 Sedimentation
Secondary Clarifier
Tertiary Solids
Disinfection
Treat. (Advanced) Treatment
Attached Growth Biological Treatment Fine Bubble Diffusers Mechanical Aeration
Processes
Oxidation Ditch SBR – Sequencing Batch Reactor
Suspended Growth Process Schematic Wastewater Treatment Processes
Tertiary Solids
Disinfection
 Chemical
Phosphorous
Removal
 Biological Nutrient
Removal
TDEC ‐ Fleming Training Center 47  Multimedia Filtration

Biological Phosphorus Removal
Process Schematic
/ TDEC ‐ Fleming Training Center 50
Chemical Precipitation Process
Denitrification Process Schematic
Schematic
Anoxic
Zone
Anoxic zone added to
aerobic activated sludge to
denitrify to achieve low total
Nitrogen
Multimedia Filtration Wastewater Treatment Processes
Tertiary Solids
Disinfection
Ultraviolet Irradiation
Chlorine Gas
Sodium Hypochlorite
Deep bed sand filters at Murfreesboro Wastewater plant Calcium Hypochlorite
Ozone

Disinfection
• Purpose is to kill
pathogenic organisms
still in wastewater
• Typically wastewater Ton Chlorine
Cylinders
must contain 200
cfu/100mL for Fecal
coliforms or 126
cfu/100mL for E. coli
to be considered
“disinfected” UV system
Solids Treatment
Anaerobic Digester
Primary Secondary
Treatment Treatment
Gravity Thickener Belt Press
Trucking Solids Gravity Filter Bed
Solids
Treatment
 Thickening
 Digestion
 Dewatering
 Disposal
Effluent Discharge Any Questions?
• Most wastewater is discharged to a receiving
stream, river, lake or ocean.
• Some is reclaimed or reused on golf courses,
cemeteries, parks, etc.

Introduction Vocabulary
1. The impairment of water quality by agricultural, domestic, or industrial wastes to the point where
the water is unusable, offensive, or poses a potential threat to human health or the environment is
called __________________________.
2. Water discharged directly into a sewer system from sources other than regular connections is called
_____________________. This includes flow from yard drains, foundations, and around access and
manhole covers.
3. A ____________________________ refers to any substance that is taken in by organisms and
promotes growth. Nitrogen and phosphorus are examples that promote the growth of algae.
4. ___________________________ are a group of bacteria that are used as “indicator organisms,”
which means their presence may indicate that the water is polluted with pathogenic organisms.
5. Organic material undergoes ___________________________ by bacteria, in which the material is
converted to gases and other relatively inert substances. Stabilized organic material generally will
not give off obnoxious odors.
6. The _________________________________test , which lasts for 5 days, is the amount of oxygen
used during the breakdown of organic material. It is considered an indirect measure of the organic
content of a sample.
7. A wastewater treatment process that takes place in a rectangular or circular tank (ex. Primary
clarifier) and allows those substances in wastewater that readily settle or float to be separated from
the wastewater being treated is referred to as ______________________________________.
8. ___________________________ refers to the seepage of groundwater into a sewer system,
including service connections. This seepage frequently occurs through defective or cracked pipes,
pipe joints and connections, interceptor access risers and covers, or manhole walls.
9. ______________________ sewers carry waste (mostly domestic) from homes and commercial
businesses. _______________________ sewers collect runoff from streets, land, and building roofs
and is normally discharged to a waterway without treatment. A __________________________
sewer system combines the two previously listed sewer systems into one, these types of sewers
often become overloaded during heavy storms.
10. Waste material that comes from animal or plant sources is classified as
________________________ waste. These natural wastes generally can be consumed by bacteria
and other small organisms.
11. The __________________________ process is used to convert dissolved or suspended materials
into a form more readily separated from the water, and usually follows primary treatment. It is

generally a type of biological treatment followed by secondary clarifiers that allow the solids to
settle out.
12. A stream, river, lake, ocean, or other surface or groundwaters into which treated or untreated
wastewater is discharged is called a ________________________________.
13. The water that has been treated and is discharged to a receiving stream, river, lake, or ocean is
called ___________________________. NPDES permit limitations apply to this discharge.
14. Waste material such as sand, salt, iron, calcium, and other mineral materials that are only slightly
affected by the action of organisms is classified as ______________________ waste.
Word Bank
Inflow
Effluent
Combined
Water pollution
Coliforms
Nutrients
Secondary treatment
Primary treatment
Sanitary
Organic
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)
Receiving water
Infiltration
Stormwater
Inorganic
Stabilization

20
Section 2
Basic Math Review
19
 Disregarding all numbers, what type of
problem is it?
 What diagram, if any, is associated with the
For Water and Wastewater Plant
Operators concept identified?
 What information is required to solve the
by Joanne Kirkpatrick Price
problem and how is it expressed in the
problem?
 What is the final answer?
 Does the answer make sense?
 Solve for X
4 1.5 1100
• X must be by itself on one side of equal sign
 4 and 1.5 must be moved away from X
1100

4 1.5
183.3
 How was this accomplished?
 To understand how we move the numbers, we  To preserve this equality, anything done to one
will need to consider more closely the math side of the equation must be done to the
concepts associated with moving the terms. other side as well.
 An equation is a mathematical statement in
which the terms or calculation on one side 3 14
equals the terms or calculation on the other
side.  Since X is multiplied by 3, you can get rid of
the 3 by using the opposite process: division.
22 Basic Math Review

730
 To preserve the equation, you must divide the
3847
other side of the equation as well. What you do to one
3847
3 14 side of the equation,
730
must be done to the
3847 1
3 3
other side.
3847 3847
14 730
1 3847 1
3 4.67
 Since both sides of the equation are divided by
3847 730
the same number, the value of the equation
remains unchanged. 2,808,310
(165)(3)(8.34)
0.5=
x
Simplify 4128.3  Follow same procedure as solving for X

0.5
What you do to one
4128.3
 Then take the square root
side of the equation, 0.5
must be done to the 1
other side.
0.5
4128.3 15,625
1 1
0.5 4128.3
0.5 4128.3 15,625

0.5 0.5
4128.3
0.5 125
8256.6
0.785 2826
0.785 2826
0.785 0.785
2826
0.785
3600
3600
60
Basic Math Review 21

Converting Decimals and Fractions Percents and Decimals
 To convert a fraction to a decimal  To convert from a decimal to a percent
 Simply divide the numerator by the denominator  Simply move the decimal point two places to the right
1 0.46 46.0%
1 2 0.5
2
10  To convert from a percent to a decimal
10 13 0.7692  Simply move the decimal two points to the left
13
79.5% 0.795
 Remember:
You CAN NOT have a percent in an equation!!
Writing Equations Example 4
 Key words 448 is what percent of 560?
 Of means “multiply”
 Is means “equal to” 448 % 560
 Calculate 25% of 595,000 448 % 560

25% 595,000 560 560
0.25 595,000 0.80 %
148,750 80%

Solving for the Unknown
Basics – finding x 6. 56.5 = 3800

(x)(8.34)
1. 8.1 = (3)(x)(1.5)
7. 114 = (230)(1.15)(8.34)
2. (0.785)(0.33)(0.33)(x) = 0.49 (0.785)(70)(70)(x)
3. 233 = 44 8. 2 = x
x 180
4. 940 = x 9. 46 = (105)(x)(8.34)
(0.785)(90)(90) (0.785)(100)(100)(4)
5. x = (165)(3)(8.34) 10. 2.4 = (0.785)(5)(5)(4)(7.48)

0.5 x

11. 19,747 = (20)(12)(x)(7.48) 16. (3000)(3.6)(8.34) = 23.4

(0.785)(x)
12. (15)(12)(1.25)(7.48) = 337

x 17. 109 = x
(0.785)(80)(80)
13. x = 213
(4.5)(8.34) 18. (x)(3.7)(8.34) = 3620
14. x = 2.4 19. 2.5 = 1,270,000

246 x
15. 6 = (x)(0.18)(8.34) 20. 0.59 = (170)(2.42)(8.34)

(65)(1.3)(8.34) (1980)(x)(8.34)

Finding x2
21. (0.785)(D2) = 5024
22. (x2)(10)(7.48) = 10,771.2
23. 51 = 64,000
(0.785)(D2)
24. (0.785)(D2) = 0.54
25. 2.1 = (0.785)(D2)(15)(7.48)

(0.785)(80)(80)

Answers for Solving for the Unknown
Basics – Finding x
1. 1.8 8. 360 15. 2816.7
2. 5.7 9. 1649.4 16. 4903.5
3. 5.3 10. 244.7 17. 547,616
4. 5,976,990 11. 11 18. 117.3
5. 8,256.6 12. 5.0 19. 508,000
6. 8.1 13. 7993.9 20. 0.35
7. 0.005 14. 590.4
Finding x2
21. 80
22. 12
23. 40
24. 0.83
25. 10.9

Percent Practice Problems
Convert the following fractions to decimals:
1. ¾
2. ⅝
3. ¼
4. ½
Convert the following percents to decimals:
5. 35%
6. 99%
7. 0.5%
8. 30.6%
Convert the following decimals to percents:
9. 0.65
10. 0.125
11. 1.0
12. 0.05
Calculate the following:
13. 15% of 125
14. 22% of 450
15. 473 is what % of 2365?
16. 1.3 is what % of 6.5?

Answers for Solving for the Unknown
Basics – Finding x
1. 1.8 8. 360 15. 2817
2. 5.7 9. 1649 16. 4903
3. 5.3 10. 244.7 17. 547,616
4. 5,976,990 11. 11 18. 117
5. 8256.6 12. 5 19. 508,000
6. 8.1 13. 7994 20. 0.35
7. 0.005 14. 590.4
Finding x2
21. 80 23. 40 25. 10.9
22. 12 24. 0.83
Percent Practice Problems
1. 0.75 7. 0.005 13. 18.75
2. 0.625 8. 0.306 14. 99
3. 0.25 9. 65% 15. 20%
4. 0.5 10. 12.5% 16. 20%
5. 0.35 11. 100%
6. 0.99 12. 5%

DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
• Used to check if a problem is set up correctly
• Work with the units of measure, not the numbers
• Step 1:
DIMENSIONAL • Express fraction in a vertical format
⁄ to
ANALYSIS
MATHEMATICS MANUAL FOR WATER AND • Step 2:
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATORS • Be able to divide a fraction
BY FRANK R. SPELLMAN
becomes
DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS EXAMPLE 1
• Step 3: • Convert 1800 ft3 into gallons.
• Know how to divide terms in the numerator and denominator • We need the conversion factor that connects the two units
• Like terms can cancel each other out 1 cubic foot of water = 7.48 gal
• For every term that is canceled in the numerator, a similar term must
be canceled in the denominator
• This is a ratio, so it can be written two different ways
1 7.48
OR
7.48 1
• Units with exponents should be written in expanded form
• We want to use the version that allows us to cancel out units
1 7.48
OR
7.48 1
EXAMPLE 1
1800 1 1800

1 7.48 7.48
• Will anything cancel out?
NO
• Let’s try the other version
1800 7.48 1800 7.48
1 1 1 1
• Will anything cancel out?
YES
13,464

Is the English System Easier?
• 12 inches = 1 foot
• 3 feet = 1 yard
• 5280 feet = 1 mile
• 2 pints = 1 quart
• 4 quarts = 1 gallon
Metric System • 16 ounces = 1 pound
• 32 fluid ounces = 1 quart
Introduction to Wastewater Treatment
• A foot determined by the size of a person’s foot,
there wasn’t a standard
• Confusing numbers, nothing repeats
History History
• By the eighteenth century, dozens of different • At the end of the century, the French
units of measurement were commonly used government sought to alleviate this problem by
throughout the world devising a system of measurement that could be
• Length, for example, could be measured in feet, used throughout the world
inches, miles, spans, cubits, hands, furlongs,
palms, rods, chains, leagues, and more • In 1790, the French National Assembly
• The lack of common standards led to a lot of commissioned the Academy of Science to design
confusion and significant inefficiencies in trade a simple decimal‐based system of units; the
between countries system they devised is known as the metric
system
History Metric System Simplicity
• In 1960, the metric system was officially named • There is only one unit of measurement for each
the Système International d'Unités (or SI for type of quantity measured
short) and is now used in nearly every country in • Length
the world except the United States • Mass (weight)
• Volume
• The metric system is almost always used in • Concentration
scientific measurement
• Temperature

The Metric System Metric System Simplicity
• The metric system is founded on base units. • The meter is a unit of length equal to 3.28 feet
• The base unit of mass is the gram. • The gram is a unit of mass equal to
• The base unit of length is the meter. approximately 0.0022 pounds
• The base unit of volume is the Liter. • The liter is a unit of volume equal to 1.05 quarts.
• Volume is always measured in liters, whether
• To go from small to large quantities the base
you are measuring how much water you need
units are described by prefixes which represent a for a chlorine test or how much water is in your
power of ten. clarifier or sedimentation basin.
Metric System • All units can be converted into smaller or larger
units by moving a decimal point
• Based on the decimal system
• All units of length, volume, and weight use
factors of 10
• To express smaller amounts, prefixes are added
to the names of the metric units
• Milli‐ (1/1000th of or 0.001 times)
• Centi‐ (1/100th of or 0.01 times)
Conversions Conversions
• Convert 1 meter to decimeters (dm) • Convert 1 meter to decimeters (dm)
deci centi milli deci centi milli

1 meter 1 meter
• Converting from meters to decimeters requires moving • 1.0 meter =
one place to the right, therefore, move the decimal point 10 decimeters
from its present position one place to the right as well.

Conversions Conversions
• Convert 1 gram to milligrams (mg) • Convert 0.28 cm to meters
deci centi milli primary deci centi milli

unit
1 gram
0.28 cm
• 1.000 gram = • 0.28 cm =
1000 milligrams 0.0028 meter
Temperature – Fahrenheit Temperature ‐ Celsius

• The Fahrenheit scale is named for the • The Celsius temperature scale is
18th‐century German physicist Daniel
named for the Swedish
Fahrenheit.
astronomer Anders Celsius who
• His scale is based on 32 for the
freezing point of water and 212 for the invented the scale in 1742.
boiling point of water • The scale is based on 0 for the
• The scale was in common use in freezing point of water and 100
English speaking countries until the for the boiling point of water.
1970’s when Europe and Canada
adopted the centigrade (Celsius) scale.
• It is sometimes called the
• The U.S is the only country that still
centigrade scale because of the
uses the Fahrenheit scale. 100‐degree interval between
the defined points.
Temperature Temperature Conversions
• • You just won free tickets for an all‐inclusive paid
trip to Scotland! You are planning your wardrobe
based on the weather forecast that predicts the
temperature to be 21°C all week. Should you
pack your wool sweaters or your t‐shirts?
• °F = (°C)(1.8) + 32
• °F = (21°C)(1.8) + 32
• °F = 37.8 + 32
• °F = 69.8

Temperature Conversions
• You are recording your BOD incubator
temperature for the day. Someone replaced your
Celsius thermometer with a Fahrenheit
thermometer. The temperature reading is 68
degrees F. What is the temperature in Celsius?
• °C = (0.556)(°F – 32)
• °C = (0.556)(°68 – 32)
• °C = (0.556)(36)
• °C = 20.016

General Conversion Problems
1. 325 ft3 = gal
2. 2512 kg = lb
3. 2.5 miles = ft
4. 1500 hp = kW
5. 2.2 ac‐ft = gal
6. 2100 ft2 = ac
7. 92.6 ft3 = lb
8. 17,260 ft3 = MG
9. 0.6% = mg/L
10. 30 gal = ft3
11. A screening pit must have a capacity of 400 ft3. How many lbs is this?
12. A reservoir contains 50 ac‐ft of water. How many gallons of water does it contain?

13. 3.6 cfs = gpm
14. 1820 gpm = gpd
15. 45 gps = cfs
16. 8.6 MGD= gpm
17. 2.92 MGD = lb/min
18. 385 cfm = gpd
19. 1,662 gpm = lb/day
20. 3.77 cfs = MGD
21. The flow through a pipeline is 8.4 cfs. What is the flow in gpd?
22. A treatment plant receives a flow of 6.31 MGD. What is the flow in cfm?

Basic Conversions - Extra Problems
1. How many seconds are in a minute?
2. How many minutes are in an hour?
3. How many hours in a day?
4. How many minutes in a day?
5. How many inches in a foot?
6. How many feet in a mile?
7. How many feet in a meter?
8. How many meters in a mile?
9. How much does one gallon of water weigh?
10. How much does one cubic foot of water weigh?

11. Express a flow of 5 cfs in terms of gpm.
12. What is 38 gps expressed as gpd?
13. What is 0.7 cfs expressed as gpd?
14. What is 9164 gpm expressed as cfs?
15. What is 1.2 cfs expressed as MGD?
16. Convert 65 gpm into lbs/day.
17. Convert 345 lbs/day into gpm.
18. Convert 0.9 MGD to cfm.

19. Convert 1.2 MGD to ft3/hour.
20. Convert a flow of 4,270,000 gpd to cfm.
21. What is 5.6 MGD expressed as cfs?
22. Express 423,690 cfd as gpm.
23. Convert 2730 gpm to gpd.
24. Convert 1440 gpm to MGD.
25. Convert 45 gps to ft3/day.

General Conversion Problems Basic Conversions ‐ Extra Problems
1. 2,431 gal 1. 60 sec
2. 5,533 lb 2. 60 min
3. 13,200 ft 3. 24 hr
4. 1,119 kW 4. 1440 min
5. 717,200 gal 5. 12 in
6. 0.05 ac 6. 5280 ft
7. 5,778.24 lb 7. 3.28 ft
8. 0.13 MG 8. 1610 m
9. 6,000 mg/L 9. 8.34 lbs
10. 4.01 ft3 10. 62.4 lbs
11. 24,960 lb 11. 2244 gpm
12. 16,300,000 gal 12. 3,283,200 gpd
13. 1,615.68 gal/min 13. 452,390 gpd
14. 2,620,800 gal/day 14. 20.42 cfs
15. 6.02 ft3/sec 15. 0.78 MGD
16. 5,968.4 gpm 16. 780,624 lbs/day
17. 16,911.67 lb/min 17. 0.03 gpm
18. 4,146,912 gal/day 18. 83.56 ft3/min
19. 19,959,955.2 lb/day 19. 6684.49 ft3/hr
20. 2.43 MGD 20. 396.43 ft3/min
21. 5,428,684.8 gal/day 21. 8.67 cfs
22. 585.82 ft3/min 22. 2200.83 gpm
23. 3,931,200 gpd
24. 2.07 MGD
25. 519,786.10 ft3/day

Temperature Conversions
1. Convert 60 degrees Fahrenheit to degrees Celsius.
2. What is 16°C expressed in terms of degrees Fahrenheit?
3. Convert 85°F into °C.
4. What is 29 degrees Celsius when converted to Fahrenheit?
5. The influent to a treatment plant has a temperature of 70°F. What is this temperature expressed in
terms of Celsius?
6. The effluent of a treatment plant is 24°C. What is this temperature expressed in degrees
Fahrenheit?
7. Your Canadian friend is coming to visit you for New Year’s Day and they want to know what the
average temperature is in Tennessee on January first. You look it up and tell them the average
temp in January is 37.7°F. They immediately ask, “What is it Celsius?”
Answers:
1. 15.56°C or 16°C 5. 21°C
2. 60.8°F or 61°F 6. 75°F
3. 29.44°C or 29°C 7. 3.17°C
4. 84.2°F or 84°F

Suggested Strategy to Solving Word
Problems
• Disregarding all numbers, what type of problemis it?
CIRCUMFERENCE AND AREA • What diagram, if any, is associated with the concept identified?
• What information is required to solve the problem and how is it
expressed in the problem?
• What is the final answer?
• Does the answer make sense?
Parts of a Circle Circumference & Perimeter
• Diameter is distance across the center of circle • Circumference of a Circle
• Radius is distance from circle’s center to the edge
• Circumference is the distance around a circle or a circular 3.14
object
Example 1
• Find the circumference in inches of a 6 inch diameter pipe.
3.14
D
3.14 6
18.85
Area Area
• Area is the measurement of the amount of space on the • Area of Circle
surface of an object 0.785
• Two dimensional measurement
• Measured in: in2, ft2, acres, etc. 0.785
A circle takes up
78.5% of a circle.

Example 2 Area
• Find the area of the cross section of a pipe in ft2 that has a • Area of Rectangle
diameter of 2 feet.
0.785
0.785 2 2
3.14
2 ft
Example 2 Area
• Find the area in ft2 of a rectangular basin that is 20 feet long • Area of Right Triangle
and 17 feet wide.
2
20 17
340
20 ft 2
17 ft
Example 3
• Determine the area in ft2 of a right triangle where the base is
23 feet long with a height of 16 feet. Volume
16 2
ft
23 23 16
ft
2
368
2
184

Volume Volume of a Cylinder
 Volume is the capacity of a unit or how much it
0.785
will hold
0.785
 Measured in
 cubic units (ft3, m3, yd3) or
 liquid volume units (gallons, liters, million
gallons)
 The answer will come out in cubic units
 You must then convert it to liquid volume units
Example 1 Volume of a Cone
 Determine the volume in ft3 for a tank that is 20 feet
tall with a diameter of 7.5 ft.
0.785
0.785 7.5 7.5 20 1
3 0.785
883.13 1
3 0.785
Example 2 Volume of a Rectangle
 Determine the volume in gallons of a conical tank that
is 8 feet wide and 15 feet tall.
1
3 0.785
1
3 0.785 8 8 15
0.3333 753.6
251.1749
, 251.1749 7.48
, 1878.78

Example 3
 Determine the volume in m3 for a tank that measures
30 meters by 15 meters by 25 meters.
30 15 25
11,250

Circumference, Area, and Volume Problems
Circumference
1.
3in
2.
5in
3. 2ft
4.
36in
5. A chemical holding tank has a diameter of 24 feet. What is the circumference of the tank in
feet?
6. An influent pipe inlet opening has a diameter of 4 feet. What is the circumference of the
inlet opening in inches?
7. What is the length (in feet) around the top of a circular clarifier that has a diameter of 32
feet?

Area
1. A basin has a length of 45 feet and a width of 12 feet. Calculate the area in ft2.
2. If the diameter of a circle is 10 inches, what is the cross‐sectional area in square feet?
3. Calculate the surface area (in ft2) of the top of basin which is 90 feet long, 25 feet wide, and
10 feet deep.
4. Calculate the area (in ft2) for a 2 ft diameter main that has just been laid.
5. What is the area of the rectangle that is 3 feet by 9 feet?
6. Calculate the area (in ft2) for an 18” main that has just been laid.

Volume
1. Calculate the volume (in ft3) for a tank that measures 10 feet by 10 feet by 10 feet.
2. Calculate the volume (in gallons) for a basin that measures 22 feet by 11 feet by 5 feet.
3. Calculate the volume of water in a tank (in gallons), which measures 12 feet long, 6 feet
wide, 5 feet deep, and contains 8 inches of water.
4. Calculate the volume (in ft3) of a cone shaped chemical hopper with a diameter of 12 feet
and a depth of 18 feet.
5. A new water main needs to be disinfected. The main is 30” in diameter and has a length of
0.25 miles. How many gallons of water will it hold?

6. A 3 million gallon water tank needs to be disinfected. The method you will use requires you
to calculate 5% of the tank volume. How many gallons will this be?
DON’T THINK TOO HARD ON THIS ONE…
7. If you double the size of a pipe, does it double the volume that can be carried? For
example, if you have 1000 feet of 12 inch line and you replace it with a 24 inch line, does
your volume double?
ANSWERS:
Circumference Area Volume
1. 18.85 in 1. 540 ft2 1. 1000 ft3

2. 31.42 in 2. 0.55 ft2 2. 9050.8 gal
3. 6.28 ft 3. 2250 ft2 3. 359.04 gal
4. 113.10 in 4. 3.14 ft2 4. 678.58 ft3
5. 75.40 ft 5. 27 ft2 5. 48442.35 gal
6. 150.80 in 6. 1.77 ft2 6. 150,000 gal
7. 100.53 ft 7. 446671.14 gal
8. No, it quadruples it (4X)

Velocity
• The speed at which something is moving
• Measured in
o ⁄ ⁄ etc
Velocity & Flow
Example 1 Flow
• Blue dye is placed in a sewer line at a manhole. Three 3 • The volume of water that flows over a period of time
minutes later, the dye appears in a manhole 125 feet down • Measured in
stream. What is the velocity of the flow in ft/min?
o ⁄
125
3
41.67
Example 2 Example 3
• Water is flowing at velocity 3 ft/sec through a channel that is • Determine the flow in ft3/sec through a 6 inch pipe that is
2 feet wide and 1.5 feet deep. What is the flow in cubic feet flowing full at a velocity of 4.5 ft/sec.
per second?
6
0.5 0.785
0.785 0.5 0.5 4.5

2 1.5 3
0.88
9

Flow and Velocity Problems
Velocity
1. A cork is placed in a channel and travels 370 feet in 2 minutes. What is the velocity of the
wastewater in the channel, ft/min?
2. A float travels 300 feet in a channel in 2 minutes and 14 seconds. What is the velocity in
the channel, ft/sec?
3. The distance between manhole #1 and manhole #2 is 105 feet. A fishing bobber is dropped
into manhole #1 and enters manhole #2 in 30 seconds. What is the velocity of the
wastewater in the sewer in ft/min?
Distance Traveled, ft
Float
Velocity = Distance Traveled, ft

Duration of Test, min
= ft/min

Velocity,
ft/time
depth, ft
width, ft
Q = (A) (V)
ft3/time (ft)(ft) (ft/time)
Flow in a channel
4. A channel 48 inches wide has water flowing to a depth of 1.5 feet. If the velocity of the
water is 2.8 ft/sec, what is the flow in the channel in cu ft/sec?
5. A channel 3 feet wide has water flowing to a depth of 2.5 feet. If the velocity through the
channel is 120 feet/min, what is the flow rate in cu ft/min? in MGD?
6. A channel is 3 feet wide and has water flowing at a velocity of 1.5 ft/sec. If the flow
through the channel is 8.1 ft3/sec, what is the depth of the water in the channel in feet?

Diameter, ft Velocity, ft/time
Q = (A) (V)
3
ft /time ft2 (ft/time)
Q = (0.785) ( D )2 ( vel )
ft3/time (ft)(ft) (ft/time)
Flow through a full pipe
7. The flow through a 2 ft diameter pipeline is moving at a velocity of 3.2 ft/sec. What is the
flow rate in cu ft/sec?
8. The flow through a 6 inch diameter pipeline is moving at a velocity of 3 ft/sec. What is the
flow rate in ft3/sec?
9. The flow through a pipe is 0.7 ft3/sec. If the velocity of the flow is 3.6 ft/sec, and the pipe is
flowing full, what is the diameter of the pipe in inches?
10. An 8 inch diameter pipeline has water flowing at a velocity of 3.4 ft/sec. What is the flow
rate in gpm?

Flow Rate Problems
Q = AV
1. A channel is 3 feet wide with water flowing to a depth of 2 feet. If the velocity in the channel
is found to be 1.8 fps, what is the cubic feet per second flow rate in the channel?
2. A 12‐inch diameter pipe is flowing full. What is the cubic feet per minute flow rate in the pipe
if the velocity is 110 feet/min?
3. A water main with a diameter of 18 inches is determined to have a velocity of 182 feet per
minute. What is the flow rate in gpm?
4. A 24‐inch main has a velocity of 212 feet/min. What is the gpd flow rate for the pipe?
5. What would be the gpd flow rate for a 6” line flowing at 2 feet/second?

6. A 36” water main has just been installed. According to the Design Criteria for the State of
Tennessee, the minimum flushing velocity is 2 ft/sec. If the main is flushed at 2.5 ft/second,
how many gallons/minute should be flushed from the hydrant?
7. A 36” water main has just been installed. If the main is flows at 2 ft/second, how many MGD
will the pipe deliver?
8. A certain pipe has a diameter of 18 inches. If the pipe is flowing full, and the water is known
to flow a distance of 830 yards in 5 minutes, what is the MGD flow rate for the pipe?
9. A float is placed in a channel. It takes 2.5 minutes to travel 300 feet. What is the velocity in
feet per minute in the channel? (Assume that float is traveling at the average velocity of the
water.)

10. A cork placed in a channel travels 30 feet in 20 seconds. What is the velocity of the cork in
feet per second?
11. A channel is 4 feet wide with water flowing to a depth of 2.3 feet. If a float placed in the
channel takes 3 minutes to travel a distance of 500 feet, what is the cubic‐feet‐per‐minute
flow rate in the channel?
12. The average velocity in a full‐flowing pipe is measured and known to be 2.9 fps. The pipe is a
24” main. Assuming that the pipe flows 18 hours per day and that the month in question
contains 31 days, what is the total flow for the pipe in MG for that month?
13. The flow entering the leg of a tee connection is 9 cfs. If the flow through one branch of the
tee is 5 cfs, what is the flow through the other branch?
5 cfs
9 cfs
x cfs

Answers:
1. 10.8 ft3/sec 8. 9.47 MGD
2. 86.35 ft3/min 9. 120 ft/min
3. 2,404.50 gpm 10. 1.5 ft/sec
4. 7,170,172.42 gpd 11. 1,533.33 ft3/min
5. 253,661.76 gpd 12. 136.83 MG
6. 7,926.93 gpm 13. 4 ft3/sec
7. 9.13 MGD

Section 3
Preliminary
Treatment
57
Preliminary Treatment
• Remember, there are 4 types of pollution: organic,
inorganic, thermal, and radioactive
• “Pre-treatment” or “Preliminary Treatment” focuses
Preliminary on the inorganic material
• Preliminary Treatment commonly consists of:

Treatment 1. Screening
2. Shredding
3. Grit Removal
4. Pre-Aeration
Preliminary Treatment Preliminary Treatment
• The removal of metal, rocks, rags, sand, eggshells, • Cans • Must be removed to prevent:
and similar materials that may hinder the operation • Bottles • Blockages of pipes
of a treatment plant. • Sticks • Damage to pumps
• Commonly consists of Screening, Shredding, and • Scrap metal • Excessive wear on pumps
Grit Removal to separate coarse materials from the and chains
wastewater being treated. • Rocks
• Egg shells • Filling of digesters
• Located at headworks
• Plastic products • Plant operating at reduced
• Protects downstream treatment processes efficiency, which increases
• Screening, Grit Removal, Odor Control, Septage • Rags
pollution level of effluent
Handling, and Flow Equalization • Sand discharged
Preliminary Treatment Screening Process
• Buried or otherwise inaccessible pipe plugged Coarse Screens Fine Screens
• Sludge collector mechanism jams • The plant’s first • Placed after coarse
• Critical pump put out of commission treatment unit screens for added
removal of debris
These things can all lead to… • Removes large solids
and trash, wood, tree • May be in the form of
• Reduced efficiency of plant belts, discs, or drums set
limbs, rocks, other large in a channel so the
• Health hazards to downstream water users debris wastewater flows
• Sludge deposits in receiving waters (odors and 1. Bar Rack through the submerged
unsightliness) portion
2. Manually Cleaned
• Death of fish and other aquatic life 1. Wedge-wire
Bar Screen
2. Rotary drum screens
• Costly repairs and large, unbudgeted expenses 3. Mechanically 3. Escalating step
Cleaned Bar Screen screen
60 Preliminary Treatment
Bar Racks and Screens Bar Rack
• Bar “Racks” = spacing between them is 3-4 inches or • Usually, bar racks are
more found in bypass
• Bar “Screens” = spacing between them is ~3/8 inch to 2 channels where flows
inches are diverted when bar
TN Design Criteria –
• Manually cleaned: 1-2 inches between
Ch. 4
screens are being
• Mechanically cleaned: no less than 5/8 inch serviced or repaired
• Typically manually
• Most screening in treatment plants consist of parallel cleaned due to
bars placed at an angle in a channel in such a manner infrequent use
than the wastewater flows through the bars, but large
solids and debris are caught/stopped on the bars. • Trash/bar racks mainly
• Trash and debris is collected on the bars and is used in plants that see
periodically raked off by hand or mechanically high amounts of large
debris
Bar Screens‐ Bar Screens‐Manually Cleaned
Manually Cleaned
• Require frequent attention to prevent:
1. Debris collects and causes head loss (allowable
headloss behind bar screen should be a max of 3
inches.)
2. Flow backs up, organic wastes settle out, depletes
DO, leads to septic conditions
3. Sudden rush of septic WW can create “shock load”
Images from Sacramento Manual Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants Vol I, p. 68
• Clean using rake with tines that fit between bars,

trash/debris goes in garbage
Bar Screens‐Manually Cleaned Bar Screens‐Manually Cleaned
Screenings storage can beside shovel used as
skimmer
Drain trough with debris
Direction of influent flow

Preliminary Treatment 59
Bar Screens‐ Bar Screens ‐MechanicallyCleaned
Mechanically Cleaned
• Overcome the problem of wastewater backing up
• Traveling rakes bring debris up out of the channel
and into hoppers
• Frequent wash down by operators will prevent slime
build-up/odors/flies
• Cleaning screens/racks and changing number of
units in service is good way to keep head loss below
or near the desired level (3 inches) and at a
minimum. Use these methods daily and make
adjustments to match current flow.
www.huber‐technology.com
Bar Screens – Bar Screens –
Mechanically Cleaned Mechanically Cleaned
• Maintenance is key • Bent or broken bars can damage rakes and must
• Lock out power to unit and divert flow through be replaced
another channel • If motor runs but rack mechanism doesn’t operate,
• Drive units – adjustments must be made if cables look for broken chain, cable or shear pin
don’t wind up evenly on drums of cable machines • If motor is running, the limit switch would not be the
• Frayed or excessively worn chain must be replaced problem
• Adjustments necessary if: • May incorporate automatic controls that operate
1. One end of rake unit riding higher than other (causing cleaning device when head loss reaches/exceeds
jamming) predetermined level
2. Unit traveling past its normal stopping position • Others may operate on timer that runs device for
3. Equipment is jumping or chattering certain time period, then shuts off for certain time
Fine Screens Fine Screens –
• Typically consist of: Wedgewire Screen
1. Wedge-wire • Simple screen with no
2. Closely spaced bars/screening cloth (Ex: Rotary Drum moving parts
Screen)
• Influent flows over the
3. Perforated plate (Ex: Step Screen) top of the concave
• Openings of 0.06-0.25 inch face of screen
• Freestanding – downstream of coarse screens • Gravity and weight of
• Screenings usually contain higher concentrations of new screenings push
organic matter debris down
• Maintenance:
www.uboscreen.com
• Not recommended for

1. Visual wastewater that
2. Auditory contains grease
3. Proper Lubrication • 0.010-0.100 in. opening
• Wedgewire Video
Fine Screens – Rotary Drum Screens –
Rotary Drum Screens Internally Fed
Internally Fed Externally Fed
• Influent fed into center • Influent evenly
• Wastewater enters distributed along
open end of drum and outside length of
flows outward through rotating screen
rotating drum screen • Solids collect on
cloth outside, water flows
• Spray systems washes inside
debris off the screen • Screenings removed b www.jwce.com
and into basket/trough scraper and spray

• Screenings removed by wash system www.headworksinternational.com
auger/conveyor and • Screenings collected in

squeezed to drain hopper TDEC - Fleming Training Center
Rotary Drum Screens – Fine Screens – Escalating

Externally Fed Step Screen
• A.k.a. Continuous
Conveyor
• Stainless Steel plates
with 0.125-0.250 inch
openings
• Step like grid where
every other bar is fixed
• Other bars move up,
move around top and
bottom axis
• Debris carried up to
www.parkson.com next higher step
Comminutors Comminutor with Bypass

• Devices with cutters and
screens that shred solids and
return them to wastewater
stream
• Rotating drum with slots &
cutting blades
• Cutting teeth mounted in
rows on drum
• Wood and plastic rejected,
must be manually removed
• Solids remain in wastewater
• May cause problems with
thickeners & clarifiers in
plant
TDEC - Fleming Training Center Source: Operation of Wastewater
Treatment Plants, Vol I
Barminutor Disadvantages of
• Variation of Comminutors
comminutor
• Shredded material eventually gets to digester and
• Bar screen made
of U-shaped bars
then onto fields when sludge is disposed of
and a rotating • Shredded rags affect operation of downstream
drum with teeth units
and “shear bars” • Rejection of wood and plastic
• The rotating drum • Increased load on downstream units (Ex: surface
moves up and
skimmer, digester)
down the bar
screen • Head loss downstream if not checked or
• Shredded material maintained properly
continues down • The better alternative: a bar screen followed by fine
with the waste screen or rotary drum screen
stream
Maintenance –
Comminutors and Barminutors Video Time…
• Checking for debris hung up in cutting drums and • https://youtu.be/YZ7GihJOJ7M
bars
• Sharpening and adjusting cutting blades
• Exercising inlet/outlet gates
• Inspecting travel and rotation of cutting blades
• If stringing parts of rags are hanging from slotted
drum or U-shaped bars of comminutor, it may
indicate that the cutter is worn or out of adjustment
• Do not apply solvents or lubricants to parts that
come into contact with wastewater – may affect
downstream biological processes
Paint Filter Test
Disposal of Screenings • Measures the leaching
effect of your screenings
• Burial or incineration
• Filter of Mesh No. 60
• Conventional bar screen capture rate:
• If any liquid passes
6 cubic feet/MG through the filter, the
material is deemed to
• Calculate screenings removed in cubic feet of contain free liquid
screenings per MG of flow: 1. Pour in 100 mL of
sample
2. Wait five (5) minutes
3. After five minutes if any
liquid collects in cylinder
see 40 CFR 264.314 and
265-314
Grit Channels
Grit Removal • Allow grit to settle out while keeping the lighter
organic solids moving along to next treatment unit
• Heavier particulate matter that will not readily
• Best velocity is 1 ft/sec.
decompose or break down
o Slowed to 0.7-1.4 ft/sec.
• Fine, non-biodegradable particles
• Settling velocity greater than organic solids Velocity slowed by several means:
• Sand, gravel, rocks, seeds, cinders, egg shells, 1. In multiple channel installations, operator may vary
cigarette filter tips, coffee grounds, etc. number of channels (chambers) in service at any one
time to maintain certain velocity
• Reduce clogging in pipes and protects moving
mechanical equipment/pumps from abrasion and 2. Use of proportional weirs
accompanying wear 3. Shape of grit channel
• Also prevents accumulation downstream 4. Using bricks or cinder blocks to change cross-sectional
shape or area
Grit Channel Grit Removal
Proportional Weir
• Will maintain the velocity Deflector
in grit channels when flow
• In case of dead spots
increases
where organic matter
• Exit area will decrease,
settles out and
thus increasing the depth
become putrescible
of water flow in the
channel in direct
proportion to the flow
Operations of Wastewater Treatment
Plants, Vol I, 8th Ed., p. 166
TDEC - Fleming Training Center Images from Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Vol I
Grit Removal Aerated Grit Chamber
• Manually cleaned channels
• Tank with sloping bottom and a hopper or trough in
o Build up could interfere with flow-through velocity, cause
wastewater to back up into sewer, or cause an overflow the lower end
• Mechanical grit-collector mechanisms • Air injected through diffusers located along wall
o Chain-driven scrapers called “flights” o Diffused air rolls wastewater at 1 ft/sec
o Flights are moved slowly along bottom and up an incline o The mixture of air and water has a lower specific gravity
out of water to a hopper, or along the bottom to an than water, so grit settles out better
underwater trough where a screw conveyor lifts the grit to • Particles travel in spiral direction
a storage hopper or truck. Some designs use conveyor
• Grit removed from hopper by conveyor or is
belts with buckets attached.
pumped
• Grit treated same as screenings
• Aeration:
• Burial is best disposal method
o Adds DO and freshens wastewater
• Failure to quickly cover with 6 inches of soil results in o Improves sludge settleability
odors and attracts rats and flies o Removes floatables
Aerated Grit Chamber Aerated Grit Chamber
• If the velocity of the roll is too great, grit will be
carried out of chamber
• If the velocity is too low, organic matter will be
removed with grit
• A good way to improve the effectiveness of all type
of grit removal systems is to perform a volatile solids
test on the collected grit
o This should help you adjust your air flow and velocity

Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Vol I
Cyclone Grit Separators Cyclone Grit Separators
• Grit from mechanically cleaned grit channels or
other grit removal facilities is pumped as a slurry in • Flow enters at
water to the cyclone top
• The velocity of the slurry as it enters along the wall of • Effluent exits
the cyclone causes slurry to spin or swirl around the center of top
inside of the cyclone (“primary vortex”) from “eye” of
• The grit (heavier than water) are forced outward to fluid
the casing of the cyclone, spirals downward • Grit settles by
towards bottom gravity
• Remaining lighter particles and water are carried • Detention time:
upward (“secondary vortex”) and out the overflow 20-30 sec.
discharge pipe
Grit Washing
• Removes
Video Time…
organic matter • https://youtu.be/_QBOR0YJvX8
from grit
• Inclined screw
moves grit up
ramp
• Final grit disposal
in landfill
• If grit used as fill
material, it is
necessary to
wash it
Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Vol I
Odor Control
Odor Control
Odor
• Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)
Problem o Main cause of odors in wastewater systems
o Poisonous to respiratory system
o Rotten egg odor
On Site Community o Produced under anaerobic conditions
Problem Problem
o Explosive, flammable, corrosive
o Dulls sense of smell on exposure
Employee
Working Public
• Ammonia (NH3)
Safety and
Health
Conditions Relations • Methane (CH4)
Odor control methods
and technologies
Often requires a combination of
treating/removing/and reducing potential causes
• Vapor-phase odor control methods
o Atmospheric discharge and dilution
o Masking agents and counteraction chemicals
o Chemical wet scrubbing
o Activated carbon adsorption
• Liquid-phase odor control methods
o Chemical addition
• Operational odor control methods
o Source control
o Housekeeping improvements
Operation of Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants, Vol I, MOP No. 11, p. 13‐9
o Process or operational changes
Activated Carbon Adsorption Chemical Scrubbers
• Packed bed is the most common type of wet
scrubber system that uses chemical absorption to
control odors.
Clean Air
Activated
Carbon –
Dual Bed
Fan
Odorous Air
www.directindustry.com
TDEC - Fleming Training Center Advanced Waste Treatment, p. 31

Chemical Additions
• Chlorine and chlorine compounds
Horizontal packed • Hydrogen peroxide
bed scrubber system • Metal salts
o Iron
o Zinc
o Copper
• Ozone
• Strong Alkalis – H2S is extremely pH dependent
o Sodium hydroxide
o Lime
• Nitrates
Figures from this and previous slide: Advanced
Waste Treatment, Fifth edition, p. 30‐31
TDEC - Fleming Training Center www.monroeenvironmental.com

Septage
• Septage = wastewater that is pumped out of septic
Flow Equalization
tanks and other types of holding tanks
• A device or tank designed to hold back or store a
• Partially digested anaerobic wastewater
portion of peak flows for release during low-flow
o Higher strength (high BOD, COD, TSS, FOG)
periods
• Can lead to toxic slug loads o TN Design Criteria for Sewage Works 4.4.1: required where
o Sampling can help identify toxic loads peak flows are greater than 2 times the average design
o If possible, maintain a way to hold septage and pump it slowly flow.
into your plant
• Maintain good records of who dumped, how much, • Equalization systems can be used to dampen peak
and when flows or peak pollutant loadings
o Water supply for o In-line sytems
washdown o Side-line systems
o Video monitoring
Flow Equalization
• High flows can be managed by using:
• Flow-equalization basins
• Storage lagoons
• Alternate process modes such as contact stabilization or
step feed.
• Locations can include:
• Before preliminary treatment
• Directly after preliminary treatment
• Immediately after primary treatment
• DO must be 1.0 mg/L
TDEC - Fleming Training Center 53 TDEC - Fleming Training Center
Safety Safety
• Slips and falls • Tag operating controls, • NEVER try to un-jam
lock out the power & cutter blades on
• Drowning keep the key when comminutor without
• Disease exposure working on mechanical FIRST bypassing the
o Good personal hygiene is essential equipment unit.
• Back injuries and muscle strains

• Hazardous conditions
• Guards must be in place before running
equipment
Any Questions?
CHAPTER 4
Preliminary and Pretreatment Facilities
4.1 Screening and Grinding
4.1.1 General
4.1.2 Location
4.1.3 Bar Screens
4.1.4 Fine Screens
4.1.5 Communition
4.1.6 Operability
4.1.7 Disposal
4.2 Grit Removal
4.2.1 General
4.2.2 Location
4.2.3 Design
4.2.4 Disposal
4.2.5 Operability
4.3 Pre-aeration
4.4 Flow Equalization
4.4.1 General
4.4.2 Location
4.4.3 Design and Operability
4.5 Swirls and Helical Bends
January 2016 4-1 Design Criteria Ch. 4

PRELIMINARY AND PRETREATMENT FACILITIES
4.1 Screening and Grinding
4.1.1 General
Some type of screening and/or grinding device shall be provided at all mechanical
wastewater plants. The effective removal of grit, rocks, debris, excessive oil or grease
and the screening of solids shall be accomplished prior to any activated sludge process.
Any grinding which does not dispose of the shredded material outside of the wastewater
stream must be evaluated with regard to the influent characteristics (rags, combined
sewers) of the waste prior to any activated sludge process.
4.1.2 Location
4.1.2.1 Indoors
Screening devices installed in a building where other equipment or offices are

located shall be accessible only through an outside entrance. Adequate lighting,
ventilation and access for maintenance or removal of equipment and screenings
shall be provided.
4.1.2.2 Outdoors
The removal point for screenings should be as practical as possible for the plant
personnel, preferably at ground level. Ladder access is not acceptable unless
hoisting facilities for screenings are provided. Separate hoisting is not required
for bar screens in manual bypass channels.
4.1.2.3 Deep Pit Installations
Stairway access, adequate lighting and ventilation with a convenient and adequate
means for screenings removal shall be provided.
4.1.3 Bar Screens
4.1.3.1 Manually Cleaned
Clear openings between bars shall be from 1 to 2 inches. Slope of the bars shall be
30 to 60 degrees from the vertical. Bar size shall be from 1/4 to 5/8 inches with 1
to 3 inches of depth, depending on the length and material to maintain integrity.
A perforated drain plate shall be installed at the top of the bar screen for
temporary storage and drainage.

4.1.3.2 Mechanically Cleaned
Mechanically cleaned bar screens are recommended for all plants greater than 1
MGD. Both front cleaned or back cleaned models may be acceptable. Clear
openings no less than 5/8 inch are acceptable. Protection from freezing
conditions should be considered.
Other than the rakes, no moving parts shall be below the water line.
4.1.3.3 Velocities
Approach velocities no less than 1.25 fps nor a velocity greater than 3.0 fps
through the bar screen is desired.
4.1.4 Fine Screens
4.1.4.1 General
Fine screens shall be preceeded by a trash rack or coarse bar screen.

Comminution shall not be used ahead of fine screens. A minimum of two fine
screens shall be provided, each capable of independent operation at peak design
flow. The design engineer must fully evaluate a proposal where fine screens are
to be used in lieu of primary sedimentation. Fine screens shall not be considered
equivalent to primary sedimentation or grit removal, but will be reviewed on a
case-by-case basis. Oil and grease removal must be considered.
4.1.4.2 Design
The operation should be designed to not splash operating personnel with

wastewater or screenings. Fine screens will generally increase the dissolved
oxygen content of the influent which may be beneficial in certain circumstances.
The screens must be enclosed or otherwise protected from cold weather freezing
conditions. Disposal of screenings must be addressed. To be landfilled,
screenings must be dried to approximately 20% solids. Odors may be a problem
in sensitive locations.
4.1.5 Comminution
4.1.5.1 General
In-line comminution may not be acceptable prior to an activated sludge process

for facilities with a history of problems with rags. Out-of-stream comminution or
disintegration is acceptable for activated sludge processes; however, screenings
should not return to the wastewater stream.

4.1.5.2 Design
A coarse bar screen with an automatic bypass shall precede comminution for all
mechanical plants. Gravel traps shall precede comminution which is not preceded
by grit removal. Clear openings of 1/4 inch are prefered in the comminution
device. An automatic unit bypass or other means of protection shall be provided
to protect the comminutor motor from flooding. The design shall incorporate a
method for removing the equipment from service and for repairs or sharpening of
the teeth.
4.1.6 Operability
All screening devices shall have the capability of isolation from the wastewater
stream. Sufficient wash water shall be available for cleanup of the area. All
mechanical screening devices shall be provided with a manually cleaned bar
screen bypass. Multiple bar screens should be considered for plants with rag
problems instead of comminutors.
Adequate space must be provided for access to each screening or comminution

device. This is critical in elevated, indoor or deep pit installations.
4.1.7 Disposal
All screenings shall be disposed of in an approved manner. Suitable containers

shall be provided for holding the screenings. Run-off control must be provided
around the containers, where applicable. If fine screens are proposed,
consideration must be given to the wastewater overflow if the screens clog or
blind. Overflows must be contained and bypassed around the screens by dikes or
other means.
4.2 Grit Removal
4.2.1 General
Grit removal is recommended for all mechanical wastewater plants and is

required in duplicate for plants receiving wastewater from combined sewers.
Systems with a history of substantial grit accumulations may be required to
provide for grit removal. Where a system is designed without grit removal
facilities, the design shall allow for future installation by providing adequate head
and area. Grit washing may be required.

4.2.2 Location
Wherever circumstances permit, grit removal shall be located prior to pumps and
comminution when so equiped. Bar screens shall be prior to grit removal.
Adequate lighting, ventilation and access for maintenance and removal of grit
shall be provided. Stairway access is required if the chamber is above or below
ground level. Adequate and convenient means of grit removal shall be provided.
4.2.3 Design
4.2.3.1 Channel Type
A controlled velocity of one foot per second is recommended. Control by either

sutro or proportional weir should be used. If a Parshall flume is used for control,
the grit chamber must be designed to approach a parabolic cross-section. The
length of the channel depends on the size of grit to be removed. The design
engineer shall provide this information. Inlet and outlet turbulence must be
minimized.
4.2.3.2 Square Type
Square-type basins or similar arrangements should be sized for an overflow rate

of 46,300 (WPCF) gallons per day per square foot at the peak flow based on
65-mesh grit at a specific gravity of 2.65. Other overflow rates may be used when
the design incorporates particle travel distance and detention. Inlet and outlet
turbulence must be minimized.
4.2.3.3 Aerated Type
Aerated grit chambers shall be designed on the basis of detention and/or particle
travel distance. Detention time of 2-5 minutes at peak flow is acceptable. Control
of the air shall be provided for flexibility. Skimming equipment must be provided
in the aerated grit chamber if the outlet is below the water surface.
4.2.3.4 Other Types
Cyclone or swirl-type grit removal processes may be acceptable. The design

engineer will be expected to provide a complete treatment analysis for approval.
4.2.4 Disposal
Temporary storage containers shall be provided to hold the grit. Run-off control
shall be provided. Attention should be given to operations which may splash
waste or grit on operating personnel. Grit washing is required before removal to
drying beds. If not washed, the grit shall be disposed of in an approved landfill.

4.2.5 Operability
Adjustable control valves shall be included in each diffuser air line to control
mixing and particle segregation. Variable speed arrangements should be provided
in cyclone or mechanical type systems. Provisions shall be made for isolation and
dewatering each unit or units.
4.3 Pre-Aeration
Pre-aeration is desirable in certain instances, such as to reduce septicity.

Pre-aeration may be required where pressure or small diameter collection systems
are used. Long detention times in pump stations or collection lines should also be
considered. Units shall be designed so that removal from service will not
interfere with normal plant operations.
4.4 Flow Equalization
4.4.1 General
Equalization may be used to minimize random or cyclic peaking of organic or

hydraulic loadings when the total flow is ultimately processed through the plant.
Either in-line or side-line equalization is acceptable. Equalization may be required
where peak flows are greater than 2 times the average design flow.
4.4.2 Location
Tanks are generally located after screening and grit removal. Care should be
taken in design to minimize solids deposition if located upstream of primary
clarifiers. Equalization downstream of primary clarifiers should be investigated,
as primary clarifier performance is less sensitive to flow peaking when compared
to other processes. Other locations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
4.4.3 Design and Operability
Generally, aeration will be required. Minimum requirements are to maintain 1.0

mg/l of dissolved oxygen. Odor consideration must be addressed when a plant is
located in a sensitive area or large equalization basins are used. Large tanks must
be divided into compartments to allow for operational flexibility, repair and
cleaning. Each compartment shall be capable of dewatering and access. In plant
upgrades, existing units which are otherwise to be abandoned may be used for
equalization, where possible. Sizing the tankage and compartments will depend
on the intended use; i.e., when equalization is for periodic high organic loadings,
peak flow events, toxics, etc. A complete analysis shall accompany all
engineering report (or plan) submission.

Preliminary Treatment Vocabulary
1. A _______________ is a device used with a blower system that breaks the air stream into fine
bubbles in an aeration tank or reactor.
2. _____________ is the heavy material present in wastewater such as sand, coffee grounds,
eggshells, gravel, and cinders.
3. ___________________ is the gas with a rotten egg odor that is produced under anaerobic
conditions. It is dangerous to human health and also very corrosive, capable of damaging
concrete. This is the main cause of odors in a wastewater system.
4. Traveling rakes bring debris up of out the water channel in a ___________________ cleaned bar
____________________ unit.
5. ____________ screens generally have openings of 0.06 – 0.25 inches and are located
downstream from coarse screens.
6. The simplest type of fine screen that contains no moving parts is called the ________________
screen. Influent flows over the top and gravity and the weight of new screenings push the debris
down.
7. ______________________ screens fall into one of two types: internally fed or externally fed.
8. The ________________________ screen, also called a continuous conveyor, is made up of
stainless steel plates with 0.125 – 0.250 inch openings which move up and around a top and
bottom axis.
9. A ______________________ is a device that acts as both a cutter and a screen. Cutting teeth
mounted in rows on the drum shred debris, which is left in the waste stream.
10. Screenings are either buried or incinerated. For landfill disposal, screenings must be dewatered
enough to pass the _____________________, which measures the leaching effect of the
screenings.
11. Best described as partially digested anaerobic wastewater, ___________________________ has
been pumped out of septic tanks and other types of holding tanks and is transported via truck to
a wastewater treatment plant for treatment.
12. In order to allow grit to settle out while keeping the lighter organic solids moving along to the
next treatment unit, a velocity of 1 ft/sec must be maintained in the ______________________.
13. Grit particles travel in a spiral direction due to diffused air that rolls the wastewater at 1 ft/sec
inside the ____________________________.
14. The principle behind the ________________________ separator is that the primary vortex will
force the grit outward, while the secondary vortex carries lighter particles and water upward
and out the overflow discharge pipe.
15. _______________________ is the gathering of a gas, liquid, or dissolved substance on the
outside surface or interface zone of another material. Activated carbon is utilized in this process
when used for odor control.
16. Oxidants such as chlorine, sodium hypochlorite, and hydrogen peroxide are used as the packing
media in chemical scrubbers. These systems use the process of chemical _______________ to
control odors.
17. A device or tank designed to hold back or store a portion of peak flows for release during low‐
flow periods is part of the __________________________ system. According to the TN Design
Criteria for Sewage Works, this may be required where peak flows are greater than 2 times the
average design flow. Either in‐line or side‐line systems are acceptable.
Word Bank:
Flow equalization Paint filter test
Absorption Mechanically
Diffuser Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)
Septage Grit
Rotary drum Screen
Comminutor Aerated grit chamber
Grit channel Fine
Adsorption Wedgewire
Cyclonic grit Escalating step screen
Preliminary Treatment Review Questions
1. What problems may occur when it takes a long time for wastewater to flow through the
collection sewers to the treatment plant?
2. Preliminary treatment includes Screening, Grit Removal, and _________________.
a. Clarification
b. UV disinfection
c. Flow measurement/equalization
d. Polymer addition
3. Why is it important to remove grit and coarse debris during preliminary treatment (early on in
the treatment process)?
4. What happens to grit after it is removed from the wastewater?
5. If manually cleaned bar screens are not monitored daily and cleaned frequently, and debris is
allowed to build up, what might happen?
a. The bar screens might break from the weight of build up
b. The water may back up and allow septic conditions to develop upstream
c. A shock load could be released into the plant when the screen is eventually cleaned
d. Hydrogen sulfide can form
e. All of the above
6. A plant receives a flow of 8.8 million gallons (MG) on Thursday. The day’s screenings are
calculated to be 12 cubic feet (ft3). How many cubic feet (ft3) of screenings were removed per
MG of flow?
3 3
Screenings Removed, ft /MG = Screenings Removed, ft /day
Flow, MGD

7. List the differences between comminution units and bar racks/bar screens.
8. The space between bars is greatest with bar racks, which have a spacing of _____ to ____
inches, whereas bar screens have a spacing of _____ to ______ inches. Spacing is further
reduced with fine screens. What is the main benefit to using a fine screen?
9. During a walk‐through of your plant, you discover rags and large debris accumulating
downstream from your comminutor. Your initial instinct tells you to check the blades to make
sure they are not dull. After locking and tagging out the equipment, you discover the blades are
still sharp. What could the problem be?
10. A piece of debris travels 20 feet in 40 seconds through a grit channel. What is the velocity in the
channel? Does this velocity meet the specs recommended in the TN Design Criteria for Sewage
Works? Why is it important to maintain a controlled velocity through a grit channel?
11. What is the point in washing grit?
12. What are the two basic types of rotary drum fine screens?
a. Vertical and horizontal orientation
b. Above and below channel
c. Fully and partially submerged
d. Internally and externally fed
13. Aerated grit chambers are most commonly found at activated sludge plants where there is a
readily available air supply. Why is pre‐aeration useful?
14. You begin to notice an increase in septic waste coming into your plant during the warmer
months. What causes septic wastewater conditions in the collection system? What problems
could be occurring to cause this condition?
15. What is the best water velocity to maintain throughout a grit chamber?
Table 2.1 Troubleshooting for Mechanically-Cleaned Bar Screens
Indicator/Observation Probable Cause Check or Monitor Solution(s)
Excessive grit in bar Surging in chamber Depth of grit in Remove bottom

screen chamber because of increased chamber, irregular irregularities or reslope
water level chamber bottom bottom
Excessive screen Unusual amount of Screen size, velocity Use a coarser screen or
clogging debris in influent through screen and stop source of excessive
upstream conditions debris
Rake inoperative but Broken chain or cable Inspect chain or cable Replace chain or
motor runs Broken limit switch Inspect limit switch cable
Replace limit switch
Broken shear pin Inspect shear pin Replace shear pin
Marks or metal Screens needs Operate screen through Make manufacturer’s

against metal on adjustment one cycle and recommended adjustment
screen binding listen/observe based on O&M manual
TDEC Fleming Training Center Table 2.2 Troubleshooting for Fine Screen Systems Section 3
Indicator/Observation Probable Cause Check or Monitor Solution(s)

Effluent solids too Drastic change in Sample solids A different type of
high influent solids screen medium may
characteristics need to be used if
problem persists
Excessive head loss Influent flow exceeds Influent flow rate Reduce flow rate to
design rate Sample screen
Influent solids too high Check backwash Increase screen
Screen media clogged system output and speed and backwash
or blinded spray nozzles Clean nozzles if dirty
Low backwash water Check wash trough Apply appropriate
flow/pressure drain cleaning solutions to
Buildup on screen Check inline strainer screen as
surface and nozzles recommended
Check condition of
media
Excessive noise Misalignment of Check alignment Correct alignment

sprockets Tension or slack in Adjust centers; add or
Too little/too much chain belt remove links or adjust
chain slack Observe teeth and take-ups for proper
Chain or sprocket chain; verify their slack
worn out dimensions Replace chain and/or
sprockets
Chain climbs Chain worn out Condition of chain Replace chain and
sprockets Excessive chain slack Chain tension and sprockets
Material buildup in slack Adjust center; remove
sprocket tooth Observe condition of links or adjust take-
pockets sprocket teeth ups for proper slack
Remove buildup;
Preliminary Treatment
protect drive from 81
material contact
84
Section 4
Flow
Measurement
83
What are Wastewater Flows?
1. Sanitary sewer
 Domestic
 Industrial waste
2. Storm water
 Snow melt, street wash, etc.
3. Combined sewer
 Sanitary sewer + Storm sewer
4. I & I
 Infiltration = seepage of groundwater into sewer system
 Inflow = direct discharge into sewer system
I & I
Inflow Infiltration
 Water discharged into sewer  The seepage of groundwater
system and service into a sewer system,
connections from sources including service
other than regular connections.
connections.
 Seepage frequently occurs
 Inflow differs from
infiltration in that it’s a direct through defective or cracked
discharge into the sewer pipes, pipe joints and
rather than a leak in the connections, interceptor
sewer itself. access risers and covers, or
 Ex: yard drains, foundations, manhole walls
manhole covers
Sewer System Evaluations
 Flow monitoring is primary tool for identifying
high inflow/infiltration (I/I)
 System problems:
 Back flooding into
private property due to
surcharging of sewer
mains
 Bypassing of untreated
wastewater to
environment
 Reduced system capacity Source: https://www.ocsd.com/Home/ShowDocument?id=16226
86 Flow Measurement
Wastewater Flow Rates
Factors Affecting Flow Rates  Average American family uses over 300 gallons per day at
 Geographical location & socioeconomic conditions home
 Type of development
 Season
 Time of day
 Diurnal variations
 Weather (Rainy? Dry?)
https://www.epa.gov/watersense/how‐we‐use‐water Source: https://ensia.com/articles/water‐use/
What is Flow?
• Flow = the amount of water passing a reference point Why is flow measurement important?
over a certain time
1. Collection system design
• Formula: Q = AV
 Primary tool for identifying high I/I
• Q = Flow (volume through a system)
• A = Area (cross‐sectional) 2. Treatment system design
• V = Velocity of flow  Hydraulic criteria: must be able to pass peak flows
• Units: cfs (ft3/sec), gpm, MGD, etc.  Treatment criteria: often depends on “hydraulic
residence time”
 Growth projections
Why is flow measurement important? Why is flow measurement important?
3. NPDES permits 4. Process Control continued…
₋ Flow‐paced composite sampling – Calculation of loadings on treatment processes and
treatment efficiency
4. Process Control
– Loading Rate formula:
 Able to adjust process equipment/pumping capacity
(Concentration, mg/L) (Flow, MGD or gpd)(8.34 lb/gal) = Loading Rate, lb/day
 Able to control downstream chemical feed systems
 Pumping rates, aeration rates, chemical feed rates, • Accurate flow measurement is key to identify, correct, and
etc. based on current flow prevent operational problems
 Able to determine when you are reaching the
capacity of the system (sewer, pump station, etc.)
Flow Measurement 85
Flow Hydraulics – Types of Conditions
Wastewater Loads
1. Open Channels/Pipes 2. Closed Channel/Pipes
 If total suspended solids (TSS) in a wastewater sample at
 Any channel in which the (flowing full)
the treatment plant influent = 100 mg/L, and the flow rate liquid flows with a  Flow in completely filled
of the wastewater is 10 MGD, what is the mass flow rate free/uncovered surface. pressure conduits (a.k.a.
(load to the treatment plant)?  May be a visible channel pipes)
 Concentration = 100 mg/L or it may be a closed pipe  Pipes include sewer lines
that is not flowing full running full or force
 Flow = 10 MGD mains
 Pipes include gravity
sewers or channels
(100 mg/L)(10 MGD)(8.34 lbs/gal) = 8340 lbs/day influent TSS  Ex: rivers, irrigation
ditches, canals, flumes,
etc.
Flow Measurement Types of Flow Meters
 Open Channel Flow Measurement  Different types of flow measuring devices include
 Requires a “primary device” and “secondary device”
 Constant differential (differential pressure)
 Staff gauge
 Head area
 Ultrasonic or RADAR
 Velocity meter
 Pressure
 Differential producers
 Closed Channel Flow Measurement
 Differential Pressure  Differential head and displacement (pressure or
 Mechanical Devices
distance)
 Electromagnetic (“mag meters”)  All flow measurement devices should be calibrated and
 Ultrasonic meters maintained to ensure the accuracy of the measurement
 Flow Equalization is ± 10% of the true flow.
Flow Metering Devices
Flow Metering Equipment Commonly Used in Wastewater
Type Common Name Application
Treatment Plants
Constant differential Rotameters Liquids and gases
(Ex: Chlorination) Type Accuracy Advantages Disadvantages
Head area Weirs Liquids – Partially filled Open‐ Low headloss, self‐ Requires careful construction,
channels, basins, clarifiers Channel 5‐7% cleaning susceptible to flooding
Flume
Flumes Liquids – Partially filled
Open‐ Low cost, ease of High headloss, requires a well‐
pipes and channels
Channel 5‐7% installation developed flow profile, cleaning
Velocity meters Propeller Liquids – channel flow, Weir required
clean water piped flow
No headloss, bi‐ Minimum conductivity
Full‐Pipe
directional required, expensive, well‐
Magnetic Liquids and sludge in Electro‐ 1‐3%
developed velocity profile
closed pipes magnetic
required
Differential producers Venturi tube Gases and liquids in closed
No headloss, low cost, Not suitable for some pipe
Flow nozzle pipes Full‐Pipe
2‐5% not affected by air material, well‐developed
Orifice Doppler
bubbles velocity profile required
Displacement units Piston Diaphragm Gases and liquids in closed
Full‐Pipe Low headloss, high Expensive, well‐developed 18
pipes 1‐3%
Venturi accuracy velocity profile required
*See Table 15.10 in Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Vol II for complete table Source: MOP No. 11 – Operation of Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants
88 Flow Measurement
An open channel flow meter must
Open Channel Flow Primary Elements
 Creates conditions that produce known relationship
have 2 components:
1. Primary (1°) 2. Secondary (2°)
between flow and depth Measuring device:
Measuring device:
 Channel width is known, but velocity is not needed
– Weirs – Open channel flow meters:
 Primary devices:
– Flumes • Float
 Weirs
• Ultrasonic
 Flumes – Nozzles
• Bubbler system
 Secondary element senses depth at
measurement point, converting this to • Submerged Pressure
flow Transducer
• Electrical
Open Channel Primary (1°) Measuring Open Channel – 1° Measuring Device

Devices
 Factors to consider when choosing a device
Weir Flume
 Are suspended solids an issue?
 Is head pressure an issue?
 Accuracy?
 What is the anticipated variability of flow ranges?
 Easy to install? Retrofit?
 Maintenance requirements/costs?
Open Channel Primary Measuring Device Open Channel Primary Measuring Device
Weirs Weirs
Weir = An obstruction or dam built across an open channel
over which the water flows, often through a specially shaped Weir terminology:
opening or notch • Crest = the edge or surface over which the water passes
• Nappe = the stream of water leaving the weir crest
• Simplest, least expensive, most common type of 1°
measuring device • Head = the liquid depth from crest to liquid surface in
• Measures liquid flow in partially full channels or basins pool upstream from the crest
• Blocks flow in channel Crest
• Depth of water proportional to amount of flow
• Flow determined by depth of water going through Head
opening Measurement Nappe
• Can provide final aeration/oxygenation (“Free flow”) Point
Flow Measurement 87
Weirs Weirs
• 4 most common types of
Weirs:
1. Triangular (V‐notch)
Weirs
2. Rectangular Weir
without end
constrictions
3. Rectangular Weir
with end
constrictions
4. Trapezoidal
(Cipolletti) Weir
Flumes Flumes
Flumes = specially shaped open channel flow section • Flumes consist of 3 sections:
that restricts the channel area and/or changes the slope,
1. Converging section = restricts flow, velocity is increasing in this area
resulting in an increased velocity and a change in the
2. Throat = the section that creates a hydraulic jump transition from
level of liquid flowing through the flume. higher velocity to slower velocity. It produces a head that is related to
• Constriction causes a change in head which can be the discharge.
converted to flow rates 3. Diverging section = water returns to original shape of channel, it
assures the downstream level is less than the level in the converging
• 3 most common types of Flume:
section
1. Parshall Flume
2. Palmer‐Bowlus Flume
3. Trapezoidal Flume
Open Channel Primary Measuring Device Parshall Flume

Flumes
Parshall Flume
• Best for flows with solids or debris
• Accurate
• Low maintenance
• Self‐cleaning (compared to sharp‐edged weir)
• Ability to function over a wide operating range (low to
very high flows ) while requiring only a single head
measurement
• Relatively low head loss
90 Flow Measurement
Flumes Flumes
Parshall Flume Palmer‐Bowlus Flume
• The most common 2° measuring device used with a • Most commonly used to retro‐fit a manhole
Parshall flume is the Float. • Shape is similar to a round pipe but has either a
• The measurement point is located 1/3 of the way into slightly narrowed channel wall or slightly raised floor
the converging section, in front of the throat
Open Channel Secondary Measuring Open Channel Secondary Measuring
Devices Device
• ISCO recommends the
 Measures or indicates liquid level or velocity in primary installation of a stilling well
device in 1° measuring devices
(those using Floats)
 Used with instruments to convert head to flow • A stilling well is basically a
 Selection based on location, type of information chamber connected to the
main flow channel by a small
required & cost inlet.
 Staff gauge in stilling well • To aid in the zero adjustment
 Floats in stilling well of the flow meter, ISCO
recommends that every
 Bubblers primary measuring device
 Ultrasonic devices include a staff gauge.
Open Channel Secondary Measuring Open Channel Secondary Measuring
Device ‐ Floats Devices ‐ Bubbler System
1. A Float, in combination with either a
2. Bubbler System
cable and pulley or a pivoting arm,
 Depth measurement based on the amount of pressure
measures the water level in the 1°
measuring device required to force air through tube to create bubbles
 Constant flow of air
 Must be used in combination
with a stilling well  Suitable for small channels
 Simple, inexpensive  Very accurate
 Grease or debris may  Line can become clogged
accumulate  Recommended for liquid with heavy foam
Flow Measurement 89
Open Channel Secondary Measuring Devices ‐
Bubbler System
Ultrasonic Meter
3. Ultrasonic pulses are generated by
a transducer and bounced off the
liquid surface
• Level or area/velocity
• Transit time
• Doppler
• Sound/radio pulse
• No direct contact with wastewater
• Ultrasonic is affected by foam,
turbulence, temperature
Open Channel – 2° Measuring Devices
Ultrasonic Open Channel Secondary Measuring
 Two Types of Ultrasonic meters: Devices
a) Transit Time = measure the time it takes for an
 Other types of devices:
ultrasonic signal transmitted from one sensor, to cross
a pipe and be received by a second sensor. 4. Submerged Pressure Transducer
 Open Channel 5. Electromagnetic Meter
b) Doppler = use the principal that sound waves will be
returned to a transmitter at an altered frequency if
reflectors in the liquid are in motion. This frequency
shift is in direct proportion to the velocity of the
liquid.
 Closed Channel
Closed Pipe or Channel Closed Channel Flow Measurement
 Measuring devices for closed pipes measure velocity.  Differential Producers  Flow meters in pipes will
 Venturi meter produce accurate flow
 Closed pipe metering is very common in the following
 Orifice plate readings when the meter is
areas in a WWTP: located at least 5 pipe‐
1. Primary Sludge Flow  Velocity Meters
diameters distance
 Propeller‐type
2. Return Activated Sludge Flow (RAS) downstream from any pipe
 Pitot tube bends, elbows or valves and
3. Waste Activated Sludge Flow (WAS)
 Magnetic meter at least 2 pipe‐diameters
 Constant Differential distance upstream from
 Rotameter any pipe bends, elbows or
valves.
92 Flow Measurement
Closed Channel: Differential Pressure
Closed Channel: Differential Pressure  Measure velocity directly or convert velocity head
 Venturi system to pressure head by restricting flow in pipe
 Pipe diameter gradually reduces at the throat and  Gases & liquids in closed pipes
returns to original diameter
 Low pressure is created in throat
Orifice plate
 Difference in pressure indicates amount of flow
 Simple and inexpensive
 Need straight runs of pipe before and after
 Excellent for gases and liquids (not sludge)
 Dall tube
Venturi meter: liquid passes through reduced
throat section & velocity increases. Pressure
differential then measured using manometer.
Closed Channel: Velocity Meters
 Magnetic Flow Meter
Closed Channel: Constant Differential
 Creates magnetic field in  Example: Chemical Feed
water stream Systems
 Conductor (water) moving  Rotameter
through magnetic field  Float or ball in vertical
produces electric current tube
 Measure of electricity  Increased flow causes
indicates amount of flow float to ride higher
 Very accurate, Low  Simple, accurate, easy
maintenance  Must keep tube and
 Can be expensive (esp. for float clean
larger diameters)
Maintenance of Flow Measuring Devices Maintenance of Flow Measuring Devices
 Clean devices regularly Site conditions that can affect the performance of a
 Grease build up on floats & magnetic meter coils flowmeter:
 Weir plate clogged with debris 1. Humidity
 Spider webs on the ultrasonic sensor  Critical for bubbler systems
 Periodically inspect devices for damage & 2. Solids deposition
deterioration  Weirs can become clogged with algae and debris
 Recalibrate secondary devices regularly 3. Foaming problems
 For open channel, take physical measurement (ruler)  Can foul sensors
 For closed channel, install second flowmeter or return 4. Primary measuring device – is it level?
meter to manufacturer for calibration via “drop test”  Critical that weir/flume be level and
perpendicular to the flow
Flow Measurement 91
Flow Equalization Flow Equalization
 Smoothes out fluctuations in flow volume and  Types:
pollutant concentrations  Surge – prevents flows above max. hydraulic capacity
 Provides for constant flow with less variations in  Diurnal – reduces the magnitude of daily flow variations
loading  Complete – eliminates flow variations
 Improves performance of downstream processes
 TN Design Criteria says you must maintain a 1.0 mg/L  Two Schemes
DO throughout the EQ tank  In‐line equalization
 Side‐line equalization
Flow Equalization Flow Equalization
In‐line:
• All flow enters EQ basin before entering the plant  Requires mechanical or diffused air mixing, pumps &
• Flow is stored as required and later released as steady flow flow measurement
 Blend entire tank contents
 Benefits:
 Increased DO
 Better grease separation
 Better settling in primary
 Better settling in final
 10% ‐ 20% BOD reduction
Side‐line:
• Only flow greater than daily average is diverted to basin  Improved response to shock loads
• Can occur after screening or grit removal, eliminating major grit and TSS
problems
Flow Equalization Any Questions?
 Can be in collection system or at STP
 These basins should normally be located near the
head end of the treatment works, preferably
downstream of pretreatment facilities such as bar
screens, comminutors, and grit chambers.
 After screening and grit removal = eliminating major
grit and settleable solids problems
 Adequate aeration and mixing must be provided to Flow
Equalization
keep the basins aerobic and prevent solids Lewisburg Sewage Treatment
Basin Plant
deposition.
94 Flow Measurement
CHAPTER 13
Plant Flow Measurement and Sampling

13.1 Purpose
13.2 Flow Measurement
13.2.1 General Considerations

13.2.2 Parshall Flumes
13.2.3 Sharp Crested Weirs
13.2.4 Venturi and Modified Flow Tube Meters
13.2.5 Other Flow Metering Devices
13.2.6 Hydrograph Controlled Release (HCR) Systems
13.3 Sampling
13.3.1 Automatic Sampling Equipment

13.3.2 Manual Sampling
13.3.3 Long Outfall Lines
13.3.4 Sampling Schedules

Flow Measurement 93
PLANT FLOW MEASUREMENT AND SAMPLING
13.1 Purpose
Complete and accurate flow measuring and sampling are essential in the proper
treatment of wastewater. Compliance with discharge limits requires proper flow
measurement and sampling. They provide the operator with the information to
optimize process control and operational costs, as well as providing an accurate
data base of flows and process performance which can be used to analyze changes
in operational strategy or assist future plant design.
13.2 Flow Measurement
13.2.1 General Considerations
13.2.1.1 Facilities for measuring the volume of sewage flows should be provided
at all treatment works.
13.2.1.2 Plants with a capacity equal to or less than 100,000 gallons per day
(gpd) shall be equipped, as a minimum, with a primary metering device
such as: a Parshall flume having a separate float well and staff gauge, a
weir box having plate and staff gauge, or other approved devices.
Continuous recording devices may be required where circumstances
warrant.
13.2.1.3 Plants having a capacity of greater than 100,000 gpd shall be provided
with indicating, recording, and totalizing equipment using strip or
circular charts and with flow charts for periods of 1 or 7 days. The chart
size shall be sufficient to accurately record and depict the flow
measured.
13.2.1.4 Flows passed through the plant and flows bypassed shall be measured in
a manner which will allow them to be distinguished and separately
reported.
13.2.1.5 Measuring equipment shall be provided which is accurate under all

expected flow conditions (minimum initial flow and maximum design
peak flow). The accuracy of the total flow monitoring system (primary
device, transmitter, and indicator) must be acceptable. The effect of
such factors as ambient temperature, power source voltage, electronic
interference, and humidity should be considered. Surges must be
eliminated to provide accurate measurement.
Two primary devices and flow charts may be required in some cases.

96 Flow Measurement
13.2.1.6 Metering devices within a sewage works shall be located so that recycle
flow streams do not inadvertently affect the flow measurement. In some
cases, measurement of the total flow (influent plus recycle) may be
desirable.
13.2.1.7 All clarifiers must be provided with a means for accurate flow
measurement of sludge wasting and sludge return lines so that solids
handling can be controlled. Sludge digesters, thickeners, and holding
tanks should be provided with some way to determine the volume of
sludge added or removed. This can be accomplished by a sidewall
depth scale or graduation in batch operations.
13.2.1.8 Flow meter and indicator selection should be justified considering

factors such as probable flow range, acceptable headloss, required
accuracy, and fouling ability of the water to be measured. For more
detailed information the consultant is encouraged to read the EPA
Design Information Report "Flow Measurement Instrumentation";
Journal WPCF, Volume 58, Number 10, pp. 1005-1009. This report
offers many installation details and considerations for different types of
flow monitoring equipment.
13.2.1.9 Flow splitter boxes shall be constructed so that they are reliable, easily
controllable, and accessible for maintenance purposes.
13.2.1.10 Where influent and effluent flow-proportional composite sampling is

required, separate influent and effluent flow measuring equipment is
required.
13.2.1.11 Consideration should be given to providing some types of flow meters

with bypass piping and valving for cleaning and maintenance purposes.
13.2.2 Parshall Flumes
Parshall Flumes are ideal for measuring flows of raw sewage and primary
effluents because clogging problems are usually minimal.
The properly sized flume should be selected for the flow range to be encountered.
All Parshall Flumes must be designed to the specified dimensions of an
acceptable reference.
The following requirements must be met when designing a Parshall Flume.
13.2.2.1 Flow should be evenly distributed across the width of the channel.
13.2.2.2 The crest must have a smooth, definite edge. If a liner is used, all screws
and bolts should be countersunk.

Flow Measurement 95
13.2.2.3 Longitudinal and lateral axes of the crest floor must be level.
13.2.2.4 The location of the head measuring points (stilling well) must be
two-thirds the length of the converging sidewall upstream from the crest.
Sonar-type devices are only acceptable when foaming or turbulance is
not a problem.
13.2.2.5 The pressure tap to the stilling well must be at right angles to the wall of
the converging section.
13.2.2.6 The invert (i.e., inside bottom) of the pressure tap must be at the same
elevation as the crest.
13.2.2.7 The tap should be flush with the flume side wall and have square, sharp
corners free from burrs or other projections.
13.2.2.8 The tap pipe should be 2 inches in size and be horizontal or slope
downward to the stilling well.
13.2.2.9 Free-flow conditions shall be maintained under all flow rates to be

encountered by providing low enough elevations downstream of the
flume. No constrictions (i.e., sharp bends or decrease in pipe size)
should be placed after the flume as this might cause submergence under
high flow conditions.
13.2.2.10 The volume of the stilling well should be determined by the conditions
of flow. For flows that vary rapidly, the volume should be small so that
the instrument float can respond quickly to the changes in rate. For
relatively steady flows, a large-volume stilling well is acceptable.
Consideration should be given to protecting the stilling well from
freezing.
13.2.2.11 Drain and shut-off valves shall be provided to empty and clean the
stilling well.
13.2.2.12 Means shall be provided for accurately maintaining a level in the

stilling well at the same elevation as the crest in the flume, to permit
adjusting the instrument to zero flow conditions.
13.2.2.13 The flume must be located where a uniform channel width is

maintained ahead of the flume for a distance equal to or greater than
fifteen (15) channel widths.
The approach channel must be straight and the approaching flow must
not be turbulent, surging, or unbalanced. Flow -lines should be
essentially parallel to the centerline of the flume.

98 Flow Measurement
13.2.3 Sharp Crested Weirs
The following criteria are for V-notch weirs, rectangular weirs with and without
end contractions, and Cipolletti weirs. The following details must be met when
designing a sharp crested weir:
13.2.3.1 The weir must be installed so that it is perpendicular to the axis of flow.
The upstream face of the bulkhead must be smooth.
13.2.3.2 The thickness of the weir crest should be less than 0.1 inch or the
downstream edge of the crest must be relieved by chamfering at a 45°
angle so that the horizontal (unchamfered) thickness of the weir is less
than 0.1 inch.
13.2.3.3 The sides of rectangular contracted weirs must be truly vertical. Angles
of V-notch weirs must be cut precisely. All corners must be machined or
filed perpendicular to the upstream face so that the weir will be free of
burrs or scratches.
13.2.3.4 The distance from the weir crest to the bottom of the approach channel
must be greater than twice the maximum weir head and is never to be
less than one foot.
13.2.3.5 The distance from the sides of the weir to the side of the approach
channel must be greater than twice the maximum weir head and is never
to be less than one foot (except for rectangular weirs without end
contractions.
13.2.3.6 The nappe (overflow sheet) must touch only the upstream edges of the
weir crest or notch. If properly designed, air should circulate freely
under and on both sides of the nappe. For suppressed rectangular weirs
(i.e., no contractions), the enclosed space under the nappe must be
adequately ventilated to maintain accurate head and discharge
relationships.
13.2.3.7 The measurement of head on the weir must be taken at a point at least
four (4) times the maximum head on the crest upstream from the weir.
13.2.3.8 The cross - sectional area of the approach channel must be at least eight
(8) times that of the nappe at the crest for a distance upstream of 15-20
times the maximum head on the crest in order to minimize the approach
velocity.
The approach channel must be straight and uniform upstream of the weir
for the same distance, with the exception of weirs with end contractions
where a uniform cross section is not needed.

Flow Measurement 97
13.2.3.9 The head on the weir must have at least three (3) inches of free fall at the
maximum downstream water surface to ensure free fall and aeration of
the nappe.
13.2.3.10 All of the flow must pass over the weir and no leakage at the weir plate
edges or bottom is permissable.
13.2.3.11 The weir plate is to be constructed of a material equal to or more

resistant than 304 Stainless Steel.
13.2.4 Venturi and Modified Flow Tube Meters
The following requirements should be observed for application of venturi meters:
13.2.4.1 The range of flows, hydraulic gradient, and space available for
installation must be suitable for a venturi meter and are very important
in selecting the mode of transmission to the indicator, recorder, or
totalizer.
13.2.4.2 Venturi meters shall not be used where the range of flows is too great or
where the liquid may not be under a positive head at all times.
13.2.4.3 Cleanouts or handholes are desirable, particularly on units handling raw

sewage or sludge.
13.2.4.4 Units used to measure air delivered by positive - displacement blowers

should be located as far as possible from the blowers, or means should
be provided to dampen blower pulsations.
13.2.4.5 The velocity and direction of the flow in the pipe ahead of the meter can
have a detrimental effect on accuracy. There should be no bends or other
fittings for 6 pipe diameters upstream of the venturi meter, unless treated
effluent is being measured when straightening vanes are provided.
13.2.4.6 Other design guidelines as provided by manufacturers of venturi meters

should also be considered.
13.2.5 Other Flow Metering Devices
Flow meters, such as propeller meters, magnetic flow meters, orifice meters, pitot
tubes, and other devices, should only be used in applications in accordance with
the manufacturer's recommendations and design guidelines.

100 Flow Measurement
13.2.6 Hydrograph Controlled Release (HCR) Systems
For plants utilizing HCR systems, accurate stream flow measurements are
required. Detailed plans must be submitted outlining the construction of the
primary stream flow measuring device and the associated instrumentation. The
following factors should be emphasized in the design.
13.2.6.1 Accuracy over the flow range required for effluent discharge limiting
purposes.
13.2.6.2 Operational factors such as cleaning and maintenance requirements.
13.2.6.3 Cost
The use of sharp crested weirs as described in Section 13.2.3 will not be
allowed due to the installation requirements such as approach channel
details and upstream pool depth and since entrapment and accumulation
of silt and debris may cause the device to measure inaccurately. Parshall
Flumes may be used due to their self-cleaning ability but field
calibration will be required. Self-cleaning V-notch weirs are
recommended due to their accuracy in low flow ranges. The weir can be
made self-cleaning by sloping both sides of the weir away from the
crest. The top portion of the crest shall be covered with angle-iron to
prevent its breakdown. The angle of the V-notch should be determined
by the stream characteristics; however, a smaller angle will increase
accuracy in the low flow range. The primary device shall be built with
sufficient depth into the stream bed to prevent undercutting and
sufficient height to cover the required flow range.
It is recommended that the wastewater system director, engineer, or

other city official contact the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Water
Resources Division, in Nashville, Tennessee, for assistance with the
design and installation of the flow measuring device. They offer a
program which shares much of the costs for designing and maintaining
the device. After visiting the site, they can assist with the design of a
self-cleaning weir for the stream. They provide the consultant with a
field design that shows the proper location and installation of the weir.
From this field design, the consultant must provide detailed plans to the
State.
The wastewater system is responsible for constructing the weir at their
own cost. The flow measuring station is installed, maintained, and
calibrated by USGS personnel so that accurate results are insured.
The primary device will record continuous flow of the stream and can be
designed to send a feedback signal to the WWTP for other purposes
such as controlling plant discharge rates.

Flow Measurement 99
This program benefits both the local wastewater system, the State of
Tennessee, and the USGS, as it adds to stream flow data bases archived
for public use. Cost sharing allows the flow measuring station to be
built and operated at a lower cost for all parties concerned.
13.3 Sampling
13.3.1 Automatic Sampling Equipment
The following general guidelines should be adhered to in the use of automatic

samplers:
13.3.1.1 Automatic samplers shall be used where composite sampling is

necessary.
13.3.1.2 The sampling device shall be located near the source being sampled, to
prevent sample degradation in the line.
13.3.1.3 Long sampling transmission lines should be avoided.
13.3.1.4 If sampling transmission lines are used, they shall be large enough to
prevent plugging, yet have velocities sufficient to prevent
sedimentation. Provisions shall be included to make sample lines
cleanable. Minimum velocities in sample lines shall be 3 feet per
second under all operating conditions.
13.3.1.5 Samples shall be refrigerated unless the samples will not be effected by
biological degradation.
13.3.1.6 Sampler inlet lines shall be located where the flow stream is well mixed
and representative of the total flow.
13.3.1.7 Influent automatic samplers should draw a sample downstream of bar

screens or comminutors. They should be located before any return
sludge lines or scum lines.
13.3.1.8 Effluent sampling should draw a sample immediately upstream of the

chlorination point. This will eliminate the need to dechlorinate and then
re-seed the sample.
13.3.2 Manual Sampling
Because grab samples are manually obtained, safe access to sampling sites should
be considered in the design of treatment facilities.

13.3.3 Long Outfall Lines
Many wastewater systems are constructing long outfall lines to take advantage of
secondary or equivalent permit limits.
Due to possible changes in effluent quality between the treatment facility and the
outfall, a remote sampling station will be required at or near the confluence of the
outfall line and the receiving stream on all outfall lines greater than one mile in
length.
Dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform, and chlorine residual may have to be measured
at the remote sampling station for permit compliance purposes.
13.3.4 Sampling Schedules
Samples must be taken and analyzed for two purposes: permit compliance and
process control. Any time a new permit is issued, a sampling schedule for permit
compliance will be determined by the Division of Water Pollution Control. An
additional sampling program needs to be set up for process control purposes. This
would include all testing required for completing the monthly operational report,
as well as any other tests that might aid the operation of the plant. This schedule
can be determined by the Division of Water Pollution Control, Wastewater
Treatment Section or the appropriate field office once final plans are approved.
The designer shall provide safe access points to collect representative influent and
effluent samples of all treatment units and to collect samples of all sludge
transmission lines. This makes it possible to determine the efficiency of each
treatment process. Additional information about methods of analyses can be
obtained from the Federal Register 40 CFR Part 136. Information about sampling
locations and techniques can be obtained from the EPA Aerobic Biological
Wastewater Treatment Facilities Process Control Manual and EPA's NPDES
Compliance Inspection Manual.

Flow Measurement 101
Flow Vocabulary
1. The amount of water passing a reference point over a certain amount of time is
_________________.
2. An ________________________________ is any channel in which the liquid flows with a free or
uncovered surface.
3. An obstruction or dam built across an open channel over which the water flows, often through a
specially shaped opening or notch is called a ______________________________.
4. A _________________________ is a specially shaped open channel flow section that restricts the
channel area and/or changes the slope, resulting in an increased velocity and a change in the level of
liquid flowing through it.
5. The _______________________________flume is most commonly used to retrofit manholes.
6. The ______________________________of a flume restricts flow. Velocity is increasing in this area.
7. The _______________ is the section of a flume that creates a hydraulic jump transition from higher
velocity to slower velocity. It produces a head that is related to the discharge.
8. A ____________________________________ is any channel in which flow is in a completely filled
pressure conduit (a.k.a. pipes). This includes sewer lines running full or force mains.
9. Weirs, flumes, and nozzles are all examples of ________________________________ measuring
devices.
10. The _____________________________ section of the flume is where water returns to original
shape of channel, it assures the downstream level is less than the level in the converging section.
11. This type of flume is best for wastewater containing solids and debris.
________________________________
12. ____________________________________ is an indirect measure of loss of energy or pressure.
Flowing water will lose some of its energy when it passes through a pipe, bar screen, Comminutor,
filter or other obstruction. This is measured as the difference in elevation between the upstream
water surface and the downstream water surface and may be expressed in feet or meters.

13. Open channel flow meters, such as floats, ultrasonic meters, and bubbler systems, are all examples
of __________________________________ measuring devices.
14. Adequate aeration and mixing must be provided in the _____________________________basin to
keep the basins aerobic and prevent solids deposition. A DO of 1.0 mg/L must be maintained
throughout.

Word Bank
Flow
Diverging
Palmer‐Bowlus
Flume
Headloss
Parshall
Primary (1°)
Weir
Throat
Flow equalization
Open channel
Closed channel
Converging section
Secondary (2°)

Flow Measurement Review Questions
1. What is the difference between open flow and closed flow channel conditions?
2. List three types of flumes and where each is most commonly used.
3. Where are flumes used instead of weirs to measure flows?
4. What are the three different sections of a Parshall flume? Where is flow measured in this flume and
what type of device would be used?
5. What are the advantages of an electromagnetic/magnetic flow meter?

6. Why measure flows before and after an equalization basin?
7. According to the TN Design Criteria, what DO must be maintained throughout an equalization tank?

108
Section 5
Activated Sludge
Part 1
107
Activated Sludge – Aeration Basins
Activated Sludge: Part I
Introduction to Wastewater
Activated Sludge –
the most common method of
wastewater treatment
Activated Sludge ‐ Definition Components of all Activated Sludge

Secondary Treatment Process 1. Flocculent Slurry of Microorganisms Solids in the
 Hence the term “activated” Aerator
 Function is to remove…  Unit for aeration & mixing, mostlyaerobic,~anoxic,~anaerobic
1. Soluble (dissolved) pollutants
 by biological oxidation and absorption 2. Quiescent Settling of Solids in Clarifier
2. Colloidal solids  Separate solids from liquid.
 through adsorption
…To produce a clear effluent that meets regulatory limits
3. Return of Settled Solids to the Aerator, SBR is different.
 Limits can be in pounds (lbs), concentration (mg/L), or  Enriches the Aerator withbiomass
percent removals.
4. Excess Solids Wasted from theSystem
 Biomass population control
Secondary Treatment
 Two Biological TreatmentProcesses
 Suspended Growth – Activated Sludge
 Fixed Film (Trickling Filter, Roughing Filter, Biotower, RBC) the
biological film (zoogleal film) is attached to the media
 Biological Treatment Process
 Natural occurring soil & aquatic bacteria, protozoa,metazoa
 Organic matter + air + water + microorganisms = the
natural composting or rotting process
 Organic waste is stabilized through this process so that
streams are not degraded.
110 Activated Sludge Part I

Activated Sludge Process Variations Activated Sludge Process
 ConventionalAeration  This fundamental process is the heart of
 Plug Flow secondary treatment
 Step Feed
 Contact Stabilization
 Complete Mix
 Organics + O2 + nutrients + inert matter +
microorganisms = CO2 + H20 + new microorganisms +
 ExtendedAeration
additional inert matter
 Complete Mix, Oxidation Ditch
 Biological Nutrient Removal,(BNR)
 Plug Flow  The result is a purified effluent where the stream impact
• Overlap and variation of these, sometimes is low
proprietary  digested, stabilized “sludge, humus, or bug bodies”
that has little O2 demand or odor potential.
• All preceded by preliminary ~ primary treatment
Influent sewage and wastewater
 Discharge from homes, businesses andindustry
 Mostly water, but there are organics from feces,
paper, food scraps, grease, soaps & surfactants,
industrial chemicals ‐ we measure as CBOD
 Inorganic pollutants include ammonia, metals,
salts, industrial chemicals
 Storm water and ground water also enter the plant,
sometimes on purpose, many times fromdefects
Plant Influent
Major impact on plant operations and performance!  We take most anything users can drain, flush, or
discharge down the pipe including far too much I/I
Influent Impact and Control Influent (PCE) Monitoring and Testing

 Influent volume and  Watch your Influent
concentration  Is it normal or different?
impacts plants • Visual ‐ color, volume, foam oil
significantly and grease, mixing
 Influent control: • Odors
 Inflow & Infiltration • Tests
 Sewer Use Ordinances  DO, pH, Temp,ORP
 Ind. Pretreatment  SS, Ammonia, TSS, TKN,
Program COD
 Permitting  Toxicity
 Testing  CBOD5
 Inspections  Metals, complex organics
109
Typical Influent Test Values Influent Loading

 Flow = 35 MGD
 CBOD = 210 mg/L
Parameter Influent Effluent  What is the CBOD Load applied to the Plant?
BOD5 100 – 300 mg/L 5 – 20 mg/L
TSS 100 – 300 mg/L 5 – 30 mg/L
Ammonia 10 – 30 mg/L < 2 mg/L ***POUNDS FORMULA!***
pH 6.5 – 8.5 ~ 7.0 (Flow, MGD)(Concentration, mg/L)(8.34 lbs/gal) = lbs
(35 MGD)(210 mg/L)(8.34 lbs/gal) = 61,299 lbs
Internal Recycle Flows
Sources
 Digester decant/supernatant
 Sludge dewatering/thicken
underflow/overflow
 Clarifier skimming
 Basin dewatering
 Sampler return
 Wash‐down water System Components
 Nutrient removal recycle
 What is the hydraulic or pollutant
load?
System Components System Components

3. Return Activated Sludge (RAS) System ‐ piping and
1. Biological Reactors/Aeration Basin ‐ The tanks where
pumps that return settled solids from the bottom of
aerobic, anaerobic, or anoxic conditions are created
the clarifier to the aeration basin. This return of
to produce healthy mixed liquor and facilitate
biomass results in high MLSS concentrations and quick
biological treatment processes by removing organic
treatment. SBR plants do not have RAS systems.
matter (and possibly ammonia, nitrogen and/or
phosphorus depending on the permit requirements)
4. Waste Activated Sludge (WAS) System‐ pipes, pumps,
and other structures that move excess Biomass from
2. Clarifiers ‐ Sedimentation tanks used to remove the Activated Sludge System to balance food (BOD) to
settleable solids, thicken the settled solids, and bugs (MLVSS) and thereby keeps the solids level and
skim the surface. F:M ratio at an optimum level.

Return Activated Sludge (RAS) Waste Activated Sludge (WAS)
5. Return Activated Sludge (RAS) ‐ Settled activated 6. Waste Activated Sludge (WAS) ‐ Solids removed
sludge returned to mix with incoming raw or from the activated sludge process.
primary settled wastewater.
Biological Reactor Clarifier Biological Reactor Clarifier
WAS WAS
Return Activated Sludge
To solids To solids
RAS handling handling
Pump process process
System Components Activated Sludge Terminology

7. Blower and diffuser system • Mixed Liquor, Biomass, Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS)‐
 Provides the necessary oxygen source for the bugs to do A mixture of raw or settled wastewater and microorganisms
their work and provides mixing to keep the bugs and food in • Solids Retention Time (SRT) ‐ The average time suspended
contact with each other solids are held in a biological wastewater treatment system
 Keeps flocculated bugs in suspension • Also called Mean Cell Residence Time(MCRT)
 Aeration can be provided by mechanical or diffused air • Hydraulic Detention Time‐ The average time a gallon of water
 Mechanical devices agitate the water surface by is held in a tank
means of a paddle wheel, rotating brushes ormixers • Mixed Liquor Volatile Suspended Solids (MLVSS) ‐ The organic
 These types basically splash the water into the air or vice fraction of the suspended solids in activated sludge mixed
versa so the oxygen can be absorbed. liquor that can be driven off by combustion at 550 °C.
 Diffusers may be a more common type, they transfer air Generally accepted to indicate the live and working
bubbles into the mixed liquor biomass, commonly70‐80%
Goals of Activated Sludge
 Produce Clean Water (CleanWater Act)
 Remove Organic Pollutants (CBOD,other)
 Reduction of Pathogenic Organisms
 Removal of Nutrients & Inorganic Pollutants (Total
Photo: Treatment Plant Operator
Process Goals Nitrogen & Phosphorus, NH4,metals)
Successful activated sludge process performance is judged by
effluent quality.  Permit Limits‐ mg/L, lbs,% removal (85% monthly &
40% daily)
111
Activated Sludge
Flocculent slurry of sewage & wastewater and
various naturally occurring soil & aquatic
microorganisms
Bacteria
Protozoa
Viruses
Microbiology Algae
Metazoa
Fungi
Microorganisms What are Microbes?

 Types of microorganisms present in activated  Bacteria‐main workers
sludge depend on:
• Composition of the wastewater
 Protozoa‐secondary
• Length of the system’s MCRT  Viruses‐ opportunistic
• pH  Algae‐ plant Crawling ciliate on activated
sludge floc
• Temperature
 Metazoa‐more complex
• DO concentration
 Fungi‐ rarely seen
 Microorganism population type affects both
activated sludge characteristics and treatment
potential. Cyanobacteria
Why are they important? Bacteria Found in Wastewater

1. Role in environment
 Major decomposers in nature • For WW Treatment, bacteria are the most important
microorganisms in the process
 Essential in a balanced ecosystem
• Most are soil bacteria
 Some are pathogens (cause disease) • About 95% of microorganisms in ML for activated
sludge systems are the
bacteria.
2. Role in ActivatedSludge • You don’t want to see
 Major decomposer of the organic matter many spiral, generally
 Major worker in the removal of nutrients pathogenic
 Key in removing many other pollutants
 Some are pathogens (cause disease)

Size Range of Microorganisms Bacteria
 Binary fission is the process by which one
mature cell divides into two new cells.
Ciliate  Under ideal conditions, a bacterium can grow to maturity
10 – 300 m and reproduce by binary fission in less than 30 min.
Bacteria
0.5 – 5.0 m Human Hair  Generation Time: replication in PURE culture:
sized 70-100 µm or
0.003-0.004 inch,  Bacillus sp. (BOD eating bacteria) 20‐30 minutes
(0.001 in = 25 µm)  Nitrifiers 22‐48 hours
 Methanogens 10‐30 days
Flagellate
Amoeba
10 – 200 m
30 – 500 m
Binary Fission video
Types of Bacteria Heterotrophic

 Chemotrophic‐ get energy from  Need organic carbon as their food source
chemicals • Most wastewater bacteria
• Protozoa
 Heterotrophic: get energy from organic • Humans
material  Organic food source
 CBOD removers • Carbohydrates‐ sugar, starch, cellulose
 Denitrifiers • Protein
• Fat
 Autotrophic: get energy from inorganic  All animals are heterotrophs, as are most
material microorganisms (the major exceptions being
 Nitrifiers‐remove ammonia microscopic algae and blue ‐ green bacteria)
 Algae
 Higher plants
Heterotrophic Heterotrophic
 Nutrients
 Nitrogen, Phosphorus,micronutrients • Oxygen requirements:
 Source is the Sewage and wastewater – Aerobes require free DO to function
 Ideal Balance: – Facultative bacteria prefer free DO but can
• BOD:TKN:P function in its absence and use combined
• 100:5:1 oxygen
• Sometimes 100:5:1:0.5 (Fe‐Iron) – Anoxic use nitrate (NO3‐) and nitrite (NO2‐),
 Domestic waste generally provides a good combined oxygen
balance for the microorganisms, industrial waste – Anaerobes thrive in the absence of free DO,
may not,which could lead to filament growth. use sulfate (SO4‐) or carbon dioxide (CO2)
113
Biochemistry Autotrophic
 Rotting, by heterotrophicbacteria:  Autotrophic organisms use inorganic
 C6H12O6 + Bugs + O2 More Bugs + CO2+ H2O substances like ammonia for energy and
Glucose, Energy and
Organic Nutrients inorganic carbon to grow
Matter
 The inorganic carbon is from the various
 What is the formula backwards? alkalinity sources in the sewage, carbon
 C6H12O6+ O2 CO2+H2O+ energy dioxide, carbonate, or bicarbonate
 Some drinking water in Tennessee has low alkalinity
Photosynthesis! which eventually can cause operational issue at the
wastewater plant if nitrification occurs
Food Microorganisms “Eating”

 Two types of “food”
1. Dissolved
Example: sugar in oatmeal
2. “Chunky”
Example: oats in oatmeal
 Our body uses both“foods”
 We eat and our stomach and gut breaks the
“chunky food” down into smaller dissolved food
that our cells in our bodies can use
 If you had to stay in the hospital and could not eat,
they would “feed” you dissolved food in the form
of sucrose,a sugar water
“Student” Microscope Microscopic Exam

 Binocular Head Medium irregular floc Open floc with filaments
 Brightfield or light microscope
 Mechanical Stage
 10x Objective~ 43x,100x
 100x requires oil
 Use:
 Floc observation
 Protozoa observation & count
 Filaments ~ yes or no Floc‐ an agglomeration of entrapped organisms, solids,
 Nocardia ‐ branched colloids & some inorganics
 Begattoa – large, spotted, and moves

Micrograph of Floc and Filaments Protozoa‐ First Amimals
 Filamentous bacteria are  Single‐celled animals that also reproduce by binary fission
not “floc formers” but are  Have complex digestive systems that ingest organic matter,
also of interest in WW which they use as an energy and carbon source
treatment  Protozoans are much larger than bacteria, their size ranges
 Small amounts of them can from 10‐500 microns
improve floc structure,  They are an important link in the activated sludge food chain
acting as a back bone, because they consume bacteria to fill a large part of their
providing mass to help in nutritional needs.
settling after treatment  This seems not only to remove excess bacteria from WW, but
appears to stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria, which produce
floc more quickly and aid in the clarification of the effluent
 Large amounts can negatively affect performance of  Form cysts
activated sludge systems by keeping floc apart and  Beneficial in wastewater treatment
which makes it light and fluffy, therefore,not settling  Indicators of health and secondary indicator of MCRT or age
well of system
• High SVI
Protozoa Found in the Activated
Protozoa – First Animals Sludge Process
Examples:  Much less abundant than bacteria, but very important
 Require DO
• Amoeba  Flagellate has a whip‐like tail and competes with bacteria
• Free‐Swimming Ciliates –  Stalked ciliates – as adults, attach to something; as a “baby”,
has little hairs (cilia) to move around and move water and food
Paramecium into“mouth”
• Crawling Ciliates  Euglena – has green algae in it that makes oxygen when the
sun shines.
• Stalked Ciliates
• Suctoria
Protozoa ‐ Amoeba Protozoa ‐ Flagellates
 Amoebas young sludge indicators
 They can encyst themselves to make it through
the system (unfavorable conditions)  Can be found during plant start up or after a plant is recovering
 Look like donuts from an upset with a low population of microorganisms and a
high organic (BOD) load
 Can be found during plant start up or after a
plant is recovering from an upset.
115
Protozoa – Free Swimming Ciliate
(Paramecium) Protozoa – Crawling Ciliates
Cilia
 Resemble crabs or ladybugs
 Free swimming ciliates generally are younger biomass  May have some cilia but majority of body does not contain
organisms but are common in many plants any
 Cilia covers entire shape  Croppers of biomass
 Sufficient D.O.  Cirri (A bundle or tuft of cilia serving as foot or tentacle in
 Asexually & Sexually certain ciliate protozoa) are 4‐5 cilia fused together
 Paramecium ‐ 4.7 hours growth rate  Very efficient feeders
Protozoa – Stalked Ciliates Protozoa – Suctoria
 They feed by drawing cells into their “mouth” with small cilia that create a
visible twirling motion in the sample.
 Can be individual or colonial  These are the true vampires of the wastewater world
 Length of stalk indicates age  Tentacles may recoil in presence of increased
 Some will have a myenome (contractile muscle fiber with in stalk)
ammonia
 Size of oral opening may indicate health of system/more bacteria smaller
opening and less bacteria larger opening  Some will have a stalk and others may not
 Single (vorticella) vs colonial (epystylis) does not mean one is better than
other, they are all individual species and grow based on the environment
52 TDEC ‐ Fleming Training Center
Fungi and Algae Metazoa

Fungi Algae
 Photosynthetic Examples:
 Soil organisms  Multi‐cellular animals
 Eutrophication can cause algal  Rotifer
 Degrade dead blooms in receiving streams  Multicellular
organic matter  Key in operation of wastewater  Water Mite
(saprophytic) ponds: produce oxygen needed by  Slower growing
bacteria  Water Bear
 Nuisance in clarifiers, basins, etc.  Typically larger than
 Nematodes protozoa
 Ostracods  Sexual and asexual
reproduction
 Heterotrophic
 All are motile
 Unless there has been an upset to
the plant

Metazoa ‐ Rotifer Metazoa – Water Bear (Tardigrade)
 8 legs – with 2 claws on

 Simple multi‐celled organisms each for holding
 Over 80% are female  Old sludge organism
 Need aerobic environment  Prefer rotifers as a food source
 Longer Sludge age
 Consume solid food including  Feeds on smaller protozoa  Water bears are typically
bacteria  Low BOD, Sufficient D.O. not seen in industrial waste
 Does not like ammonia
 In lagoons, they eat lots ofalgae  Tardigrade food treatment systems
 Not found in presence of
 Means happy, healthy population  Some move like snails others
ammonia above 5ppm
 They have been sent to
resemble free‐swimming space as part of the NASA
 High numbers usually indicates an  Extremely aerobic program
ciliates
older sludge
Metazoa – Nematode Metazoa – Bristle Worm
 Aquatic earthworms  Aquatic earthworm

 They eat bacteria and protozoa
 Fast moving  They are relatively active. They have a red spot that are
 The poke around the floc not visible here but can turn biomass red colored
 Older sludge organisms that reproduce slowly  They have the capacity to make your biomass
disappear
Good Settling
Bacteria Population vs. Sludge Age Rotifers
Stragglers
Nematodes
Rotifers
Stalked Ciliates Stalked Ciliates
Rotifers
Relative Predominance
Free-Swimming Nematodes
Ciliates
Free-Swimming Stalked Ciliates

Ciliates
Free-Swimming Rotifers
Ciliates
Flagellates Stalked Ciliates
Free-Swimming Free-Swimming
Ciliates Ciliates
Flagellates Flagellates Flagellates Flagellates
Amoeba Amoeba Amoeba Amoeba Amoeba
High F:M Low
106 Low
MCRT High
117
Microorganisms Predominance Microorganisms Predominance

 During a start up, after an upset or when a system  If an extended aeration
is operated at a high F:M, amoebas, and flagellates  If a conventional plant
starts to see more plant has pin floc and
will predominate nematodes, you are
rotifers and less free‐
 The sludge will be young, display slow settling and leave behind holding your sludge too
straggler floc swimming ciliates, you
need to increase long
 A large number of stalked ciliates, free‐swimming
wasting to make old
ciliates and rotifers will indicate a stable and efficiently
sludge go away
operated plant that produces a good settling sludge
and a high quality effluent
 An old sludge is indicated by the predominance of
rotifers and nematodes
 The sludge will settle at a high rate and leave pin floc behind
Phases of Microorganism’s Life Phases of Microorganism’s Life

Lag Log Stationary Death  Exponential Growth – The number of microorganisms in
Exponential Declining Endogenous
Growth Growth Respiration
a culture broth will grow exponentially until an essential
nutrient is exhausted. Typically the first organism splits
into two daughter organisms, who then each split to
Number of Microorganisms
form four, who split to form eight, etc…
 Declining Growth – As food supply declines,
the microorganisms work harder to get their
food
 Reproduction rates gradually slow down
 Endogenous Respiration – There is inadequate food to
maintain the biomass. Some microorganisms starve
Time and die, others use their own stored energy to live
63 TDEC ‐ Fleming Training Center
Treatment Plant Variables
Most plants operate right before endogenous respiration.  The predominance, growth, and performance of
your microbiological biomass (MLSS) is a function of:
Exponential Declining Endogenous
 Influent Characteristics
Growth Growth Respiration
• Flow, amount and type of CBOD, ammonia, TSS, pH,
Number of Microorganisms
other pollutants
 Reactor Design
• Shape, Feed points, Aeration, Mixing
 Environment
• Climate, waterchemistry
 Operating Conditions
• F:M, MCRT/SRT, DO, RAS rates
Time
TDEC ‐ Fleming Training Center

Bacteria Classification Various Filaments
1. By Food Source
 Heterotrophy, organic food,BOD
 Autotrophy, inorganic food,ammonia
2. By Oxygen usage
 Aerobic, Facultative,Anaerobic
3. By Shape
 Round, Rods, Filaments(threadlike)
Filamentous Bacteria Foaming Problems

1) Low Dissolved Oxygen  Filamentous bacteria also cause foaming
2) Low F:M  Nocardia
 Identified by true branching
3) Septicity  FOG encourages growth
4) Grease and Oil  Nocardia has an extra layer of grease on outside with air
pockets, therefore light and fluffy
5) Nutrient Deficiency
6) Low pH
 Identify using Phase Contrast Microscope
 Brett, Michael Richard, David Jenkins company,
others
Thick Nocardia Foam
Nocardia Second Foam/Scum Filament

 Nocardia can be controlled by:  Microthrix Parvicella
1. Maintaining an MCRT <1 day in warm weather  M.Parvicella
 Works with pure oxygen systems  Gram positive
 Can be very difficult in nitrifying plants  Often the stain looks
2. Physical removal and disposal by skimming like purple spaghetti
and disposal  Favors colder weather
3. Spray with chlorine – on the surface or inject  Chlorinate the RAS
into RAS
4. Also Cationic polymers‐ forces the nocardia
into the MLSS where is does not prefer to live
119
Filament Control Foaming Problems

 Identify the filament and change the plant environment  White, billowy
 Filament have specific growth preferences, take those away foam is often
and the filament goes away caused by
 Chlorination of the RAS is a old standby and often works surfactant
 Polymers and other chemicals fit in certain situations
 Foam can be skimmed and trapped  Development of
 Change Mode of operation: step feed or contact white, billowy foam
stabilization lowers the solids load to the clarifier. is also common
Contact stabilization can incubatefilaments.
under start‐up
 Selector units can be added conditions.
 Anaerobic, Anoxic, Aerobic
 These change the F:M, DO, and growth environment
Old Sludge‐ High MCRT Foam Nutrient Deficiency Foam

 Rare in
 Thick, stable, often
Municipal
dark
Treatment
 Tough to break up
with water hose or  More common in
spray food processing
 Generally will  White, stable,
have Nocardia greasy foam
present
 Solution‐ add
 Solution‐Waste!
fertilizer
Surfactant Foam Activated Sludge Foam

 All plants have some
 Looks like soap suds
 Stop the discharge foam
 May have soap odor also
 Divert & treat off line  It’s presence is
 Most are degradable, but…
 Slow or stop wasting
not necessarily
bad
 Water spray and
chemical  Foam is merely
defoamers an indicator
 Provide needed air but  Normal Foam:
don’t over aerate  "Fresh, Crisp, Light
 Are there internal sources Colored Foam“
such as polymers  What is normal for your
plant?

Foam Cleanup
 Act quickly
 Contain within the
plant
 Water sprays
 Chemical defoamers
for chemical foams
 TSP ‐ Trisodium
Activated Sludge Process Feeding and
Phosphate cleaner
Flow Patterns
Activated Sludge Processes & Flow
Activated Sludge Process Variations Patterns
 Categories:
1. Loading:  Reactor Shapes
 High  PhysicalArrangement
 Medium
 Low
 Flow Patterns
2. Reactor Configuration  Process Modifications
 Number of reactors  Modes of Operation
 Feed points
 Aeration processes
 Feeding Points
 Hydraulic detention times  Hydraulic DetentionTimes
 MCRT  Solids RetentionTimes
These often overlap.
Pair of 3 ring ditches
Activated Sludge Process Design Plug Flow

Variations of the • Plug‐flow (conventional)
activated sludge • Step Feed
process have been • Contact Stabilization
designed to: • Bardenpho
1. Minimize reactor • Kraus
sizes • Pure Oxygen
2. Reduce capital costs • Complete mix
3. Simply operations • Extended aeration
4. Adapt to site‐ • Oxidation ditches
specific Also known as the Conventional Activated Sludge Process.
• High‐rate aeration
conditions
121
Criteria for a Plug‐Flow Reactor Plug Flow

 High length‐to width ratio  Raw wastewater goes in as a “plug” and leaves as a
 Air flow rate minimized to meet specific treatment “plug”
needs • In an ideal plug‐flow reactor, particles would leave the
reactor in the same order they enter it, ensuring that
 Fairly high wastewater velocity through the reactor wastewater has been in the reactor a sufficient time for
complete treatment to occur
 Smaller foot print needed
 Highest DO requirement at inlet
• There may be “tapered” aeration
 Highest F:M at inlet
Influent To
 F:M decreases as you go through the process
Clarifier
 You usually have a primary clarifier
Plug Flow Design Parameters Complete Mix

Application Domestic and Industrial
BOD Removal Efficiency 85 – 95%
AerationType Diffused or Mechanical
MCRT 5 – 15 days
Influent Effluent
AerationTime 4 – 12 hours
MLSS 1500 – 3000 mg/L
RAS Flow 25 – 75% of influent
F:M 0.25 – 0.5 lbs BOD/d/lbs MLVSS
Organic Loading 20 – 40 lbs BOD/d/1000 ft3 RAS
WAS
Complete Mix ~Complete Mix

Mechanical Surface
Oxidation Ditch Aeration
– Low length‐to‐width ratio
– High air flow rate or mixing power
– Low velocity through the reactor

Complete‐mix Complete Mix Design Parameters
 Conventional plant – but modified Application Domestic and Industrial
 If you take an MLSS sample at one corner, it should be the BOD Removal Efficiency 85 – 95%
same at the opposite corner AerationType Mechanical,Diffused
 Can handle toxic loads or organic loads – dilutes them out MCRT 5 – 15 days
 Primary reason to have one of these
AerationTime 3 – 10 hours,Ox.Ditch 18-36 hours
 Oxygen demand same throughout
MLSS 2000 – 5000 mg/L
 Needs lots of air and/or mixing
 Susceptible to growth of filamentous bacteria due to food
and/or nutrient deficiency (continuous low levels) F:M 0.2 – 0.6 lbs BOD/d/lbs MLVSS
 If organic loads stop coming in, this could become a problem Organic Loading 20 – 80 lbs BOD/d/1000 ft3
Extended Aeration‐ low rate Extended Aeration Design Parameters

 The low organic loading on these systems requires that Application Smaller Communities and Package
microorganisms compete for food and, at times, use Plants
theirown cell mass for energy
 This is termed "endogenous respiration” and
leads to low sludge production AerationType Diffused or Mechanical
MCRT 10 – 30 days
MLSS 2000 – 6000 mg/L
Influent Effluent RAS Flow 25 – 150% of influent
Organic Loading 10 – 25 lbs BOD/d/1000 ft3
RAS
WAS
Oxidation Ditch‐ low rate, complete mix Oxidation Ditch

Horizontal Rotors
(or other aeration mixing device) Effluent Weir
To Clarifier
Horizontal Rotors
(or other aeration mixing device)
Influent
123
Murfreesboro Wastewater Treatment
Plant
Oxidation Ditch
 Brush rotor – first oxidation ditch
 To control DO, play with depth of water
• Shaft always stays above water
• The level of the rotors is fixed, but the deeper the rotor
sits in the water, the greater the oxygen transfer from air
to the water(greater DO)
• The ditch outlet level control weir regulates the level of
water in the oxidation ditch
 Some brush rotors were covered to keep down air‐
borne diseases
 Disk Rotors and also common and there are some surface
and jet aeration systems in the state
Oxidation Ditch Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR)

 Velocity of 1 ft/sec
 Very low effluent BOD
 Large tank volume and high oxygen
demand are disadvantages
 High MCRT and low F:M
 Low F:M filaments are common
 Energy Hog!
Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR)

1. 1. Fill – reactor is filled with
wastewater
Influent
Effluent
WAS
2. 2. React – the wastewater is
aerated
Influent
Effluent
WAS
Source: Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Vol I, 8th ed.

Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR)
3. 3. Settle – MLSS is 5. 5. Idle – a portion of the
separated waste sludge is
Influent
Influent
Effluent
Effluent
removed with adequate
sludge left in the tank
to provide biomass for
WAS WAS the next treatment
4. 4. Decant – treated cycle
wastewater is removed
Influent
Effluent
WAS
Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) SBR Design Parameters
Application Smaller Communities,There are big
ones also. ClevelandTN
AerationType Diffused
MCRT 10 – 30 days
MLSS 1500 – 5000 mg/L
RAS Flow N/A
Organic Loading 25 lbs BOD/d/1000 ft3
Contact Stabilization Contact Stabilization
Influent
Effluent
RAS
WAS
RAS only stays in the Contact Tank for a short time:
about 30 – 90 minutes.
125
Contact Stablilization Contact Stabilization

 Conventional plant – but modified
 The sludge rearation reactor provides the operator with some
flexibility at peak flows to protect the biomass and prevents
solids from washing out of the process
 If toxic load comes in,it will shock the contact tank and
not affect the stabilization tank
 Both contact tank and reaeration tank are aerated
1. Reaeration tank is for RAS.
• No new food is added
• Organisms must use stored energy, once used up, they begin searching for
more food, this is when they are moved on to the contact tank
2. Contact tank is where the organic load is applied
• Attempts to have microorganisms take in and store large portions of influent
waste in a short period of time (30‐90 minutes)
 Higher F:M than reaeration tank
 Can avoid a complete wash‐out when high flows or toxic load comes in
 Poor ammonia removal
Contact Stabilization Design Parameters Memphis Stiles Plant (North)

Application Modification of Existing Plant
AerationType Diffused or Mechanical
MCRT 5 – 15 days
AerationTime 0.5 – 1.5 hour Contact
3 – 6 hours Reaeration
MLSS 1000 – 3000 mg/L Contact
4000 – 10000 mg/L Reaeration
Dark Reaeration Tank
Step Feed Step Feed ‐ Variations

Step Feed Step Feed Design Parameters
Application Domestic and Industrial
Biological Reactor
AerationType Diffused
MCRT 5 – 15 days
Effluent
Influent AerationTime 3 – 6 hours Flow
5 – 7.5 hours Solids
MLSS 1500 – 3000 mg/L
RAS
WAS Organic Loading 40 – 60 lbs BOD/d/1000 ft3
Step Feed Step Feed

 Advantages over conventional operation:
• Less aeration volume to treat same volume of wastewater
• Better control in handling shock loads
• Operator flexibility
• Can handle more volume and loading than conventional,
but does not product the same effluent quality
• Potential for handling lower applied solids to the
secondary clarifier
Step Feed High Rate Aeration

 A type of configuration with a high MLSS, High F:M, and
shorter detention times
 Can produce effluent quality approaching that of a
conventional system, high‐rate systems must be operated with
special care
 Clarifiers in these systems are more prone to solids washout than those
in other process variations
Influent Effluent
RAS WAS
127
High Rate Aeration Design Parameters Pure Oxygen

Application Industrial  The use of oxygen gas makes it possible to obtain very high
DO concentrations, which in turn allows a higher MLSS
concentration to be maintained
AerationType Mechanical or Diffused (rare)  The most common pure oxygen process uses a plug flow
MCRT 5 – 10 days reactor that is covered to retain oxygen and obtain a high
AerationTime 2 – 4 hours degree of oxygen use
MLSS 4000 – 10000 mg/L
Pure Oxygen Pure Oxygen Facility

 Liquid oxygen is a fire hazard (comes delivered at ‐300ºF)
 Continuously control oxygen feed rate depending on how
active the microorganisms are
 Always has a covered tank to prevent costly pure oxygen
from going off into the atmosphere (keeps it in the tank)
 The wastewater, RAS, and oxygen feed gas enter the first stage
of this system and flow concurrently through the reactor.
 These systems can handle high organic loadings with shorter
aeration periods because of their elevated MLSS
concentrations
 Nitrification ability limited due to accumulation of CO2 in
gas headspace which causes low pH in mixed liquor
Pure Oxygen Facility Pure Oxygen Design Parameters

Oxygen for this process can be Application Domestic and Industrial
supplied by: BOD Removal Efficiency 85 – 95%
1. Trucked‐in liquid oxygen (LOX) AerationType Mechanical
 Converted to gaseous O2 using
heat exchangers
MCRT 3 – 10 days
2. Cryogenic oxygen generation AerationTime 1 – 3 hours
 Produces liquid O2 by liquefaction MLSS 2000 – 5000 mg/L
of air, followed by fractional
distillation to separate the air
components, mainly nitrogen and F:M 0.25 – 1.0 lbs BOD/d/lbs MLVSS
oxygen.
3. Pressure ‐ swing
adsorption generation
4. Vacuum ‐ swing adsorption

Bardenpho Process Bardenpho Process
 Bardenpho process is named by Dr. James L. Barnardfor  The degree of nitrate removal depends on the
 denitrification and phosphorus removal recycle rate
 Used to remove between 90‐95 percent of all the nitrogen
 Some plants have 2x, 4x, and even 6x the average dry
present in the raw wastewater by recycling nitrate‐rich mixed
weather flow back to the anoxic zone
liquor from the aeration basin to an anoxic zone located ahead
of the aeration basin  Usually 4x the average dry weather flow is sufficient
 Denitrification takes place in the anoxic zone in the absence of  If the nitrate in the effluent rises above 1 mg/L, the recycle
dissolved oxygen rate is too high because not enough detention time is
provided in the anoxic zone for denitrification to occur
 If phosphorus removal is desired, a fermentation stage
is added before the first anoxic zone
 Uses a Plug Flow/Conventional Pattern
Kraus Process Kraus Process

 Used typically when the plant had a nutrient imbalance
commonly caused by industrial wastes
 Usually a nitrogen deficiency
 To correct this problem, supernatant from the anaerobic
digester is fed back to the aeration tank to return the
balance
Selectors Combined/Coupled Systems

 Units generally before the  AS combined with
aeration basin fixed film
 Conditions may be: aerobic, • Roughing filter
anoxic,anaerobic • Trickling
 Used for: filament control Filter/Solids
and nutrient removal Contact
 Different environment  Coupled
that “selects” for or • Activated sludge with
against certain fixed film media inside the
microorganisms reactor, IFAS
Anaerobic Selector for Phosphorus removal  HDT~ 10‐30 minutes
Trickling Filter/Solids Contact
129
Other Unique Designs Membrane Bioreactor (MMBR)

Package Plant Membrane BioReactor, MBR
Package Plant Issues:
Temperature, Rust, Airlift
Pumps, Age
Super Energy Hog!
Membrane Bioreactor (MMBR)
Any
Questions?

CHAPTER 7
Activated Sludge
7.1 General
7.1.1 Applicability
7.1.2 Process Selection
7.1.3 Pretreatment
7.2 Types of Processes
7.2.1 Conventional
7.2.2 Complete Mix
7.2.3 Step Aeration
7.2.4 Tapered Aeration
7.2.5 Contact Stabilization
7.2.6 Extended Aeration
7.2.7 High - Rate Aeration
7.2.8 High - Purity Oxygen
7.2.9 Kraus Process
7.2.10 Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBR)
7.3 Aeration Tanks
7.3.1 Required Volume

7.3.2 Shape and Mixing
7.3.3 Number of Units
7.3.4 Inlets and Outlets
7.3.5 Measuring Devices
7.3.6 Freeboard and Foam Control
7.3.7 Drain and Bypass
7.3.8 Other Considerations
7.4 Aeration Equipment
7.4.1 General
7.4.2 Diffused Air Systems
7.4.3 Mechanical Aeration Equipment
7.4.4 Flexibility and Energy Conservation

131
7.5 Additional Details
7.5.1 Lifting Equipment and Access

7.5.2 Noise and Safety
7.6 Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBRs)
7.7 Oxidation Ditch
7.7.1 General
7.7.2 Special Details
7.7.3 45 - Degree Sloping Sidewall Tanks
7.7.4 Straight Sidewall Tanks

ACTIVATED SLUDGE
7.1 General
7.1.1 Applicability
The activated sludge process and its various modifications may be used where sewage is
amenable to biological treatment. This process requires close attention and more
competent operator supervision than some of the other biological processes. A
treatability study may be required to show that the organics are amendable to the
proposed treatment. For example, industrial wastewaters containing high levels of
starches and sugars may cause interferences with the activated sludge process due to
bulking.
Toxic loadings from industries and excessive hydraulic loadings must be avoided to
prevent the loss or destruction of the activated sludge mass. If toxic influents are a
possibility, a properly enforced industrial pretreatment program will prove extremely
beneficial to the WWTP and will be required. It takes days and sometimes weeks for the
plant to recover from a toxic overload and will likely result in permit violations. Flow
equalization, as detailed in Chapter 4, may be required in some instances. These
requirements shall be considered when proposing this type of treatment.
7.1.2 Process Selection
The activated sludge process and its several modifications may be employed to
accomplish varied degrees of removal of suspended solids and reduction of BOD and
ammonia. Choice of the process most applicable will be influenced by the proposed
plant size, type of waste to the treated, and degree and consistency of treatment required.
All designs should provide for flexibility to incorporate as many modes of operation as is
reasonably possible.
Calculations and/or documentation shall be submitted to justify the basis of design for the
following:
a. Process efficiency
b. Aeration tanks
c. Aeration equipment (including oxygen and mixing requirements)
d. Operational rationale (including maintenance)
e. Costs (capital and operating)
In addition, the design must comply with any requirements set forth in other chapters such as
clarifiers, sludge processing, etc.

133
7.1.3 Pretreatment
Where primary settling tanks are not used, effective removal or exclusion of grit, debris,
excessive oil or grease, and comminution or screening of solids shall be accomplished
prior to the activated sludge process.
Where primary settling is used, provisions should be made for discharging raw sewage
directly to the aeration tanks to facilitate plant start-up and operation during the initial
stages of the plant's design life. Also, primary effluents are often low in D.O. This
should be planned for in the design.
7.2 Types of Processes
Figure 7.1 shows the flow schematics of the major types of activated sludge processes,
excluding pretreatment. The types that are simply modifications of these processes are not
shown.
7.2.1 Conventional
Conventional activated sludge is characterized by introduction of influent wastewater and

return activated sludge at one end of the aeration tank, a plug-flow aeration tank, and
diffused aeration.
7.2.2 Complete Mix
Complete mix activated sludge is characterized by introduction of influent wastewater

and return activated sludge throughout the aeration basin and the use of a completely
mixed aeration tank. Complete mix aeration tanks may be arranged in series to
approximate plug flow and conventional activated sludge.
7.2.3 Step Aeration
Step aeration activated sludge is characterized by introduction of the influent wastewater

at two or more points in the aeration tank, use of a plug-flow aeration tank, and diffused
aeration.
7.2.4 Tapered Aeration
Tapered aeration is similar to conventional activated sludge except that the air supply is
tapered to meet the organic load within the tank. More air is added to the influent end of
the tank where the organic loading and oxygen demand are the greatest.

7.2.5 Contact Stabilization
Contact stabilization activated sludge is characterized by the use of two aeration tanks for
each process train, one to contact the influent wastewater and return activated sludge
(contact tank) and the other to aerate the return activated sludge (stabilization tank) and
promote the biodegradation of the organics absorbed to the bacterial flocs.
7.2.6 Extended Aeration
Extended aeration activated sludge is characterized by a low F/M ratio, long sludge age,
and long aeration tank detention time (greater than 18 hours). For additional details on
oxidation ditches see Section 7.7).
7.2.7 High-Rate Aeration
High-rate aeration activated sludge is characterized by high F/M ratio, low sludge age,
short aeration tank detention time, and high mixed-liquor suspended solids. High-rate
aeration should be followed by other BOD and suspended solids removal processes to
provide secondary treatment.
7.2.8 High-Purity Oxygen
High-purity oxygen activated sludge is characterized by the use of high-purity oxygen

instead of air for aeration.
7.2.9 Kraus Process
Kraus process activated sludge is characterized by use of an aeration tank to aerate a

portion of the return activated sludge, digester supernatant, and digested sludge in order
to provide nitrogen (ammonia) to a nitrogen-deficient wastewater.
7.2.10 Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBR)
The SBR process is a fill-and-draw, non-steady state activated sludge process in which
one or more reactor basins are filled with wastewater during a discrete time period, and
then operated in a batch treatment mode. SBR's accomplish equalization, aeration, and
clarification in a timed sequence. For additional details see Section 7.6.

135
7.3 Aeration Tanks
7.3.1 Required Volume
The size of the aeration tank for any particular adaptation of the process shall be based on
the food-to-microorganism (F/M) ratio, using the influent BOD (load per day) divided by
the mixed-liquor volatile suspended solids. Alternatively, aeration tanks may be sized
using sludge age. The calculations using the F/M ratio or sludge age shall be based on
the kinetic relationships.
APPENDIX 7A shows the permissible range of F/M ratio, sludge age, mixed-liquor
suspended solids, aeration tank detention time, aerator loading, and activated sludge
return ratio for design of the various modifications of the activated sludge process. All
design parameters shall be checked to determine if they fall within the permissible range
for the selected F/M ratio or sludge area and the aeration tank size. Diurnal load
variations and peak loadings must be considered when checking critical parameters.
7.3.2 Shape and Mixing
The dimensions of each independent mixed-liquor aeration tank or return sludge

reaeration tank should be such as to maintain effective mixing and utilization of air when
diffused air is used. Liquid depths should not be less than 10 feet or more than 30 feet
except in special design cases. For plug-flow conditions using very small tanks or tanks
with special configuration, the shape of the tank and/or the installation of aeration
equipment should provide for elimination of short-circuiting through the tank.
Aerator loadings should be considered and the horsepower per 1,000 cubic feet of basin
volume required for oxygen transfer should be limited to prevent excessive turbulence in
the aeration basins, which might reduce activated sludge settleability.
Multiple tanks capable of independent operation may be required for operability and
maintenance reasons, depending on the activated sludge process, size of the plant, and the
reliability classification of the sewerage works (refer to Section 1.3.11).

7.3.4 Inlets and Outlets
7.3.4.1 Controls
Inlets and outlets for each aeration tank unit in multiple tank systems should be
suitably equipped with valves, gates, stop plates, weirs, or other devices to permit
control of the flow and to maintain reasonably constant liquid level. The
hydraulic properties of the system should permit the maximum instantaneous
hydraulic load to be carried with any single aeration tank unit out of service.
7.3.4.2 Conduits
Channels and pipes carrying liquids with solids in suspension should be designed
to maintain self-cleaning velocities or should be agitated to keep such solids in
suspension at all rates of flow within the design limits.
7.3.4.3 Hydraulics
Where multiple aeration tanks and secondary clarifiers are used, provisions
should be made to divide the flow evenly to all aeration tanks in service and then
recombine the flows, and to divide the flow evenly to all secondary clarifiers in
service and then recombine the flows. Treatments plants using more than four
aeration tanks and secondary clarifiers may divide the activated sludge systems
into two or more process trains consisting of not less than two aeration tanks and
secondary clarifiers per process train.
7.3.4.4 Bypass
When a primary settling tank is used, provisions shall also be made for
discharging raw wastewater directly to the aeration tanks following pretreatment
for start-ups.
7.3.5 Measuring Devices
For plants designed for less than 250,000 gallons per day, devices shall be installed for
indicating flow rates of influent sewage, return sludge, and air to each aeration tank. For
plants designed for greater than 250,000 gallons per day, devices shall be installed for
totalizing, indicating, and recording influent sewage and returned sludge to each aeration
tank. Where the design provides for all returned sludge to be mixed with the raw sewage
(or primary effluent) at one location, the mixed-liquor flow rate to each aeration tank
shall be measured, and the flow split in such a manner to provide even loading to each
tank, or as desired by operations.

137
7.3.6 Freeboard and Foam Control
Aeration tanks shall have a freeboard of at least 18 inches. Freeboards of 24 inches are
desirable with mechanical aerators.
Consideration shall be given for foam control devices on aeration tanks. Suitable spray
systems or other appropriate means will be acceptable. If potable water is used, approved
backflow prevention shall be provided on the water lines. The spray lines shall have
provisions for draining to prevent damage by freezing.
7.3.7 Drain and Bypass
Provisions shall be made for dewatering each aeration tank for cleaning and maintenance.
The dewatering system shall be sized to permit removal of the tank contents within 24
hours. If a drain is used, it shall be valved. The dewatering discharge shall be upstream
of the activated sludge process.
Provisions shall be made to isolate each aeration tank without disrupting flow to other
aeration tanks.
Proper precautions shall be taken to ensure the tank will not "float" when dewatered.
7.3.8 Other Considerations
Other factors that might influence the efficiency of the activated sludge process should be
examined. Septic and/or low pH influent conditions are detrimental, particularly where
primary clarifiers precede the activated sludge process or when the collection system
allows the sewage to go septic. Often, the pH is buffered by the biological mass, but
wide variations in the influent should be avoided and, if present, chemical addition may
be necessary.
Aerobic organisms require minimum quantities of nitrogen and phosphorus. Domestic

wastewater usually has an excess of nitrogen and phosphorus; however, many industrial
wastewaters are deficient in these elements. A mass balance should be performed to see
if the combined industrial and domestic influent contains sufficient nitrogen and
phosphorus or if nutrient levels will have to be supplemented.

7.4 Aeration Equipment
7.4.1 General
Oxygen requirements generally depend on BOD loading, degree of treatment, and level
of suspended solids concentration to be maintained in the aeration tank mixed liquor.
Aeration equipment shall be designed to supply sufficient oxygen to maintain a minimum
dissolved oxygen concentration of 2 milligrams per liter (mg/l) at average design load
and 1.0 mg/l at peak design loads throughout the mixed liquor. In the absence of
experimentally determined values, the design oxygen requirements for all activated
sludge processes shall be 1.1 lbs oxygen per lb peak BOD5 applied to the aeration tanks,
with the exception of the extended aeration process, for which the value shall be 2.35.
Aeration equipment shall be of sufficient size and arrangement to maintain velocities
greater than 0.5 foot per second at all points in the aeration tank.
The oxygen requirements for an activated sludge system can be estimated using the
following relationship:
O2 = (a) ( BOD) + b (MLVSS)
O2 = pounds of oxygen required per day
BOD = pounds of BOD removed per day (5-day BOD)*
MLVSS = pounds of mixed liquor volatile suspended solids contained in the aeration
basin
a= amount of oxygen required for BOD synthesis. "a" will range from 0.5 to
0.75 pound of oxygen per pound of BOD removed
b= amount of oxygen required for endogenous respiration or decay. "b" will

range from 0.05 to 0.20 pound of oxygen per pound of MLVSS
*BOD removal shall be calculated as influent BOD5 minus soluble effluent BOD5.
For preliminary planning before process design is initiated, a rough estimate can be
obtained by using 1.0 to 1.2 pounds of oxygen per pound of BOD removed (assuming no
nitrification).

139
7.4.2 Diffused Air Systems
7.4.2.1 Design Air Requirements
The aeration equipment shall be designed to provide the oxygen requirements set
forth above. Minimum requirements for carbonaceous removal are shown below.
(Oxygen requirements for nitrification are in addition to that required for
carbonaceous removal where applicable; i.e., low F/M.)
Cubic Feet of Air

Available per Pound
of BOD Load Applied
Process to Aeration Tank
Conventional 1,500
Step Aeration 1,500
Contact Stabilization 1,500
Modified or "High Rate" 400 to 1,500
(depending upon BOD
removal expected)
Extended Aeration 2,100
Air required for channels, pumps, or other air-use demand shall be added to the air volume
requirements.
Manufacturers' specifications must be corrected to account for actual operation conditions (use a
worst case scenario). Corrections shall be made for temperatures other than 20oC and elevations
greater than 2,000 feet.
7.4.2.2 Special Details
The specified capacity of blowers or air compressors, particularly centrifugal

blowers, shall take into account that the air intake temperature might reach
extremes and that pressure might be less than normal. Motor horsepower shall be
sufficient to handle the minimum and maximum ambient temperatures on record.
The blower filters shall be easily accessible. Spare filters should be provided.
The blowers shall be provided in multiple units, arranged and in capacities to

meet the maximum air demand with the single largest unit out of service. The
design shall also provide for varying the volume of air delivered in proportion to
the load demand of the plant.
The spacing of diffusers shall be in accordance with the oxygen and mixing
requirements in the basin. If only one aeration tank is proposed, arrangement of

diffusers should permit their removal for inspection, maintenance, and
replacement without de-watering the tank and without shutting off the air supply
to other diffusers in the tank.
Individual units of diffusers shall be equipped with control valves, preferably with
indicator markings, for throttling or for complete shutoff. Diffusers in each
assembly shall have substantially uniform pressure loss. The adjustment of one
diffuser should have minimal influence on the air supply rate to any other
diffusers.
Flow meters and throttling valves shall be placed in each header. Air filters shall
be provided as part of the blower assembly to prevent clogging of the diffuser
system. Means shall be provided to easily check the air filter so that it will be
replaced when needed.
7.4.3 Mechanical Aeration Equipment
Power input from mechanical aerators should range from 0.5 to 1.3 horsepower per 1,000
cubic feet of aeration tank.
The mechanism and drive unit shall be designed for the expected conditions of the
aeration tank in terms of the proven performance of the equipment.
Due to the high heat loss, consideration shall be given to protecting subsequent treatment
units from freezing where it is deemed necessary. Multiple mechanical aeration unit
installations shall be designed to meet the maximum oxygen demand with the largest unit
out of service. The design shall normally also provide for varying the amount of oxygen
transferred in proportion to the load demand on the plant.
A spare aeration mechanism shall be furnished for single-unit installations. Access to the
aerators shall be provided for routine maintenance.
7.4.4 Flexibility and Energy Conservation
The design of aeration systems shall provide adequate flexibility to vary the oxygen
transfer capability and power consumption in relation to oxygen demands. Particular
attention should be given to initial operation when oxygen demands may be significantly
less that the design oxygen demand. The design shall always maintain the minimum
mixing levels; mixing may control power requirements at low oxygen demands.
Dissolved oxygen probes and recording should be considered for all activated sludge
designs. Consideration will be given to automatic control of aeration system oxygen
transfer, based on aeration basin dissolved oxygen concentrations, provided manual
back-up operation is available. A dissolved oxygen field probe and meter is to be
provided for all activated sludge installations.

141
Watt-hour meters shall be provided for all aeration system drives to record power usage.
Energy conservation measures shall be considered in design of aeration systems. For

diffused aeration systems, the following shall be considered:
a. Use of small compressors and more units
b. Variable-speed drives on positive-displacement compressors
c. Intake throttling on centrifugal compressors
d. Use of timers while maintaining minimum mixing and D.O. levels

(consult with manufacturer's recommendations for proper cycling)
e. Use of high-efficiency diffusers
f. Use of separate and independent mixers and aerators
For mechanical aeration systems, the following shall be considered:
a. Use of smaller aerators
b. Variable aeration tank weirs
c. Multiple-speed motors
d. Use of timers
7.5 Additional Details
7.5.1 Lifting Equipment and Access
Provisions shall be made to lift all mechanical equipment and provide sufficient access to
permit its removal without modifying existing or proposed structures.
7.5.2 Noise and Safety
Special consideration shall be given to the noise produced by air compressors used with
diffused aeration systems and mechanical aerators. Ear protection may be required.
Silencers for blowers may be required in sensitive areas.
Handrails shall be provided on all walkways around aeration tanks and clarifiers.

The following safety equipment shall be provided near aeration tanks and clarifiers:
Safety vests
Lifelines and rings
Safety poles
Walkways near aeration tanks shall have a roughened surface or grating to provide safe
footing and be built to shed water.
Guards shall be provided on all moving machinery in conformance with OSHA

requirements.
Sufficient lighting shall be provided to permit safe working conditions near aerations
tanks and clarifiers at night.
7.6 Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBRs)
SBRs shall be designed to meet all the requirements set forth in preceding sections on
activated sludge. Special consideration shall be given to the following:
7.6.1 A pre-aeration, flow-equalization basin is to be provided for when the SBR is in the settle
and/or draw phases. If multiple SBR basins are provided, a pre-aeration basin will not be
needed if each SBR basin is capable of handling all the influent peak flow while another
basin is in the settle and/or draw phase.
7.6.2 When discharging from the SBR, means need to be provided to avoid surges to the
succeeding treatment units. The chlorine contact tank shall not be hydraulically
overloaded by the discharge.
7.6.3 The effluent from the SBRs shall be removed from just below the water surface (below
the scum level) or a device which excludes scum shall be used. All decanters shall be
balanced so that the effluent will be withdrawn equally from the effluent end of the
reactor.
7.6.4 Prevailing winds must be considered in scum control.
7.7 Oxidation Ditch
7.7.1 General
The oxidation ditch is a complete-mixed, extended aeration, activated sludge process which is
operated with a long detention time. Brush-rotor (or disk type) aerators are normally used for
mixing and oxygen transfer. All requirements set forth in previous sections and/or chapters must
be met, with the exception of those items addressed below.

143
7.7.2.1 Design Parameters
The design parameters shall be in the permissible range as set forth in Table 7.1
for F/M, sludge age, MLSS, detention time, aerator loading, and activated sludge
return ratio.
7.7.2.2 Aeration Equipment
Aeration equipment shall be designed to transfer 2.35 pounds of oxygen per

pound of BOD at standard conditions. The oxygen requirement takes into
account nitrification in a typical wastewater. Also, a minimum average velocity
of one foot per second shall be maintained, based on the pumping rate of the
aeration equipment and the aeration basin cross-sectional area.
A minimum of two aerators per basin is required.
7.7.2.3 Aeration Tank Details
a. Influent Feed Location
Influent and return activated sludge feed to the aeration tank should be
located just upstream of an aerator to afford immediate mixing with mixed
liquor in the channel.
b. Effluent Removal Location
Effluent from the aeration channel shall be upstream of an aerator and far
enough upstream from the injection of the influent and return activated
sludge to prevent short-circuiting.
c. Effluent Adjustable Weir
Water level in the aeration channel shall be controlled by an adjustable

weir or other means. In calculating weir length, use peak design flow plus
maximum recirculated flow to prevent excessive aerator immersion.
d. Walkways and Splash Control
Walkways must be provided across the aeration channel to provide access

to the aerators for maintenance. The normal location is above the aerator.
Splash guards shall be provided to prevent spray from the aerator on the
walkway. Bridges should not be subject to splash from the rotors.

e. Baffles
Horizontal baffles, placed across the channel, may be used on all basins
with over 6 feet liquid depth, and may be used where the manufacturer
recommends them to provide proper mixing of the entire depth of the
basin.
Baffles should be provided around corners to ensure uniform velocities.
7.7.3 45-Degree Sloping Sidewall Tanks
7.7.3.1 Liquid Depth
Liquid depth shall be 7 to 10 feet, depending on aerator capability, as stated by

the manufacturer.
7.7.3.2 Channel Width at Water Level
The higher ratios (channel width at water level divided by aerator length) are to be
used with smaller aerator lengths.
3- to 15-foot-long rotors, ratio 3.0 to 1.8.
16- to 30-foot-long rotors, ratio 2.0 to 1.3
Above 30-foot-long rotors, ratio below 1.5
7.7.3.3 Center Island
When used, the minimum width of center island at liquid level, based on aerator
length, should be as follows (with center islands below minimum width, use
return flow baffles at both ends):
3- to 5-foot-long rotor, 14 feet
Above 30-foot-long rotors, 24 feet

145
7.7.3.4 Center Dividing Walls
Center dividing walls can be used but return flow baffles at both ends are
required. The channel width, W, is calculated as flat bottom plus 1/2 of sloping
sidewall. Baffle radius is W/2. Baffles should be offset by W/8, with the larger
opening accepting the flow and the smaller opening downstream compressing the
flow.
7.7.3.5 Length of Straight Section
Length of straight section of ditch shall be a minimum of 40 feet or at least two

times the width of the ditch at liquid level.
7.7.3.6 Preferred Location of Aerators
Aerators shall be placed just downstream of the bend, normally 15 feet, with the
long straight section of the ditch downstream of the aerator.
7.7.4 Straight Sidewall Tanks
7.7.4.1 Liquid Depth
Liquid depth shall be 7 to 12 feet, depending on aerators.
7.7.4.2 Aerator Length
Individual rotor length shall span the full width of the channel, with necessary
allowance required for drive assembly and outboard bearing.
7.7.4.3 Center Island
Where center islands are used, the width should be the same as with 45-degree
sloping sidewalls, or manufacturer's recommendation.
7.7.4.4 Center Dividing Walls
When a center dividing wall is used, return flow baffles are required at both ends.
Return flow baffle radius is width of channel, W, divided by 2, W/2. Baffles
should be offset by W/8, with the larger opening accepting the flow and the
smaller opening downstream compressing the flow.
7.7.4.5 Length of Straight Section
Length of straight section downstream of aerator shall be near 40 feet or close to

two times the aerator length. In deep tanks with four aerators, aerators should be
placed to provide location for horizontal baffles.

7.7.4.6 Preferred Location of Aerators
Aerators should be placed just downstream of the bend with the long straight
section of the tank downstream of the aerator. Optimal placement of rotors will
consider maintaining ditch center line distance between rotors close to equal.
APPENDIX 7-A

147
Activated Sludge Vocabulary – Part 1
1. ______________________________ describes the taking in or soaking up of a substance into the body of
another by molecular or chemical action.
2. A mass or clump of organic material consisting of living organisms feeding on the wastes in wastewater,
dead organisms, and other debris is called _______________________________.
3. The biological wastewater treatment process that speeds up the decomposition of wastes, involving mixed
liquor that is aerated and agitated before sedimentation, is called the
_______________________________________.
4. The gathering of a gas, liquid, or dissolved substance on the surface or interface zone of another material is
referred to as _____________________________.
5. The _____________________________ is where raw or settled wastewater is mixed with return sludge and
aerated.
6. This type of bacteria can use either dissolved molecular oxygen or oxygen obtained from food materials such
as sulfate or nitrate ions: ____________________________. In other words, these bacteria can live under
aerobic or anaerobic conditions.
7. The suspended solids in the mixed liquor of an aeration tank are called
_____________________________________.
8. ______________________________ bacteria must have molecular (dissolved) oxygen (DO) to survive. These
are also called aerobes. In contrast, ____________________________ bacteria do not need molecular
(dissolved) oxygen to survive. These are also called anaerobes.
9. ____________________________ bacteria grow in a thread‐like or filamentous form and are a common
cause of sludge bulking in the activated sludge process.
10. The organic or volatile suspended solids in the mixed liquor of an aeration tank are called
_____________________________________. This volatile portion is used as a measure or indication of the
microorganisms present.
11. An ____________________________ environment is oxygen deficient or lacking sufficient oxygen.
Generally, it refers to an environment in which chemically bound oxygen, such as nitrate, is present.
12. A bacterial life phase that occurs when living organisms oxidize some of their own cellular mass due to an
inadequate amount of food in their environment is called _____________________________.
13. When the activated sludge in an aeration tank is mixed with primary effluent or the raw wastewater and
return sludge, this mixture is then referred to as ______________________________ as long as it is in the
aeration tank.

14. The jelly‐like masses of bacteria that are found in both the trickling filter and activated sludge process are
called ________________________ masses.
Word Bank:
Absorption
Mixed liquor
Endogenous respiration
Anaerobic
Facultative
Mixed Liquor Volatile Suspended Solids (MLVSS)
Aerobic
Aeration tank
Biomass
Zoogleal
Adsorption
Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS)
Filamentous
Activated sludge process
Anoxic
149
Activated Sludge Review Questions – Part 1

1. In the activated sludge process, microorganisms convert organic matter to _______.
a. New cells, carbon dioxide and water
b. New cells, ammonia and water
c. Carbon dioxide, water and nitrate
d. Carbon dioxide, water and chlorine

2. The most basic components of the activated sludge process are _______.
a. Thickeners and digesters
b. Screens and clarifiers
c. Sand filters and chlorine contact chambers
d. Biological reactors (aka aeration basins) and clarifiers

3. Solids that settle to the bottom of clarifiers and are pumped back to the head of biological reactors are
referred to as _______.
a. RAS
b. WAS
c. TSS
d. Total residual chlorine

4. Which combination of microbes would indicate a good settling sludge?
a. Amoebas and nematodes
b. Ciliates and rotifers
c. Nematodes and paramecium
d. Amoebas and bristle worms

5. The process of reproduction where one mature cell divides into two new cells is known as _______.
a. Cellular deduction
b. Binary fission
c. Bacterial degradation
d. Endogenous respiration

6. Protozoans are _______.
a. Bacteria
b. Microscopic plants
c. Single‐celled animals
d. Worms

7. Potential visual indicators of low DO concentrations include _______.
a. Presence of filamentous bacteria
b. Turbid effluent
c. Dark gray to black mixed liquor
d. All of the above

8. The required ratio of BOD:N:P:Fe in an activated sludge process is 100:10:5:0.5.
a. True
b. False

9. Which type of microorganism makes up about 95% of the mixed liquor in an activated sludge system?
a. Protozoans
b. Metazoans
c. Nematodes
d. Bacteria

10. This type of microorganism can encyst itself to move through unfavorable conditions, and is an indication of
a young sludge
a. Amoebas
b. Water bears
c. Rotifers
d. Paramecium

11. Because it is photosynthetic, algae is key to the operation of wastewater ponds.
a. True
b. False

12. Which of the following conditions are favorable to the growth of filamentous bacteria?
a. Low DO
b. Nutrient deficiency
c. Septicity
d. Grease and oil
e. All of the above

13. This type of activated sludge process design has the highest oxygen demand at the influent inlet and will
often utilize tapered aeration in order to supply more oxygen at the beginning of the process.
a. Contact stabilization
b. Plug Flow (aka “Conventional”)
c. Oxidation ditch
d. Sequencing Batch Reactor

14. This type of activated sludge process design utilizes 2 tanks in the process train: the contact tank and the
reaeration tank.
a. SBR
b. Step Feed
c. Contact Stabilization
d. Pure Oxygen

15. This type of activated sludge process design utilizes a low organic loading, which requires microorganisms to
compete for food, and at times, use their own cell mass for energy (aka “endogenous respiration”).
a. Complete mix
b. Plug flow
c. Extended aeration
d. High rate aeration

151
154
Section 6
Sedimentation
153
Wastewater Process Overview

Sedimentation &
Flotation Influent
Screen Grit Primary Aeration Tank

Removal Clarifier
Secondary Filtration Disinfection

Clarifier
https://waterpurificationengineering.weebly.com/sedimentation.html
Sedimentation & Flotation Sedimentation & Flotation

• Sedimentation = The process of settling and
• Raw or untreated wastewater contains depositing of suspended matter carried by water or
materials (solids) that easily settle to the wastewater.
bottom or float to the surface when the • Usually occurs by gravity when the velocity of the liquid is
velocity is slowed reduced below the point at which it can transport the
• Collection systems are designed to maintain suspended material.
a certain velocity (2 ft/sec) to keep solids • Flotation = The process of raising suspended matter
from settling out to the surface of the liquid in a tank where it forms a
scum layer that can be removed by skimming.
• In primary clarifier, velocity slowed to 1 – 2
• The suspended matter is raised by aeration, gas,
ft/min chemicals, electrolysis, heat, or bacterial decomposition
Sedimentation Sedimentation
• Other common names:
• Settling of solids out of suspension due to
gravity. • Sedimentation and floatation unit
• Suspended particles include clay, silt, • Settling tank

particles in natural state or modified by • Sedimentation tank
treatment (biological floc/sloughings) • Clarifier
• Primary (1°) Clarifier = comes after
• Occurs in a rectangular, square or round preliminary treatment and
basin. • Secondary (2°) Clarifier (can also be called
Final Clarifier) = follows treatment, usually
found after biological process
156 Sedimentation and Flotation

Sedimentation Sedimentation
TN Design Criteria for Sewage Works (5.1.1)
• Water flows slowly though the
Purpose basin with as little turbulence
• Clarifiers are designed to perform three (3) and short-circuiting as
functions in a treatment scheme: possible.
1. Remove solids from liquids by • Floatables (scum) removed at
sedimentation surface
2. Remove scum from liquid by flotation • Sludge collects at the bottom
of the basin.
3. Thicken solids for removal and further
• Sludge = the settleable solids
treatment separated from liquids during
processing.
Factors Affecting Sedimentation Temperature

• As water
• Temperature • Solids loading**
temperature
• Short circuits • Toxic waste increases, the
• Detention time** • Storm flows settling of particles
• Weir overflow rates** • Septic flows from increases.
• Surface loading rate** collection system • As the water
temperature
decreases, so does
the settling rate.
**Mathematical ways to check clarifier performance
Short Circuiting Short Circuiting

• Short circuiting = when the water entering a • May be caused by • Can be prevented by
tank or basin flows along a nearly direct turbulence and weir plates, port
pathway from inlet to outlet stratification due to openings and proper
• Particles may be held in suspension and exit temperature differences design of the inlet
basin because they haven’t had time to settle • Different layers with channel
out different temperatures
• Short circuiting may occur when the velocity is can cause short-
greater in some sections than others circuiting when a warm
• High velocity areas may decrease detention influent flows across the
time in that area top of cold water and
vise-versa
Sedimentation and Flotation 155

Short Circuiting Detention Time
• Wastewater should remain in the clarifier long

enough to allow sufficient time for solid
particles to fall or settle out
• Detention times are usually 2.0 to 3.0 hours
• The efficiency of a clarifier depends on the

velocity and the detention time
Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Vol I, p. 135
Detention Time Weir Overflow Rate
• • The number of gallons of wastewater that

flow over one lineal foot of weir per day
• Lineal = the length in one direction of a line
• The number of lineal feet of weir in relation to

flow is important to prevent short circuiting or
high velocities (which could pull settled solids
into the effluent)
Surface Loading Rate Overflow Flow Rate
• Also called Surface Overflow Rate • Weir Overflow Rate

• The number of gallons going through the • WOR, gpd/ft = Flow, gpd
settling tank each day for each square foot Weir Length, ft
of surface area in the tank
• Also defined as the loading across the • Surface Overflow Rate
surface of your settling tank
• SOR, gpd/ft2 = Flow, gpd
• Depends on the nature of the solids and the Area, ft2
treatment required

Solids Loading Rate Solids Loading Rate
• “Solids Loading” refers to the amount of •

Solids
solids removed daily by a clarifier for each
ft2 of clarifier liquid surface area
• Expressed in pounds per day per ft2
(lbs/day/ft2)
• Depend on the nature of the solids and
treatment requirements
Primary Clarifiers Primary Clarifiers

• Immediately follows bar screen or grit chamber • Sludge tends to be more dense
• First clarifier in plant • The primary clarifier settled sludge is wasted to the
*TN Design Criteria 6.1.2 Pretreatment: “Trickling filters shall be digesters, which puts a tremendous load of
preceded by effective clarifiers equipped with scum removal untreated volatile organic food to the digester
devices or other suitable pretreatment facilities.”
• Some plants don’t have one • If there is an excessive dissolved oxygen drop
across the primary clarifier, the sludge wasting
• Most important function: to remove as much rate should be increased
settleable and floatable material as possible
• Velocity is slowed down to a rate of 1-2 ft/min
Primary Clarifiers Primary Clarifiers

• Long detention times cause:
Water Quality Expected
• Solids to become septic
• Solids to float to the surface
Indicator Removal
• High suspended solids level in primary effluent
Efficiency
• Odors in primary effluent Settleable Solids 95 – 99 %
• A good example of normal operation is: Suspended 40 – 60 %
Solids
• Sludge collectors running constantly
• Raw sludge pump runs for 10 minutes each hour Total Solids 10 – 15 %
• At start of pumping cycle, raw sludge has 7% solids and at BOD 20 – 50 %
the end has 5% solids Note: Soluble BOD cannot be
Bacteria 25 – 75 % removed by primary clarifiers.
• Tank and floor has a moderate sludge blanket

Primary Clarification Secondary Clarifiers

• Usually located after a biological process
Scum to Solids • Activated Sludge, Trickling Filters, Rotating
Handling Process Biological Contactors
Influent from
screens and/or
• Purpose: to remove the additional solids
Primary (and microorganisms) created during the
grit removal Effluent to
Clarifier
system aeration biological treatment
tank
• Cleaner effluent than primary effluent
Primary sludge to
solids handling • Must remove enough solids from bottom
process before they becomes septic or gasification
occurs
Trickling Filter Clarifiers Trickling Filter Clarifier

• Settles out “sloughings”
• Slime washed off the filter media
• Quite high in BOD and will lower the effluent
quality unless it is removed
• Loading rates for secondary clarifiers used
after trickling filters: www.igreenion.com
• Detention time – 2.0 to 3.0 hours

• Surface loading – 800 to 1200 gpd/ft2
• Weir overflow – 5,000 to 15,000 gpd/ft
https://www.sswm.info/content/trickling-filter
Activated Sludge Clarifiers Activated Sludge Clarifiers

• RAS to aeration tank & WAS to solids
• Designed to handle large volumes of handling
sludge • The pumps used to remove sludge from
• Loading rates for secondary clarifiers used these clarifiers are usually centrifuge type
after activated sludge: with variable-speed controls or large airlift
type.
• Detention time – 2.0 to 3.0 hours
• RAS rates can range from 15-150% of the
• Surface loading – 300 to 1200 gpd/ft2
plant influent flow
• Weir overflow – 5,000 to 15,000 gpd/ft
• If return rates are too high, turbulence in the
• Solids loading – 24 to 30 lbs/day/ft2 tank can upset the sludge blanket.

Activated Sludge Clarifiers Activated Sludge Clarifiers

• During a period of high flow caused by • SVI indicates
rain fall or periods of hydraulic settleability:
overloading, operators should decrease • SVI>100: light,
WAS fluffy; cone shaped
blanket
• This will retain the microorganisms in the
• SVI<100: more
aeration basins for a quicker recovery if dense; bell shaped
there is a washout. blanket
• Hydraulic flow variations will have the • Desirable: 50-150
mL/g
most severe impact upon the activated
sludge process.
TDEC - Fleming Training Center TDEC - Fleming Training Center Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Vol I, p. 143
Activated Sludge Clarifiers Gasification

• Indication of sludge
• Of all the different types of clarifiers, septicity
secondary activated sludge clarifiers are • Make sure accumulated
the most critical and require the most settled solids are
removed from bottom of
attention from operators clarifier before septicity
and gasification take
• The operator should monitor these: place
• Level of sludge blanket
• Do not confuse with
• Concentration of suspended solids in clarifier
Denitrification -
• Control and pacing of RAS flow
nitrogen gas
• Level of turbidity in clarifier effluent
bubbles rising to
• DO in clarifier effluent
surface
• pH TDEC - Fleming Training Center • Secondary Clarifiers TDEC - Fleming Training Center
Rectangular Clarifier Rectangular Clarifier

Flow Ports Inlet Baffle
Influent
Channel Influent Effluent
Flow
Flow
Effluent
Channel
Influent Effluent
Sludge Blanket
Flow
Sludge
Hopper

Wooden Baffles Circular Clarifier
Circular Clarifier – Center-Feed Circular

Side Water Depth Clarifier Effluent
Effluent Feedwell Effluent Clarifier Distribution Feedwell Weir
Weir Weir Structure
Influent Flow
Influent
Peripheral-Feed Circular
Feedwell
Clarifier
Clarifier
Distribution
Structure Effluent Bridge
Weir
Grade Grade
Influent
Pipe
Effluent
Pipe
Influent downcomers are
located around the entire
circumference of clarifier

Effluent Launder Uneven Split of Flow
• The causes of uneven flow splitting

include:
• Poor design
• Improper retrofit modifications
275,000 gpd
From
aeration 400,000 gpd
tank
225,000 gpd
Cross Section of Clarifier

Distribution Box
Flow Adjustable
To Clarifiers Weir
Stop Gate
Overflow Weir
To
Secondary
Clarifier
From
Aeration
Tank
Influent from aeration tank
Flotation Processes Flotation Processes

• After 1° clarification, some suspended solids
• Pumping air into mixture of emulsions and
that neither settle not float always remain colloids to cause suspended material to float to
• Colloids and emulsions are two forms of surface where it can be skimmed off
solids that are difficult to remove by • Flocculation = gathering together of fine particles
sedimentation after coagulation to form larger particles,
• Colloids are very small, finely divided solids clumping makes it easier to separate solids from
that remain dispersed in liquid for a long time water
• An emulsion is a liquid mixture of two or more • Particles flocculated with air or coagulants and
liquid substances not normally carried to surface by air bubbles
dissolved in one another • Coagulant = a chemical that causes very fine particles
• Usually grease, oil or fat to clump (floc) together into larger particles

Dissolved Air Flotation Pressure Flotation

• Vacuum flotation
• Aerated until saturated with
dissolved air
• Vacuum chamber then pulls air
out and solids travel up with
air bubbles
• Pressure flotation
• Air is forced into wastewater
• Dissolved air is then released
because of change in pressure
and solids are carried up with
air bubbles
Dissolved Air Flotation Factors Affecting DAFs
• Type of sludge: heavier primary

sludges harder to treat
• Age of feed sludge: older sludges float

more readily
• Solids loading: 10-24 lbs/day/ft2
Factors Effecting DAFs Clarifier Solids Removal
• Hydraulic loading: 0.5-1.5 gpm/ft2 • The mechanisms for clarifier solids

removal include:
• Air to solids ratio: 0.01-0.10 lb/lb • Mechanical transport
• Continuous flight (chain and flight)
• Traveling bridge
• Recycle rate: 100-200%
• Siphon removal
• Suction removal
• Blanket depth: decreasing scraper
speed concentrates sludge

Mechanical Solids Removal Chain and Flight
• Rectangular Basins – motor drives chain

that pulls flight across basin floor, sweeps
sludge to end of basin
Traveling Bridge Floating Bridge Siphon Collector

• Uses suction pipes
• Moving bridge scrapes sludge to drain, or submersible pump
skims scum Traveling Bridge to withdraw sludge
from basin
• Basin does not have
RAS to be taken out of
Traveling Bridge Effluent service to clean
Influent Structure
Structure
RAS
Circular or Square Basins Solids Removal by Suction

• Scrapers slant downward to center of basin
• Basin does not have to be taken out of service to Bridge
clean Drive
Cage
Truss
Sludge Rod
Manifold Suction
Header
Influent
Sludge Sludge
Pipe
Box TDEC - Fleming Training
TDEC - Fleming Training Center Center

Scum Scum Skimmer

• Collected scum should be processed with
the waste and primary sludges
Scum Removal for Traveling

Scum Skimmer Bridge
Traveling Bridge
Scum Beach
and Trough
Effluent Weir
Clarifier Monitoring Clarifier Monitoring
• Clarifier monitoring and control systems • Sludge blanket levels

include sludge blanket monitoring and • Suspended solids concentration in
drive mechanism torque control. clarifier effluent
• The continuous data being provided by • Control of return sludge flows
these systems are very useful for • Turbidity in clarifier effluent
process control.
• DO levels in clarifier effluent
• pH

Manual Measurement of
Monitoring the Process
Sludge Blanket Depth
• Primary clarifier: Imhoff cone
• Secondary clarifier:
Settleometer; centrifuge spins
• Turbidity test also
• Visually checking for floc
carry-over
• Visual check of how far floc
particles are visible from inlet
Sonic Measurement of
Sludge Blanket Depth
Signal Sender and Flow Management
Receiver
Sound waves are

reflected from
higher density
sludge blanket
Sludge Blanket
Flow Management Clarifier “Washout”
• Activated sludge Normal

system Clarifier
components are
sized for a
specific design
flow. Clarifier
• Clarifiers can “Washing Out”
become
overloaded

Peak Flows Flow Management
• Operators need to Operators must use:

minimize the • Past history;
impacts of peak • “March snow melts”
flows on plant • “August thunderstorms”
performance.
• Weather forecasts
• “Hurricane Henry to hit”
to help them predict when high flows
may occur.
Flow Management Flow Management
• High flows can be managed by using:

1. Flow-equalization basins
2. Storage lagoons
3. Alternate process modes such as
contact stabilization or step feed. To the
Influent
primary
=
clarifier
1850 gpm
and the
activated
sludge
Design flow is 1980 gpm process
Flow Management Flow Management
To the To the
Influent Influent
primary primary
= =
clarifier clarifier
2380 gpm 1715 gpm
and the and the
activated activated
sludge sludge

Flow Management Any Questions?
• Some plants have

storage lagoons for
wet weather flows.
• Stored wastewater
is pumped to the
head of the plant
when flow rates
decrease.

CHAPTER 5
Clarifiers
5.1 General Criteria
5.1.1 Purpose
5.1.3 Arrangements
5.1.4 Tank Configurations
5.1.5 Flow Distribution
5.2 Design Loading
5.2.1 Primary Clarifiers

5.2.2 Intermediate Clarifiers
5.2.3 Final Clarifiers
5.2.4 Weir Loading Rates
5.2.5 Depth/Detention Time
5.3 Design Details
5.3.1 Inlets
5.3.2 Submerged Surfaces
5.3.3 Weir Troughs
5.3.4 Freeboard
5.4 Sludge and Scum Removal
5.4.1 Scum Removal

5.4.2 Sludge Removal
5.4.3 Sludge Removal Piping
5.4.4 Sludge Removal Control
5.4.5 Sludge Hopper
5.5 Protective and Service Facilities
5.5.1 Operator Protection

5.5.2 Mechanical Maintenance Access
5.5.3 Electrical Fixtures and Controls

5.6 Operability, Flexibility, and Reliability
5.6.1 Scum Removal

5.6.2 Overflow Weirs
5.6.3 Unit Dewatering
5.6.4 Hydraulics
5.6.6 Other Design Considerations

CLARIFIERS
5.1 General Criteria
5.1.1 Purpose
Clarifiers (sedimentation basins, settling tanks) are designed to perform three (3)
functions in a treatment scheme:
A. Remove solids from liquids by sedimentation

B. Remove scum from liquid by flotation
C. Thicken solids for removal and further treatment
Specific application of clarifier functions will be dependent upon the treatment

process employed. This chapter does not attempt to set criteria for all types of
clarifiers. If a unique clarifier is proposed, the design engineer shall submit
operational and design data justifying its use.
Multiple units capable of independent operation shall be provided in all facilities

where design flows exceed 250,000 gallons per day. Otherwise, the number of
units required shall satisfy reliability requirements (see Section 1.3.11). Facilities
not having multiple units shall include other methods to assure adequate
operability and flexibility of treatment.
5.1.3 Arrangements
Clarifiers shall be arranged for greatest operating and maintenance convenience,

flexibility, economy, continuity of maximum effluent quality, and ease of
installation of future units.
5.1.4 Tank Configurations
Consideration should be given to the probable flow pattern in the selection of tank
size and shape and inlet and outlet type and location.
5.1.5 Flow Distribution
Effective flow measuring devices and control appurtenances (i.e., valves, gates,
splitter boxes, etc.) shall be provided to permit proper proportion of flow to each
unit (see Section 13.2.1).

5.2 Design Loading
5.2.1 Primary Clarifiers
Primary clarifier designs are primarily based upon surface overflow rate. The
following criteria are recommended for design:
Hydraulic Loading Rate Surface Overflow Rate
Average Design Flow 800-1200 gpd/sq. ft.

Peak Design Flow 2000-3000 gpd/sq. ft.
If WAS is returned to the primary then
Average Design Flow 600-800 gpd/sq. ft.

Peak Design Flow 1200-1500 gpd/sq. ft.
Primary clarifier sizing shall be calculated for both flow conditions and the larger
surface area derived shall be utilized. A properly designed primary clarifier
should remove 30 to 35% of the influent BOD. However, anticipated BOD
removal for wastewater containing high quantities of industrial wastewater should
be determined by laboratory tests and considerations of the quantity and
characteristics of the wastes.
5.2.2 Intermediate Clarifiers
Surface overflow rates for intermediate clarifiers should be based upon the
following criteria:
Maximum
Average Design Flow 1000 gpd/sq. ft.

Peak Design Flow 2500 gpd/sq. ft.
5.2.3 Final Clarifiers
Final clarifier designs shall be based upon the type of secondary treatment
application used. Surface overflow and solids loading rates shall be the general
basis for clarifier designs. Pilot studies of biological treatment is recommended
when unusual wastewater characteristics are evident or when the proposed
loading exceeds those noted in this section.

Table 5-1 depicts the criteria established for final clarifier surface overflow and
solids loading rates. In activated sludge systems, the surface overflow rate for
final clarifiers should be based on influent wastewater flows and not include
return activated sludge flows (RAS). Solids loading rate criteria assume sludge
recycle is 100% of the average design flow and the design mixed liquor
suspended solids (MLSS) concentration.
TABLE 5-1
FINAL CLARIFIER DESIGN PARAMETERS
Maximum Surface Solids Loading Rate

Overflow Rate lbm/day-sq.ft.
gpd/sq.ft.
Type of Average Peak Design Average Peak Design

Process Design Flow Flow Design Flow Flow
Trickling Filter 600 1200 25 40
Activated 800 1200 30 50
Sludge (600 for plants
less than 1
MGD)
Extended 400 1000 25 35
Aeration
Nitrification 400 800 25 35
Pure Oxygen 700 1200 25 40
5.2.4 Weir Loading Rates
Weir loadings should not exceed 15,000 gallons per day per linear feet (gpd/li ft).
5.2.5 Depth/Detention Time
The sidewater depth (SWD) for clarifier designs associated with design surface
overflow rates should dictate the hydraulic detention time of the clarifier. For
design purposes, the following criteria in Table 5-2 are established specific to
clarifier application:

TABLE 5-2
CLARIFIER DEPTH
Type of Process Diameter [ft] Minimum Sidewater Depth [ft]
*Primary - 8
Trickling Filter - 10
**Activated Sludge Less than 40 11
40-70 12
71-100 13
101-140 14
Over 140 15
*The hydraulic detention time in primary clarifiers is not recommended to be greater than
2.5 hours as a function of the surface overflow rate and SWD, since septic conditions
resulting in poor performance and odor conditions can occur.
**For rectangular-shaped clarifiers following activated sludge treatment,

the recommended SWD shall be no less than 12 feet at the shallow end.

5.3 Design Details
5.3.1 Inlets
Inlets should be designed to dissipate the influent velocity, to distribute the flow
equally in both the horizontal and vertical vectors, and to prevent short-circuiting.
Channels should be designed to maintain an inlet velocity of at least one (1) foot
per second at one-half the design flow. Corner pockets and dead ends should be
eliminated and corner fillets or channeling used where necessary. Provisions shall
be made for elimination or removal of floating materials in inlet structures having
submerged ports.
5.3.2 Submerged Surfaces
The tops of troughs, beams, and similar submerged construction elements shall
have a minimum slope of 1.75 vertical to 1 horizontal. The underside of such
structures should have a slope of 1 to 1 to prevent accumulation of scum and
solids.
5.3.3 Weir Troughs
Weir troughs shall be designed to prevent submergence at

maximum design flow, and to maintain a velocity of at least one (1) foot per
second at one-half design flow.
5.3.4 Freeboard
Walls of clarifiers shall extend at least six (6) inches above the surrounding
ground surface and shall provide not less than twelve (12) inches of freeboard.
5.4 Sludge and Scum Removal
5.4.1 Scum Removal
Effective scum collection and removal facilities, including baffling ahead of the
outlet weirs, shall be provided for all clarifiers. Provisions may be made for
discharge of scum with sludge; however, other provisions may be necessary to
dispose of floating materials which may adversely affect sludge handling and
disposal. The unusual characteristics of scum which may adversely affect
pumping, piping, sludge handling and disposal, should be recognized in the
design. Scum piping should be glass lined or equivalent. Precautions should be
taken to minimize water content in the scum.

Sludge collection and withdrawal facilities shall be designed to assure rapid

removal of the sludge. Provisions shall be
made to permit continuous sludge removal from settling tanks. Final clarifiers in
activated sludge plants shall be provided with positive scraping devices. Suction
withdrawal should be provided for activated sludge plants designed for the
reduction of nitrogenous oxygen demand.
5.4.3 Sludge Removal Piping
Each sludge hopper shall have an individually valved sludge withdrawal line at
least six (6) inches in diameter if pumped and at least eight (8) inches in diameter
if gravity flow is used. This does not apply to air lift methods of sludge removal,
as this should be determined by the sludge removal rate. Static head available for
sludge withdrawal shall be at least thirty (30) inches, as necessary, to maintain a
three (3) feet per second velocity in the withdrawal pipe. Clearance between the
end of the withdrawal line and the hopper walls shall be sufficient to prevent
"bridging" of the sludge. Adequate provisions shall be made for rodding or
back-flushing individual pipe runs.
***Air lift type sludge removal will not be approved for removal of primary sludges.
5.4.4 Sludge Removal Control
Sludge wells equipped with telescoping valves or other appropriate equipment

shall be provided for viewing, sampling and controlling the rate of sludge
withdrawal. A means for measuring the sludge removal rate and sludge return
rate shall be provided. Sludge pump motor control systems shall include time
clocks and valve activators for regulating the duration and sequencing of sludge
removal. Gravity flow systems should have back-up pumping capabilities.
5.4.5 Sludge Hopper
The minimum slope of the side walls shall be 1.75 vertical to 1 horizontal.
Hopper wall surfaces should be made smooth with rounded corners to aid in
sludge removal. Hopper bottoms shall have a maximum dimension of two (2)
feet. Extra-depth sludge hoppers for sludge thickening are not acceptable.
5.5 Protective and Service Facilities
5.5.1 Operator Protection
All clarifiers shall be equipped to enhance safety for operators. Such features shall
appropriately include machinery cover lift lines, stairways, walkways, handrails and
slip-resistant surfaces.

5.5.2 Mechanical Maintenance Access
The design shall provide for convenient and safe access to routine maintenance items
such as gear boxes, scum removal mechanisms, baffles, weirs, inlet stilling baffle area,
and effluent channels.
5.5.3 Electrical Fixtures and Controls
Electrical fixtures and controls in enclosed settling basins shall meet the requirement of
the National Electrical Code. The fixtures and controls shall be located so as to provide
convenient and safe access for operation and maintenance. Adequate area lighting shall
be provided.
5.6 Operability, Flexibility, and Reliability
5.6.1 Scum Removal
5.6.1.1 A method of conveying scum across the water surface to a point of

removal should be considered, such as water or air spray. Baffles should be
designed to ensure capture of scum at minimum and maximum flow rates.
5.6.1.2 Facilities designed for flows of 0.1 MGD and greater should have
mechanical scum removal equipment.
5.6.1.3.Scum holding tanks may be provided, with a method of removing excess

water.
5.6.1.4 Large scum sumps should have a mixing device (pneumatic, hydraulic, or
mechanical) to keep the scum mixed while being pumped.
5.6.1.5 Manual scum pump start-stop switches should be located adjacent to scum
holding tanks.
5.6.2 Overflow Weirs
5.6.2.1 Since closely spaced multiple overflow weirs tend to increase hydraulic
velocities, their spacing should be conservative.
5.6.2.2 Center-feed, peripheral draw-off clarifiers shall not have the overflow weir
against the clarifier sidewall. Weir placement shall be 1/10 diameter or greater
toward the center.
5.6.2.3 The up-flow rate shall not be greater than the surface overflow rate at any
location within the solids separation zone of a clarifier.

5.6.2.4 Overflow weirs should be of the notched type; straight edged weirs will
not be approved.
5.6.2.5 Overflow weirs shall be adjustable for leveling.
5.6.3 Unit Dewatering
5.6.3.1 The capacity of dewatering pumps should be such that the basin can be
dewatered in 24 hours; eight hours is preferable.
5.6.3.2 The contents of the basin should be discharged to the closest process
upstream from the unit being dewatered that can accept the flow.
5.6.3.3 Consideration shall be given to the need for hydrostatic pressure relief
devices to prevent flotation of structures.
5.6.4 Hydraulics
5.6.4.1 Lift/pump stations located immediately upstream of secondary clarifiers

shall have flow-paced controls to reduce shock loadings.
5.6.4.2 Square clarifiers with circular sludge withdrawal mechanisms shall be

designed such that corner hydraulic velocities do not cause sludge carry-over.
5.6.5.1 When two or more clarifiers are used, provisions shall be made to control
and measure the rate of sludge withdrawal from each clarifier.
5.6.5.2 Consideration should be given to removing activated sludge from the

effluent end of rectangular clarifiers.
5.6.5.3 Consideration shall be given to chlorination of return activated sludge and

digester supernate. Sufficient mixing and contact time should be provided.
5.6.6 Other Design Considerations
5.6.6.1 Designs should consider the possible need for future modifications to add
chemicals such as flocculants.
5.6.6.2 A method of foam control should be considered for all inlet channels and
feed wells in activated sludge systems.

Sedimentation and Flotation Vocabulary
1. The particles that settle to the floor of a clarifier are called _________________________.
2. ___________________________ is the term used to describe the clouds of billowing sludge that
occur throughout secondary clarifiers when the sludge does not settle properly.
3. Sludge in primary clarifiers must be removed at regular intervals to prevent the sludge from
turning _________________.
4. _____________________________ is the gathering together of fine particles after coagulation
to form larger particles by a process of gentle mixing. This clumping together makes it easier to
separate the solids from the wastewater by settling, skimming, draining, or filtering.
5. Large clumps of sludge floating to the surface of the water in a primary clarifier would indicate
____________________________________ is occurring due to anaerobic decomposition.
6. A chemical that causes very fine particles to clump or floc together into larger particles is a
________________________. This makes it easier to separate the solids from the liquids by
settling, skimming, draining, or filtering. They can be used as part of the flotation process.
7. The clarifier that follows other types of treatment, usually a biological reactor, is the
________________________________. Its main function is to remove the additional solids that
were converted to settleable form in the treatment processes that followed the primary
clarifier.
8. ____________________________ is a condition that occurs in tanks or basins when the velocity
of water flow is greater in some sections than in others. This is an undesirable situation since it
may result in shorter contact time, detention times, reaction times, or settling rates.
9. Simply put, ________________________________ is defined as the hydraulic loading across the
surface of your settling tank.
10. __________________________are very small, finely divided solids that do not dissolve and
remain dispersed in a liquid for a long time due to their small size and electrical charge. DAF
systems are designed to remove these particulates from wastewater.
11. _________________________________refers to the amount of solids removed daily by a
clarifier for each square foot (ft2) of clarifier liquid surface area.
12. Wastewater must remain in a clarifier long enough to allow sufficient time for particles to settle
out. On average, the __________________________ is 2‐3 hours for a settling tank.
13. Scraper boards made from rot‐resistant wood or plastic that are used to collect and move
settled sludge or floating scum are called _____________________________.

14. The anoxic process of nitrite or nitrate ions being reduced to nitrogen gas and producing
nitrogen bubbles is called _______________________________. This condition can lead to
rising sludge in secondary clarifiers, due to nitrogen bubbles attaching to the biological floc and
floating the floc to the surface.
15. A ______________________is a wall or obstruction used to control flow from settling tanks and
clarifiers to ensure a uniform flow rate and avoid short‐circuiting.
16. Defined as the number of gallons of wastewater that flow over one lineal foot of weir per day,
the ____________________________________ is generally lower in secondary clarifiers than in
primary clarifiers.
17. The first clarifier in the plant that comes immediately after preliminary treatment (bar screen,
comminutor, or grit channel) is the ___________________________________. Its main function
is to remove settleable and floatable solids.
18. Sedimentation tank effluent troughs consisting of overflow weir plates are called
________________________.
19. The _____________________________ is a calculation that indicates the tendency of activated
sludge solids to thicken or become concentrated during the sedimentation/thickening process.
20. The _____________________________ process involves pumping air into wastewater to cause
the suspended solids to adhere to bubbles and float to the surface, where they can be skimmed
off.
21. The slime that is washed off the filter media in a trickling filter, which is generally quite high in
BOD, is called ___________________________.
Word Bank:
Short circuiting Sludge Volume Index (SVI) Flights
Bulking Colloids Primary clarifier
Launders Secondary clarifier Septic
Coagulant Sludge Weir overflow rate
Flotation Weir Solids loading rate
Flocculation Sloughings Sludge gasification
Denitrification Surface loading rate Detention time

Sedimentation and Flotation Review Questions
1. What is the function of a primary clarifier? What is the function of a secondary clarifier?
2. What is the main difference between sludge from a primary clarifier and a secondary clarifier?
Explain why this difference exists.
3. What is the main difference between effluent from a primary clarifier and a secondary clarifier?
4. What would happen to the flights in a rectangular clarifier if they become misaligned and are
not straight across the tank?
5. List 3 types of abnormal conditions that could affect the clarifier.
6. In order to determine clarifier efficiency, at what two points should you collect samples? Ideally,
what type of samples should you collect?

7. Calculate the suspended solids removal efficiency of a primary clarifier if the influent
concentration is 400 mg/L and the effluent concentration is 180 mg/L.
8. During your daily walk through, you noticed that your collector mechanism was jerking and
jumping right before it stalled. List some possible causes for these problems.
9. List the factors the will affect clarifier efficiency.
10. What are possible causes of short circuiting?
11. Why is short circuiting a problem? And what can be done to prevent it?

12. A rectangular clarifier is 50 feet long and 30 feet wide with an average depth of 10 feet. The flow
to the clarifier is 3 MGD. There are 285 feet of weir and the MLSS concentration is 4800 mg/L.
From this information, calculate the following:
13. Why are secondary clarifiers needed?
14. What is usually done with the sludge that collects (or settles out) in secondary clarifiers?
15. What steps would you take if you suspect that your sedimentation basin is short‐circuiting?
16. TN Design Criteria for Sewage Works requires that a Trickling Filter be preceded by a primary
clarifier. The effluent that comes off the Trickling Filter (or from the secondary clarifier, if one is
present) is recirculated back to the primary clarifier. Why is this done?

Section 7
Ponds and
Lagoons
183
Advantages of Ponds
Wastewater Ponds & Lagoons • Economical to operate
• Capable of handling high flows
• Adaptable to changing loads
• Accumulate sludge at a rate of 0.2 lbs per lb
of BOD (much lower than conventional
facilities where the accumulation rate is 0.5
lbs to 1.0 lbs of solids per lb of BOD
removed.)
1 2
Advantages of Ponds Disadvantages of Ponds
• Have an increased • May produce odors
potential design life
• Serve as wildlife • Require large land areas
habitat • Are effected by climactic conditions
• Consume little energy • May have high suspended solids levels in
• Adaptable to land effluent
application
• Does not require • Might contaminate groundwater
highly trained
personnel
3 4
Lagoon and Pond Terminology Types of Lagoons
• Ponds designed to receive wastes with no prior
treatment = • Aerobic
Types of Bacteria in
– “Raw wastewater lagoons”
• Anaerobic Stabilization Lagoons
– “Sewage lagoons”
– “Stabilization ponds”
• Facultative
• Ponds that are used in series after primary
treatment to provide further clarification, BOD
Aerobic Anaerobic Facultative
removal, and disinfection = “Oxidation Ponds” • Unaerated or Aerated
• Ponds used after Trickling Filter (serving as a
form of tertiary treatment) = “Polishing Ponds”
5 6
186 Ponds and Lagoons

Types of Bacteria in Lagoons Aerobic Decomposition
• Aerobic bacteria • Organics + O2 + nutrients + inert matter 
– Need D.O. to live and grow CO2 + H2O + new microorganisms +
• Anaerobic bacteria additional inert matter
– Live only where there is no D.O.
• Facultative bacteria
– Can live with or without D.O.
7 8
Anaerobic Decomposition Aerobic Pond
• Organics + nutrients + inert matter  • Shallow: 3‐4 ft deep
CH4 + CO2 + NH4 + H2S + other products • D.O. throughout water column
• Flat terrain with much sunshine
• D.O. due to photosynthesis
9 10
Aerobic Pond Algae
• Organic matter is used as food by aerobic • Algae are simple microscopic plants
bacteria, their waste product is carbon dioxide • Algae live on carbon dioxide and other nutrients in the
wastewater.
– The carbon dioxide and ammonia in the wastewater
• During the day, algae use CO2, which raises the pH, while
are important for algal growth
at night they produce CO2 and the pH is lowered.
• By using sunlight for energy in the process of • At night, algae use up the O2 by respiration and produce
photosynthesis, the algae use the carbon dioxide CO2.
(CO2) in the water to produce free oxygen (O2), • The alternate use and production of oxygen and carbon
making it available to the aerobic bacteria that dioxide can result in diurnal (daily) variations of both pH
inhabit the pond. and DO.
• Each pound of algae in a healthy pond is capable of
producing 1.6 pounds of oxygen on a normal summer day.
11 12
Ponds and Lagoons 185

Photosynthesis Photosynthesis vs. Respiration
• Process of converting carbon dioxide (CO2) and
inorganic substances into oxygen and additional Photosynthesis
plant material
• Plants with chlorophyll (and cyanobacteria) CO2 + H20  O2 + CH2O
• Uses sunlight as energy source Respiration carbohydrate
• All green plants grow by this process
Algae produce oxygen during periods of sunlight and consume
oxygen during the night
Photosynthesis!
13 14
Anaerobic Pond
• No dissolved oxygen
• Treatment due to fermentation of sludge on
bottom
• Highly efficient removal organic wastes
• Typically 8‐16 ft deep
15 16
Anaerobic Pond Facultative Lagoon
• Most common
• Upper portion
aerobic
• Sludge layer
anaerobic
• Depth: 4‐8 ft
• DT: 5‐30 day+
• Organic solids are
decomposed by
Operations of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Vol I, 8th Ed.
bacteria and the
byproducts are used
17
by algae 18

Facultative Lagoon Process
Wind (wind action
promotes mixing
and re‐aeration) O2 (during H2S (If oxygen is
daylight hours) not present in
O2 upper layer)
Aerobic
Re‐aeration Algae New Cells
of
Dead Cells
wastewater CO2 O2
Anaerobic Facultative
New Cells Bacteria H2S + 2O2  H2SO4
Dead Cells
Organic Wastes Organic Acids CO2 + NH3 + H2S + CH4 Operations of Wastewater Treatment

Plants, Vol I, 8th Ed.
& Alcohols
19 20
Aerated Lagoons Aerated Lagoons
Aerated compared to
Facultative: Detention Times:
• Shorter detention times • Aerated Lagoons: 3‐10
• Heavier loadings days
• Do not depend on algal • Facultative Lagoons:
photosynthesis to furnish • 5‐30 days (typical)
oxygen for bacterial • 180 days (in cold
respiration climates)
21 22
Mechanically Aerated Ponds Floating Surface Aerator
Allows for higher organic
Stationary or floating loading or shorter
aerators detention time in lagoon
23 24

Aerated Lagoons: Partial vs.
Floating Surface Aerator
Complete Mix
• Less land; constructed deeper
• Uniform D.O or partial mix
• Not dependent for D.O by
sun/photosynthesis
• More maintenance required
• Greater energy costs to supply
oxygen to bacteria
• Easily affected by temp.
• Require sedimentation unit
after lagoon (complete mix)
25 26
TN Design Criteria for Sewage
Diffused Aeration Lagoons
Works Diffusers can become clogged
• 9.3.1.2 and create maintenance
problems
– Round, square, or rectangular ponds should
have a length to width ratio of 1:1 for complete
mix ponds
– Rectangular ponds with a length not
exceeding 3 times the width are considered
the most desirable for complete mix
– Stabilization ponds should be rectangular with
a length exceeding 3 times the width, or be Less mixing; more efficient
baffled to ensure full utilization of the basin. oxygen transfer
27 Operations of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Vol I, 8th Ed 28
Typical Lagoon Design Pond Structures: Inlet
Parameter Aerobic Facultative Anaerobic Aerated
Size, acres <10, 2‐10 0.5‐2.0 2‐10, • Force main vs. gravity
multiples multiples multiples • Single vs. multiple inlets
Operation Series or Series or Series Series or
• Below surface best:
Parallel Parallel Parallel
prevents freezing
Detention Time, days 10‐40 5‐30* 20‐50 3‐10
Depth, ft 3‐4 4‐8 8‐16 6‐20 • Most sludge deposits
pH 6.5‐10.5 6.5‐8.5 6.5‐7.2 6.5‐8.0
occur here
Temperature Range, 0‐30 0‐50 6‐50 0‐30
C
Optimum 20 20 30 20
Temperature, C
BOD5 Loading, 54‐110 45‐160 180‐450 ___
lb/ac/d
BOD5 Removal, % 80‐95 80‐95 50‐85 80‐95
29 30
*180 days in cold climates TDEC - Fleming Training Center TDEC - Fleming Training Center

Pond Structures: Outlet
• Just below surface with
scum baffle to
minimize transfer of
algae
Above: telescoping tube. •Synthetic liner
•Packed clay liner
Left: flash boards •Berm or levee:
grass and/or rip rap
31 32
Factors Affecting Pond
Short circuiting
Operation
Physical: • Bioflocculation = clumping
– Type of soil together of fine, dispersed
– Surface area organic particles by action of
– Depth certain bacteria and algae
– Pond has healthy algal and
– Wind bacterial population
– Hydraulic load – Will remove ~85% of both
– Short circuiting suspended and dissolved solids
within hours
– Type of aeration
– Accelerated by increased
– Temperature temperature, wave action, and
– Inflow variations high DO content
– Sunlight Operations of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Vol I, 8th Ed
33 34
Factors Affecting Pond Operation ‐
Short circuiting
Depth
• Pond depth less than 3 feet
– Complete sunlight penetration
– May be completely aerobic until enough solids collect
– Discharges from shallow, aerobic ponds contain large
amounts of algae
– Can become infested with filamentous algae and
mosses
• Pond depth 4 feet or more
– Greater heat conservation – encourages biological
activity
– Provides physical storage of dissolved oxygen
35 – Prevents tule and cattail growth 36

Factors Affecting Pond
Lagoons in Series or in Parallel
Operation
• Biochemical: • Two types of operation
– Organic loading rate 1. Series = wastewater flows into one primary
– pH cell, then into the next, and so on
– Dissolved oxygen – Produces higher quality effluent
– Alkalinity 2. Parallel = distribution chambers or splitter
• Microbiological: bacteria, algae, etc. boxes evenly divide wastewater influent
streams into both primary cells
37 38
Lagoons in Series
Advantages Disadvantages
• Few algae and bacteria in • First lagoon in series
final effluent experiences heavy load
• Reduces short circuiting and can become anaerobic
Series operation:
39 40
Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Vol II, Seventh Edition p. 298 TDEC - Fleming Training Center TDEC - Fleming Training Center
Microorganisms in Wastewater
Lagoons in Parallel
Treatment Lagoons
Advantages Disadvantages • Single Celled:
• Can take heavier loads without • May not produce as good an – Bacteria: treat wastewater
becoming anaerobic effluent as series arrangement – Algae
• One lagoon can be closed for
cleaning and maintenance – Protozoa:
• Prevents organic overload in • Flagellates
winter Primary • Free Swimming Ciliates
• Stalked Ciliates
Secondary
• Multi Celled:
Primary – Metazoa:
• Rotifers
• Crustaceans
41 42

Protozoa Metazoa
• Flagellates • Ciliates • Rotifers • Crustaceans feed on
– Consume organic – Consume bacteria and – Filter organic waste & algae.
matter algae in wastewater bacteria
– Compete with bacteria – Indicate effective
biological treatment
43 44
Monitoring Performance Overturn/Turnover
• D.O. and pH: diurnal • Mixing of all layers in a reservoir when the
variation at several points in water temperatures become similar from
each cell and at several
Flow
depths top to bottom
– Highest values in p.m. Winter Spring Summer Fall
• May occur in Spring and/or Fall
Seasons
• Seasonal flow variation • Spring: surface water warms to similar temp
• Sludge production as bottom
• Actual detention time vs. • Fall: surface water cools to similar temp as
design
bottom
• Spring Overturn/Turnover
• Wind plays a role
45 46
Overturn/Turnover Sampling and Analysis
Epilimnion, Thermocline, Hypolimnion • pH and DO most important
• pH, temperature, and DO several times a week (and
• Thermocline = occasionally at night)
The middle,
transitional layer
• Sparkling, deep green color indicates a high pH and
of a reservoir that good DO
shows rapid – Dull green, gray, or colorless indicates pH and DO
temperature are too low
change • Samples should be collected from same point or
• Separates the warm location
surface waters from
the cold, denser – 4 corners, 8 ft. from water’s edge and 1 ft. deep
waters at the • Grab samples: temp, pH, DO, chlorine residual
bottom
47 • Composite samples: BOD and suspended solids 48

Daily Operation & Maintenance
Control of scum & Block sunlight; reduce Agitation with water jets
mats of blue-green green algae activity; & rakes manually
odors; avian botulism
bacteria
Weeds Mosquito breeding Pull out young plants;
ground; scum maintain min. 3 ft depth;
accumulation; hinders riprap; raise & lower
circulation water level
Insects Nuisance; disease Mosquito larvicide;
surface aeration;
addition Gambusia
(mosquito fish)
Muskrats, Destroy berm walls by Trap out; lower water
groundhogs, turtles burrowing level to expose den
49 50
www.rcap.org
Daily O & M Causes of Poor Quality Effluent
• Aeration equipment failure
• Organic overload
• High total suspended solids (green algae)
• Toxic influent
• Loss of volume
• Short circuiting
51 52
Low D.O. in Lagoon Odors in Lagoons
• Low algae growth • Causes: overloading; poor housekeeping
• Excess scum – Facultative ponds can have seasonal (spring
and fall) odors due to turnover
• Aeration problems
• Treatment methods:
• Organic overload
– Add aeration
• Short circuiting
– Feed sodium nitrate as oxygen source
– Housekeeping‐ manual scum and algae
removal
– Masking agents
53 – Chlorination 54

Lagoon Safety Lagoon Safety
• Never work around a
lagoon alone
• Never perform
maintenance from a
boat
• Never take a boat onto
the lagoon alone
55 56
Lagoon Effluent
Polishing with
Polishing Pond
Duckweed
• Design Criteria: • Secondary Effluent
• Organic Loading: Quality:
– 20‐25 lbs BOD/ac/day
• BOD
– < 30 ppm
• Hydraulic Loading:
• SS
– 2350‐2990 gpd/ac
– < 30 ppm
• Water Depth • Total Nitrogen
– 5‐6.5 ft – < 15 ppm
• Duckweed covers surface of
polishing pond • Total Phosphorous
• Prevents sunlight penetration, – < 6 ppm
killing green algae
57 58
Any Questions?
59

CHAPTER 9
Ponds and Aerated Lagoons

9.1 General
9.1.1 Applicability
9.1.2 Supplement to Engineering Report
9.1.3 Effluent Requirements
9.2 Design Loadings
9.2.1 Stabilization Ponds
9.2.2 Aerated Lagoons
9.3 Special Details
9.3.1 General
9.4 Pond Construction Details
9.4.1 Liners
9.4.2 Pond Construction
9.4.3 Prefilling
9.4.4 Utilities and Structures Within Dike Sections
9.5 Hydrograph Controlled Release (HCR) Lagoons
9.6 Polishing Lagoons
9.7 Operability
9.8 Upgrading Existing Systems

PONDS AND AERATED LAGOONS
9.1 General
This chapter describes the requirements for the following biological treatment
processes:
a. Stabilization ponds
b. Aerated lagoons
Additionally, this chapter describes the requirements for use of hydraulic control
release lagoons for effluent disposal.
A guide to provisions for lagoon design is the EPA publication Design

Manual - Municipal Wastewater Stabilization Ponds, EPA-625/1-83-015.
9.1.1 Applicability
In general, ponds and aerated lagoons are most applicable to small and/or rural
communities where land is available at low cost and minimum secondary
treatment requirements are acceptable. Advantages include potentially lower
capital costs, simple operation, and low O&M costs.
9.1.2 Supplement to Engineering Report
The engineering report shall contain pertinent information on location, geology,

soil conditions, area for expansion, and any other factors that will affect the
feasibility and acceptability of the proposed treatment system.
The following information should be submitted in addition to that required in the

Chapter 1 section titled "Engineering Report and Preliminary Plans":
a. The location and direction of all residences, commercial development, and

water supplies within 1/2 mile of the proposed pond
b. Results of the geotechnical investigation performed at the site
c. Data demonstrating anticipated seepage rates of the proposed pond bottom at

the maximum water surface elevation
d. A description, including maps showing elevations and contours, of the site

and adjacent area suitable for expansion
e. The ability to disinfect the discharge is required.

9.1.3 Effluent Requirements
See Chapter 1, Section 1.1.
9.2 Design Loadings
Stabilization ponds are facultative and are not artificially mixed or aerated.
Mixing and aeration are provided by natural processes. Oxygen is supplied
mainly by algae.
Design loading shall not exceed 30 pounds BOD per acre per day on a total pond
area basis and 50 pounds BOD per acre per day to any single pond (from
Middlebrooks).
An aerated lagoon may be a complete-mix lagoon or a partial-mix aerated lagoon.

Complete-mix lagoons provide enough aeration or mixing to maintain solids in
suspension. Power levels are normally between 20 and 40 horsepower per million
gallons. The partial-mix aerated lagoon is designed to permit accumulation of
settleable solids on the lagoon bottom, where they decompose anaerobically. The
power level is normally 4 to 10 horsepower per million gallons of volume.
BOD removal efficiencies normally vary from 80 to 90 percent, depending on

detention time and provisions for suspended solids removal.
The aerated lagoon system design for minimum detention time may be estimated
by using the following formula; however, for the development of final
parameters, it is recommended that actual experimental data be developed.
Se = 1
So 1 + 2.3K1t
where:
t = detention time, days
K1= reaction coefficient, complete system per day, base 10
For complete treatment of normal domestic sewage, the K1 value will be assumed to be:
K1 = 1.087 @20oC for complete mix

K1 = 0.12 @20oC for partial mix
Se = effluent BOD5, mg/l
So = influent BOD5, mg/l

The reaction rate coefficient for domestic sewage that includes significant
quantities of industrial wastes, other wastes, and partially treated sewage should
be determined experimentally for various conditions that might be encountered in
the aerated ponds. Conversion of the reaction rate coefficient to temperatures
other than 20 degrees C should be according to the following formula:
K1 = K20 1.036(T-20) (T = temperature in degrees C)
The minimum equilibrium temperature of the lagoon should be used for design of
the aerated lagoon. The minimum equilibrium temperature should be estimated
by using heat balance equations, which should include factors for influent
wastewater temperature, ambient air temperature, lagoon surface area, and heat
transfer effects of aeration, wind, and humidity. The minimum 30-day average
ambient air temperature obtained from climatological data should be used for
design.
Additional storage volume shall be considered for sludge storage and partial mix
in aerated lagoons.
Sludge processing and disposal should be considered.
9.3 Special Details
9.3.1 General
9.3.1.1 Location
a. Distance from Habitation
A pond site should be located as far as practicable from habitation or

any area that may be built up within a reasonable future period, taking
into consideration site specifics such as topography, prevailing winds,
and forests. Buffer zones between the lagoon and residences or similar
land use should be at least 300 feet to residential property lines, and
1000 feet to existing residence structures.
b. Prevailing Winds
If practical, ponds should be located so that local prevailing winds will

be in the direction of uninhabited areas. Preference should be given to
sites that will permit an unobstructed wind sweep across the length of
the ponds in the direction of the local prevailing winds.

c. Surface Runoff
Location of ponds in watersheds receiving significant amounts of

runoff water is discouraged unless adequate provisions are made to
divert storm water around the ponds and protect pond
embankments from erosion.
d. Water Table
The effect of the ground water location on pond performance and

construction must be considered.
e. Ground Water Protection
Ground Water Protection's main emphasis should be on site

selection and liner construction, utilizing mainly compacted clay.
Proximity of ponds to water supplies and other facilities subject to
contamination and location in areas of porous soils and fissured
rock formations should be critically evaluated to avoid creation of
health hazards or other undesirable conditions. The possibility of
chemical pollution may merit appropriate consideration. Test
wells to monitor potential ground water pollution may be required
and should be designed with proper consideration to water
movement through the soil as appropriate.
An approved system of ground water monitoring wells or

lysimeters may be required around the perimeter of the pond site to
facilitate ground water monitoring. The use of wells and/or
lysimeters will be determined on a case-by-case basis depending
on proximity of water supply and maximum ground water levels.
This determination will be at the site approval phase (see Section
1.1).
A routine ground water sampling program shall be initiated prior to

and during the pond operation, if required.
f. Floodwaters
Pond sites shall not be constructed in areas subject to 25-year

flooding, or the ponds and other facilities shall be protected by
dikes from the 25-year flood.

9.3.1.2 Pond Shape
The shape of all cells should be such that there are no narrow or
elongated portions. Round, square, or rectangular ponds should
have a length to width ratio near 1:1 for complete mix ponds.
Rectangular ponds with a length not exceeding three times the
width are considered most desirable for complete mix aerated
lagoons. However, stabilization ponds should be rectangular with a
length exceeding three times the width, or be baffled to ensure full
utilization of the basin. No islands, peninsulas, or coves are
permitted. Dikes should be rounded at corners to minimize
accumulations of floating materials. Common dike construction
should be considered whenever possible to minimize the length of
exterior dikes.
9.3.1.3 Recirculation
Recirculation of lagoon effluent may be considered. Recirculation

systems should be designed for 0.5 to 2.0 times the average
influent wastewater flow and include flow measurement and
control.
9.3.1.4 Flow Measurement
The design shall include provisions to measure, total, and record

the wastewater flows.
9.3.1.5 Level Gauges
Pond level gauges should be located on outfall structures or be

attached to stationary structures for each pond.
9.3.1.6 Pond Dewatering
All ponds shall have emergency drawdown piping to allow

complete draining for maintenance.
Sufficient pumps and appurtenances should be available to

facilitate draining of individual ponds in cases where multiple
pond systems are constructed at the same elevation or for use if
recirculation is desired.
9.3.1.7 Control Building
A control building for laboratory and maintenance equipment

should be provided.

9.3.1.8 General Site Requirements
The pond area shall be enclosed with an adequate fence to keep out
livestock and discourage trespassing, and be located so that travel
along the top of the dike by maintenance vehicles is not obstructed.
A vehicle access gate of width sufficient to accommodate mowing
equipment and maintenance vehicles should be provided. All
access gates shall be provided with locks. Cyclone-type fences, 5
to 6 feet high with 3 strands of barbed wire, are desirable, with
appropriate warning signs required.
9.3.1.9 Provision for Sludge Accumulation
Influent solids, bacteria, and algae that settle out in the lagoons
will not completely decompose and a sludge blanket will form.
This can be a problem if the design does not include provisions for
removal and disposal of accumulated sludge, particularly in the
cases of anaerobic stabilization ponds and aerated lagoons. The
design should include an estimate of the rate of sludge
accumulation, frequency of sludge removal, methods of sludge
removal, and ultimate sludge handling and disposal. Abandoning
and capping of the lagoon is an acceptable solution (Re: The
Division of Solid Waste Management guidelines for abandonment
of a lagoon). However, the design life shall be stated in the report.
9.3.2.1 Depth
The primary (first in a series) pond depth should not exceed 6 feet.
Greater depths will be considered for polishing ponds and the last ponds in
a series of 4 or more.
9.3.2.2 Influent Structures and Pipelines
a. Manholes
A manhole should be installed at the terminus of the interceptor

line or the force main and should be located as close to the dike as
topography permits; its invert should be at least 6 inches above the
maximum operating level of the pond to provide sufficient
hydraulic head without surcharging the manhole.

b. Influent Pipelines
The influent pipeline can be placed at zero grade. The use of an

exposed dike to carry the influent pipeline to the discharge points
is prohibited, as such a structure will impede circulation.
c. Inlets
Influent and effluent piping should be located to minimize

short-circuiting and stagnation within the pond and maximize use
of the entire pond area.
Multiple inlet discharge points shall be used for primary cells

larger than 10 acres.
All gravity lines should discharge horizontally onto discharge

aprons. Force mains should discharge vertically up and shall be
submerged at least 2 feet when operating at the 3-foot depth.
d. Discharge Apron
Provision should be made to prevent erosion at the point of

discharge to the pond.
9.3.2.3 Interconnecting Piping and Outlet Structures
Interconnecting piping for pond installations shall be valved or provided

with other arrangements to regulate flow between structures and permit
variable depth control.
The outlet structure can be placed on the horizontal pond floor adjacent to
the inner toe of the dike embankment. A permanent walkway from the top
of the dike to the top of the outlet structure is required for access.
The outlet structure should consist of a well or box equipped with

multiple-valved pond drawoff lines. An adjustable drawoff device is also
acceptable. The outlet structure should be designed so that the liquid level
of the pond can be varied from a 3.0- 5.0 foot depth in increments of 0.5
foot or less. Withdrawal points shall be spaced so that effluent can be
withdrawn from depths of 0.75 foot to 2.0 feet below pond water surface,
irrespective of the pond depth.
The lowest drawoff lines should be 12 inches off the bottom to control
eroding velocities and avoid pickup of bottom deposits. The overflow
from the pond shall be taken near but below the water surface. A two-foot
deep baffle may be helpful to keep algae from the effluent. The structure
should also have provisions for draining the pond.

A locking device should be provided to prevent unauthorized access to

level control facilities. An unvalved overflow placed 6 inches above the
maximum water level shall be provided.
Outlets should be located nearest the prevailing winds to allow floating

solids to be blown away from effluent weirs.
The pond overflow pipes shall be sized for the peak design flow to prevent
overtopping of the dikes.
9.3.2.4 Minimum and Maximum Pond Size
No pond should be constructed with less than 1/2 acre or more than 40
acres of surface area.
9.3.2.5 Number of Ponds
A minimum of three ponds, and preferably four ponds, in series should be

provided (or baffling provided for a single cell lagoon design
configuration) to insure good hydraulic design. The objective in the
design is to eliminate short circuiting.
9.3.2.6 Parallel/Series Operation
Designs, other than single ponds with baffling, should provide for
operation of ponds in parallel or series. Hydraulic design should allow for
equal distribution of flows to all ponds in either mode of operation.
9.3.3.1 Depth
Depth should be based on the type of aeration equipment used, heat loss
considerations, and cost, but should be no less than 7 feet. In choosing a
depth, aerator erosion protection and allowances for ice cover and solids
accumulation should be considered.
9.3.3.2 Influent Structures and Pipelines
The same requirements apply as described for facultative systems, except

that the discharge locations should be coordinated with the aeration
equipment design.

9.3.3.3 Interconnecting Piping and Outlet Structures
a. Interconnecting Piping
The same requirements apply as described for facultative systems.
b. Outlet Structure
The same requirements apply as described for facultative systems, except

for variable depth requirements and arrangement of the outlet to withdraw
effluent from a point at or near the surface. The outlet shall be preceded
by an underflow baffle.
9.3.3.4 Number of Ponds
Not less than three basins should be used to provide the detention time and
volume required. The basins should be arranged for both parallel and
series operation. A settling pond with a hydraulic detention time of 2 days
at average design flow must follow the aerated cells, or an equivalent of
the final aerated cell must be free of turbulence to allow settling of
suspended solids.
A minimum of two mechanical aerators or blowers shall be used to

provide the horsepower required. At least three anchor points should be
provided for each aerator. Access to aerators should be provided for
routine maintenance which does not affect mixing in the lagoon. Timers
will be required.
9.4 Pond Construction Details
9.4.1 Liners
9.4.1.1 Requirement for Lining
The seepage rate through the lagoon bottom and dikes shall not be greater
than a water surface drop of 1/4 inch per day. (Note: The seepage rate of
1/4 inch per day is 7.3 x 10-6 cm/sec coefficient of permeability seepage
rate under pond conditions.) If the native soil cannot be compacted or
modified to meet this requirement, a pond liner system will be required.
If a lagoon is proposed to be upgraded, it must be shown that it currently

meets the 1/4-inch per day seepage rate before approval will be given.

9.4.1.2 General
Pond liner systems that should be evaluated and considered include (1)
earth liners, including native soil or local soils mixed with commercially
prepared bentonite or comparable chemical sealing compound, and (2)
synthetic membrane liners.
The liner should not be subject to deterioration in the presence of the
wastewater. The geotechnical recommendations should be carefully
considered during pond liner design.
Consideration should also be given to construct test wells when required
by the Department in any future regulations, or when industrial waste is
involved.
9.4.1.3 Soil Liners
The thickness and the permeability of the soil liners shall be sufficient to
limit the leakage to the maximum allowable rate of 1/4 inch per day. The
evaluation of earth for use as a soil liner should include laboratory
permeability tests of the material and laboratory compaction tests. The
analysis should take into consideration the expected permeability of the
soil when compacted in the field. All of the soil liner material shall have
essentially the same properties.
The analysis of an earth liner should also include evaluation of the earth
liner material with regard to filter design criteria. This is required so that
the fine-grained liner material does not infiltrate into a coarser subgrade
material and thus reduce the effective thickness of the liner.
If the ponds are going to remain empty for any period of time,
consideration should be given to the possible effects on the soil liners from
freezing and thawing during cold weather or cracking from hot, dry
weather. Freezing and thawing will generally loosen the soil for some
depth. This depth is dependent on the depth of frost penetration.
The compaction requirements for the liner should produce a density equal
to or greater than the density at which the permeability tests were made.
The minimum liner thickness should be 12 inches, to ensure proper mixing
of bentonite with the native soil. The soil should be placed in lifts no
more than 6 inches in compacted thickness. The moisture content at
which the soil is placed should be at or slightly above the optimum
moisture content.
Construction and placement of the soil liner should be inspected by a

qualified inspector. The inspector should keep records on the uniformity
of the earth liner material, moisture contents, and the densities obtained.
Bentonite and other similar liners should be considered as a form of earth

liner. Their seepage characteristics should be analyzed as previously

mentioned, and laboratory testing should be performed using the mixture

of the native or local soil and bentonite or similar compound.
In general, the requirements for bentonite or similar compounds should
include the following: (1) The bentonite or similar compound should be
high swelling and free flowing and have a particle size distribution
favorable for uniform application and minimizing of wind drift; (2) the
application rate should be least 125 percent of the minimum rate found to
be adequate in laboratory tests; (3) application rates recommended by a
supplier should be confirmed by an independent laboratory; and (4) the
mixtures of soil and bentonite or similar compound should be compacted
at a water content greater than the optimum moisture content.
9.4.1.4 Synthetic Membrane Liners
Requirements for the thickness of synthetic liners may vary due to the
liner material, but it is generally recommended that the liner thickness be
no less than 20 mils; that is, 0.020 inch. There may be special conditions
when reinforced membranes should be considered. These are usually
considered where extra tensile strength is required. The membrane liner
material should be compatible with the wastewater in the ponds such that
no damage results to the liner. PVC liners should not be used where they
will be exposed directly to sunlight. The preparation of the subgrade for a
membrane liner is important. The subgrade should be graded and
compacted so that there are no holes or exposed angular rocks or pieces of
wood or debris. If the subgrade is very gravelly and contains angular rocks
that could possibly damage the liner, a minimum bedding of 3 inches of
sand should be provided directly beneath the liner. The liner should be
covered with 12 inches of soil. This includes the side slope as well. No
equipment should be allowed to operate directly on the liner.
Consideration should be given to specifying that the manufacturer's
representative be on the job supervising the installation during all aspects
of the liner placement. An inspector should be on the job to monitor and
inspect the installation.
Leakage must not exceed 1/4-inch per day.
9.4.1.5 Other Liners
Other liners that have been successfully used are soil cement, gunite, and
asphalt concrete.
The performance of these liners is highly dependent on the experience and
skill of the designer. Close review of the design of these types of liners is
recommended.

9.4.2 Pond Construction
9.4.2.1 General
Ponds are often constructed of either a built-up dike or embankment

section constructed on the existing grade, or they are constructed using a
cut and fill technique. Dikes and embankments shall be designed using
the generally accepted procedures for the design of small earth dams. The
design should attempt to make use of locally available materials for the
construction of dikes. Consideration should also be given to slope stability
and seepage through and beneath the embankment and along pipes.
9.4.2.2 Top Width
The minimum recommended dike top width should be 12 feet on tangents

and 15 feet on curves to permit access of maintenance vehicles. The
minimum inside radius of curves of the corners of the pond should be 35
feet.
9.4.2.3 Side Slopes
Normally, inside slopes of either dikes or cut sections should not be

steeper than 3 horizontal to 1 vertical. Outer slopes should not be steeper
than 2 horizontal to 1 vertical. However, in many instances, the types of
material used, maintenance considerations, and seepage conditions can
indicate that other slopes should be used.
9.4.2.4 Freeboard
There should be sufficient freeboard to prevent overtopping of the dike

from wave action and strong winds. A minimum of one foot is required.
9.4.2.5 Erosion Control
Erosion control should be considered for the inside slopes of the dike to
prevent the formation of wavecut beaches in the dike slope. In the event
that earth liners or membrane liners with earth cover are used,
consideration should be given to erosion protection directly beneath
aeration units. If the currents are strong enough, considering the type of
material used for the earth cover, erosion pads may be necessary beneath
the aeration units. Erosion control should also be considered wherever
influent pipes empty into the pond.
If a grass cover for the outer slopes is desired, they should be fertilized
and seeded to establish a good growth of vegetative cover. This
vegetative cover will help control erosion from runoff. Consideration
should also be given to protection of the outer slopes in the event that
flooding occurs. The erosion protection should be able to withstand the
currents from a flood.

9.4.3 Prefilling
The need to prefill ponds in order to determine the leakage rate shall be
determined by the Department and incorporated into the plans and specifications.
The strongest consideration for prefilling ponds will be given to ponds with earth
liners. Ponds in areas where the surrounding homes are on wells will also be
given strong consideration for prefilling.
9.4.4 Utilities and Structures Within Dike Sections
Pipes that extend through an embankment should be bedded up to the springline

with concrete. Backfill should be with relatively impermeable material. No
granular bedding material should be used. Cutoff collars should be used as
required. No gravel or granular base should be used under or around any
structures placed in the embankment within the pond. Embankments should be
constructed at least 2 feet above the top of the pipe before excavating the pipe
trench.
9.5 Hydrograph Controlled Release (HCR) Lagoons
All lagoons requirements apply to HCR lagoons with the following additional
concerns:
HCR lagoons control the discharge of treated wastewater in accordance with the
stream's assimilative capacity. Detention times vary widely and must be
determined on a case-by-case basis.
HCR sites require much receiving stream flow pattern characterization. For this
purpose, EPA Region IV has developed a computer design program. The
Division of Water Pollution Control can assist in sizing the HCR basin using this
program. HCR sites may be more economical if the design is combined with
summertime land application. Their design is more economical if summer/winter
or monthly standards are available.
The design and construction of the in-stream flow measurement equipment are
critical components of an HCR system. The United States Geological Survey
(USGS) should be contacted during the design phase. The USGS also has
considerable construction experience concerning in-stream monitoring stations,
although construction need not necessarily be done or supervised by the USGS.

9.6 Polishing Lagoons
Polishing lagoons following activated sludge are not permissible in Tennessee due
to the one-cell algae interference.
9.7 Operability
Once a pond is designed, little operation should be required. However, to avoid

NPDES permit violations, pond flexibility is needed. Operation flexibility is best
facilitated by the addition of piping and valves to each pond which allows
isolation of its volume during an algal bloom.
9.8 Upgrading Existing Systems
There are approximately sixty existing lagoons in Tennessee which were built
utilizing standards and criteria from the 1960 period. Most are single- or
double-cell units which need upgrading. Many are required to meet tertiary
standards. The upgrade case should, in general, utilize the guidance in this
chapter or proven configurations. It is noted, however, that there are many lagoon
combinations available, such as complete-mix pond, partial-mix pond,
stabilization pond, HCR pond and marsh-pond (wetlands)concepts. The
combination of these alternatives should be based upon the effluent permit design
standards as well as site economics.

Ponds and Lagoons Vocabulary
1. Raw Wastewater Lagoons, which are also referred to as ___________________________, are ponds
designed to receive wastes with no prior treatment.
2. A __________________________ is used after a trickling filter plant, and it serves as a form of
tertiary treatment.
3. The phenomenon known as ________________________ is the almost spontaneous mixing of all
layers of water in a reservoir due to similar water temperature from top to bottom. This takes place
in the fall/winter when the surface waters cool to the same temperature as the bottom waters; and
also in the spring when the surface waters warm to the same temperature as the insulated bottom
layer.
4. When distribution chambers or splitter boxes evenly divide wastewater influent streams into both
primary cells of a lagoon system, it is said to be in _______________________ operation.
5. Characterized by having dissolved oxygen consistently distributed throughout their water column,
______________________ receive additional DO from algae during the daylight hours when
photosynthesis takes place.
6. In ________________________, where no DO is present, degradation of wastes occurs via
fermentation at the pond bottom. Methane, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide are byproducts of
this process.
7. In a pond with a healthy algal and bacterial population, a phenomenon known as
_______________________ can occur, in which certain bacteria and algae will cause the clumping
together of fine, dispersed organic particles. This results in faster and more complete settling of the
organic solids in wastewater.
8. When ponds are used in series (after a primary treatment) in order to provide additional
clarification, BOD removal, and disinfection, they are referred to as _________________________.
9. The most common type of pond is the _________________________, which is divided into 2 layers.
10. The process in which organisms (with the aid of chlorophyll) convert carbon dioxide and inorganic
substances into oxygen and additional plant material, using sunlight for energy, is called
__________________________. All green plants grow by this process.
11. ________________________ are microscopic plants containing chlorophyll that produce oxygen
during the sunlight hours and use oxygen during the night hours. Their biological activities affect the
pH, DO, and alkalinity of the pond.
12. The exact opposite equation of photosynthesis, plants use oxygen and produce carbon dioxide
during ______________________. At night in a pond, algae are using up the oxygen (that was
produced by photosynthesis earlier in the day) during this reaction.

13. When wastewater flows into one primary cell, then into the next primary cell, and so on, this set‐up
is called a _______________________ operation. This type of lagoon is used when a higher quality
effluent is required because the quality of the effluent improves as it gets transported through each
lagoon.
14. The transitional middle layer of a pond or reservoir that shows a rapid temperature change is called
the ___________________________. It separates the warm surface waters from the denser cold
waters at the bottom.
Word Bank
Stabilization ponds
Respiration
Oxidation ponds
Polishing pond
Photosynthesis
Thermocline
Parallel
Aerobic ponds
Anaerobic ponds
Facultative pond
Algae
Series
Bioflocculation
Overturn/Turnover

Wastewater Ponds and Lagoons Review Questions
1. If a wastewater pond is emitting offensive odors, does this indicate there is a problem? Are the
wastes being effectively treated? Explain what could be happening and some possible odor control
solutions.
2. Ponds and lagoons can be quite advantageous for smaller treatment operations (less than 1 MGD
generally). Typically speaking, the advantages outweigh the cons, but write a list of potential
limitations.
3. When wastewater flows through different treatment processes in a plant, where are ponds usually
located?
4. Why are most ponds facultative?

5. Why should at least one foot of fresh water be put into a new pond before wastes are introduced?
6. Are ponds more efficient during warm weather or cold weather? Why?
7. What are algae doing in a pond during the day? What are algae doing at night? Explain how these
processes affect the DO and pH of the water.
8. Color can be a useful indicator in aerobic and facultative ponds. What does a definite green color
indicate?
9. Ponds form distinct layers due to temperature variations. Draw a simple diagram that shows these
layers, including the name of each layer. Then briefly describe what happens during a pond
turnover.

Section 8
Attached Growth Systems
213
General Overview of Plant Components

Attached Growth
Raw Wastewater Influent
Wastewater Treatment PRELIMINARY
Systems A Preliminary Residuals PRIMARY

(i.e., grit, rags, etc.) Clarifier
SECONDARY
Trickling Filters B Primary Sludge
Biological
Treatment
(e.g., Attached-grwoth
Suspended-Growth,
Usually to System Constructed Wetland, etc.)
RBCs Landfill
Wastewater Clarifier
Clarifier
MBBR Treatment
Residuals C DISINFECTION
Secondary Sludge
IFAS
Biosolids Clean Wastewater Effluent
Processing Discharge to Receiving Waters
1 TDEC - Fleming Training Center 2
and Disposal
Biological Wastewater (WW) Biological Wastewater (WW)

Treatment Treatment
• To remove the suspended solids & the dissolved • If the microorganisms are suspended in
organic load from the WW by using microbial
populations.
the WW during biological operation
• The microorganisms are responsible for: • Recycling of settled biomass is required
• degradation of the organic matter • If microorganisms are attached to a
1. Aerobic (require oxygen for their surface over which they grow
metabolism) • Biomass attached to media (rock,
2. Anaerobic (grow in absence of oxygen) plastic,etc.)
3. Facultative (proliferate either with or • Recycling of settled biomass is not required
3
without oxygen) 4 • However, trickling filters often recirculate/recycle
Attached Growth Process Cross-section of Attached Growth

Biomass Film
• What can this process do?
Oxygen (natural or forced draft)
• Remove nutrients
• Removed dissolved organic solids Wastewater
• Remove suspended organic solids Organics/ nutrients
Just like a suspended growth system!
Biomass : viscous, jelly-like substance containing bacteria
• Removal occurs primarily by converting soluble
and colloidal material into a biological film that filter media
develops on the filter media Biomass = “zoogleal mass” “Slime growth” or “Biofilm”
Filter media = rock, slag, coal, bricks, redwood blocks or molded plastic
5 TDEC - Fleming Training Center 6 TDEC - Fleming Training Center
216 Attached Growth Systems

Attached Growth Systems: Attached Growth Systems:

Advantages Disadvantages
• Simplicity • Nutrient deficiency- industrial waste
(specifically food processing)
• Lower maintenance • 100 BOD:5N:1P ratio for producing biological
• Lower power/electrical costs cells
• More sensitive to temperature drops
• Less production excess
• Covers, windbreaks, forced ventilation, etc.
biological solids
• Low DO (RBCs)
• Resistance to shock loads • Filamentous bacteria
Attached Growth Systems Trickling Filter (TF)

1. Trickling Filter (TF)/Biotower
2. Rotating Biological Contactors (RBC)
3. Activated Biofilter
• Combined processes – attached
growth/fixed film with suspended growth
4. Moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR)
5. Integrated fixed film activated sludge
(IFAS)
3 basic parts of a TF
1. Media
• Provides surface area for zoogleal film Rotating
• Empty spaces (voids) for ventilation Distributor Arm
2. Underdrain system
• Sloping bottom leads to center channel to collect
filter effluent
3. Distribution system
• Rotary type (or fixed spray nozzle) Plastic Media
1. Mechanical-type seals at center column
2. Guy or stay rods for seasonal adjustment of arms
3. Arm dump gates at end of arm for easy flushing
Attached Growth Systems 215

Fixed Nozzle Spray Support and Underdrain System
Trickling Filter (TF)- Side View

Trickling Filter
A rotating arm sprays
wastewater over a filter
rotating distributor arms
medium
• Filter medium: rocks,
plastic, or other
Packing material.
media
The water is collected at
the bottom of the filter for
further treatment
Underdrain
• Not really a filter, it
does not work like sand
Wastewater
https://www.sswm.info/content/trickling-filter
or filter paper
Components

Components Trickling Filter Process

• Usually has a rotary-type distributor that consists
of two or more horizontal pipes supported a few
inches above the filter media by a central
column
• WW is fed from column through horizontal pipes
and distributed over media through orifices
located along one side of pipes
• Rotation of arm is due to water-sprinkler reaction
from WW flowing out orifices or by mechanical
means
• Have quick-opening or arm dump gates at the
end of each arm to permit easy flushing
What is Zoogleal Film (Biomass)? Managing Biofilm Thickness

• Collection of bacteria, protozoa, fungi, • Grazing by predators
algae, and higher animals • Worms very important as grazers-
• 95% bacteria • Keeps biomass healthy
• Protozoa and higher animals are • Tunneling by worms aerates biofilm
“grazers” and causes excess to slough off
• Can approximate viable biomass by • Erosion (liquid shearing)

VSS • Sloughing (weakening of biofilm)
• Sloughings = TF slimes that have been
washed off the filter media
Primary Clarification –
Design Considerations
Poor Settling
• Influent wastewater characteristics
• Degree of treatment anticipated (BOD & TSS • Media plugging and ponding
removal)
• Poor oxygen transfer to biofilm
• Temperature range of applied wastewater
• Preliminary and primary treatment processes • Heavy, uncontrolled sloughing
• Type of filter media • High solids in TF effluent
• Recirculation rate
• Hydraulic and organic loadings applied to the • Poor secondary clarifier
filter performance
• Underdrain and ventilation systems

Filter Media Filter Media

• Crushed rock (river or aggregate) • Plastic media
• Durable & insoluble
• Random packing media
• Locally available
• Modular packing media
• Negative: reduce the void spaces for
• Can be loaded at higher
passage of air
rates
• Less surface area per
• “Biotower”
volume for biological
growth
• Redwood media
• “Trickling Filter”
Plastic Media Redwood

Media
Design Considerations - Flow & Recirculation Rates

Filter Media Recirculation= A portion of the TF effluent recycled
• The ideal filter packing is material that: through the filter
• has a high surface area per unit of
Recirculation ratio (R) = returned flow (Qr)/ influent
flow (Q) Qr
volume
• is low in cost
Q
• has a high durability
• has a high enough porosity so that
clogging is minimized
• provides good air circulation

Design Considerations - Design Considerations -

Recirculation Recirculation
• Increase efficiency • During low-inflow periods = keep slime
• Maintain constant wetting rate and hydraulic growths wet, minimize fly growth, and wash
loading off excess sloughings
• Dilute toxic wastes • Returning TF effluent to the 1°clarifier is an
• Increase air flow effective odor control measure
• Recirculation flow dilutes the strength of raw • adds oxygen to incoming ww that is often septic
wastewater & allows untreated wastewater to • A common range for recirculation ratio
be passed through the filter more than once.
• 0.5~3.0
• Prevent freezing • Use the lowest recirculation rate that will produce
31 TDEC - Fleming Training Center 32 good effluent but not cause ponding
Classification of filters Single stage

• Depending upon the hydraulic and organic
loadings applied:
a. PC TF SC
1. Standard rate
2. High rate
• Heavy flow of ww over the media = more uniform
sloughing of filter growths b. PC TF SC
3. Roughing filters
• Used primarily to reduce organic load on subsequent
oxidation processes (ex: second stage filter or AS
process) c. PC TF SC
• Often used in plants that receive strong organic
industrial wastes
33 34
Two Stage
Two Stage
• Two stage desirable when:
• High quality effluent is required
PC TF TF SC
• High strength WW is treated
• Cold weather operation is needed
• Intermediate clarifier minimizes clogging of the
second filter
PC TF SC TF SC
• It is often preferred to recirculate clarifier effluent
• Reduces chances of solids clogging the filter
media
• Most solids in the TF effluent will have settled in
PC TF SC TF SC the clarifier
• Risk is to hydraulically overload the clarifier

Underdrainage and Ventilation

Ventilation System
Systems
• In TF system:
• Two purposes:
1. to carry the filtered wastewater and the • Air is supplied by natural draft
biomass lump (sloughed solids) from or forced draft ventilation
the filter to the final clarification process
2. to provide for ventilation of the filter to
maintain aerobic conditions. • The forced draft fans have
• The underdrain system is generally been applied to provide
designed to flow one-third to one-half full adequate oxygen
37
to permit ventilation of the system.
TDEC - Fleming Training Center 38 TDEC - Fleming Training Center
Secondary Clarification Abnormal Conditions

• Removes excess biological solids • Ponding-filter plugging
(sloughings)
• Odors
• Typically round with scraper units
• Thin sludge blanket controls denitrification
• Filter flies
• Less than 1 foot suggested • Uncontrolled periodic sloughing
• Sloughings contain large amount of • Poor effluent quality
organic matter that could go septic in a • Icing on filter
deeper blanket
• Decrease recirculation

• Snails
Odors Odor Control

• Organic overloading • Maintain aerobic conditions in sewer
or inadequate air and in preceding plant processes
circulation
• Check filter ventilation
• Excess sloughing of
• Increase recirculation ratio
biofilm
• Better housekeeping: wash down
• Controlled by:
distributor splash plates and wall
• Covering filter
above media
• Air scrubbers
• Masking agents

Ponding in Trickling Filters Control of Insects, Snails, &

• Ponding can cause • Rake filter surface
Algae
anaerobic conditions manually
within the trickling filter • Visually inspect for ponding
• Dose with chlorine at
• Ensure preceding units 5 mg/L (several • Increase recirculation ratio
operating properly hours) • Flush filter & chlorinate
• Excess SS, scum, • Flood filter for 24 hrs
BOD, trash from • Chlorinate to residual of 1.0 mg/L
• Increase recirculation
primary clarifier can rate = more oxygen for several hours.
cause problems and increased
• Spray surface with high
• Algae: DON’T apply herbicide
sloughing
pressure water • Replace media
Control of Insects, Snails, & Algae -

Flies Typical Loading Rates
• Preferring an alternately • Keep grass cut
Standard Rate High Rate High Rate Roughing
wet and dry environment for • Shrubbery, weeds Filter - Rock Filter – Rock Filter – Filter -
Synthetic Synthetic
development, the flies are and tall grasses 6-8 ft deep; 3-5 ft deep; 15-30 ft deep; 15-30 ft deep;
found most frequently in provide a natural Media Growth sloughs Growth sloughs Growth sloughs Growth sloughs
periodically continuously continuously continuously
low-rate filters and usually sanctuary for filter
Hydraulic 100-1,000 350-2,100 1,400-4,200
not much of a problem in flies. Loading
25-100 gpd/ft2
gpd/ft2 gpd/ft2 gpd/ft2
high-rate filters. Organic (BOD) 5-25 lbs BOD/ 25-100 lbs BOD 50-300 lbs BOD
100-over 300
lbs BOD/ day
• Larvicides Loading day/1,000 ft3 /day/1,000 ft3 /day/1,000 ft3
/1,000 ft3
• Maintain hydraulic load of BOD Removal

80-90% 50-70% 65-85% 40-65%
Range
at least 200 gpd/ft2
Effluent BOD 20-25 mg/L 20-50 mg/L
Rotating Biological RBC Features

Contactor (RBC) • Treats domestic and
biodegradable industrial
wastes
• Rotating steel shaft with
HDPE disc media (drum)
• Mechanical or
compressed air drive
• Drum rotates through
WW for food then
through air for oxygen

RBC Features
• Plants have been designed to treat flows
ranging 18,000 gpd to 50 MGD, however the
majority of plants treat flows of less than 5
MGD
• Advantages of RBC’s over Trickling Filters:
• Elimination of the rotating distributor
• Elimination of ponding problems
• Elimination of filter flies
• Disadvantages:
• Lack of recirculation ability
• More sensitive to industrial wastes
Rotating Biological Contactor Media

• Primary clarifier effluent enters RBC tank • Media cross section.
• Organisms on biofilm treat WW • Spacing between
• Media rotates at 1.5 rpm sheets provides void
space for distribution of
• Excess biofilm sloughs into WW and is
air & WW
removed in secondary clarifier
• HDPE plastic media
• Approximately 40% of media surface is
sheets bonded onto
immersed in the wastewater
horizontal shafts.
• Usually the process operates on a “once-
• Units typically 12 ft in
through” scheme, with no recycling
diameter & 25 ft long
Rotating Biological Contactor - Rotating Biological Contactor -

Stages Stages
• The RBC is usually divided up into four or • Staging is used in order to maximize the
more different stages effectiveness of a given amount of media
• Each stage is separated by a removable surface area
baffle, concrete wall or cross-tank bulkhead • Organisms on the first-stage media are
• Each bulkhead or baffle has an underwater exposed to high levels of BOD and reduce
orifice or hole to permit flow from one stage to the BOD at a high rate
the next • As the BOD levels decrease from stage to
• Each section of media between bulkheads stage, the rate at which the organisms can
acts as a separate stage of treatment remove BOD decreases and nitrification
starts

RBC with Baffles Stage Arrangements
55 TDEC - Fleming Training Center Baffles 56

Flow patterns Flow

Four Stages with four shafts. Flow is perpendicular to the shafts.
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
Shaft
Flow
Media Media Media Media

Influent Effluent
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
Flow
Shaft
Media Media Media Media
Influent Effluent

Four stages with four shafts. Flow is parallel to the shafts.
57 58
Series vs. Parallel Operation Series vs. Parallel Operation

• Treatment plants requiring four or
more shafts of media usually are
arranged so that each shaft serves as
an individual stage of treatment
• The shafts are arranged so the flow
is perpendicular to the shafts
• Plants with fewer than four shafts are
usually arranged with the flow parallel
to the shaft

Air Driven Units Motor with Chain Drive Unit

• Air control valve on shaft controls • Inspection: bearing caps; roller chain
inlet air supply to each unit alignment; belts; check for noise from
bearings & drive package; main shaft
• Course bubble air diffusers on bearing temperature (by hand)
headers on floor of concrete or • Periodically remove sludge & debris
steel tank force air to cause unit settling below media: reduces tank
to rotate volume; cause septicity; scrape biofilm
from media; can stall unit
62 TDEC - Fleming Training Center

61 TDEC - Fleming
Motor with Chain Drive Unit Daily Inspection: Biomass

• Healthy = uniform, thin
brown to gray, shaggy
growth; no algae present
• Organic overload =
heavy, shaggy brown to
black
• Rusty Red color =
nitrification
• Completion of BOD removal
• Can be irregular growth due
to predator organisms
63 64 TDEC - Fleming Training Center
Daily Inspection: Biomass

• White slime:
• Sulfur bacteria (Thiothrix)- poor settling
sludge and low BOD removal
• Result from industrial discharges containing
sulfur compounds
• Another cause may be sludge deposits that
have accumulated in the bottom.
To remove:
• Drain basin, wash out sludge, and return to
service

Daily Inspection: Biomass Daily Inspection: Biomass

• Snails are not a problem in RBC’s used to • Control of snails:
remove CBOD, snails are a problem • Chlorinate off line at 50-70 mg/L,
mainly on nitrifying systems rotating filter, for 2-3 days, then
• Bacteria removing CBOD has high
dechlorinate before discharging with
growth and the microbial slime sulfur dioxide
consumed by snails is quickly replaced • Increase pH to 10 with sodium
by new growth hydroxide, caustic soda or lime for 8
• Snails remove slow-growing nitrifying
hours (kills snails without harming the
bacteria and interfere with nitrification microbial growth). May have to repeat
every 1-2 months
High Hydrogen Sulfide RBC Covers

• Extreme overload first stage causes • Protect biofilm from freezing
• Prevent rain from washing biofilm off of media
low D.O thereafter
• Prevent media exposure to sunlight (& algae
• Septic influent – in collection system growth)
too long or industrial discharge • Prevent UV rays from degrading media
• Anaerobic sludge deposits in tank • Provide protection for operators from the
elements while maintaining equipment
• Low D.O due to warm weather • Eliminates fogging potential
• Can also enclose several units in building (must
have ventilation, lights, humidity control)
Monitoring the Process

• BOD: permit compliance; soluble BOD
determined by filtering WW
• Suspended Solids: permit compliance
• Nitrogen: ammonia
• Phosphorus: filtered sample; BOD:N:P
=100:5:1
• Dissolved Oxygen: throughout facility
• Heavy Metals
• Oil and Grease
• pH: neutral optimum

RBC Performance Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor

Characteristic
Hydraulic Loading
Range
(RBBR)
• BOD Removal 1.5 – 6 gpd/ft2
• Nitrogen Removal 1.5 – 1.8 gpd/ft2
Organic Loading
• Soluble BOD 2.5 – 4 lbs BOD/day/1,000 ft2
• BOD Removal 80 – 90%
• Effluent Total BOD 10 – 30 mg/L
• Effluent Soluble BOD 5 – 15 mg/L
• Effluent Ammonia Nitrogen 1 – 10 mg/L
• Effluent Nitrate Nitrogen 2 – 7 mg/L

MBBR Integrated Fixed-film

• Internal suspended media for attached
growth Activated Sludge (IFAS)
• Small polyethylene cylinders
maintained in reactor
• Aeration or mixing circulates packing
(media)
• No RAS flow & no backwash
• Can be put in anoxic and aerobic tanks
to maximize BOD removal,
denitrification and nitrification
• MBBR video
IFAS
• Knitted fabric media placed in aeration
basin
• New or retrofit
• Increases activated sludge treatment
capacity
• Fixed biomass allows better handling of
shock loads (organic & hydraulic)
• Fine bubble diffused aeration
• IFAS video
Brentwood Industries

IFAS
• Media place along one
wall Any Questions?
• Increased treatment
capacity: BOD &
nitrification
• Additional tankage not
needed
• Improves sludge settling in
secondary clarifier Humboldt, TN
• Reduced waste sludge Trickling Filter
production
79 80

CHAPTER 6
Fixed Film Reactors

6.1 Trickling Filters
6.1.1 General
6.1.2 Pretreatment
6.1.3 Types of Processes
6.1.4 Consideration For Design
6.1.5 Estimation of Performance
6.2 Rotating Biological Contactors
6.2.1 General
6.2.2 Media
6.2.3 Design Loadings
6.3 Activated Biofilter
6.3.1 General
6.3.2 ABF Media
6.3.3 Design

FIXED FILM REACTORS
6.1 Trickling Filters
6.1.1 General
Trickling filters may be used for treatment of wastewater amenable to treatment

by aerobic biological processes. This process is less complex and has a lower
power requirement than some of the other processes.
6.1.2 Pretreatment
Trickling filters shall be preceded by effective clarifiers equipped with scum

removal devices or other suitable pretreatment facilities. (See Chapters 4 & 5)
6.1.3 Types of Processes
Trickling filters are classified according to the applied hydraulic and organic
loadings. The hydraulic loading is the total volume of liquid applied, including
recirculation, per unit time per square unit of filter surface area. Organic loading
is the total mass of BOD applied, including recirculation, per unit time per cubic
unit of filter volume.
6.1.3.1 Low or Standard Rate
These are loaded at 1 to 4 million gallons per acre per day (mgad) and 5 to
25 pounds BOD per 1,000 cubic feet per day (lb BOD/1000 cu ft/day.
Nitrification of the effluent often occurs.
6.1.3.2 Intermediate Rate
These are loaded at 4 to 10 mgad and 10 to 40 lb BOD/1000 cu ft/day.

Nitrification is less likely to occur.
6.1.3.3 High Rate
These are loaded at 10 to 40 mgad and 25 to 300 lb BOD/1000 cu ft/day.

Nitrification is not likely to occur.
6.1.3.4 Super Rate
These are loaded at 15 to 90 mgad (not including recirculation) and up to

300 lb BOD/1000 cu ft/day. Filters designed as super rate require a
manufactured media. Nitrification is not likely to occur.

6.1.3.5 Roughing
These are loaded at 60 to 180 mgd (not including recirculation) and 100 lb
BOD/1000 cu ft/day. Nitrification will not occur. Roughing filters shall
be followed by additional treatment, and will be equipped with
manufactured media.
6.1.4 Considerations for Design
The following factors should be considered when selecting the design hydraulic
and organic loadings:
Characteristics of raw wastewater

Pretreatment
Type of media
Recirculation
Temperature of applied wastewater
Treatment efficiency required
The following table presents allowable ranges for the design of trickling filters.
Modifications of these criteria will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Design Loading Table

Super High
Low or Rate
Operating Standard Intermediate Manufactured
Characteristics Rate Rate High Rate Media Roughing
Hydraulic
Loading
Mgd/acre 1-4 4-10 10-40 15-90 60-180*
gpd/ sq ft 25-90 90-230 230-900 350-2000* 1400-4200*
Organic Loading
lb BOD/acre-ft
day 1000-
lb 200-1000 700-1400 12,000
BOD/1000ft3/day 5-25 10-40 25-300 Up to 300 100+
Depth ft 5-10 4-8 3-6 3-8 15-40
BOD Removal % 80-85 50-70 65-80 65-85 40-65
*does not include recirculation
6.1.5. Estimation of Performance
A number of equations are available for use in estimating trickling filter

performance.
Any design should evaluate several different formulas to compare the various
parameters in different combinations with one another. Winter operating

conditions must be analyzed since winter operations normally result in lower

efficiency than summer operations. The trickling filter design must evaluate the
impacts of recirculation, air draft temperatures and medium.
6.1.5.1 Recirculation
Recirculation capability is required for all variations of the trickling filter process
except roughing filters provided that minimum hydraulic loading rates are
maintained at all times. The recirculation ratio should be in the range of 0.5 to
4.0. Recirculation should be provided for manufactured media to maintain 0.5 to
1.0 gallon per minute per square foot (gpm/sq ft) or the manufacturer's
recommended minimum wetting rate at all times. Recirculation ratios greater
than 4.0 should not be used to calculate effluent quality.
6.1.5.2 Staging
Staging of filters can be considered for high-strength wastes or for nitrification.
6.1.6.1 Media
a.Rock, Slag, or Similar Media
Rock, slag, and similar media should not contain more than 5 percent by
weight of pieces whose longest dimension is three times the least
dimension. They should be free from thin, elongated and flat pieces, dust,
clay, sand, or fine material and should conform to the following size and
grading when mechanically graded over a vibrating screen with square
openings:
Passing 4-1/2 inch screen: 100 percent by weight
Retained on 3-inch screen: 90-100 percent by weight
Passing 2-inch screen: 0-2 percent by weight
Passing 1-inch screen: 0 percent by weight
Hand-picked field stone should be as follows:
Maximum dimension of stone: 5 inches
Minimum dimension of stone: 3 inches
Material delivered to the filter site should be stored on wood-planked or

other approved clean hard-surfaced areas. All material should be

rehandled at the filter site, and no material should be dumped directly into
the filter. Crushed rock, slag, and similar media should be rescreened or
forked at the filter site to remove all fines. Such material should be
placed by hand to a depth of 12 inches above the tile underdrains, and all
materials should be carefully placed so as not to damage the underdrains.
The remainder of the material may be placed by means of belt conveyors
or equally effective methods approved by the engineer. Trucks, tractors,
or other heavy equipment should not be driven over the filter during or
after construction.
b.Manufactured Media
Application of manufactured media should be evaluated on a case-by-case

basis. Suitability should be evaluated on the basis of experience with
installations handling similar wastes and loadings.
Media manufactured from plastic, wood, or other materials are available

in many different designs. They should be durable, resistant to spalling or
flaking, and relatively insoluble in wastewater. They are generally
applied to super high rate and roughing filter designs.
6.1.6.2 Underdrainage System
a. Arrangement
Underdrains with semicircular inverts or equivalent should be provided

and the underdrainage system should cover the entire floor of the filter.
Inlet openings into the underdrains should have an unsubmerged gross
combined area equal to at least 15 percent of the surface area of the filter.
b.Slope
The underdrains should have a minimum slope of 1 percent. Effluent

channels should be designed to produce a minimum velocity of 2 feet per
second at average daily rate of application to the filter.
c.Flushing
Provision should be made for flushing the underdrains and effluent

channel.
In small filters, use of a peripheral head channel with vertical vents is
acceptable for flushing purposes. Inspection facilities should be provided.
d.Ventilation

The underdrainage system, effluent channels, and effluent pipe shall be

designed to permit free passage of air. The size of drains, channels, and
pipe should be such that not more than 50 percent of their cross-sectional
area will be submerged under the design hydraulic loading. Provision
should be made in the design of the effluent channels to allow for the
possibility of increased hydraulic loading.
6.1.6.3 Dosing Equipment
a.Distribution
The sewage shall be distributed over the filter by rotary distributors or

other suitable devices which will permit reasonably uniform distribution to
the surface area. At design average flow, the deviation from a calculated
uniformly distributed volume per square foot of the filter surface should
not exceed plus or minus 10 percent at any point. Provisions must be
made to spray the side walls to avoid growth of filter flies.
b.Application
Sewage may be applied to the filters by siphons, pumps, or by gravity

discharge from preceding treatment units when suitable flow
characteristics have been developed. Application of sewage should be
practically continuous. Intermittent dosing shall only be considered for
low or standard rate filters. In the case of intermittent dosing, the dosing
cycles should normally vary between 5 and 15 minutes, with distribution
taking place approximately 50 percent of the time. The maximum rest
should not exceed 5 minutes, based on the design average flow.
c. Hydraulics
All hydraulic factors involving proper distribution of sewage on the

filters should be carefully calculated. For reaction-type distributors, a
minimum head of 24 inches between the low-water level in the siphon
chamber and center of the arms should be required. Surge relief to
prevent damage to distributor seals, should be provided where sewage is
pumped directly to the distributors.
d. Clearance
A minimum clearance of 6 inches between medium and distributor arms

should be provided. Greater clearance is essential where icing occurs.
e. Seals

The use of mercury seals is prohibited in the distributors of newly

constructed trickling filters. If an existing treatment facility is to be
modified, any mercury seals in the trickling filters shall be replaced with
oil or mechanical seals.
6.1.6.4 Recirculation Pumping
Low-head, high-capacity pumps are generally used. Submersible pumps

are commonly used. A means to adjust the flow is recommended in
order to maintain constant hydraulic operation.
6.1.6.5 Waste Sludge Equipment
Pumps for trickling filter sludge should be capable of pumping material

up to 6-percent solids (or more if needed) when pumping directly to the
digester. Time clock controlled on-off control is desirable. When
secondary sludge is pumped to the primary clarifier, the sludge pumps
should be designed to pump material with low solid concentrations and
high flow rates.
6.1.6.6 Miscellaneous Features
a. Flooding
Consideration should be given to the design of filter structures so that

they may be flooded.
b. Maintenance
All distribution devices, underdrains, channels, and pipes should be

installed so that they may be properly maintained, flushed, or drained.
c. Flow Measurement
A means shall be provided to measure recirculated flow to the filter.
6.2 Rotating Biological Contactors
6.2.1 General
6.2.1.1 Description
This section presents the requirements for fixed-film reactors using either
partially submerged vertical media rotated on a horizontal shaft or other
designs with similar concepts.

6.2.1.2 Applicability
Rotating biological contactors (RBC) may be used for treatment of

wastewater amenable to treatment by aerobic biological processes. The
process is especially applicable to small communities. These requirements
shall be considered when proposing this type of treatment.
6.2.1.3 Pretreatment
Primary clarifiers or fine screens should be placed ahead of the RBC

process to minimize solids settling in the RBC tanks. (See Chapters 4 & 5)
6.2.2 Media
6.2.2.1 Description
Typical media consists of plastic sheets of various designs with

appropriate spacings to maximize the surface area, allow for entrance of
air and wastewater, the sloughing of excess biological solids and
prevention of plugging. The medium is mounted on a horizontal steel
shaft. Other similar systems will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
6.2.2.2 Types
Two types of medium are currently available.
a. Standard Density
Standard-density medium is available in sizes up to 100,000 square feet

(sq ft) per shaft. It should be used for all secondary treatment
applications.
b. High Density
High-density medium is available in sizes up to 150,000 sq ft per shaft.

It should be used only for nitrification or effluent polishing where the
influent BOD is sufficiently low to ensure that plugging of the medium
will not occur.

6.2.3 Design Loadings
6.2.3.1 RBC Media
Design loadings should be in terms of total organic loading expressed as

pounds BOD5 per day per 1000 square feet of media surface area (lb
BOD5/day/1000 sq. ft.). The development of design loadings should
consider influent BOD, soluble BOD, effluent BOD, flows, temperature,
and the number of treatment stages. The design loading should generally
range between 2.5 and 3.5 lb BOD5/day/1000 sq. ft.
6.2.3.2 Final Clarifiers
The following requirements are in addition to those set forth in Chapter 5,

"Clarifiers."
The overflow rate should be less than or equal to 600 gpd/sq ft at the
average daily design flow.
6.2.4.1 Enclosures
Enclosures should be provided for the RBC medium to prevent algae

growth on the medium and minimize the effect of cold weather.
Enclosures may be either fabricated individual enclosures or buildings
enclosing several shafts. Buildings may be considered for installations
with several shafts or, where severe weather conditions are encountered, to
promote better maintenance.
a. Fabricated Individual Enclosures
Enclosures should be made of fiberglass or other material resistant to

damage from humidity or corrosion. The exterior of the enclosures should
be resistant to deterioration from direct sunlight and ultraviolet radiation.
Access points should be provided at each end of the enclosure to permit
inspection of shafts and to perform operation and maintenance. Enclosures
shall be removable to allow removal of the shaft assemblies. Access
around enclosures shall be sufficient to permit suitable lifting equipment
access to lift covers and shafts.

b. Buildings
Adequate space should be provided to allow access to and removal of

shafts from enclosures. Buildings should be designed with provisions to
remove shafts without damage to the structure. Buildings should be
designed with adequate ventilation and humidity control to ensure
adequate atmospheric oxygen is available for the RBC shafts, provide a
safe environment for the operating staff to perform normal operation and
maintenance, and minimize the damage to the structure and equipment
from excess moisture.
6.2.4.2 Hydraulic Design
The RBC design should incorporate sufficient hydraulic controls, such as

weirs, to ensure that the flow is distributed evenly to parallel process units.
RBC tank design should provide a means for distributing the influent flow
evenly across each RBC shaft. Intermediate baffles placed between
treatment stages in the RBC system should be designed to minimize solids
deposition. The RBC units should be designed with flexibility to permit
series or parallel operation.
6.2.4.3 Dewatering
The design should provide for dewatering of RBC tanks.
6.2.4.4 Shaft Drives
The electric motor and gear reducer should be located to prevent contact
with the wastewater at peak flow rates.
6.2.4.5 Recycle
Effluent recycle should be provided for small installations where

minimum diurnal flows may be very small. Recycle should be considered
in any size plant where minimum flows are less than 30% of the average
design flow.
6.2.4.6 Access
Access shall be allowed for lifting equipment to provide maintenance in

the event of a failure.

6.3 Activated Biofilter
6.3.1 General
6.3.1.1 Description
The activated biofilter (ABF) process is a combination of the trickling

filter process using artificial media and the activated sludge process.
6.3.1.2 Applicability
The activated biofilter process may be used where wastewater is

amendable to biological treatment. This process requires close attention
and competent operating supervision, including routine laboratory control.
These requirements should be considered when proposing this type of
treatment. The process is more adaptable to handling large seasonal
loading variations, such as those resulting from seasonal industries or
changes in population, than are some of the other biological processes.
Where significant quantities of industrial wastes are anticipated, pilot plant
testing should be considered.
6.3.2 ABF Media
Artificial media are used in the trickling filter portion of the process to allow high
BOD and hydraulic loadings and permit recycle of activated sludge through the
trickling filter without plugging. Either wood or plastic artificial medium may be
used. Medium depth typically ranges from 7 to 25 feet.
6.3.3 Design
6.3.3.1 General
Calculations shall be submitted to justify the basis of design of the ABF

tower pump station, ABF tower, aeration basin, aeration equipment,
secondary clarifiers, activated sludge return equipment, and waste sludge
equipment.
6.3.3.2 ABF Tower Pump Station
The ABF tower pump station shall be designed to pump the peak influent
flow plus the maximum design ABF tower recirculation and return
activated sludge flows. Application of wastewater to the ABF tower
should be continuous.

6.3.3.3 ABF Tower
The ABF tower shall be designed based on organic loading expressed as

pounds of influent BOD per 1,000 cubic feet per day (lb BOD/1,000 cu
ft/day). The organic loading should be established using data from similar
installations or pilot plant testing. A minimum hydraulic wetting rate
should be maintained and be expressed as gallons per minute per square
foot (gpm/sq ft).
Typical values for organic loading range from 100 to 350 lb BOD/1,000
cu ft/day (4,300 to 15,000 pounds BOD per acre-foot per day), and
hydraulic wetting rates range from 1.5 to 5.5 gpm/sq ft, including
recirculations and return flows.
6.3.3.4 Aeration Basin
The aeration basin should be designed in accordance with Chapter 7,

"Activated Sludge," based on the food-to-microorganism (F/M) ratio
expressed as pounds of influent BOD per day per pound of mixed liquor
volatile suspended solids (MLVSS). The F/M ratio should be based on the
influent total BOD to the ABF tower or the estimated soluble BOD
leaving the ABF tower. Designs using total BOD to the ABF tower should
be based on data from similar installations or pilot plant testing. Designs
using the estimated soluble BOD leaving the ABF tower should use
typical F/M ratios (presented in Chapter 7, "Activated Sludge"). Estimate
of BOD removal in the ABF tower should be based on similar installations
or pilot plant testing. Calculations of mixed-liquor suspended solids
should include the influent suspended solids and solids sloughing from the
ABF tower in addition to growth of activated sludge due to removal of
soluble BOD. Determination of aeration basin volume should include
consideration of aeration basin power levels (using aeration equipment
horsepower) expressed as horsepower per 1,000 cubic feet of basin
volume. Aeration basin power levels should be limited to prevent
excessive turbulence, which may cause shearing of the activated sludge
floc. Aeration prior to the ABF tower may also be considered.
Oxygen requirements should be estimated as outlined in Chapter 7,

"Activated Sludge," for the ABF tower effluent plus the oxygen
requirements of the sloughed solids from the ABF tower.
6.3.3.6 Secondary Clarifiers
Secondary clarifiers should be equipped with rapid sludge withdrawal

mechanisms and be designed in accordance with Chapter 5, "Clarifiers,"
and Chapter 7, "Activated Sludge."

6.3.3.7 Return Sludge Equipment
Return sludge equipment should be designed in accordance with Chapter

5, "Clarifiers."
6.3.3.8 Waste Sludge Equipment
Waste sludge equipment should be designed in accordance with Chapter

12, "Sludge Processing and Disposal."
6.3.3.9 ABF Tower Recirculation
ABF tower recirculation should normally be provided. At a minimum,

recirculation capacity should meet the requirements for the minimum
hydraulic wetting rate.
6.3.4.1 ABF Tower
The ABF tower dosing equipment and underdrainage system

should be designed in accordance with Section 6.1.6.3 "Dosing
Equipment." Fixed or rotating distributors may be used. In addition, the
design of the ABF tower should incorporate a skirt around the top to
prevent spray from falling to the ground around the tower.
6.3.4.2 Maintenance Provisions
All distribution devices, underdrains, channels, and pipes should be

installed so that they may be properly maintained, flushed, and drained.
6.3.4.3 Flow Measurement
Devices should be provided to permit measurement of flow to the ABF

towers, ABF tower recirculation, return activated sludge, and waste
activated sludge flows.

Attached Growth Vocabulary
1. A mass or clump of organic material consisting of living organisms feeding on the wastes in
wastewater, dead organisms, and other debris is referred to as ________________________.
Another name for this, used specifically when referring to trickling filters and RBCs, is
__________________________ , which is defined as the complex populations of organisms that
form a slime growth on the media and break down the organic matter in wastewater. These slimes
consist of living organisms feeding on the wastes in wastewater, dead organisms, silt, and other
debris; “slime growth” is a more common term.
2. A waste treatment process that is conducted under ____________________ conditions means that
atmospheric or dissolved oxygen is present in the aquatic environment. In contrast, an
______________________ condition is one in which atmospheric or dissolved oxygen is not present
in the aquatic environment.
3. The rotating mechanism that distributes the wastewater evenly over the surface of a trickling filter
or other process unit is called the ______________________________.
4. The non‐moving, cone‐shaped spray nozzle used to distribute wastewater over the filter media,
similar to a lawn sprinkling system, is called a ____________________________. A deflector or steel
ball is mounted within the cone to spread the flow of water through the cone, thus creating a
spraying action. This type of system is not as common as the rotary type and is commonly found
only at small plants.
5. The aerobic process in which bacteria change the ammonia and organic nitrogen in wastewater into
oxidized nitrogen (usually nitrate) is called__________________________.
6. The sloughed off particles of biomass from trickling filter media that are removed from the water
being treated in secondary clarifiers is referred to as _________________________________.
7. Attached growth systems can be operated in two ways. When wastewater flows through one
treatment unit and then flows through another similar unit, it is called
____________________________________. If the wastewater is split and a portion flows to one
treatment unit while the remainder flows to another similar treatment unit, this is called
____________________________________.
8. A condition that occurs on trickling filters when the hollow spaces of media become plugged to the
extent that water cannot pass through the filter is known as _________________________. This
may be the result of excessive slime growths, trash, or media breakdown.
9. A method of increasing the efficiency of trickling filters is to add _____________________________.
This is a process in which a part of the filter effluent is returned or recycled and brought into contact
with the biological film once more.

10. The treatment process in which wastewater trickling over media enables the formation of zoogleal
film (aka slime growth) or biomass, which contains microorganisms that feed upon and remove
wastes from the water being treated, is called a ____________________________________.
11. In a ______________________________, two filters are used. Effluent from the first filter goes to
the second filter, either directly or after passing through a clarifier.
12. The purpose of the ________________________ is to carry the filtered wastewater and the biomass
lump (sloughed solids) from the filter to the final clarification process. In trickling filters, air is
supplied by natural draft or forced draft ventilation, the purpose of this _______________________
system is to provide air flow to the filter to maintain aerobic conditions.
Word Bank
Biomass
Ponding
Nitrification
Parallel operation
Two‐stage filter
Underdrain
Fixed‐spray nozzle
Recirculation
Aerobic
Ventilation
Trickling filter
Distributor
Series operation
Zoogleal film
Anaerobic
Humus sludge

Attached Growth Review Questions
1. Primary treatment is effective in removing __________________________ and
__________________________, but it is not nearly as effective in
removing_____________________________ and __________________________, which is why
secondary treatment is required.
Scum and floatable solids Settleable solids
Dissolved solids Small suspended solids
(colloids)
2. Describe the general wastewater treatment process of trickling filters and rotating biological
contactors (RBCs).
3. List the benefits of recirculation in a trickling filter.
4. How does recirculation increase the efficiency of a trickling filter?
5. Recirculation provides multiple benefits to a trickling filter, however, why is it advised to use the
minimum (lowest) recirculation rate that will still produce good quality effluent?

6. What are the advantages of natural (rock) media? What are the advantages of synthetic (plastic)
media?
7. What is the function of a secondary clarifier following a trickling filter or RBC?
8. Explain why a trickling filter and an RBC would be intentionally shocked with chlorine.
9. Why would a cover or enclosure be used with an RBC?
10. Why is the RBC process divided into 4 or more stages?

OPERATOR ESSENTIALS
What every operator should know

about trickling filters
Greg Farmer
Knowledge Principle Practical considerations

History The technology was developed in the U.S. Trickling filters became the dominant secondary treatment process in the
and Great Britain in the 1890s. The first U.S. U.S. by the 1950s. Trickling filters fell out of favor in the 1970s when the
installation was in Madison, Wis., in 1901. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued its definition of secondary
treatment standards — activated sludge was better able to meet the new
standards.
Improvements in secondary clarifier design and the introduction of

coupled processes — such as trickling filter/solids contact — and
nitrifying trickling filters have led to a resurgence of the technology.
System Distribution system: provides for even distribution Rotary distributors can be hydraulically or mechanically driven. Modern
components of wastewater over the media. hydraulic and electric drives provide the ability to control rotational speed.
Containment structure: provides structural support For containment, precast concrete panels or tanks typically are used. If
to contain the media within the bioreactor. flooding ability is desired for macro fauna control, then post-tensioned
tanks are required.
Filter media: Rock media commonly are found in
older trickling filters. Almost all new installations Media types
use plastic media.
Rock Vertical flow Cross flow
Advantages Longest-lasting Least likely to Redistributes
Rock media are more likely to plug due to smaller plug wastewater
voids, which also restrict airflow. Plastic media, Use of local
materials possible Best ventilation Higher hydraulic
available as cross-flow or vertical, provide for better retention time
oxygen transfer, and are lighter than rock, so media
Disadvantages Poor ventilation Higher in cost Increase in
can be deeper. Vertical-flow media are used in density may result
roughing and industrial applications. High flushing Redistributes in reduced oxygen
rate necessary to wastewater transfer and
minimize nuisance only at module increased biofilm
Underdrain: collects treated wastewater and organisms interface thickness
creates a plenum that facilitates oxygen transfer
throughout the trickling filter. Note: Some trickling filters have used a combination of vertical-flow and
cross-flow media; these are referred to as “mixed-flow media.”
Ventilation: Trickling filters for biochemical oxygen
demand (BOD) removal and nitrification are The space between the media and the bottom of the containment
aerobic processes and require air exchange to structure is the underdrain. A larger area promotes better air distribution.
sustain aerobic conditions.
Older trickling filter installations use passive ventilation resulting from a
difference in ambient air temperature inside and outside of the trickling
filter. When temperatures are near equal, air movement stops.
Modern trickling filters are covered and equipped with forced-air ventilation
systems using low-pressure fans to maintain air movement at all times. The
exhaust air typically is treated in chemical scrubbers to minimize odors.

68 WE&T l AUGUST 2013 l WWW.WEF.ORG/MAGAZINE

How it works The basic concept of trickling filters is to provide a Wastewater containing necessary nutrients intermittently passes over
surface on which microbial films grow. the microorganisms to grow a biofilm on media. Nutrients diffuse into the
biofilm and are metabolized by the stationary (fixed) microorganisms.
Microorganisms use contaminants in wastewater
as nutrients to sustain growth and oxygen for ■ Carbon-oxidizing trickling filters utilize heterotrophic bacteria.
respiration. ■ Nitrifying trickling filters utilize autotrophic bacteria.
Expected Most trickling filters are designed to remove
Filter type Organic loading Percent soluble Media
performance carbonaceous BOD (CBOD) and/or nitrogen. (lb BOD per CBOD/ammonia– suitability
1000 ft3 per day) nitrogen removal
Roughing filters 100–220 50% to 75% Vertical flow,
mixed flow
Carbon oxidizing 20–60 Up to 90% Vertical flow,
filters cross flow
Combined BOD 5–20 < 10 mg/L soluble Cross flow,
and nitrification CBOD standard
filters < 3 mg/L or medium
ammonia density
Nitrification filters < 20 mg/L or < 3 mg/L Cross flow,
filter will fail ammonia medium or
high density
Rotational Distributor-arm rotational speed regulates flushing Although many trickling filters have hydraulically driven distributors, some
speed/flushing intensity. distributors are equipped with mechanical or other speed controls. As a
intensity result, distributors previously operated at 30 seconds to 2 minutes per
Maintaining a relatively slow rotational speed and revolution. Speed-control distributors now often allow normal operational
high flushing intensity offers several benefits, such speeds ranging from 4 to 10 minutes per revolution. More importantly,
as biofilm thickness control, macro fauna control, many speed-control distributors allow specifying a regular (daily or
and increased wetting efficiency. weekly) “flushing” speed that may slow the distributor to more than 60
minutes per revolution.
Generally, the higher the organic loading, the
greater the flushing intensity required. The combination of slow distributor speed and pumped flow results in
dosing rates — sometimes referred to as “Spulkraft” — that are much
higher than previously possible. Suggested dosing rates — which vary
with media type, depth, and loading — for normal operation range from
25 to 200 mm (1 to 8 in.) per pass; suggested flushing rates range from
100 to 600 mm (4 to 24 in.) per pass.

WWW.WEF.ORG/MAGAZINE l AUGUST 2013 l WE&T 69
Macro fauna Snails are the No. 1 reported predator Many problems associated with macro fauna can be controlled by increasing flushing
within trickling filters. intensity. Snail-control mechanisms include filter flooding — either alone or with the
addition of sodium hydroxide to raise pH — or maintaining high concentrations of
Detrimental effects of snail infestations ammonia, which is toxic to snails.
include grazing of nitrifying biofilm and
accumulation in aeration basins, process Some facilities have developed snail traps to contain and remove snails from trickling filter
channels, and digesters. Trickling filters with effluent lines and aeration tanks.
higher organic loading rates typically do not
undergo problems with snails.
Filter (Psychoda) and crane flies (look like

large mosquitoes) lay eggs on the media.
The larvae graze on the biofilm.
Recirculation The ability to recirculate flow to the trickling Recirculation provides the ability to maintain a consistent flow to the trickling filter during
and hydraulic filter can be used to increase oxygen or diurnal flow variations, provides for consistent rotation speeds for hydraulically driven
wetting ensure good wetting of the media. distributor arms, and maintains proper wetting rates.
The hydraulic wetting rate is the application Low wetting rates can result in nonuniform application of wastewater and unwetted areas
rate of wastewater to the trickling filter, that can attract snails and filter flies. Biofilm that is not wetted continuously and supplied
including recirculation, expressed as gal/ with food from the wastewater becomes ineffective. The typical suggested hydraulic
min•ft2. wetting rate range for BOD removal systems is 30 to 40 L/min•m2 (0.75 to 1.0 gal/
min•ft2). For nitrification systems, the range is 30 to 80 L/min•m2 (0.75 to 2.0 gal/min•ft2).
For speed-controlled distributors, the introduction of regular flushing of the trickling filter
and improved wetting through high instantaneous dosing rates make past criteria for
hydraulic wetting and recirculation of secondary or little concern. Operators should track
the past criteria but may find better operation by establishing a good dosing program.
Greg Farmer is a process specialist at the Littleton/Englewood (Colo.) Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Boost Your Productivity

in sludge dewatering

70 WE&T l AUGUST 2013 l WWW.WEF.ORG/MAGAZINE
250
Section 9

Disinfection
249
Wastewater Disinfection and Disinfection
Chlorination • The MAIN purpose of disinfection is to destroy
pathogenic microorganisms and thus prevent
spread of disease
• Pathogenic = disease‐causing
• Ultimate measure of effectiveness is
bacteriological result
TDEC - Fleming Training Center 1 TDEC - Fleming Training Center 2
Removal of Pathogenic Effectiveness of Microorganism
Microorganisms Removal
Treatment Process Microorganism Removal, %
• Wastewater treatment removes some of the Screening 10 – 20 %
pathogenic microorganisms through these Grit Channel 10 – 25 %
processes: Primary Sedimentation 25 – 75 %
– Physical removal through sedimentation and Chemical Precipitation 40 – 80 %
filtration Trickling Filters 90 – 95 %

Activated Sludge 90 – 98 %
– Natural die‐off in an unfavorable environment
Chlorination 98 – 99 %
– Destruction by chemicals introduced for Ozone 98.5 – 99.5 %*
treatment purposes UV Radiation 99 – 99.9 %**
*Depends on microorganisms and contact time

**Depends on microorganisms and UV intensity and contact time
Disinfection vs. Sterilization Pathogenic Organisms
Diseases that are spread through water (waterborne
• Disinfection is the destruction of all diseases):
pathogenic microorganisms ◦ Bacterial ◦ Protozoa
– Chlorination of wastewater is considered  Cholera  Amoebic Dysentery
adequate when the  Typhoid  Giardiasis
• Fecal coliform count has been reduced to 200 cfu*/100  Salmonellosis  Cryptosporidiosis
mL or less
 Shigellosis, a bacillary ◦ Viral
• E. coli count has been reduced to 126 cfu/100 mL or
less dysentery  Polio
 Gastroenteritis from  Hepatitis A
• Sterilization is the destruction of ALL enteropathogenic  Viral gastroenteritis
microorganisms Escherichia coli
*cfu = colony forming unit
252 Disinfection
Disinfection Chlorine Chemicals
• The main objective of disinfection is to  Elemental chlorine
◦ Yellow‐green gas or amber liquid
prevent the spread of disease by protecting: ◦ 100% chlorine
– Public water supplies  Sodium hypochlorite – Bleach
– Receiving waters used for recreational purposes ◦ Clear, pale yellow liquid
• Protect water where human contact is likely ◦ 5‐15% chlorine
– Fisheries and shellfish growing areas  Calcium hypochlorite – HTH
– Irrigation and agricultural waters ◦ White, pale yellow granules or tablets
◦ 65% chlorine
– Receiving waters that are a source
of beneficial water reuse  Chlorine dioxide
◦ Green‐yellow gas generated on‐site
Chemical formulas Chlorine
• Elemental chlorine (Free chlorine) • Reacts with:
– Cl2 – Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
• Hypochlorite (OCl‐) – Iron
– Sodium hypochlorite ‐ Bleach – Manganese
– Nitrite Chlorine Demand
• NaOCl
– Calcium hypochlorite – HTH – Phenols
• Ca(OCl)2 – Ammonia
• Chlorine dioxide – And lastly used for disinfection
– ClO2
What is Chlorine Demand? Chemistry of Chlorination
• The difference between the amount of • Each form of chlorine (Cl2, OCl‐, ClO2) has a
chlorine added to water and the amount of similar reaction with water and forms:
residual remaining after a given contact time. Hypochlorous Acid or Hypochlorite
Demand = Dose ‐ Residual
• Adding any form of chlorine to wastewater
• Chlorine demand may change with dosage, results in hydrolysis
time, temperature, pH, and the  Hydrolysis = a chemical reaction in which a
nature/amount of impurities in the water compound is converted into another compound
by taking up water
Disinfection 251
Chemistry of Chlorination Chemistry of Chlorination
• Oxidizing agent = any substance (ex: oxygen Cl2 + H2O  HOCl + HCl
[O2] or chlorine [Cl2]) that will readily add chlorine + water = hypochlorous acid & hypochloric acid
(take on) electrons
• Hypochlorous acid
– When O2 or Cl2 is added to water, organic – Most effective disinfectant
substances are oxidized • 40 – 80 times greater disinfection potential than OCI‐
– Prevalent at pH less than 7
• Reducing agent = any substance (ex: base Dissociates at higher pH:
metal such as iron or the sulfide ion [S2‐]) that HOCl  H+ + OCl
will readily donate (give up) electrons hypochlorite ion
Chemistry of Hypochlorination Chlorine Dioxide (ClO2): Chemistry
NaOCl + H2O  HOCl + NaOH • Made onsite and very unstable
hypochlorous acid
2NaClO2 + Cl2  2NaCl + 2ClO2
• Sodium hypochlorite will slightly raise the pH Sodium Chlorine Sodium Chlorine
because of the sodium hydroxide (NaOH) Chlorite Chloride Dioxide
• 2ClO2 + H2O  ClO3‐ + ClO2‐ + 2H+

Ca(OCl)2 + 2H2O  Ca(OH)2 + 2HOCl Chlorine Water Chlorate Chlorite Hydrogen
• Calcium hypochlorite does the same dioxide Ion Ion Ion
Chlorine Dose Chlorine and Ammonia
Chlorine Dose = Chlorine Demand + Chlorine
Residual • Ammonia (NH3) is present in all domestic wastewater
• When chlorine is added to water with NH3, the NH3
Chlorine Residual = Combined Chlorine forms
reacts with HOCI to form:
+ Free Chlorine – Monochloramine
• Free chlorine residual = the residual formed after the chlorine – Dichloramine Chloramines
demand has been met
– Trichloramine
• Combined chlorine residual = residual chlorine produced by
the reaction of chlorine with substances in the water (it can • Breakpoint chlorination occurs when the chlorine to
be combined with ammonia, organic nitrogen, or both) ammonia ratio exceeds ~ 8:1
– Chloramines and Chlororganics – At this point the Cl2 has oxidized the NH3 to nitrate or
– It is still available to oxidize organic matter and kill bacteria, but not as other end products
effective as free residual
254 Disinfection
Breakpoint Chlorination Curve Chlorine Residual
• Must use approved method
• Limits are in NPDES permit
• Microorganism population usually estimated
by determining MPN (Most Probable Number)
– Coliform group of organisms as indicator
organisms
Factors Influencing Disinfection Chlorine Demand
 Injection point and method of mixing • Chlorine demand can be caused by
 Design or shape of contact chamber
 Contact time
environmental factors such as:
◦ Most contact chambers are designed to give 30 min contact – Temperature
time
– pH
 Effectiveness of upstream processes
◦ The lower the SS, the better the disinfection – Alkalinity
 Temperature – Suspended solids
 Dose and type of chemical
– Biochemical and chemical oxygen demand
 pH
 Numbers and types of microorganisms – Ammonia nitrogen compounds
Chlorine Dosages for Adequate Chlorine
Residual Application Dosage Range,
mg/L
Application Points for
Chlorination: Collection System – Slime control 1 ‐ 15
• Collection system Treatment – Grease Removal 1 ‐ 10

Activated Sludge – Bulking 1 ‐ 10
• Prechlorination
Digester – Supernatant 20 ‐ 150
• Plant chlorination
Disinfection – Raw Wastewater 10 ‐ 130
• Chlorination before
filtration Disinfection – Primary Clarifier Effluent 5 ‐ 20
• Post‐chlorination Disinfection – Trickling Filter Effluent 3 ‐ 20
Disinfection – Activated Sludge 2 ‐ 8

Effluent
Disinfection – Advanced Treatment 1 ‐ 5
Figure 10.3 Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Vol II, Seventh edition, p.355
Disinfection 253
Collection System Prechlorination
• Odor control • The addition of chlorine to wastewater at the
– Aeration may be most cost efficient entrance to the treatment plant, ahead of
• Corrosion control settling units and prior to the addition of
other chemicals
• BOD control
– Aids in:
– Decrease the load imposed on the STP
• Odor control
• Decrease BOD load
• Settling
• Oil removal
Plant Chlorination Chlorination Before Filtration
• Chlorine can be added to wastewater during treatment • Kills algae and other large biological organisms
– The point of application depends on the desired results
• Emergency measure only, use extreme care when in water or in filters
chlorinating in the treatment process because you may – Biological growth may cause filters to clog which
interfere or inhibit biological treatment processes would cause the need to backwash more
• Aids in: frequently
– Control of odors
– Corrosion
– Sludge bulking
– Digester foam
– Filter flies
– Trickling Filter Ponding
Post‐chlorination Typical Layout ‐ Contact Basin

• Post‐chlorination is defined as the addition of
chlorine to municipal or industrial wastewater
following other treatment processes
– Point of application should be before a Chlorine
Contact Chamber or Basin and after the final
• Design Criteria (10.2.2.4‐5):
clarifier
o Minimum 30:1 length to width ratio
– Sole purpose is disinfection o The total length of the channel created by the baffles should
– A highly nitrified effluent can be difficult to be 30 times the distance between the baffles
disinfect, adding 1.5 mg/L of ammonia to the o 15 min. detention time at daily peak design flow
effluent of the nitrification process can correct the o 30 min. detention time at average design flow
problem
256 Disinfection
Relative Effectiveness Relative Effectiveness
vs. pH vs. Temperature vs. Dosage vs. Contact Time
The lower the ph (<7), the When the temperature increases

disinfection action increases the disinfection action of
because hypochlorous acid is chlorine increases.
formed from chlorine and has 40
to 80 times greater disinfection
potential. TDEC - Fleming Training Center 31 TDEC - Fleming Training Center 32
Types of Feed Control Types of Feed Control
Manual Control Start Stop Control Step Rate Control Timed Program Control
Flow Proportional Control Chlorination Control
Nomograph
• Nomogram is a chart
or diagram
containing three or
more scales used to
solve problems with
three or more
variables
Disinfection 255
Chlorine Hazards Chlorine Leaks
• Chlorine gas is:
 To locate chlorine leaks you should use a commercial
– 2.5 times heavier than air ammonia water (containing 28‐30% ammonia as NH3 which
(video) is the same as 58% ammonium hydroxide, NH4OH, or
– Extremely toxic commercial 26º Baumé)
◦ The ammonia water can be put in a polyethylene squeeze bottle
– Corrosive in moist about half full and squeeze the ammonia vapors around potential
atmospheres Cl2 leak.
◦ When ammonia vapor comes in contact with chlorine, a white
• Exhaust fans should be cloud of ammonia chloride is formed.
located at floor level in ◦ A ammonia soaked rag wrapped around a stick will also do.
◦ Household ammonia is not strong enough.
the chlorine room.
 Never put water on a chlorine leak because the mixture of
• Self‐contained air (SCBA) water and chlorine will increase the rate of corrosion at the
required leak.
– Should be on‐site, located
outside of Cl2 room TDEC - Fleming Training Center 37 TDEC - Fleming Training Center 38
Chlorine Leaks Physiological Response to Chlorine
Gas
• To shut down a gas chlorination system for Parts of Chlorine Gas per
Effect Million Parts of Air by
maintenance: Volume (ppm)
– Turn off the chlorine gas supply Slight symptoms after several hours’ exposure 1*
– Wait for the rotameter ball to drop to 0 lbs Detectable odor 0.08 – 0.4
– Turn off the injector water supply to insure that all 60‐min inhalation without serious effects 4
gas has been expelled Noxiousness 5
Throat irritation 15
Coughing 30
Dangerous from ½ ‐ 1 hour 40
Death after a few deep breaths 1,000
*OSHA regs specify that exposure to chlorine shall at NO time exceed 1 ppm.
Chlorine Chlorine
• Chlorine is available in: • These containers under normal conditions of temperature and
– 150 lb cylinders pressure contain chlorine as a liquid and a gas form.
– 1 ton containers – If you take chlorine from the bottom of the container, it will
– Up to 90 ton railroad cars be liquid
– If you take chlorine from the top of the container, it will be
gas
• Liquid chlorine expands
in volume by 460 times
as a gas at atmospheric
pressure
258 Disinfection
Chlorine Cylinder (100 or 150 lb.) Ton Container

• The fusible plug melts at 158‐165°F to prevent
build‐up of excessive pressure and possible rupture  Ton tanks weigh ~ 3,700 pounds
• Move cylinders with properly balanced hand truck  Most ton tanks have 6‐8 fusible plugs that are designed
with clamp supports that fasten at least 2/3 of the to melt at the same temperature range as the safety
way up the cylinder plug in the cylinder valve
• Cylinders must be kept away from direct heat
 Ton tanks should be stored and used on their sides,
above the floor or ground on steel or concrete
• It is not advisable to draw more than 40 lbs supports
of chlorine in a 24‐hr period because of the  Ton tanks should be placed on trunnions
danger of freezing and slowing down the
 The upper valve will discharge chlorine gas and he
chlorine flow lower valve will discharge liquid chlorine
 The max withdrawal rate for a ton container is 400
lbs/day.
Chlorine Repair Kits Chlorination Equipment
Chlorinator
• Vacuum fed (safer)
• Used to establish a feed rate
in pounds per day
Kit A • Components include:
– Differential regulating valve
Kit B – V‐Notch orifice with plug
positioner
– Rotameter
Chlorination Equipment Dechlorination
Evaporator
• Installed where large • Dechlorination is the physical or chemical
amounts of chlorine are removal of all traces of residual chlorine
fed
remaining after the disinfection process and
• An evaporator is a hot
water heater surrounding a prior to the discharge of the effluent to the
steel tank and the liquid receiving waters
chlorine is evaporated to
gas at 110‐120°F
• Removal methods:
– Aeration
– Sunlight
– Long detention time
TDEC - Fleming Training Center 47 – Chemicals TDEC - Fleming Training Center 48
Disinfection 257
Chemicals Used for Dechlorination Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
• Sulfur dioxide • Sodium bisulfate • Colorless gas with a characteristic pungent
– SO2 – NaHSO3 odor
– One‐to‐one • Not flammable or explosive
• Sodium metabisulfite
basis • Not corrosive unless in a moist environment
– Na2S2O5
– Most (can form sulfuric acid)
• Sodium Thiosulfate • Detecting for sulfur dioxide leaks is done the
popular
– Na2S2O3 same way for chlorine by using ammonia
• Sodium sulfite
vapor dispenser or ammonia soaked rags.
– Na2SO3
SO2 Chemical Reaction Dechlorination Application Point

• Reacts almost instantaneously
• Conversion of all active positive chlorine ions • The typical application point is just before
to the nonactive negative chloride ions discharge into receiving stream
• Organic materials present may require extra • This allows for maximum time for disinfection
SO2 to take place
• Excess SO2 dosage should be avoided because
it will lead to:
1. reduction in DO
2. drop in pH
3. increase in BOD/COD
Physiological Response to Sulfur Ultraviolet Radiation
Dioxide
Effect Concentration  Ultraviolet radiation is commonly referred to as
Lowest concentration detectable by odor 3‐5 ppm ultraviolet light or UV
Lowest concentration immediately irritating to throat 8‐12 ppm • With growing concern with safety of chlorine handling
Lowest concentration immediately irritating to eyes 20 ppm and the possible health effects of chlorination by‐
Lowest concentration causing coughing 20 ppm products, UV is gaining popularity
Maximum allowable concentration for 8‐hr exposure 10 ppm
• UV disinfection is a
Maximum allowable concentration for 1‐hr exposure 50‐100 ppm
practical alternative to
Tolerable (briefly) 150 ppm
chlorine disinfection
Immediately dangerous concentration 400‐500 ppm
OSHA 8‐hour TWA (Time Weighted Average) is 2 ppm and the 15‐minute STEL (Short Term
Exposure Limit) is 5 ppm
TDEC - Fleming Training Center 53 54
260 Disinfection
Ultraviolet Radiation UV – System Components

 A UV system transfers
electromagnetic energy from
a mercury arc lamp to an • Mercury arc lamps
organism’s genetic material. • Ballast
 When UV radiation penetrates
the cell wall of an organism, it • Reactor
destroys the cell’s ability to
reproduce
– Single or multiple banks mounted in a
 UV radiation, generated by an vessel
electrical discharge through • Source of UV can either be low‐pressure
mercury vapor, penetrates the
genetic material of or medium pressure mercury arc lamp
microorganisms and retards with low or high intensities.
their ability to reproduce.
Ultraviolet Radiation UV – System Components

• The effectiveness of a UV system depends on:
• The optimum wavelength to effectively inactivate
– Characteristics of the WW microorganisms is in the range of 250‐270 nm.
– Intensity of the UV radiation • The intensity of the radiation emitted from the lamp
– Amount of time the microorganisms are exposed dissipates as the distance from the lamp increases.
to the radiation • Low‐pressure lamps emit essentially monochromatic
– Reactor configuration light at a wavelength of 253.7 nm.
• Standard lengths of the low‐pressure lamps are 0.75
and 1.5 meters with diameters of 1.5‐2.0 cm.
• The ideal lamp wall temperature is between 95‐122º
Low Pressure UV Lamps UV – System Components

• Lamp assemblies mounted in a rack(s) that are • Medium‐pressure lamps are generally used for
immersed in flowing water large facilities
• Can be enclosed in a vessel or in an open • They have approximately 15‐20 times the
channel germicidal UV intensity of low‐pressure lamps
– Enclosed in vessels in pressure systems • The medium‐pressure lamp disinfect faster and
has greater penetration capability because of its
• Placed either horizontal and parallel to flow or
higher intensity.
vertical and perpendicular to flow
• However, these lamps operate at higher
• Number of lamps determines water depth in temperatures with higher energy consumption
channel
Disinfection 259
UV Operation Typical UV Lamp
Configurations
• Lamp output declines as they age
– Operators must monitor output and replace bulbs that  Closed vessel lamp
no longer meet design standards arrangements are more
• Turbidity and flow must be monitored typically found in drinking
– Suspended particles can shield microorganisms from water plants
the UV light
– Flows should be somewhat turbulent to ensure  Wastewater plants
complete exposure of all organisms to the bulbs normally have UV bulbs
• UV light does NOT leave a residual like chlorine placed in an open channel
– Bacteriological tests must be run frequently to ensure either horizontal or
adequate disinfection is taking place
– Microorganisms that were not killed may be able to perpendicular to flow
heal themselves
Safety with UV Systems Maintenance
• Quartz sleeves
• The light from a UV lamp can cause serious – Cleaning frequency depends on water quality and
burns to your eyes and skin treatment chemicals
• Always take precautions to protect your eyes – Dip modules in nitric acid or phosphoric acid for 5
and skin minutes to remove scale
• NEVER look into the uncovered sections of the – Cleaned by removing modules from channel or by
in‐channel cleaning
UV chamber without protective glasses
– In‐channel cleaning requires back‐up channel and
• UV lamps contain mercury vapor, which is a greater volume of cleaning solution
hazardous substance that can be released if • Precautions should be taken to protect concrete walls
the lamp is broken of channel from being damaged by acid
Maintenance UV ‐ Advantages

• UV lamps • Effective at inactivating most viruses, spores and cysts
– Service life ranges from • Physical process rather than a chemical disinfectant
7,500 – 20,000 hours – Eliminates the need to generate, handle, transport or store
toxic/hazardous or corrosive chemicals
– Depends on
• Level of suspended solids
• No residual effect that can be harmful to humans or
aquatic life
• Frequency of on/off cycles
• Operating temperature of lamp electrodes
• User‐friendly for operators
– Lamp output drops 30‐40% in first 7,500 hours • Shorter contact time when compared with other
disinfectants
– Lamp electrode failure is most common cause of lamp failure – Approximately 20‐30 seconds with low‐pressure lamps
– Do not throw used lamps in garbage can • Requires less space than other methods
• Must be disposed properly due to mercury content
262 Disinfection
O2 + Energy  O + O
UV ‐ Disadvantages Ozone O + O2  O3
• Low dose may not effectively inactivate some viruses, spores
or cysts • Ozone forms naturally in the atmosphere
• Organisms can sometimes repair and reverse the destructive • Wastewater disinfection systems typically
effects of UV through a “repair mechanism” known as photo produce ozone by electrical methods
reactivation, or in the absence of light known as “dark repair”
• Extremely dry air containing oxygen molecules
• Preventive maintenance program is necessary to control (O2)exposed to high‐voltage discharge creates ozone
fouling of tubes (O3)
• Turbidity and TSS in the WW can render UV disinfection • Very strong oxidant and virucide
ineffective
– UV disinfection with low‐pressure lamps is not as effective for • Ozone is generated on‐site because it is unstable
secondary effluent with TSS levels above 30 mg/L and decomposes to elemental oxygen in a short
• Not as cost‐effective as chlorination, bust costs are amount of time after generation.
competitive when chlorination and dechlorination is used and
fire codes are met TDEC - Fleming Training Center 67 TDEC - Fleming Training Center 68
Ozonation Effects of Ozone on Bacteria
• Ozone’s increased use as a disinfectant is
being spurred by increasing regulations
around the world on the discharge of
pharmaceuticals and endocrine‐disrupting
pollutants
• Direct oxidation/destruction of cell wall
• Research into ozone’s efficacy in eliminating • Reactions with radical byproducts of ozone decomposition
these pollutants and producing safe reuse • Damage to nucleic acids (purines and pyrimidines) inside the
cell, which alters genetic material and prevents cell
water may lead to more common use of ozone replication
• It is generally believed that the bacteria are destroyed by cell
lysis
Ozone
• Ozone is fed into a down‐flow contact chamber to
transfer ozone from the gas bubble into the bulk
liquid while providing sufficient contact time for
disinfection
• Because it is consumed quickly, it must be
contacted uniformly in a near plug flow contactor
• Residual ozone measured by the iodometric
method
• Dissolved ozone measured by Indigo test
Disinfection 261
Ozone Maintenance
• Effectiveness depends on: • Inspect electrical equipment and pressure
– Susceptibility of the target organisms vessels monthly
– Contact time • Conduct a yearly preventive maintenance
program
– Concentration of ozone
– Should be done by a factory representative or an
• The key process control guidelines are dose, operator trained by the manufacturer
mixing, and contact time • Lubricate moving parts according to
manufacturer’s recommendations
Safety Ozone ‐ Advantages

• Ozone is a toxic gas and is a hazard to plants • More effective than chlorine in destroying viruses and
bacteria
and animals • Short contact time (10‐30 min)
• When ozone breaks down in the atmosphere, • No harmful residues left in water
• No re‐growth of microorganisms
the resulting pollutants can be very harmful – Except for those protected by particulates in water
• Ozone contactors must have a system to • Generated on‐site
– Fewer safety problems associated with shipping and handling
collect ozone off‐gas. • Elevates DO levels in effluent
– Ozone generating installations must include a – Can eliminate needs for post aeration
– Can raise DO levels in receiving stream
thermal or catalytic ozone destroyer
Ozone ‐ Disadvantages Peracetic Acid (PAA)

• Low dose may not effectively inactivate some viruses, • A mixture of acetic acid and hydrogen
spores and cysts
• More complex technology peroxide and water
– Requiring more complex equipment and efficient contacting
systems
• Very reactive and corrosive
– Requiring corrosive‐resistant materials such as stainless steel
• Not economical for WW with high levels of solids, BOD,
COD or total organic carbon (TOC)
• Extremely irritating and possibly toxic to humans at • Strong “vinegar” smell
concentrations of 1 ppm or greater in air
• Cost can be high in capital and power intensiveness
• Oxidation results in
pathogenic cell lysis
264 Disinfection
Peracetic Acid (PAA) ‐ Advantages Peracetic Acid (PAA) ‐ Disadvantages

• Alternative to chlorine • More expensive
– No disinfection byproducts (DBPs) that could be • PAA seems to be less effective for spores,
toxic to aquatic life viruses and protozoa (Giardia and
• THMs, HAAs Cryptosporidium)
• No removal step (ex: dechlorination) • Can present an oxygen demand
• Simple to operate
• Chlorine contact chambers can often be retrofitted
• Safety in transportation/storage
• Lower freezing point/more stable than chlorine
Peracetic Acid (PAA) Peracetic Acid (PAA)
• Effectiveness depends on: • Approval Process for Tennessee:
– Susceptibility of the target organisms – Tennessee does not have numeric water quality
– Contact time criteria
– Concentration of PAA – Bench‐scale, partial pilot scale or full scale pilot
test to determine the efficacy of the disinfection
within the PAA concentration restriction imposed
by the WET test results in the receiving stream
using a specific PAA formulation
– We recommend you contact the division early in
the process to understand the specific
TDEC - Fleming Training Center 81 expectations TDEC - Fleming Training Center 82
Peracetic Acid ‐ Limits Peracetic Acid in the US

• There is not currently a water quality criteria
so limits are site specific based on the study
results.
• Monitor and Report
– Hydrogen Peroxide
– Peracetic Acid
• The is a 1 mg/L limit published by the
industries
Disinfection 263
Peracetic Acid in TN
• Tullahoma Utilities Authority WWTP • Any Questions?
• Lexington, TN
• Memphis, TN
266 Disinfection
CHAPTER 10
Disinfection
10.1 General
10.1.1 Requirement for Disinfection

10.1.2 Methods of Disinfection
10.1.3 Dechlorination
10.2 Chlorination
10.2.1 General
10.2.2 Design Considerations
10.2.3 Design Details
10.2.4 Safety
10.3 Alternate Methods
10.3.1 Ozonation
10.3.2 Ultraviolet Disinfection

Disinfection 265
DISINFECTION
10.1 General
10.1.1 Requirement for Disinfection
Proper disinfection of treated wastewater before disposal is required for all plants
(with the exception of some land application systems) to protect the public health.
Disinfection as a minimum shall:
a. Protect public water supplies
b. Protect fisheries and shellfish waters
c. Protect irrigation and agricultural waters
d. Protect water where human contact is likely
10.1.2 Methods of Disinfection
10.1.2.1 Chlorination
Chlorination using dry chlorine (see definition in following section) is

the most commonly applied method of disinfection and should be used
unless other factors, including chlorine availability, costs, or
environmental concerns, justify an alternative method.
10.1.2.2 Ozonation
Ozonation may be considered as an alternative to chlorination for the

reasons described above. Ozonation is considered as Developmental
Technology, and should only be considered for very large installations.
10.1.2.3 Other
Other potential methods of disinfection, such as by ultraviolet light, are

available and their application will be considered on a case-by-case
basis.
10.1.3 Dechlorination
Capability to add dechlorination should be considered in all new treatment plants.

Dechlorination of chlorinated effluents shall be provided when permit conditions
dictate the need.

268 Disinfection
10.2 Chlorination
10.2.1 General
10.2.1.1 Forms of Chlorine
a. Dry Chlorine
Dry chlorine is defined as elemental chlorine existing in the liquid or

gaseous phase, containing less than 150 mg/l water. Unless otherwise
stated, the word "chlorine" wherever used in this section refers to dry
chlorine.
b. Sodium Hypochlorite
Sodium hypochlorite may be used as an alternative to chlorine whenever

dry chlorine availability, cost, or public safety justifies its use. The
requirements for sodium hypochlorite generation and feeding will be
determined on a case-by-case basis.
c. Other
Other chlorine compounds such as chlorine dioxide or bromine chloride

may be used as alternatives to chlorine whenever cost or environmental
concerns justify their use. The acceptability of other chlorine compounds
will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
10.2.1.2 Chlorine Feed Equipment
Solution-feed vacuum-type chlorinators are generally preferred for large

installations. The use of hypochlorite feeders of the positive
displacement type may be considered. Dry chlorine tablet type feeders
may also be considered for small flows, into large streams.
Liquid chlorine evaporators should be considered where more than four

1-ton containers will be connected to a supply manifold.
10.2.1.3 Chlorine Supply
a. Cylinders
Cylinders should be considered where the average daily chlorine use is

150 pounds or less. Cylinders are available in 100-pound or 150-pound
sizes.

Disinfection 267
b. Containers
The use of 1-ton containers should be considered where the average

daily chlorine consumption is over 150 pounds.
c. Large-Volume Shipments
At large installations, consideration should be given to the use of truck

or railroad tank cars, or possibly barge tank loads, generally
accompanied by gas evaporators.
10.2.1.4 Chlorine Gas Withdrawal Rates
The maximum withdrawal rate for 100- and 150- pound cylinders should
be limited to 40 pounds per day per cylinder.
When gas is withdrawn from 2,000-pound containers, the withdrawal

rate should be limited to 400 pounds per day per container.
10.2.2 Design Considerations
10.2.2.1 General
Chlorination system designs should consider the following design

factors:
Flow
Contact time
Concentration and type of chlorine residual
Mixing
pH
Suspended solids
Industrial wastes
Temperature
Concentration of organisms
Ammonia concentration

270 Disinfection
10.2.2.2 Capacity
Required chlorinator capacities will vary, depending on the use and

point of application of the chlorine. Chlorine dosage should be
established for each individual situation, with those variables affecting
the chlorine reaction taken into consideration. For normal wastewater,
the following dosing capacity may be used as a guideline.
Dosage Capacity*
Type of Treatment (mg/l)
Prechlorination for
Odor Control 20-25
Activated Sludge Return 5-10
Trickling Filter Plant

Effluent (non-nitrified) 3-15
Activated Sludge Plant

Effluent (non-nitrified) 2-8
Tertiary Filtration 1-6

Effluent
Nitrified Effluent 2-6
Stabilization Pond
Effluent Up to 35
* Based on Average Design Flow.
The design should provide adequate flexibility in the chlorination

equipment and control system to allow controlled chlorination at
minimum and peak flows over the entire life of the treatment plant.
Special consideration should be given to the chlorination requirements
during the first years of operation to ensure the chlorination system is
readily operable at less than design flows without overchlorination.
Chlorination equipment should operate between 25% and 75% of total
operating range, to allow for adjusting flexibility at design average flow.

Disinfection 269
10.2.2.3 Mixing
The mixing of chlorine and wastewater can be accomplished by

hydraulic or mechanical mixing.
Hydraulic mixing is preferred in smaller plants over mechanical mixing

and should be done according to the following criteria.
a. Pipe Flow:
A Reynolds Number of greater than or equal to 1.9 X 104 is required.
Pipes up to 30 inches in diameter: chlorine injected into center of pipe.
Pipes greater than 30 inches in diameter: chlorine injected with a

grid-type diffuser.
Chlorine applied at least 10 pipe diameters upstream from inlet to

contact tank.
b. Open channel flow:
A hydraulic jump with a minimum Froude Number of 4.5 is necessary to

provide adequate hydraulic mixing. Point of chlorine injection must be
variable because jump location will change with changes in flow.
When mechanical mixing must be used, the following criteria apply:
Use where Reynolds Number for pipe flow is less than 1.9 X 104 or for
open channel flow without a hydraulic jump.
A mixer-reactor unit is necessary that provides 6 to 18 seconds contact.
Inject chlorine just upstream from mixer.
Mixer speed a minimum of 50 revolutions per minute (rpm).
Jet Chlorinators may be used in a separate chamber from the contact

chamber.
The contact chamber shall conform to Section 10.2.2.4 with an average

design flow minimum detention time reduced to 15 minutes and a peak
detention time of 7.5 minutes.

272 Disinfection
10.2.2.4 Contact Period
Contact chambers shall be sized to provide a minimum of 30 minutes

detention at average design flow and 15 minutes detention at daily peak
design flow, whichever is greater. Contact chambers should be designed
so detention times are less than 2 hours for initial flows.
10.2.2.5 Contact Chambers
The contact chambers should be baffled to minimize short-circuiting

and backmixing of the chlorinated wastewater to such an extent that plug
flow is approached. It is recommended that baffles be constructed
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber with a minimum
length-to-width ratio of 30:1 (the total length of the channel created by
the baffles should be 30 times the distance between the baffles).
Shallow unidirectional contact chambers should also have cross-baffles
to reduce short-circuiting caused by wind currents.
Provision shall be made for removal of floating and settleable solids

from chlorine contact tanks or basins without discharging inadequately
disinfected effluent. To accomplish continuous disinfection, the
chlorine contact tank should be designed with duplicate compartments to
permit draining and cleaning of individual compartments. A sump or
drain within each compartment, with the drainage flowing to a raw
sewage inlet, shall be provided for dewatering, sludge accumulation, and
maintenance. Unit drains shall not discharge into the outfall pipeline.
Baffles shall be provided to prevent the discharge of floating material.
A readily accessible sampling point shall be provided at the outlet end of

the contact chamber.
In some instances, the effluent line may be used as chlorine contact

chambers provided that the conditions set forth above are met.
10.2.2.6 Dechlorination
a. Sulfur Dioxide
Sulfur dioxide can be purchased, handled, and applied to wastewater in

the same way as chlorine. Sulfur dioxide gas forms sulfurous acid, a
strong reducing agent, when combined with water. When mixed with
free and combined chlorine residuals, sulfurous acid will neutralize these
active chlorine compounds to the nontoxic chloride ion.
Sulfur dioxide dosage required for dechlorination is 1 mg/l of SO2 for 1
mg/l of chlorine residual expressed as Cl2. Reaction time is essentially

Disinfection 271
instantaneous. Detention time requirements are based on the time

necessary to assure complete mixing of the sulfur dioxide.
b. Other Methods
For very small treatment systems, detention ponds should be considered

for dechlorination.
Design rationale and calculations shall be submitted upon request to

justify the basis of design for all major components of other
dechlorination processes.
10.2.2.7 Sampling, Instrumentation, and Control
For treatment facility designs of 0.5 mgd and greater, continuously

modulated dosage control systems should be used. The control system
should adjust the chlorine dosage rate to accommodate fluctuations in
effluent chlorine demand and residual caused by changes in waste flow
and waste characteristics with a maximum lag time of five minutes.
These facilities should also utilize continuous chlorine residual
monitoring.
Flow proportional control is preferred over manual control for smaller

facilities and may be required on a case-by-case basis. The design shall
shut off the chlorination for small systems where the flow is zero, such
as late at night.
In all cases where dechlorination is required, a compound loop control

system or equivalent should be provided.
All sample lines should be designed so that they can be easily purged of
slimes and other debris and drain or be protected from freezing.
Alarms and monitoring equipment that adequately alert the operators in

the event of deficiencies, malfunctions, or hazardous situations related to
chlorine supply metering equipment, leaks, and residuals may be
required on a case-by-case basis.
Design of instrumentation and control equipment should allow operation

at initial and design flows.

274 Disinfection
10.2.2.8 Residual Chlorine Testing
Equipment should be provided for measuring chlorine residual.

There are five EPA accepted methods for analysis of total residual
chlorine and they are:
1) Ion Selective Electrode,

2) Amperometric End Point Titration Method,
3) Iodometric Titration Methods I & II,
4) DPD Colormetric Method and,
5) DPD Ferrous Titrimetric Method.
Where the discharge occurs in critical areas, the installation of facilities

for continuous automatic chlorine residual analysis and recording
systems may be required.
10.2.3 Design Details
10.2.3.1 Housing
a. General
An enclosed structure shall be provided for the chlorination equipment.
Chlorine cylinder or container storage area shall be shaded from direct

sunlight.
Chlorination systems should be protected from fire hazards, and water

should be available for cooling cylinders or containers in case of fire.
Any building which will house chlorine equipment or containers should

be designed and constructed to protect all elements of the chlorine
system from fire hazards. If flammable materials are stored or processed
in the same building with chlorination equipment (other than that
utilizing hypochlorite solutions), a firewall should be erected to separate
the two areas.
If gas chlorination equipment and chlorine cylinders or containers are to

be in a building used for other purposes, a gastight partition shall
separate this room from any other portion of the building. Doors to this
room shall open only to the outside of the building and shall be equipped
with panic hardware. Such rooms should be at or above ground level
and should permit easy access to all equipment.

Disinfection 273
A reinforced glass, gastight window shall be installed in an exterior door

or interior wall of the chlorinator room to permit the chlorinator to be
viewed without entering the room.
Adequate room must be provided for easy access to all equipment for
maintenance and repair. The minimum acceptable clearance around and
in back of equipment is 2 feet, except for units designed for wall or
cylinder mounting.
b. Heat
Chlorinator rooms should have a means of heating and controlling the

room air temperature above a minimum of 55° F. A temperature of 65°
F is recommended.
The room housing chlorine cylinders or containers in use should be

maintained at a temperature less than the chlorinator room, but in no
case less than 55° F unless evaporators are used and liquid chlorine is
withdrawn.
All rooms containing chlorine should also be protected from excess heat.
The room containing ozone generation units shall be maintained above

35oF at all times.
c. Ventilation
All chlorine feed rooms and rooms where chlorine is stored should be
force-ventilated, providing one air change per minute, except "package"
buildings with less than 16 square feet of floor space, where an entire
side opens as a door and sufficient cross-ventilation is provided by a
window. For ozonation systems, continuous ventilation to provide at
least 6 complete air changes per hour should be installed. The entrance
to the air exhaust duct from the room should be near the floor and the
point of discharge should be so located as not to contaminate the air inlet
to any building or inhabited areas. The air inlet should be located to
provide cross-ventilation by air at a temperature that will not adversely
affect the chlorination equipment.
Chlorinators and some accessories require individual vents to a safe

outside area. The vent should terminate not more than 25 feet above the
chlorinator or accessory and have a slight downward slope from the
highest point. The outside end of the vent should bend down to preclude
water entering the vent and be covered with a screen to exclude insects.

276 Disinfection
d. Electrical
Electrical controls for lights and the ventilation system should operate
automatically when the entrance doors are opened. Manually controlled
override switches should be located adjacent to and outside of all
entrance doors, with an indicator light at each entrance. Electrical
controls should be excluded, insofar as possible, from rooms containing
chlorine cylinders, chlorine piping, or chlorination equipment.
e. Dechlorination equipment (SO2) shall not be placed in the same room

as the Cl2 equipment. SO2 equipment is to be located such that the
safety requirements of handling Cl2 are not violated in any form or
manner.
10.2.3.2 Piping and Connections
a. Dry Chlorine
Piping systems should be as simple as possible, with a minimum number

of joints; piping should be well supported, adequately sloped to allow
drainage, protected from mechanical damage, and protected against
temperature extremes.
The piping system to handle gas under pressure should be constructed of

Schedule 80 black seamless steel pipe with 2,000-pound forged steel
fittings. Unions should be ammonia type with lead gaskets. All valves
should be Chlorine Institute-approved. Gauges should be equipped with
a silver protector diaphragm.
Piping can be assembled by either welded or threaded connections. All

threaded pipe must be cleaned with solvent, preferably trichlorethylene,
and dried with nitrogen gas or dry air. Teflon tape should be used for
thread lubricant in lieu of pipe dope.
b. Injector Vacuum Line
The injector vacuum line between the chlorinator and the injector should
be Schedule 80 PVC or fiber cast pipe approved for moist chlorine use.
c. Chlorine Solution
The chlorine solution lines can be Schedule 40 or 80 PVC, rubber-lined

steel, saran-lined steel, or fiber cast pipe approved for moist chlorine
use. Valves should be PVC, PVC-lined, or rubber- lined.

Disinfection 275
10.2.3.3 Water Supply
An ample supply of water shall be available for operating the

chlorinator. Where a booster pump is required, duplicate equipment
shall be provided, and, when necessary, standby power as well. When
connection is made from domestic water supplies, equipment for
backflow prevention shall be provided. Where treated effluent is used, a
wye strainer shall be required. Pressure gauges should be provided on
chlorinator water supply lines.
10.2.3.4 Standby Equipment and Spare Parts
Standby chlorination capabilities should be provided which will ensure

adequate disinfection with any unit out of operation for maintenance or
repairs. An adequate inventory of parts subject to wear and breakage
should be maintained at all times.
10.2.3.5 Scales
Scales shall be provided at all plants using chlorine gas. At large plants,
scales of the indicating and recording type are recommended. Scales
shall be provided for each cylinder or container in service; one scale is
adequate for a group of cylinders or containers connected to a common
manifold. Scales should be constructed of or coated with
corrosion-resistant material. Scales shall be recommended for day tanks
when using HTH.
10.2.3.6 Handling Equipment
Handling equipment should be provided as follows for 100- and

150-pound cylinders:
A hand truck specifically designed for cylinders
A method of securing cylinders to prevent them from falling over
Handling equipment should be provided as follows for 2,000-pound

containers:
Two-ton-capacity hoist
Cylinder lifting bar

278 Disinfection
Monorail or hoist with sufficient lifting height to pass one cylinder over
another cylinder trunnions to allow rotating the cylinders for proper
connection.
10.2.3.7 Container Space
Sufficient space should be provided in the supply area for at least one
spare cylinder or container for each one in service.
10.2.3.8 Automatic Switchover of Cylinders and Containers
Automatic switchover of chlorine cylinders and containers at facilities

having less than continuous operator attendance is desirable and will be
required on a case-by-case basis.
10.2.4 Safety
10.2.4.1 Leak Detection and Controls
A bottle of 56% ammonium hydroxide solution shall be available for

detecting chlorine leaks.
All installations utilizing 2,000-pound containers and having less than

continuous operator attendance shall have suitable continuous chlorine
leak detectors. Continuous chlorine leak detectors would be desirable at
all installations. Whenever chlorine leak detectors are installed, they
should be connected to a centrally located alarm system and shall
automatically start exhaust fans.
10.2.4.2 Breathing Apparatus
At least one gas mask in good operating condition and of a type

approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) as suitable for high concentrations of chlorine gas shall be
available at all installations where chlorine gas is handled and shall be
stored outside of any room where chlorine is used or stored. Instructions
for using, testing, and replacing mask parts, including canisters, shall be
posted. At large installations, where 1-ton containers are used,
self- contained air breathing apparatus of the positive pressure type shall
be provided.

Disinfection 277
10.2.4.3 Container Repair Kits
All installations utilizing 1-ton containers should have Chlorine Institute

Emergency Container Kits. Other installations using cylinders should
have access to kits stored at a central location.
10.2.4.4 Piping Color Codes
It is desirable to color code all piping related to chlorine systems.
10.3 Alternate Methods
10.3.1 Ozonation
10.3.1.1 Application
Ozonation may be substituted for chlorination whenever chlorine

availability, cost, or environmental benefits justify its
application.
Ozone is generated on-site from either air or high-purity oxygen.

Ozonation should be considered if high-purity oxygen is
available at the plant for other processes.
10.3.1.2 Design Basis
The design requirements for ozonation systems should be based

on pilot testing or similar full-scale installations.
As a minimum, the following design factors should be

considered:
a. Ozone dosage
b. Dispersion and mixing of ozone in wastewater
c. Contactor design
All design criteria shall be submitted upon request to justify the

basis of design of the ozonation system. The detailed design
requirements will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

280 Disinfection
10.3.2 Ultraviolet Disinfection
10.3.2.1 Application
UV disinfection may be substituted for chlorination, particularly

whenever chlorine availability, cost, or environmental benefits
justify its application. For tertiary treatment plants where
dechlorination is required or chlorine toxicity is suspected, UV
disinfection is a viable alternative.
10.3.2.2 Design Basis
In the design of UV disinfection units there are three basic areas

that should be considered:
a. Reactor hydraulics
b. Factors affecting transmission of UV light to the

microorganisms
c. Properties of the wastewater being disinfected.
UV disinfection is considered as Developmental Technology and

all design criteria shall be submitted upon request to justify the
basis of the UV disinfection system. The detailed design
requirements will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Disinfection 279
Disinfection Vocabulary
1. Disease‐causing microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, are referred to as
_______________________ organisms. If this type of organism is found in water, it is capable of
causing a _________________________________, such as Typhoid.
2. The destruction of all pathogenic microorganisms is called ________________________, which is
not to be confused with ______________________________, in which all microorganisms
(pathogenic and nonpathogenic) are destroyed.
3. Elemental chlorine (Cl2), which is in a liquid or gaseous form, is also known as ________________
_____________________. It combines with water to form hypochlorous (HOCl) and hydrochloric
(HCl) acids. In wastewater, it will combine with ammonia or nitrogen (or other organic compounds)
to form combined chlorine compounds.
4. _________________________________ is the concentration of residual chlorine that is produced
by the reaction of chlorine with substances in the water (ex: combined with ammonia, organic
nitrogen, or both as a chloramine) and yet is still available to oxidize organic matter and kill bacteria,
although it is not as effective as free residual.
5. Any substance, such as oxygen (O2) or chlorine (Cl2), that will readily add (take on) electrons is called
an ___________________________________. When O2 or Cl2 is added to water or wastewater,
organic substances are oxidized. The opposite is a Reducing Agent.
6. The residual formed after the chlorine demand has been met is ____________________________.
7. The addition of chlorine to the plant discharge or effluent, following plant treatment, is called
______________________________.
8. The concentration of chlorine present in water after the chlorine demand has been satisfied is the
________________________________. Expressed in terms of total chlorine residual, it includes
both the free and combined/chemically bound chlorine residuals.
9. Any substance, such as base metal (iron) or the sulfide ion (S2‐),that will readily donate (give up)
electrons is called a _______________________________. The opposite is an Oxidizing Agent.
10. The demand by inorganic and organic materials is referred to as ____________________________.
In other words, it is the difference between the amount of chlorine added to water or wastewater
and the amount of residual chlorine remaining after a given contact time.
11. The addition of chlorine in the collection system, at the headworks, or prior to any other treatment
processes (mainly for odor and corrosion control) is called_________________________________.
12. ______________________________________is defined as the addition of chlorine to water or
wastewater until the chlorine demand has been satisfied. At this point, further additions of chlorine
will result in a free chlorine residual.
282 Disinfection
13. This alternate type of disinfection is more effective than chlorine, leaves no harmful residuals, and is
generated onsite by exposing oxygen molecules to an energy source and converting them to an
unstable gas: ___________________________
14. The process of adding chlorine to water to kill disease‐causing organisms is known as
_____________________. Generally the purpose is disinfection, but frequently it is used to
accomplish other biological or chemical results.
15. _______________________________ uses ultraviolet light to destroy microorganisms by damaging
their genetic material.
Word Bank:
Chlorination Waterborne disease
Pathogenic Free chlorine
Residual chlorine (aka Chlorine residual) Disinfection
Oxidizing agent Prechlorination
Combined chlorine residual Reducing agent
Postchlorination Ozonation
Free chlorine residual Sterilization
UV disinfection Breakpoint Chlorination
Chlorine demand
Disinfection 281
Disinfection Review Questions
1. List four infectious diseases that can be transmitted by water:
2. Explain the difference between disinfection and sterilization.
3. What are limitations of UV disinfection?
4. Name the three types of chlorine commonly used in wastewater.
5. Write out the formula for chlorine demand. Briefly describe the relationship between free chlorine
residual and combined residual chlorine.
6. When chlorine is added to water, it breaks down into two products. Name them:
284 Disinfection
7. Which of the two products (in #6) is the most effective disinfectant?
8. Why is chlorination less effective at a higher pH?
9. What happens when chlorine is added to waters containing ammonia and why is this significant?
10. How do suspended solids and dissolved organic material in effluent affect the disinfection process?
11. The Design Criteria requires specific contact times in a chlorine contact basin, what are they?
12. What is the purpose of a fusible plug on chlorine containers? At what temperature will it melt?
13. Describe how you would look for a small chlorine leak? Why should water never be poured on a
chlorine leak?
Disinfection 283
OPERATOR ESSENTIALS
What every operator should know about

sodium hypochlorite
Rob Baur
Knowledge Principle A practical consideration

Sodium hypochlorite Sodium hypochlorite is chlorine gas dissolved Sodium hypochlorite is a disinfectant that is
in sodium hydroxide. This is essentially liquid at room temperature and can be dosed
household bleach. with chemical feed pumps.
Hypochlorite chemistry Na+ OCl– + H2O ——
> H+ OCl– + Na+ OH– Hypochlorite (OCl–) is the disinfecting ion
in this compound. The hydroxyl ion (OH–)
increases the solution’s overall pH.
Sodium hydroxide Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is often called This compound has an extremely high pH
caustic soda. when dissolved in water.
Sodium hypochlorite strength Common hypochlorite sold in stores Industrial strength hypochlorite concentration
(household bleach) is 5.25% chlorine since typically is measured in “trade percent.” A 15
lower concentrations are more stable. trade percent has specific gravity of 1.206,
Industrial hypochlorite is 12 to 15 trade 150 g/L available chlorine, 1.25 lb of chlorine
percent chlorine. per gallon, a density of 10.06 lb/gal, and is
12.44% by weight available chlorine.
Gasification Hypochlorite decomposes to oxygen gas and Chlorine gas production can damage ball
sodium chloride. (NaOCl + NaOCl ——
> O2 + valves, isolated pipe sections, and pumps as
2 NaCl) well as result in loss of prime and “air locking”
of pumps. To prevent gasification problems,
use vented ball valves and high point air relief
Decomposition occurs faster at higher
valves and flush lines when not in use. Pumps
temperatures and concentrations and with
equipped with dosing monitors can sound
metal contamination. If hypochlorite is exposed
alarms when they lose prime and activate vents
to acid, chlorine gas will be released.
to re-prime automatically.
Scaling The high pH of hypochlorite causes calcium To avoid scaling, deliver hypochlorite neat
and magnesium in dilution water to precipitate (undiluted) to the point of application. If dilution
as carbonate scale. water is required and calcium levels are
significant, using softened water can eliminate
scale.
PVC pipe Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or chlorinated PVC is the cheaper alternative and is readily
polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipes both are available.
resistant to damage from hypochlorite. CPVC
has a higher temperature rating.
PVC glue Normal glue uses fumed silica (finely ground Use only glues rated for hypochlorite service,
glass) for thickening. The high pH of the such as IPS 724 or equivalent. Follow gluing
hypochlorite solution can dissolve the silica, instructions exactly. Bevel pipe end, apply
leaving the glue joint porous and susceptible primer to socket, pipe, and then socket again.
to leaks. Apply glue to pipe, socket, and socket again.
Assemble pipe pieces with a 1/4-turn twist.
286 Disinfection
66 WE&T l MARCH 2011 l WWW.WEF.ORG/MAGAZINE
Knowledge Principle A practical consideration
Threaded fittings Avoid threaded fittings when using Hypochlorite will leak through threaded fittings
hypochlorite. Use flanged fittings instead. even when Teflon® tape is used to seal the
joint.
Corrosion The high pH of hypochlorite will attack metals. Pipe leaks can emit chlorine gas and cause
It will generate hydrogen gas when in contact corrosion on nearby metal. Use only plastic,
with aluminum. fiberglass, or stainless steel materials nearby.
Decomposition Metal contact causes catalytic decomposition Do not use any metallic parts in contact with
of hypochlorite to oxygen gas and sodium hypochlorite.
chloride.
Safety Unless flushed, drained, or vented, off-line Flush or drain off-line equipment. Be aware of
equipment may generate significant pressure potential pressurization. Flush equipment prior
from gasification that may be released to maintenance.
explosively.
Always wear appropriate personal protective

Splashes, spills, and leaks may occur. equipment.
Hypochlorite contact with clothing will result in
holes and bleaching.
Design Anticipate gasification and pressure buildup Avoid pipe sections that can be isolated with
potential. Design with safety in mind. valves and trap gas buildup. Provide flushing
connections so equipment can be maintained
without contact with hypochlorite.
Mixing Rapid mixing provides good contact and Flash mixers enable rapid mixing without
prevents localized breakpoint reactions. adding dilution water that could lead to scale.
An air gap between the flash mixer suction
and the hypochlorite supply pipe is needed to
prevent mixer suction from boiling hypochlorite
in the delivery line at low pressure.
Chemical interactions Mixing anything with hypochlorite can be A mistake in chemical delivery can be
extremely dangerous. Contact between disastrous. Delivery points should include
hypochlorite and other treatment plant locks, stringent procedures, and double-
chemicals such as alum, ferric, or sodium checks to prevent delivery into the wrong
bisulfate, can cause an uncontrolled explosive tank.
release of energy, heat, and chlorine gas.
Onsite generation (low strength) This process uses salt and electricity to This process requires a significant capital
generate hypochlorite at a 0.8% solution. cost for installation as well as large volumes of
Hypochlorite is very stable at such low onsite storage.
concentrations.
Onsite generation (high strength) This process uses salt and electricity to This process can use existing chlorine gas
generate chlorine gas and caustic soda. These equipment and makes chlorine on-demand so
compounds can be recombined to make 15% only a few pounds of chlorine are in the system
hypochlorite. Alternately, the chlorine gas can at any time. But it has a high capital cost and
be used for disinfection and the caustic put to is a fairly complex system.
another use.
Storage Hypochlorite attacks all tank materials except Fiberglass tanks often are used, but they
titanium. must be made of the proper resin and be
cleaned and inspected every 3 to 5 years to
monitor deterioration and repair damage. Tank
replacement should be included in building
design. Tanks should be as cool as possible
to preserve hypochlorite and extend tank life.
Polyethylene tanks also have a limited life span.
Rob Baur is senior operations analyst at Clean Water Services (Hillsboro, Ore.).
Disinfection 285
WWW.WEF.ORG/MAGAZINE l MARCH 2011 l WE&T 67
288
Section 10
Effluent Disposal
287
Effluent Disposal
• Dilution
• Lakes
• Rivers
• Streams

Effluent Disposal
• Wastewater
Reclamation
• Land application
Intro to Wastewater
• Underground disposal
• Groundwater recharge
1 basins 2
Disposal by Dilution Disposal by Dilution

• Treatment required prior to discharge: • Diffusers
• Stabilize waste • Cascading outfalls
• Protect public health • Increase D.O.

• Meet discharge requirements • Remove chlorine
• Remove sulfur dioxide
• Site specific • Surface discharge
• Most common method of effluent disposal
3 4
Land Treatment Systems

• When high‐quality effluent or even zero‐
discharge is required, land treatment offers a
means of reclamation or ultimate disposal
Land Treatment of • Land treatment = the controlled application of

wastewater to the land surface to achieve a
Wastewater Effluent designed degree of treatment through physical,

chemical, and biological processes within the
plant‐soil‐water matrix.
• Soil texture, soil structure, permeability, infiltration,
available water capacity, and cation exchange capacity
5 • Adsorption and precipitation are the main processes 6
involved in the retention of wastes in the soil
290 Effluent Disposal

Land Treatment Systems Hydrologic Cycle

• Simulate natural pathways of treatment
• Use soil, plants, and bacteria to treat and reclaim
wastewater

• Treatment is provided by natural processes as
effluent moves through soil and plants
• Some of wastewater is lost by evaporation and
transpiration
• Remainder returns to hydrologic cycle through
surface runoff or percolation to groundwater
7 8
Land Application System Land Application System

• Treatment prior to application Evapotranspiration
• Transmission to the land treatment site
Surface
• Storage Runoff

• Distribution over the site Treated Storage Land
Plant Reservoir Disposal
• Runoff recovery system
Effluent Site
• Crop systems
9 Percolation 10
3 Major Land Treatment Processes Site Considerations

1. Slow rate
• Control of ponding problems
• Irrigation, ridge‐and‐furrow, border strip flooding
• Vegetation uses portion of flow, some goes to groundwater • Percolation
• Organic wastes removed by filtration and adsorption • Crop selection
• Designed for no surface runoff
• Drainage tiles
2. Rapid infiltration
• Moderately and highly permeable soils by spreading basins or • Install PVC laterals below ground
sprinklers (vegetative cover not used)
• Treated effluent collected by drain tiles and discharged to
• Potential odor release with spray systems
surface water or it enters groundwater
• Routine inspection of equipment
3. Overland flow
• Highly impermeable soils, applied at upper reaches of • Plan “B” in case system fails
11 12
grass covered slopes, flows over vegetation, surface • Nitrogen is the major limiting factor
runoff collected
Effluent Disposal 289

Wastewater Reclamation:
Land Application
Irrigation
• Method depends on crop
• Irrigation most grown, 3 groups:
1. Forage crops (ex: grasses
common: and alfalfa)
• Ridge and furrow 2. Field crops (ex: corn)

• Sprinklers 3. Forests
• Surface/drip systems • Water & nutrients enhance
plant growth for beneficial
• Border strip flooding use
• Overland flow • Water removed by:
Wastewater Treatment Plant &
• Wetlands treatment Poplar Tree Reuse System; • Surface evaporation & plant
Woodburn, Oregon 13 transpiration 14
• Deep percolation to subsoil
Irrigation Irrigation
• Most common land treatment in US
• Spray: fixed or moving
• Surface spreading: controlled flooding or ridge &
furrow

• Climate affects efficiency
• If ground freezes, subsurface seepage is greatly
• Irrigation application of wastewater over reduced.
relatively flat area, usually by spray (sprinklers) or • Therefore storage of treated wastewater may be
surface spreading necessary
• Water and nutrients are absorbed by plants and • Ex: lawns, parks, golf courses, pastures, forests,
soil 15 fodder crops (corn, alfalfa), fiber crops, cemeteries 16
• In soil, organic matter is oxidized by bacteria
Irrigation ‐ Spray Systems Irrigation ‐ Spray Systems

3 categories:
1. Solid set (Fixed)
• Buried or on surface
• Cultivated crops or woodlands
Center pivot, moving
2. Portable spray irrigation
3. Continuously moving
• Moving ‐ center pivot
• Maximum slope in TN
(TN Design Criteria 16.1.4):
• Row crops 8% Fixed spray
irrigation on risers
• Forage crops 15% 17 18
• Forests 30 %

Irrigation – Ridge & Furrow Irrigation – Ridge and Furrow

• Ridge and Furrow = a series of interconnected
ditches (furrows) which allow for the distribution,
infiltration, and treatment of wastewater

• Wastewater flows through furrows between rows
of crop
• Wastewater slowly percolates into soil Source: fao.org
• Wastewater receives partial treatment before it is
absorbed by plants
19 20
Source: colostate.edu
Irrigation – Removal
Irrigation – Ridge & Furrow
Efficiencies
Irrigation ditch in foreground supplying
water to furrows
Parameter % Removal
BOD 98
COD 80

Suspended Solids 98
Nitrogen 85
Phosphorus 95
Metals 95
Microorganisms 98
Gated pipe applying flow to furrows 21 22
Irrigation – Removal Efficiencies Overland Flow

• Under normal circumstances: • Spray or surface
• Water and nitrogen are absorbed by crops application
• Phosphorus and metals are adsorbed by soil particles • 6‐12 hours/day
• Bacteria is removed by filtration • 5‐7 days/week
• Viruses are removed by adsorption • 2‐8% slope
• Nitrogen cycle • Slow surface flow
• Secondary effluent contains ammonia, nitrate and treats wastewater
organic nitrogen
• Water removed by
• Ammonia and organic nitrogen are retained in soil by
adsorption and ion exchange, then oxidized to nitrate evaporation &
• Major removal mechanisms are ammonia volatilization, percolation
23 24
crop uptake and denitrification • Runoff collection

Overland Flow Overland Flow

• Wastewater is applied intermittently at top of terrace • Highly impermeable soils
• Runoff collected at bottom (for further treatment) • High nitrogen removal (70‐90%)
• Treatment occurs through direct contact with soil
• Sedimentation, filtration, and biological oxidation

25 26
Distribution Methods
Overland Flow
Methods Advantages Limitations
• Low pressure sprays General Low energy costs
Minimize aerosols and wind drift
Difficult to achieve uniform distribution
Moderate erosion potential
• <20 psi Small Buffer zones
Same as General, plus: Same as General, plus:
Gated Pipe
• Low energy costs Easy to clean
Easiest to balance hydraulically
Potential for freezing and settling
• Good wastewater distribution Slotted or Same as General Same as Gated Pipe, plus:

Small openings clog
Perforated Pipe
• Nozzles subject to plugging Most difficult to balance hydraulically
• Surface distribution Bubbling Orifices Same as General, plus: Same as General, plus:

Not subject to freezing/settling Difficult to clean when clogged
• Generate minimal aerosols Only the orifice must be leveled
Low‐pressure Sprays Better distribution than surface methods Nozzles subject to clogging

• Higher energy costs Less aerosols than sprinkler More aerosols and wind drift than surface
Low energy costs methods
27
• Hard to maintain uniform distribution
Sprinklers Most uniform distribution High energy costs
28
Aerosol and wind drift potential
Large buffer zones
Suitable Grasses
Common Name Perennial or Rooting Method of Growing
Suitable Grasses
Annual Characteristics Establishment Height (cm)
Reed canary Perennial sod seed 120‐210

• Well established plant cover is essential for
efficient performance of overland flow
Cool Season Grass
Tall fescue Perennial bunch seed 90‐120

Rye grass Annual sod seed 60‐90 • Primary purpose of plants is to facilitate
treatment of wastewater
Redtop Perennial sod seed 60‐90

KY bluegrass Perennial sod seed 30‐75 • Planting a mixture of different grasses usually
Orchard grass Perennial bunch seed 15‐60 gives best results
Common
Bermuda
Perennial sod seed 30‐45 • Ryegrass used as a nurse crop; grows quickly
until other grasses are established
Warm Season
Coastal
Perennial sod sprig 30‐60
Bermuda
30
Dallis grass Perennial bunch seed 60‐120
Bahia Perennial sod seed 29 60‐120

Suitable Grasses Overland Flow – Removal Efficiencies

• Cool Season Grass – plant from Spring through early
Parameter % Removal
Summer or early Fall to late Fall
BOD 92
• Warm Season Grass – generally should be planted from
Suspended Solids 92
late Spring through early Fall
Nitrogen 70‐90

• Planting time affected by expected rainfall, location, Phosphorus 40‐80
climate, grass variety, etc
Metals 50
• Amount of seed required to establish cover depends on:
• Treatment by oxidation and filtration
• Expected germination
• SS removed by filtration through vegetative cover
• Type of grass
• BOD oxidized by microorganisms in soil and on
• Water availability vegetative debris
• Time available for crop development 31 • Nitrogen removal by denitrification and plant 32
uptake
Rapid Infiltration Rapid Infiltration

• Treated effluent collected by drain tiles and discharged to
surface water or it enters groundwater
• Primary objective is
• Not approved in Tennessee
to recharge the • Due to Karst topography – cracks in limestone provide direct
groundwater route of infiltration to groundwater and therefore no treatment
achieved and groundwater may become contaminated
• Wastewater is

applied to spreading
basins or seepage
basins and allowed
to percolate through
the soil
• No plants are used 33 34
or desired
Rapid Infiltration Land Treatment Limitations

• Top– Picture of a
seepage basin in • Sealing soil surface due to
Nevada high SS in final effluent
• More common in clay soils
• Bottom ‐ Large • Disk or plow field to break
volumes of reclaimed mats of solids
water, which have • Apply water intermittently and
undergone advanced allow surface mat to dry and
secondary treatment, crack
are reused through • Build up salts in soil
land‐based
applications in a 40‐ • Salts are toxic to plants
square‐mile area near • Leach out the salts by applying
Orlando, Florida. fresh water
35 36
• Rip up the soil 4 – 5 ft deep to
encourage percolation

Land Treatment Limitations Monitoring Requirements

• Excessive nitrate ions reach groundwater Area Test Frequency
• Rain can soak soil so that no treatment is achieved Effluent and BOD Two times per week
groundwater or Fecal coliform Weekly
• Do not apply nitrate in excess of crop’s nitrogen seepage Total coliform Weekly
uptake ability Flow Continuous
Nitrogen Weekly

• Excessive nitrate in groundwater can lead to Phosphorus Weekly
Suspended solids Two times per week
methylmoglobenemia (blue baby syndrome) pH Daily
• Too much nitrate consumed by child leads to nitrate in Total dissolved solids (TDS) Monthly
stomach and intestines where nitrogen is absorbed into Boron Monthly
Chloride Monthly
bloodstream and it bonds to red blood cells preventing
Vegetation ‐ ‐ ‐ variable depending on crop ‐ ‐ ‐
them from carrying oxygen.
Soils Conductivity Two times per month
• Baby becomes oxygen deprived, turns blue and 37 pH Two times per month 38
suffocates Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) Two times per month
Water Quality Indicators Water Quality Indicators

• Receiving water measurements = tests used to determine • To determine impact, the following questions must be
the effect of discharge on the receiving waters and on the answered:
beneficial uses (water supply, recreation, fishery) of the 1. What are the characteristics upstream?
receiving waters after effluent has mixed with receiving • Temperature
waters

• Dissolved oxygen (DO)
• To measure impact:
2. What are the characteristics downstream?
• Take a measurement upstream (not affected) and
downstream (affected) and compare the two results 3. If upstream and downstream are different, does the
discharge cause the difference?
• “Oxygen profile” (Dissolved oxygen) to get a good
measure of the effect of the effluent 4. Are the downstream characteristics in violation of
established standards or objectives
• Measure the DO at several different cross sections
downstream from discharge to find out where the 39 5. If downstream is in violation, did the discharge cause it? 40
lowest DO level occurs
Water Quality Indicators – DO

Water Quality Indicators
profile • If results do not look correct, do not reject outright. Investigate
and attempt to identify the reasons for the result.
• Sampling errors, testing errors, recording errors
• Sudden drop in DO downstream (without a similar drop
upstream) indicates that the plant’s BOD removal efficiency has
decreased
• Sudden drop in DO could be caused by increase in temperature
due to an industrial or stormwater discharge
• Sudden changes in effluent may be due to:
1. Process failure
2. Sudden increase in flow quantity
3. Change in influent characteristics such as industrial waste
41 42
discharges into the system
Source: Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Vol II,

seventh ed., p.250-251

Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET)

Water Quality Indicators
Testing
• Plant effluent analyzed prior to discharge: • Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) test refers to the combined toxic
effect to aquatic organisms from all pollutants contained in a
• In‐stream: pH, D.O., temperature wastewater effluent
• In laboratory: BOD, COD, suspended solids, • Looks at the effluent as a single component

fecal coliforms, E. coli, N, P • WET tests measure wastewater's effects on specific test
organisms' ability to survive, grow and reproduce
• Acute toxicity
• Disposal by dilution may require analysis of • Short term, lethal effects
receiving stream upstream & downstream • “End of pipe” conditions
• WET testing (Whole Effluent Toxicity) • Chronic toxicity
43 • Long term, sub‐lethal effects 44
• Mixed water conditions
• More sensitive test
Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET)

Testing
• NPDES permit limits found in Sections 3.4, 3.5
• Methods for compliance with NPDES permits in 40 CFR 136.3
Any Questions?
• Test organisms:
• Water flea (Ceriodaphnia dubia)

• Invertebrate crustacean
• Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas)
• Vertebrate fish
45 46

Excerpt from TN Design Criteria for Sewage Works
CHAPTER 16
Design Guidelines for Wastewater Treatment Systems

Using Spray Irrigation
16.1 General
16.1.1 General
16.1.2 Applicability
16.1.3 Location
16.1.4 Topography
16.1.5 Soils
16.2 Soil Investigations
16.2.1 General
16.2.2 Soil Soil Mapping
16.2.3 Soil Definitions
16.3 Preapplication Treatment Requirements
16.3.1 General
16.3.2 BOD and TSS Reduction, and Disinfection
16.3.3 Treatment and Storage Ponds
16.4 Inorganic Constituents of Treated Wastewater
16.5 Protection of Irrigation Equipment
16.6 Determination of Design Application Rates
16.6.1 General
16.6.2 Design Values
16.7 Determination of Design Wastewater Loading
16.7.1 General
16.8 Nitrogen Loading and Crop Selection and Management
16.8.1 General
16.8.2 Nitrogen Loading
16.8.3 Organic/BOD Loading
16.8.4 Cover Crop Selection and Management

16.9 Land Area Requirements
16.9.1 General
16.9.2 Field Area Requirements
16.9.3 Buffer Zone Requirements
16.10 Storage Requirements
16.10.1 General
16.10.2 Estimation of Storage Requirements Using Water Balance Calculations
16.11 Distribution System
16.11.1 General
16.11.2 Surface Spreading
16.11.3 Sprinkler Spreading
16.12 Spray Irrigation of Wastewater from Gray Water Facilities
16.12.1 General
16.12.2 Site Location
16.12.3 Design Flow
16.12.4 Pretreatment
16.12.5 Field Requirements
16.12.6 Application Equipment
16.12.7 Operation of System
16.13 Plan of Operation and Management
16.13.1 Introduction
16.13.2 Management and Staffing
16.13.3 Facility Operation and Management
16.13.4 Monitoring Program
16.13.5 Records and Reports

SPRAY IRRIGATION
LAND TREATMENT SYSTEMS
16.1 General
16.1.1 General
This chapter provides guidelines and criteria for the design of surface spray irrigation
land treatment systems.
The wastewater loading rate is limited by the maximum amount of a particular

wastewater constituent that can be applied to a specific site. For wastewater from
municipalities, the limiting design factor is usually either the hydraulic capacity of the
soil or the nitrogen content of the wastewater. For industrial wastewater, the limiting
design factor may be the hydraulic capacity of the soil, nitrogen or any other wastewater
constituent such as metals, organics, etc.
Spray irrigation wastewater treatment systems must be designed and operated so that
there is no direct discharge to surface waters. Treatment consists of evaporation directly
to the atmosphere, by transpiration to the atmosphere via vegetation uptake and by
percolation to groundwater. A State of Tennessee Operation Permit (SOP) is required for
operation of spray irrigation land treatment systems.
16.1.3 Location
The spray irrigation treatment site should be relatively isolated, easily accessible and not
susceptible to flooding. The site can be developed on agricultural land and/or forests or
can include parks, golf courses, etc. Site location shall take into account dwellings,
roads, streams, etc. A site evaluation by the Division of Water Pollution will be required
before review of the Engineering Report and/or application for an SOP.
16.1.4 Topography
Maximum grades for wastewater spray fields should be limited to 8% for row crops, 15%
for forage crops and 30% for forests. The greater the slope the greater potential for
lateral subsurface drainage, ponding and extended saturation of the soil. Depressions,
sink holes, etc., are to be avoided.
16.1.5 Soils
The infiltrative capacity of soil is a critical factor to be considered when designing any
type of spray irrigation system. If the profile of a particular soil considered for spray
irrigation extended to a significant depth without a restrictive horizon (most limiting
layer), the ability to load that soil per unit area would be relatively high.

On the other extreme, if a soil being considered for spray irrigation has a shallow
restrictive horizon, the ability to load that soil would be lower relative to the deeper soil.
Depth to restrictive horizon, soil permeability and slope of the restrictive horizon are
factors that control the amount and rate at which ground water can exit an area. If the
amount of treated effluent applied to an area, in combination with rainfall over the area
and groundwater moving into the area, exceed the soil profile’s ability to transmit the
water away from the application area, surface runoff of wastewater effluent will likely
occur.
Evaluation of a soil area’s suitability for spray irrigation should take into consideration
limiting aspects of the soil profile. Sites with shallow restrictive horizons overlain by
low permeability soils represent one of the more limited scenarios for spray irrigation and
the application rate and/or application area should be suitably modified.
Also critical when designing systems in soils with shallow restrictive horizons are the
presence and location of hydrologic boundaries such as drainage ways and waterways.
These hydrologic boundaries provide an outlet for ground water discharge. Not only is it
critical to identify these features in consideration of appropriate setbacks/buffers, it is
also critical to factor in their role in the overall hydrologic cycle of the landscape.
Horizons along which lateral flow would be expected include, but are not necessarily
limited to: bedrock, fragipans, and zones with high clay percentage overlain by more
permeable soil.
Spray irrigation design submittals should take into consideration all factors influencing
the infiltrative capacity of the soil and the ability of the soil and site to transport ground
water away from the application area. Spray pattern designs must properly utilize the site
soil and topography. It should be noted that the use of historical information from
existing systems installed and operated in similar soils, with documented loading rates,
landscape positions and design conditions similar to the proposed system may be
applicable. Therefore, soils that have been highly compacted and/or disturbed, such as
old road beds, foundations, etc., must be excluded when evaluating suitable areas for
surface spray irrigation systems.
16.2.1 General
Preliminary soil investigations should be done to identify areas best suited for surface
spray irrigation. The proposed surface spray area must be mapped at sufficient accuracy
to identify each soils series (or lowest possible level of soil classification) present and the
boundary location between series. Once those areas are identified, the more detailed
procedures outlined below will be employed.
It is required that all soil investigations be performed by a soil scientist currently on the
Ground Water Protection list of approved soil scientists/soil consultants.
For spray irrigation wastewater treatment systems, moderately permeable and well-
drained soils are desirable. However, the use of any soil is acceptable if it meets the
following four (4) criteria:

1. The applied effluent loading rate does not exceed the applicable hydraulic loading
rate in Table 16-1. The applicable hydraulic loading rate is determined by a
detailed site evaluation in which the site is mapped utilizing soil borings and pits
to determine the physical properties of soil horizons and soil map units.
2. The applied effluent maximum loading rate does not exceed 10% of the minimum
NRCS saturated vertical hydraulic conductivity (KSAT) for the soil series or 0.25
GPD/SF whichever is least. Note: this may have to be lowered based upon the
results of the nutrient loading rate calculation per Equation 16-1.
3. The soil does not have a restrictive horizon within its top twenty (20) inches.
4. The soil is well drained, or capable of being drained.
It is desirable to have a minimum depth of twenty (20) inches of undisturbed soil
above a restrictive horizon (eg., rock, fragipan, high water table, etc.)

TDEC Fleming Training Center TABLE 16-1 Section 10
Hydraulic Loading Rates (GPD/SF) – For Spray Irrigation Systems

(Reference: EPA/R-00/08, February 2002, “Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual”)
HYDRAULIC
STRUCTURE LOADING
RATE*
TEXTURE
GPD / SF GPD / SF
SHAPE GRADE BOD ≤ 150
BOD ≤ 30 mg/L
mg/L
Coarse Sand,
NA NA 0.80 NA
Loamy Coarse Sand
Sand NA NA NA
Loamy Sand,
Fine Sand,
Loamy Fine Sand, 0.40
Single Grain Structureless 1.00
Very Fine Sand,
Loamy Very Fine
Sand
Massive Structureless 0.20 0.60
Weak 0.20 0.50
Coarse Sandy Loam, Platy
Moderate, Strong
Sandy Loam
Blocky, Weak 0.20 0.70
Granular Moderate, Strong 0.40 1.00
Massive Structureless 0.20 0.50
Weak, Moderate,
Platy
Strong
Loam
Angular, Blocky Weak 0.40 0.60
Granular, 0.60
Moderate, Strong 0.80
Subangular
Massive Structureless 0.20
Weak, Moderate,
Platy
Strong
Silt Loam
Angular, Blocky, Weak 0.40 0.60
Granular, 0.60
Subangular
Sandy Clay Loam, Massive Structureless
Clay Loam, Weak, Moderate,
Section 18 Platy TDEC Fleming Training Center
Silty Clay Loam Strong
Angular, Blocky Weak 0.30
Granular,
Subangular
Massive Structureless
Weak, Moderate,
Sandy Clay Platy
Strong
Clay,
Angular, Blocky Weak
Silty Clay
Granular, 0.20
Subangular
* Maximum allowable is 0.25 GPD/SF; however all hydraulic
loading rates may be adjusted based upon special site specific
evaluations approved by TDEC.
These soils are considered unacceptable for spray irrigation.

16.2.2 Soil Mapping
The mapping procedure will usually begin with the property/land being generally
evaluated to delineate or separate areas with suitable characteristics. This procedure will
save time and money since some areas will be too shallow, too wet, too steep, etc.
Adequate ground control is mandatory for all sites. The ground control is necessary to
reproduce the map if needed. All located coordinates (soil map boundaries and pit
locations) must be shown on the final Water Pollution Control (WPC) Soil Map.
Soil data collection shall be based upon one, or combination of the following:
1. Grid staking at intervals sufficient to allow the soils scientist to attest to the
accuracy of the map for the intended purpose;
2. Mapping of pits and critical auger locations using dual frequency survey grade
Global Positioning System (GPS) units.
3. Other controls adequate to map the location of pits, physical features, and
separations.
4. Grid stakes and GPS data points must be locatable to within two (2) feet of
distance shown.
5. The ground control has to correlate to the exterior boundaries of the property so as
to show the location of the soils areas within the bounds of the project and must
be certified by a Registered Land Surveyor per TCA 62-18-102(3).
The soil scientists are responsible for conducting a sufficient number of borings that, in
their professional opinion, will allow them to certify the soils series (or lowest possible
level of soil classification) present, identify boundaries between series, and describe each
soil horizon as to color, depth to restrictive horizon, and depth to rock. Any
redoximorphic features observed are to be described. This delineation should be based
upon the texture and structure of the soils to a depth of forty-eight (48) inches or
restrictive horizon whichever is shallower.
After the mapped soils area is established and marked, soil borings to a minimum depth
of forty-eight (48) inches or restrictive horizon, whichever is shallowest, shall be taken at
sufficient intervals to identify and map the boundaries of the soils series (or lowest
possible level of soil classification) present on the site. The exact number and location of
borings will be determined by the soils scientist in consultation with the design engineer.
Sufficient borings should be made to identify any dissimilar soils accounting for more
than 10 percent of the total proposed surface spray irrigation area.
The soil scientist shall excavate an adequate number of pits to determine the typical
profiles and soils characteristics that are expected for all soils mapped. It is
recommended that a minimum of two (2) pits per acre in polygons of qualifying soils be
excavated; however, the actual number and location of pits will be left to the best
professional judgment of the soil scientist. If less than two (2) pits per acre are utilized,
the soil scientist must include the rationale in notes on the WPC Soil Map.

The pit description must be entered onto a pedon sheet and submitted with the soils map
and engineering report. The “Soil Description” should include all of the information
contained on form NRCS-Soils-232G (5-86), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural
Resources Conservation Service (as shown in Chapter 17, Appendix D).
In their description of the pit profiles, the soil scientists must describe the soil’s structure,
texture, color, and any redoximorphic features present. They should also describe root
depth and presence of macropores, etc. The series name or lowest possible level of soil
classification will be recorded. The depth to hard rock using an auger or a tile probe must
be specified if the depth is less than forty-eight (48) inches and estimated if greater than
forty-eight (48) inches. The auger borings and soil backhoe pits should be located,
numbered and shown on the WPC Soil Map. The soil scientist will be required to
prepare and sign a detailed certification statement for each site evaluated as follows:
Water Pollution Control Soil Map Completed by:

Signature Date
John/Jane Doe, Soils Consultant
The following statement should appear on the map:
“I, (Soils Consultant’s Name) affirm that this Water Pollution Control Soil Map has
been prepared in accordance with accepted standards of soil science practice and the
standards and methodologies established in the NRCS Soil Survey Manual and USDA
Soil Taxonomy. No other warranties are made or implied.”
Soil profile information and pit excavation, as described in these design criteria, are
additional requirements deemed necessary to properly assess an area’s suitability for
surface spray irrigation.

16.2.3 Soil Definitions
Soil Horizons (layers): Soil is made up of distinct horizontal layers; these layers are
called horizons and display vertical zones. They range from rich, organic upper layers
(humus and topsoil) to underlying rocky layers (subsoil, regolith and bedrock).
Soil horizons develop due to the nature of soil formation. Soil is the product of the
weathering of parent material (i.e. bedrock), accompanied by the addition of organic
matter. The method for naming the soil horizons is quite simple as the Figure 16.1
shows. In the simplest naming system, soils horizons are designated O (organic), A
(topsoil), B (mineral soil), C (weathered parent material), and R is the unweathered rock
(bedrock) layer that is beneath all the other layers. The horizons of most importance to
plant growth and forest health are the O and A horizons. The litter layer found covering
the soil is also of interest because it provides most of the organic matter found in the O
and A horizons.

FIGURE 16.1
The Litter Layer is the topmost layer on the forest floor. It consists of leaves,
needles and other non-decomposed material on the forest floor. While this is not
considered part of the soil, it is interesting to measure the depth of the litter layer
when sampling the soil. The depth of the litter layer can vary greatly even within
a particular site. Because of this, several measurements are required to attempt to
characterize litter layer depth. The litter layer can be considered part of the
overall soils depth.
The O-Horizon primarily consists of decomposed organic matter and has a dark
rich color, increased porosity, and increased aggregate structure (larger soil
“clumps”). The depth of the O horizon is measured from the surface of the soil
(after the litter layer has been cleared away) to the point where the darker organic
color changes to a slightly lighter colored soil that contains increased mineral
particles in addition to organic matter.

The transition from the O to the A horizon can also be recognized by a significant
increase in the mineral soil particles. In many urban soils, the O horizon may
very thin if it exists at all. The O horizon can also be considered part of the
overall soils depth.
The A-Horizon is the mineral “topsoil” and consists of highly weathered parent
material (rocks), which is somewhat lighter in color than the O horizon due to a
decrease in organic matter. The particles in the A horizon are more granular and
“crumb-like”. Seeds germinate and plant roots grow in this layer. It is made up
of humus (decomposed organic matter) mixed with mineral particles. The depth
of the A horizon is measured from the region of color changes from the dark O
horizon to the transition to the B horizon. The transition to the B horizon can be
identified by increased clay content (see below) and the absence of organic
material: no root hairs, small pieces of needle, etc.
The most thorough soil study involves analysis on separate O and A horizon
samples. This requires separating and storing O and A horizon samples. It also
involves completing the entire soil analysis on both the O and A samples. If this
is not possible, the O and A samples can be combined (or composited) and the
analysis can be completed on the O and A sample together.
The B-Horizon is also called the subsoil - this layer is beneath the A horizon and
above the C horizon. It contains clay and mineral deposits (like iron, aluminum
oxides, and calcium carbonate) that it receives when soil solution containing
dissolved minerals drips from the soil above.
The B horizon is identified by increased clay content which makes the soil hold
together when moist. A simple test for clay content is to moisten a small handful
of soil and attempt to smear a small portion up the forefinger. Soils high in clay
will hold together and form a “ribbon”, soils with more sand and silt will be
granular and fall apart. It is lighter in color and often may be reddish due to the
iron content.
The C Horizon (layer beneath the B Horizon) consists of porous rock (broken-up
bedrock, bedrock with holes). It is also called regolith or saprolyte which means
"rotten rock." Plant roots do not penetrate into this layer; very little organic
material is found in this layer.
The R-Horizon is the unweathered rock (bedrock) layer that is beneath all the
other layers. For the purposes of drip dispersal designs, the R horizon is
considered an impermeable layer.
Water Pollution Control (WPC) Soils Map. A first order survey as defined in
the Soil Survey Manual, United States Department of Agriculture, October 1993.
These surveys are made for various land use that requires detailed soils
information.

Map scale should be one (1) inch equals one hundred (100) feet or a scale that
will allow the map to fill a 24” x 36” plan sheet. These maps should have
adequate cartographic detail to satisfy the requirements of project. The WPC
Soils Map is essentially a special map that shows a very high degree of soil and
landscape detail. Baseline mapping standards for these WPC Soil Maps prepared
in support of surface spray irrigation should be a first order survey in accordance
with the current edition of the Soil Survey Manual, United States Department of
Agricultural, October 1993. Soil profile information and pit excavation, as
described in these design criteria are additional requirements deemed necessary to
properly assess an area’s suitability for surface spray irrigation. These maps
should be clearly marked or labeled as “Water Pollution Control Soil Map”.
Soil map unit. A unique collection of areas that have common soil
characteristics and/or miscellaneous physical and chemical features.
Soil scientist. A person having the experience and education necessary to
measure soil properties and classify soils per Soil Taxonomy, synonymous with
the term “soil consultant”.
Soil series. A group of soils having similar properties; the lowest level of soil
classification.
Most limiting horizon. A horizon in the soil (bedrock or fragipan) that either
provides the greatest impediment to or completely stops, the downward
movement of liquids through the soil.
16.3 Preapplication Treatment Requirements
16.3.1 General
Wastewater spray irrigation systems have a demonstrated ability to treat high strength
organic wastes to low levels. However, such systems require a high degree of
management with particular attention paid to organic loading rates and aeration of the
soil profile between wastewater applications.
The Division of Water Pollution requires that all domestic and municipal wastewaters
receive biological treatment prior to irrigation.
This is necessary to:
a. Protect the health of persons contacting the irrigated wastewater.
b. Reduce the potential for odors in storage and irrigation.
Some industrial wastewaters may be suitable for direct land treatment by irrigation under
intensive management schemes. The Division of Water Pollution Control will evaluate
such systems on a case-by-case basis.

16.3.2 BOD and TSS Reduction, and Disinfection
Preapplication treatment standards for domestic and municipal wastewaters prior to

storage and/or irrigation are as follows:
a. Sites Closed to Public Access
All wastewater must be treated to a level afforded by lagoons which are designed in
accordance with Chapter 9.
Disinfection is generally not required for restricted and fenced access land treatment
sites. The Division of Water Pollution Control may, however, require disinfection
when deemed necessary.
b. Sites Open to Public Access
Sites open to public access include golf courses, cemeteries, green areas, parks, and
other public or private land where public use occurs or is expected to occur.
Wastewater that is spray irrigated on public access sites must not exceed a 5-day
Biochemical Oxygen Demand and Total Suspended Solids of 30 mg/L, as a monthly
average. Disinfection to reduce E. coli bacteria to 23 colonies/100 mL is required.
The preapplication treatment standards for wastewater that is to be applied to public

access areas will be reviewed by the Division of Water Pollution Control on a
case-by-case basis. More stringent preapplication treatment standards may be
required as the Division of Water Pollution Control deems necessary. The Division
of Water Pollution Control recommends that the engineer give preference to
pretreatment systems that will provide the greatest degree of reliability.

16.3.3 Treatment and Storage Ponds
The storage pond and irrigation pump station must be hydraulically separate from the
treatment cells (i.e., pumping must not affect hydraulic detention time in these cells).
The Division of Water Pollution Control recommends the use of Chapter 9 of the Design
Criteria for Sewage Works, as well as the United States Environmental Protection
Agency's October 1983 Design Manual: Municipal Wastewater Stabilization Ponds as a
reference for design of preapplication treatment ponds.
16.4 Inorganic Constituents of Treated Wastewater
Inorganic constituents of effluent from preapplication treatment should be compared with

Table 16-2 to insure compatibility with land treatment site soils and cover crops.

Table 16-2
Recommended Values for Inorganic Constituents in Wastewater Surfaced Applied to Land
Potential Problem Increasing Severe

No Problem
and Constituent Problem Problem
pH (Standard Units) 6.5 – 8.4 <5.0 or >9.0
Permeability
Electrical Conductivity (mho/cm) >0.50 <0.50 <2.0
Sodium Adsorption Ratio (a) <5.0 5.0 – 9.0 >9.0
Salinity
Electrical Conductivity (mho/cm) <0.75 0.75 – 3.0 >3.0
Anions:
Bicarbonate (meq/L) <1.5 1.5 – 8.5 >8.5
(mg/L as CaCO3) <150 150 – 850 >850
Chloride (meq/L) <3.0 3.0 – 10 >10
(mg/L) <100 100 – 300 >300
Fluoride (mg/L) <1.8
Cations:
Ammonia (mg/L as N) <5.0 5.0 – 30 >30
Sodium (meq/L) <3.0 3.0 – 9.0 >9.0
(mg/L) <70 70 or greater
Trace Metals (mg/L)
Aluminum <10
Arsenic <0.2
Beryllium <0.2
Boron <0.5 0.5 – 2.0 >2.0
Cadmium <0.02
Chromium <0.2
Cobalt <0.1
Copper <0.4
Iron <10
Lead <10
Lithium <2.5
Manganese <0.4
Molybdenum <0.02
Nickel <0.4
Selenium <0.04
Zinc <4.0
(a) Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) = Na+1

SQR ( Ca+2 + Mg+2) / 2
Where, Na+1, Ca+2, and Mg+2 in wastewater are expressed in milliequivalents per liter(meq/L).
SQR represents “Square Root of”

16.5 Protection of Irrigation Equipment
Prior to pumping to the spray field distribution system, the wastewater must be screened
to remove fibers, coarse solids, oil and grease which might clog distribution pipes or
spray nozzles. As a minimum, screens with a nominal diameter smaller than the smallest
flow opening in the distribution system should be provided. Screening to remove solids
greater than one-half (½) the diameter of the smallest sprinkler nozzle is recommended
by some sprinkler manufacturers. The planned method for disposal of the screenings
must be provided.
Pressurized, clean water for backwashing screens should be provided. This backwash
may be manual or automated. Backwashed screenings should be captured and removed
for disposal. These screenings should not be returned to the storage pond(s) or
preapplication treatment system.
16.6.1 General
One of the key steps in the design of a spray irrigation system is to develop a "design
application rate" in gallons per day per square foot (GPD/SF). This value is derived from
either the hydraulic (water) loading rate (Lwh) based upon the most restrictive of (1) the
NRCS hydraulic conductivity data and the texture and structure (per Table 16-1), or (2)
the nutrient (nitrogen) loading rate (Lwn) calculations to determine design wastewater
loading(s) and, thus, spray irrigation field area requirements.

The most limiting horizon, of each soil series shall be identified. Any surface condition
which limits the vertical or lateral drainage of the soil profile shall also be identified.
Examples of such conditions are shallow bedrock, a high water table, aquitards, and
extremely anisotropic soil permeability. Design considerations relative to the soils per
Section 16.1.5 must be used.
Sites with seasonal high groundwater less than twenty-four (24) inches deep may require
drainage improvements before they can be utilized for spray irrigation land treatment.
The design hydraulic conductivity at such sites is a function of the design of the drainage
system.

16.7.1 General
The design wastewater loading is a function of:
a. Precipitation.
b. Evapotranspiration.
c. Design hydraulic conductivity rate.
d. Nitrogen loading limitations.
e. Other constituent (i.e., organic/BOD) loading limitations.
f. Groundwater and drainage conditions.
g. Average and peak design wastewater flows.
h. Soil denitrification rates
i. Rate of nitrogen uptake in site vegetation
Therefore, developing the design wastewater loading is an interative process. The Lwh
value is determined by a detailed site evaluation and will be dependent upon the soil
characteristics as shown in Table 16-1 and pictorially represented in Figure 16.2. This
loading is then compared to the Lwn loading limitations (reference Section 16.8). If the
initial Lwh value exceeds the Lwn value, the design wastewater loading resulting from
the nitrogen reduction evaluation described in Section 16.8 becomes the design loading
rate.
FIGURE 16.2

16.8.1 General
Nitrate concentration in percolate from wastewater spray irrigation systems will be
limited via a State Operation Permit (SOP) to not exceed 10 mg/L nitrate-nitrogen at the
site property line. Percolate nitrate concentration is a function of nitrogen loading, cover
crop, and management of vegetation and hydraulic loading. The design wastewater
loading determined from using the criteria stipulated in 16.1.5 for hydraulic loading rates
must be checked against nitrogen loading limitations.
In some instances, the amount of wastewater that can be applied to a site may be limited
by the amount of nitrogen in the wastewater. A particular site may be limited by the
nitrogen content of the wastewater during certain months of the year and limited by the
infiltration rate during the remainder of the year.
16.8.3 Organic / BOD Loading
When wastewater is high strength (above 150 mg/L BOD), the organic loading rate
should be limited as follows based upon the soil:
10,000 pounds of BOD per acre per year for Clays.
15, 000 pounds of BOD per acre per year for Loams.
20,000 pounds of BOD per acre per year for Sandy.
(Reference: Dr. Robert Rubin, NC State University, who cited work by Phillips and Carlile)

Equation 16-1 is used to calculate, on a monthly basis, the allowable hydraulic loading
rate based on nitrogen limits:
(Equation 16-1)
Lwn = Cp (Pr - PET) + U(4.413)
(1 - f)(Cn) - Cp
Where:
Lwn = allowable monthly hydraulic loading rate based on nitrogen limits, inches/month
Cp = nitrogen concentration in the percolating wastewater, mg/L.
This will usually be 10mg/L Nitrate-Nitrogen
Pr = Five-year return monthly precipitation, inches/month
PET = potential evapotranspiration, inches/month
U = nitrogen uptake by cover, lbs/acre/year pounds/acre/year
(value should not exceed 100 lbs/acre/year)
Cn = Nitrate-Nitrogen concentration in applied wastewater, mg/L
(after losses in preapplication treatment)
F = fraction of applied nitrogen removed by denitrification and volatilization.
The values of Lwh and Lwn are compared for each month.
The lesser of the two values will be used to determine the amount of acreage needed.
NOTES:
 A “Cn” value of less than 23 mg/L will become a permit condition.
 The allowable vegetative uptake “U” of nitrogen on the drip area will be limited to
an uptake rate of 100 pounds per acre per year unless trees are the vegetation.
 The “f” values for denitrification have been estimated based upon data supplied by
the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Denitrification
rates (f) ranging from 25% in January and February to 35% in July and August are
very conservative, but are defendable based upon the literature. Denitrification rates
are assumed to vary linearly with the temperature and the actual rates are likely to be
higher than the default values shown in Table 16-1.
 Conversion Factor - 4.413 mg-acre-inch/liter-lb. The equation and factor are from
the TDHE Design Criteria for Sewage Works (April 1989).

The factor comes from assuming that one pound of contaminant of concern is
diluted within a volume of water equal to one acre-inch. For Example calculation
see Chapter 17, Appendix 17-A. For the derivation of this factor see Chapter 17,
Appendix 17-C.

Table 16-2 shows the default values for Lwn calculations. Other values may be used provided
adequate rationale and documentation is presented to, and approved by the Division of Water
Pollution Control.
TABLE 16-2
N f
(1) (2) (3)
MONTH Pr PET Uptake Denitrification(4)
Inches / Month Inches / Month Percent / Month Percent / Month
JAN 7.62 0.10 1% 25%
FEB 6.72 0.27 2% 25%
MAR 8.85 0.97 4% 27%
APR 6.59 2.30 8% 29%
MAY 6.13 3.59 12% 31%
JUN 5.52 4.90 15% 33%
JUL 6.85 5.44 17% 35%
AUG 4.73 5.00 15% 35%
SEP 5.54 3.79 12% 34%
OCT 4.47 1.98 8% 32%
NOV 6.11 0.82 4% 29%
DEC 7.55 0.27 2% 26%
(1) Based upon Table A-3 – 5-year return monthly precipitation

(2) Based upon Table A-2 – Potential Evapotranspiration
(3) Based upon Table A-5 – Monthly Nitrogen Uptake by Vegetation
(4) Applied Nitrogen Fraction Removed by Denitrification / Volatilization
Note: Appendix 16-B shows Equation 16-1, using the default values.

16.8.4 Cover Crop Selection and Management

Row crops may be irrigated with wastewater via spray irrigation only when not intended
for direct human consumption. Livestock must not be allowed on wet fields so that
severe soil compaction and reduced soil infiltration rates can be avoided. Further, wet
grazing conditions can also lead to animal hoof diseases. Pasture rotation should be
practiced so that wastewater spray application can be commenced immediately after
livestock have been removed. In general, a pasture area should not be grazed longer than
7 days. Typical regrowth periods between grazings range from 14 to 35 days.
Depending on the period of regrowth provided, one to three spray applications can be
made during the regrowth period. At least 3 to 4 days drying time following an
application should be allowed before livestock are returned to the pasture. Unmanaged,
volunteer vegetation (i.e., weeds) is not an acceptable spray irrigation field cover.
Disturbed areas in forest systems must be initially grassed and replanted for succession to
forest.
Spray irrigation field cover crops require management and periodic harvesting to
maintain optimum growth conditions assumed in design. Forage crops should be
harvested and removed several times annually. Pine forest systems should be harvested
at 20 to 25 year intervals. Hardwood forest systems should be harvested at 40 to 60
years. It is recommended that whole tree harvesting be considered to maximize nutrient
removal. However, wastewater spray irrigation loadings following the harvesting of
forest systems must be reduced until the hydraulic capacity of the site is restored. Spray
field area to allow for harvesting and the regeneration cycle should be considered by the
design engineer.
While high in nitrogen and phosphorus, domestic and municipal wastewaters are usually
deficient in potassium and trace elements needed for vigorous agronomic cover crop
growth. High growth rate forage crops such as Alfalfa and Coastal Bermuda will require
supplemental nutrient addition to maintain nitrogen uptake rates assumed in design.
Industrial wastewaters considered for irrigation should be carefully evaluated for their
plant nutrient value.
16.9 Land Area Requirements
16.9.1 General
The land area to which wastewater is spray irrigated is termed a "field". The total land
requirement includes not only the field area, but also land for any preapplication
treatment facilities, storage reservoir(s), buffer zone, administration/maintenance
structures and access roads. Field and buffer zone requirements are addressed in this
Section. Land area for storage reservoirs is discussed in Section 16.10. All other land
requirements will be dictated by standard engineering practices and will not be addressed
in this document.

16.9.2 Field Area Requirements
The area required for the field is determined by using the following equation:
A = (Qy + V)C
Lwd (Eq. 16-2)
Where:
A = Field area, acres
Qy = Flow, MG per year
V = Net loss or gain in stored wastewater due to precipitation,

evaporation and/or seepage at the storage reservoir, gallons per day
Lwd = Design hydraulic loading rate, in/year
C = 1,000,000 gal x ft3 x 12 in x acre = 36.83

MG 7.48 gal ft 43,560 ft2
The first calculation of the field area must be made without considering the net gain or
loss from the storage reservoir. After the storage reservoir area has been calculated, the
value of V can be completed. The final field area is then recalculated to account for V.
The Appendix includes the use of Equation 16-2.
16.9.3 Buffer Zone Requirements
The objectives of buffer zones around land treatment sites are to control public access,
improve project aesthetics and, in case of spray irrigation, to minimize the transport of
aerosols. Since development of off-site property adjacent to the treatment site may be
uncontrolable, the buffer zone must be the primary means of separating the field area
from off-site property. Table 16-3 gives minimum widths of buffer zones for varying site
conditions:

Table 16-3
On-Site Buffer Zone Requirements
SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
SURFACE
(Edge of Impact Zone)
SPREAD
Open Fields Forested
Site Boundaries 100 Feet 300 Feet 150 Feet
On-Site streams, 50 Feet 150 Feet 75 Feet
ponds and roads
16.10 Storage Requirements
16.10.1 General
The design of a wastewater spray irrigation land application system must take into
account that wastewater application will be neither continuous nor constant. Provisions
must be made for containing wastewater when conditions exist such that either
wastewater cannot be applied or when the volume of wastewater to be applied exceeds
the maximum application rate. The minimum storage requirement should be sixty (60)
days at design flow unless engineering rationale can be presented and approved by the
Division of Water Pollution Control that justifies less storage capacity.
The storage requirement may be determined and/or evlauted by either of two methods.
The first method involves the use of water balance calculations and is illustrated in
Appendix A. The second method involves the use of a computer program that was
developed based upon an extensive NOAA study of climatic variations throughout the
United States. The program entitled EPA-2 would probably be the most appropriate of
the three programs available. For information on the use of the computer program,
contact the National Climatic Center of NOAA at (704) 259-0448.

16.10.2 Estimation of Storage Requirements Using Water Balance Calculations
The actual wastewater that is available is compared to the actual amount that can be
applied. Any excess wastewater must be stored. The actual wastewater volume must be
converted to units of depth for that comparison. Equation 16-3 will be used:
Wp = Qm x C ( Eq. 16-3)
Ap
Where:
Wp = depth of wastewater, in inches
Qm = volume of wastewater for each month of the year, in million gallons

C = 1,000,000 gd x ft3 x acre x 12 in = 36.83
MG 7.48 gal 43,560 ft2 ft
Ap = field area, in acres
The months in which storage is required are cumulated to determine the maximum
amount of total storage needed. The use of the method is illustrated in Appendix A.
The maximum storage amount in inches, over the field area, is converted to a volume, in
cubic feet. A suitable depth is chosen and a storage basin surface area is calculated.
This storage basin will be affected by three factors: precipitation, evaporation and
seepage. These three factors are determined and the result is V, which is then introduced
back into equation 16-2. A new, final field area is calculated and a corresponding new
storage volume is determined.
In Tennessee, the maximum seepage is 1/4 inch per day. This amount can be used unless
the storage basin will be constructed so that a lesser seepage rate will result. In some
cases, where an impervious liner will be constructed, the seepage rate will be zero.
16.11 Distribution System
16.11.1 General
The design of the distribution system is a critical aspect of the land application. The field
area and the storage volume were derived with the assumption that wastewater would be
evenly distributed. For high strength wastes or wastes with high suspended/settleable
solids, sprinkler applications are preformed. Sprinklers will distribute these wastes more
evenly over the treatment area whereas surface application may result in accumulation of
solids and odors near the application point.

16.11.2 Surface Spreading
With surface spreading, wastewater is applied to the ground surface, usually by

perforated pipe or by an irrigation-type ditch, and flows uniformly over the field by
gravity. The uniform flow is critically dependent upon a constant slope of the field, both
horizontal and perpendicular to the direction of flow. Several other factors are of
importance:
a. Uniform distribution cannot be achieved on highly permeable soils. The

wastewater will tend to percolate into the soil that is nearest to the point of
application.
b. A relatively large amount of wastewater must be applied each time so that

wastewater will reach all portions of the field.
The dosing must account for the fact that the field area nearest the point of
application will be wetted for a longer period of time and, thus, will percolate
more wastewater.
c. Erosion and/or runoff may be a problem. Since a surface discharge will not be
allowed to occur, a return system may be necessary.
16.11.3 Sprinkler Spreading
Sprinkler systems can be classified into one of three general categories:

(1) solid set, (2) portable and (3) continuously moving.
The following factors should be considered during design:
a. The hydraulic conditions within the distribution system must be given a thorough
review. Head losses through pipes, bends, nozzles, etc., must be balanced so that
the wastewater is uniformly applied to the field.
b. Design must consider the effects of cold weather. Nozzles, risers, supply pipes,
etc., must be designed to prevent wastewater from freezing in the various parts.
c. Wind can distort the spray pattern. Also, aerosols may be carried off the field
area. A properly designed buffer zone should alleviate most of the aerosol
problems. Also, the O&M manual can include a provision which would prevent
spraying when the wind velocity is high enough to carry wastewater off the field
area.
d. Crop selection is important. The higher humidity level may lead to an increase in
crop disease.
e. Higher slopes can be used than in surface spreading. Also, slopes do not need to
be constant. Further, the type of crop is nearly unlimited. Forests can be irrigated

with solid set sprinklers. Forage crops can be irrigated with any of the three basic
types of systems.
f. The system layout must take into consideration the method that will be used for
harvesting the crop.
16.12 Spray Irrigation of Wastewater from Gray Water Facilities
16.12.1 General
This Section provides criteria for facilities that produce a "gray water" wastewater.
These facilities include coin-operated laundries, car washes and swimming pool
backwash filters.
Wastewater disposal requirements are not as complex as are those for domestic
wastewater. An engineering report which provides information on the design of the
facilities must be submitted to the Division of Water Pollution Control.
16.12.2 Site Location
16.12.2.1 The Division of Water Pollution Control must inspect and approve the
proposed site prior to any construction being undertaken.
16.12.2.2 The site must be chosen such that the operation of the system will not affect
surrounding property owners. No surface runoff or stream discharge will be allowed.
16.12.3 Design Flow
Since these are service enterprises, the amount of wastewater that is generated is directly
related to the desire of people to use the facilities. Thus, an estimate of the number of
potential users (and frequency) is extremely important.
Various factors must be taken into consideration:
a. A rural setting would tend to have a shorter daily usage period than would an
urban location.
b. An area that is predominately single-family houses would tend to have a lesser

usage rate for laundries and car washes than would an area with apartment
complexes.
c. The amount of water that washing machines use will vary among
manufacturers and models. The Division recommends the use of water-saving
machines.

The design engineer should use 250 gpd/washer for laundries and 700 gpd/bay for car
washes unless more reliable data is available.
16.12.4 Pretreatment
16.12.4.1 General
Facilities that produce gray water have different pretreatment requirements,

designed not only to the type of facility but also to the specific establishment.
16.12.4.2 Laundries
a. All laundry wastewater (does not include sanitary wastes) shall pass
through a series of lint screens.
A series will consist of five screens, starting with a screen with 1-inch
mesh and ending with a screen that is basically equivalent to a window
screen.
b. Since some detergents produce a wastewater with a pH in the range of

11.0 to 11.5, some type of pH adjustment may be necessary. This may
occur as a retrofit if the vegetation in the spray plots is being stressed
by the high pH.
c. Disinfection will generally not be required unless the operation of the

facilities will result in a potential hazard to the public. The need for
disinfection will be determined by the Division of Water Pollution
Control on a case-by-case basis.
16.12.4.3 Car Washes
a. All car wash wastewater shall pass through a grit removal unit. The
flow-through velocity shall be less than 0.5 feet per second. The grit
removal unit shall be constructed to facilitate the removal of grit.
b. The use of detergents with a neutral (or nearly neutral) pH is

recommended. The use of high-pH detergents may require
neutralization if the vegetation is being stressed by the high pH.
16.12.4.4 Swimming Pools
a. A holding tank/pond shall be provided to receive the backwash water

from the swimming pool filters. The solids shall be allowed to settle
to the bottom before the supernatant is removed for disposition on the
spray plots.

b. Dechlorination may be required if the vegetation on the plots is being

stressed by the chlorine in the water.
c. If the entire pool volume is to be emptied, by using the spray plots, the
rate shall be controlled so as to not exceed the application rate that is
specified in Section 16.7.
16.12.5 Field Requirements
16.12.5.1 The maximum wastewater that can be sprayed on a site is based either on the
nitrogen content of the wastewater or an amount equal to 10% of the infiltration rate of
the most restrictive layer of soil which shall be determined by the design engineer with
input from a qualified soil scientist.
16.12.5.2 The application of wastewater shall alternate between at least two separate
plots. Each plot shall not receive wastewater for more than three consecutive days and
must have at least three days rest between applications. Reserve land area of equivalent
capacity must be available for all gray water systems.
16.12.5.3 Ground slopes shall not exceed 30%. Extra precautions must be taken on
steep slopes (15-30%) to prevent runoff and erosion.
16.12.5.4 The field shall be covered with a good lawn or pasture grass unless an
existing forested area is chosen. The ground cover should be a sturdy perennial that will
resist erosion and washout. Forested areas should be chosen so that installation of
sprinkler equipment will not damage the root systems of the trees and will not produce
runoff due to the usual lack of grass in forested areas.
16.12.6 Application Equipment
16.12.6.1 Sprinklers shall be of a type and number such that the wastewater will be
evenly distributed over the entirety of a plot. Information on sprinklers shall
be included in the engineering report. In forest plots, sprinklers shall be on
risers which shall be tall enough to allow the wastewater to be sprayed above
the undergrowth. Sprinklers shall be of the type that are not susceptible to
clogging.
16.12.6.2 All piping (excluding risers) shall be buried to a depth that will prevent
freezing in the lines. An exception to this burial requirement can be made in
the case where piping will be laid in forested areas. Burial in this case may
be difficult, expensive and may kill some trees. All risers shall be designed
such that wastewater will drain from them when wastewater is not being
pumped. This can be accomplished by either draining all lines back into the
pump sump or by placing a gravel drain pit at the base of each riser. Each
riser would necessarily be equipped with a weep hole. Particular attention

must be given during the design so that the entire subsurface piping does not
drain into these pits.
16.12.6.3 The engineering report must contain hydraulic calculations that show that
each nozzle distributes an equivalent amount of wastewater. Differences in
elevation and decreasing pipe sizes will be factors which need to be
addressed.
16.12.6.4 The piping must be of a type that will withstand a pressure equal to or greater
than 1-1/2 times the highest pressure point in the system. The risers should
be of a type of material such that they can remain erect without support. The
pipe joints should comply with the appropriate ASTM requirements.
Adequate thrust blocks shall be installed as necessary.
16.12.6.5 A sump shall be provided into which the wastewater will flow for pumping to
the spray plots. The pump can be either a submersible type, located in the
sump, or a dry-well type, located immediately adjacent to the sump in a
dry-well. The pump shall be capable of pumping the maximum flow that can
be expected to enter the sump in any 10-minute period. The pump shall be
operated by some type of float mechanism. The float mechanism shall
activate the pump when the water level reaches 2/3 of the depth of the sump
and should de-activate the pump before the water level drops to the point to
where air can enter the intake.
If the distribution system is designed to drain back into the sump, the sump
shall be enlarged to account for that volume.
If desired, the sump for laundries can also contain the lint screens. The
screens shall, in any case, be constructed so that they cannot be bypassed.
They shall be built so that they can be easily cleaned. A container shall be
provided for disposal of the lint which is removed from the screens.
16.12.6.6 The pipe from the facility to the sump shall be large enough to handle the peak
instantaneous flow that could be realistically generated by the facility. Flow
quantities, head loss calculations, etc., shall be included in the engineering
report.
16.12.7 Operation of System
16.12.7.1 The operator shall insure that wastewater is applied to alternate plots on a
regular basis.
16.12.7.2 Monthly operating reports shall be submitted to the appropriate field office of
the Division of Water Pollution Control. The parameters to be reported shall
be delineated by field office personnel but should include, as a minimum,
dates of spray plot alternation.

16.12.7.3 The owner of the system shall apply for and receive an operating permit from
the Division of Water Pollution Control prior to initiation of operation of the
system.
16.12.7.4 The system operator shall inspect and maintain the pump and sprinklers in
accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. An operations manual
shall be located at the facility for ready reference.
16.12.7.5 The operator shall inspect the wastewater facilities on a regular basis. The
inspection shall include the spray plots to determine whether or not runoff
and/or erosion are or have occurred, the spray patterns of the sprinklers, the
physical condition of the system (looking for damage due to adverse pH
conditions, etc.)
16.12.7.6 The spray plots shall be mowed on a regular basis to enhance

evapotranspiration. Grass height shall not exceed 6-inches.
16.12.7.7 The lint screen at laundries shall be cleaned on a schedule that is frequent
enough to prevent upstream problems due to head loss through the screens.
Disposition of the lint shall be in accordance with applicable requirements.
16.12.7.8 The grit traps at car washes shall be cleaned at a frequency that is sufficient to
keep the trap in its designed operating condition.
16.12.7.9 If the car wash is equipped with an automatic wax cycle, the operator shall be
especially attentive to the possibility of wax build-up on the sump, pump and
all downstream piping.
16.12.7.10 The operator shall insure that the car wash facility is not used as a sanitary
dumping station for motor homes or for washing trucks/trailers that are used
for hauling livestock. If necessary, the facility shall be posted with signs
which clearly indicate this prohibition.
16.12.7.11 The sludge holding tank/pond at a swimming pool facility shall be cleaned at
a frequency that is sufficient to prevent solids from being carried over into
the pump sump. Cleaning shall be performed in a manner that will minimize
re-suspending the solids and allowing them to enter the pump sump.
A Plan of Operation and Management (POM) is required before an Operation Permit

(SOP) can be issued. The Plan is written by the owner or the owner's engineer during
construction of the slow rate land treatment system. Once accepted by the Division, the
Plan becomes the operating and monitoring manual for the facility and is incorporated
by reference into the Permit.

This manual must be kept at the facility site and must be available for inspection by
personnel from the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment.
This POM should include, but not be limited to, the following information:
16.13.1 Introduction
a. System Description:
1. A narrative description and process design summary for the land treatment
facility including the design wastewater flow, design wastewater
characteristics, preapplication treatment system and spray fields.
2. A map of the land treatment facility showing the preapplication treatment

system, storage pond(s), spray fields, buffer zones, roads, streams, drainage
system discharges, monitoring wells, etc.
3. A map of force mains and pump stations tributary to the land treatment
facility. Indicate their size and capacity.
4. A schematic and plan of the preapplication treatment sytem and storage

pond(s) identifying all pumps, valves and process control points.
5. A schematic and plan of the irrigation distribution system identifying all
pumps, valves, gauges, sprinklers, etc.
b. Discuss the design life of the facility and factors that may shorten its useful life.
Include procedures or precautions which will compensate for these limitations.
c. A copy of facility's State Operation Permit.
a. Discuss management's responsibilities and duties.
b. Discuss staffing requirements and duties:
1. Describe the various job titles, number of positions, qualifications, experience,

training, etc.
2. Define the work hours, duties and responsibilities of each staff member.

a. Preapplication Treatment System:
1. Describe how the sytem is to be operated.
2. Discuss process control.
3. Discuss maintenance schedules and procedures
b. Irrigation System Management:
1. Wastewater Application.
Discuss how the following will be monitored and controlled.

Include rate and loading limits:
(a) Wastewater loading rate (inches/week)
(b) Wastewater application rate (inches/hour)
(c) Spray field application cycles
(d) Organic, nitrogen and phosphorus loadings (lbs/acre per month, etc)
2. Discuss how the system is to be operated and maintained.
(a) Storage pond(s)
(b) Irrigation pump station(s)
(c) Spray field force main(s) and laterals
3. Discuss start-up and shut-down procedures.
4. Discuss system maintenance.
(a) Equipment inspection schedules
(b) Equipment maintenance schedules
5. Discuss operating procedures for adverse conditions.
(a) Wet weather

(b) Freezing weather
(c) Saturated Soil
(d) Excessive winds
(e) Electrical and mechanical malfunctions
6. Provide troubleshooting procedures for common or expected problems.
7. Discuss the operation and maintenance of back-up, stand-by and support

equipment.
c. Vegetation Management:
1. Discuss how the selected cover crop is to be established, monitored and

maintained.
2. Discuss cover crop cultivation procedures, harvesting schedules and uses.
3. Discuss buffer zone vegetative cover and its maintenance.
d. Drainage System (if applicable):
1. Discuss operation and maintenance of surface drainage and runoff control

structures.
2. Discuss operation and maintenance of subsurface drainage systems.
a. Discuss sampling procedures, frequency, location and parameters for:
1. Preapplication treatment system.
2. Irrigation System:
(a) Storage pond(s)
(b) Groundwater monitoring wells
(c) Drainage system discharges (if applicable)
(d) Surface water (if applicable)

b. Discuss soil sampling and testing:
c. Discuss ambient conditions monitoring:
1. Rainfall
2. Wind speed
3. Soil moisture
d. Discuss the interpretation of monitoring results and facility operation:
1. Preapplication treatment system.
2. Spray fields.
3. Soils.
a. Discuss maintenance records:
1. Preventive.
2. Corrective.
b. Monitoring reports and/or records should include:
1. Preapplication treatment system and storage pond(s).
(a) Influent flow
(b) Influent and effluent wastewater characteristics
2. Irrigation System.
(a) Wastewater volume applied to spray fields.
(b) Spray field scheduling.
(c) Loading rates.
3. Groundwater Depth.
4. Drainage system discharge parameters (if applicable).

5. Surface water parameters (if applicable).
6. Soils data.
7. Rainfall and climatic data.

Excerpt from TN Design Criteria for Sewage Works
CHAPTER 17
Design Guidelines for Wastewater Dispersal

Using Drip Irrigation
17.1 General
17.1.1 General
17.1.3 Slopes and Buffers
17.1.4 Soils
17.1.5 Line Spacing
17.1.6 Line Depth

17.2.1 General
17.2.2 Soil Mapping
17.2.3 Definitions
17.2.4 Special Soil/Geologic Considerations
17.3 Determination of Design Percolation Rates

17.3.1 General

17.4.1 General

17.5.1 General

17.6.1 Introduction
Appendix 17-A Hydraulic Values and Conversion Factors

Appendix 17-B Example using Equation 17-2 (Nitrogen Loading Rate, Lwn)
Appendix 17-C Derivation of Conversion Factor for Equation 17-2
February 2016 17-1 Design Criteria Ch. 17

DRIP DISPERSAL TREATMENT
17.1 General
17.1.1 General
This chapter provides guidelines and criteria for the design of drip dispersal systems for
domestic wastewater effluent treated to a level of secondary treatment. It is not
applicable to spray irrigation, overland flow or rapid infiltration. The design engineer
should use best professional judgment (BPJ) to produce a system that will be robust and
sustainable for many years.
Drip dispersal systems are designed and operated to allow the soil to provide final
treatment of the wastewater prior to its introduction to groundwater. Dispersal and
treatment occurs via physical, chemical and biological processes within the soil and
through evapotranspiration and nutrient uptake by plant matter.
The ultimate goal is to create a treatment and dispersal system that will return the treated
water to the environment while protecting ground water and surface waters from
excessive pollution. Water does not disappear in the soil column, it evaporates into the
atmosphere, is used by plants and/or organisms, or moves through the soils to ground
water or into water courses. There are many factors to be considered when designing
drip dispersal systems, such as the quality of treated effluent being applied, depth of soils,
and retention time in the soils before water returns to either ground water or surface
water. The development of these guidelines utilized general assumptions, best
professional judgment (BPJ) and empirical data.
The infiltrative capacity of soil is a critical factor to be considered when designing any
type of subsurface sewage disposal system. However, equal consideration should be
given to other factors that control the overall lateral movement of groundwater within the
soil profile.
If the profile of a particular soil considered for drip dispersal extended to a significant
depth without a restrictive horizon (most limiting layer), the ability to load that soil per
unit area would be relatively high. On the other extreme, if a soil being considered for
drip dispersal had a shallow restrictive horizon, the ability to load that soil would be
lower relative to the deeper soil. Depth to restrictive horizon, soil permeability and slope
of the restrictive horizon are factors that control the amount and rate at which ground
water can exit an area. If the amount of treated effluent applied to an area, in
combination with rainfall over the area and groundwater moving into the area, exceed the
soil profile’s ability to transmit the water away from the application area, mounding and
runoff will occur.
Evaluation of a soil area’s suitability for drip dispersal should take into consideration
limiting aspects of the soil profile. Level sites with shallow restrictive horizons overlain
by low permeability soils represent one of the more limited scenarios for drip dispersal
and the application rate and/or application area should be suitably modified.
Also critical when designing systems in soils with shallow restrictive horizons are the
presence and location of hydrologic boundaries such as drainage ways and waterways.

These hydrologic boundaries provide an outlet for ground water discharge. Not only is it
critical to identify these features in consideration of appropriate setbacks/buffers, it is
also critical to factor in their role in the overall hydrologic cycle of the landscape.
Horizons along which lateral flow would be expected include, but are not necessarily
limited to: bedrock, fragipans, and zones with high clay percentage overlain by more
permeable soil.
Drip dispersal design submittals should take into consideration all factors
influencing the infiltrative capacity of the soil and the ability of the soil and site to
transport ground water away from the application area. It should be noted that the
use of historical information from existing systems installed and operated in similar
soils, with documented loading rates, landscape positions and design conditions
similar to the proposed system may be applicable. Therefore, soils that have been
highly compacted and/or disturbed, such as old road beds, foundations, etc., must be
excluded when evaluating suitable areas for drip dispersal systems.
17.1.3 Slopes and Buffers

Slopes - Slopes up to and including 50% slope with suitable soils may be considered for
drip dispersal. Depending upon the overall shape of the slope (concave, convex or linear
on the planar and profile view) the design engineer may have to make adjustments in the
aspect ratio of the drip lines on the slope, the loading rate, or both to ensure that all
applied effluent will move down gradient and/or into the underlying formations without
surfacing. It is important to note that when the proposed drip field area slopes are greater
than 30%, the design engineer may need to a obtain a geologic investigation conducted
by a geologist or geotechnical engineer evaluating the slip potential of the slope under
operating conditions. When slopes increase above 10 percent, wastewater flow down the
slope (parallel to the slope) may control the hydraulic design of the system.
For land application areas with slopes between 10 percent and 50 percent and with a
restrictive horizon less than 48 inches, the design engineer should calculate the
percentage saturation of the soil column at the narrowest portion of the cross-sectional
area of the dispersal area perpendicular to the direction of flow. This landscape loading
rate analysis will determine the saturation depth at design load and flow of the most
restrictive cross-section in the down gradient flow path within and beyond the drip field.
The aspect of ratio of the drip field should be adjusted or the loading rate reduced as
necessary to ensure that surfacing does not occur.
Buffers - Treatment and dispersal system components should be located so as to protect
potable water supplies and distribution systems and surface waters. The design engineer
is responsible to identify setbacks on construction drawings. Setbacks from water bodies,
water courses, and sink holes will be a function of local subsurface geology and quality
of the applied effluent. It is important to note that varying site conditions may require
different distances of separation. The distances may increase or decrease as soil
conditions so warrant as determined by a qualified professional (engineer, soil scientist,
geologist, etc.).
If site buffers are different from Table 17-1, then the design engineer must provide
rationale used for the recommended site buffers which must be approved by the
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
TABLE 17-1
Buffer Distance
Septic Tank and /or Dispersal
Site Feature Dosing Chamber Field
(Feet) (Feet)
Wells and Springs 50 50
Dwellings and Buildings 5 10
Property Lines 10 10
Underground Utilities 10 10
Septic Tank NA 5
Gullies, Ravines,
Blue Line Streams, Drains 25 25
Drainways, Cutbanks,
and Sinkholes
Closed Depressions * *
Soil Improvement Practice 25 25
*To be determined by the design engineer and approved by the Division of Water Pollution Control.
17.1.4 Soils
In general, moderately permeable and well-drained soils are desirable. However, the use
of any soil is acceptable if it meets the following four (4) criteria:
1. The applied effluent loading rate does not exceed the applicable hydraulic loading
rate in Table 17-2. The applicable hydraulic loading rate is determined by a
detailed site evaluation in which the site is mapped utilizing soil borings and pits
to determine the physical properties of soil horizons and soil map units.
2. The applied effluent maximum loading rate does not exceed 10% of the minimum
NRCS saturated vertical hydraulic conductivity (KSAT) for the soil series or 0.25
GPD/SF whichever is least. Note: this may have to be lowered based upon the
results of the nutrient loading rate calculation per Section 17.5.2.
3. The soil does not have a restrictive horizon within its top twenty (20) inches.
4. The soil is well drained, or capable of being drained.

TABLE 17-2
Hydraulic Loading Rates (GPD/SF) – For Drip Dispersal Systems
HYDRAULIC
STRUCTURE LOADING
TEXTURE RATE*
GPD / SF
SHAPE GRADE
BOD ≤ 30 mg/L
Coarse Sand,
NA NA NA
Loamy Coarse Sand
Sand NA NA NA
Loamy Sand,
Fine Sand,
Loamy Fine Sand, Single Grain Structure less 1.00
Very Fine Sand,
Loamy Very Fine Sand
Massive Structure less 0.60
Weak 0.50
Coarse Sandy Loam, Platy
Moderate, Strong
Sandy Loam
Blocky, Weak 0.70
Granular Moderate, Strong 1.00
Platy Weak, Moderate, Strong
Loam
Granular, Sub angular Moderate, Strong 0.80
Silt Loam
Angular, Blocky, Weak 0.60
Massive Structure less
Sandy Clay Loam,
Clay Loam,
Silty Clay Loam
Massive Structure less
Sandy Clay
Clay,
Angular, Blocky Weak
Silty Clay
*Maximum allowable hydraulic loading rate is 0.25 GPD/SF;

however, all hydraulic loading rates may be adjusted based upon
special site specific evaluations approved by TDEC.
These soils are considered unacceptable for drip dispersal.
Reference: EPA/R-00/08, February 2002, “Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual”

It is desirable to have a minimum depth of twenty (20) inches of undisturbed soil above a
restrictive horizon which may need to be increased as slope increases. This is necessary
to provide adequate installation depth and buffer below the drip line. (For example, see
Figure 17.1).
FIGURE 17.1
Even if a soil meets the depth requirements it may not be suitable due to the texture
and/or structure. If a soil shows signs of wetness within a depth of 20 inches of the soil
surface, it will most likely require a soil improvement practice such as an interceptor or
drawdown drain. The location and size of the drains and buffers must be factored into
the total area required for the drip dispersal system.
17.1.5 Line Spacing
In an attempt to achieve even distribution of the wastewater and maximum utilization of
the soil, it is recommended that the emitter line spacing and emitter spacing be at 2-foot
spacing. Depending upon site conditions (soil type, slope and reserve area) the
Department of Environment and Conservation may allow spacing to increase to ensure
that each emitter supplies a minimum wetted area of not more than ten (10) square feet
(i.e., 5-foot line spacing with 2-foot emitter spacing or 10-foot line spacing with 1-foot
emitter spacing).
17.1.6 Line Depth
Drip dispersal lines should be placed at depths of six (6) to ten (10) inches below the
surface. The drip lines should be laid level and should run with the contour.

17.2.1 General
Preliminary soil investigations should be done to identify areas best suited for subsurface
wastewater drip dispersal. The proposed drip dispersal area must be mapped at sufficient
accuracy to identify each soils series (or lowest possible level of soil classification)
present and the boundary location between series. Once those areas are identified, the
more detailed procedures outlined below will be employed. It is required that all soil
investigations be performed by a soil scientist currently on the Ground Water Protection
list of approved soil scientists/soil consultants.
17.2.2 Soil Mapping

The mapping procedure will usually begin with the property/land being generally
evaluated to delineate or separate areas with suitable characteristics. This procedure will
save time and money since some areas will be too shallow, too wet, too steep, etc.
Adequate ground control is mandatory for all sites. The ground control is necessary to
reproduce the map if needed. All located coordinates (soil map boundaries and pit
locations) must be shown on the final Water Pollution Control (WPC) Soils Map.
Soil data collection shall be based upon one, or combination of the following:
1. Grid staking at intervals sufficient to allow the soils scientist to attest to the
accuracy of the map for the intended purpose;
2. Mapping of pits and critical auger locations using dual frequency survey grade
Global Positioning System (GPS) units.
3. Other controls adequate to map the location of pits, physical features, and
separations.
4. Grid stakes and GPS data points must be locatable to within two (2) feet of
distance shown.
5. The ground control has to correlate to the exterior boundaries of the property so as
to show the location of the soils areas within the bounds of the project and must
be certified by a Registered Land Surveyor per TCA 62-18-102(3).
The soil scientists are responsible for conducting a sufficient number of borings that, in
their professional opinion, will allow them to certify the soils series (or lowest possible
level of soil classification) present, identify boundaries between series, and describe each
soil horizon as to color, depth to restrictive horizon, and depth to rock. Any
redoximorphic features observed are to be described. This delineation should be based
upon the texture and structure of the soils to a depth of forty-eight (48) inches or
restrictive horizon whichever is shallower.
After the mapped soils area is established and marked, soil borings to a minimum depth
of forty-eight (48) inches or restrictive horizon, whichever is shallowest, shall be taken at
sufficient intervals to identify and map the boundaries of the soils series (or lowest
possible level of soil classification) present on the site. The exact number and location of
borings will be determined by the soils scientist in consultation with the design engineer.
Sufficient borings should be made to identify any dissimilar soils accounting for more
than 10 percent of the total proposed drip dispersal area.

The soil scientist shall excavate an adequate number of pits to determine the typical
profiles and soils characteristics that are expected for all soils mapped. It is recommended
that a minimum of two (2) pits per acre in polygons of qualifying soils be excavated;
however, the actual number and location of pits will be left to the best professional
judgment of the soil scientist. If less than two (2) pits per acre are utilized, the soil
scientist must include the rationale in notes on the WPC Soil Map. The pit description
must be entered onto a pedon sheet and submitted with the soils map and engineering
report. The “Soil Description” should include all of the information contained on form
NRCS-Soils-232G (5-86), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources
Conservation Service (as shown in Appendix D).
In their description of the pit profiles, the soil scientists must describe the soil’s structure,
texture, color, and any redoximorphic features present. They should also describe root
depth and presence of macropores, etc. The series name or lowest possible level of soil
classification will be recorded. The depth to hard rock using an auger or a tile probe must
be specified if the depth is less than forty-eight (48) inches and estimated if greater than
forty-eight (48) inches. The auger borings and soil backhoe pits should be located,
numbered and shown on the WPC Soils Map. The soil scientist will be required to
prepare and sign a detailed certification statement for each site evaluated as follows:
Water Pollution Control Soils Map Completed by:

Signature Date
John/Jane Doe, Soils Consultant
The following statement should appear on the map:
“I, (Soils Consultant’s Name) affirm that this Water Pollution Control Soils Map has
been prepared in accordance with accepted standards of soil science practice and the
standards and methodologies established in the NRCS Soil Survey Manual and USDA
Soil Taxonomy. No other warranties are made or implied.”
Soil profile information and pit excavation, as described in these design criteria, are
additional requirements deemed necessary to properly assess an area’s suitability for drip
dispersal.
17.2.3 Definitions:
Soil Horizons (layers): Soil is made up of distinct horizontal layers; these layers are
called horizons and display vertical zones. They range from rich, organic upper layers
(humus and topsoil) to underlying rocky layers (subsoil, regolith and bedrock).
Soil horizons develop due to the nature of soil formation. Soil is the product of the
weathering of parent material (i.e. bedrock), accompanied by the addition of organic
matter. The method for naming the soil horizons is quite simple as the Figure 17.2
shows.

In the simplest naming system, soils horizons are designated O (organic), A (topsoil), B
(mineral soil), C (weathered parent material), and R is the un-weathered rock (bedrock)
layer that is beneath all the other layers. The horizons of most importance to plant
growth and forest health are the O and A horizons. The litter layer found covering the
soil is also of interest because it provides most of the organic matter found in the O and A
horizons.

FIGURE 17.2
The Litter Layer is the topmost layer on the forest floor. It consists of leaves, needles
and other non-decomposed material on the forest floor. While this is not considered part
of the soil, it is interesting to measure the depth of the litter layer when sampling the soil.
The depth of the litter layer can vary greatly even within a particular site. Because of
this, several measurements are required to attempt to characterize litter layer depth. The
litter layer can be considered part of the overall soils depth.
The O-Horizon primarily consists of decomposed organic matter and has a dark rich
color, increased porosity, and increased aggregate structure (larger soil “clumps”). The
depth of the O horizon is measured from the surface of the soil (after the litter layer has
been cleared away) to the point where the darker organic color changes to a slightly
lighter colored soil that contains increased mineral particles in addition to organic matter.
The transition from the O to the A horizon can also be recognized by a significant
increase in the mineral soil particles. In many urban soils, the O horizon may very thin if
it exists at all. The O horizon can also be considered part of the overall soils depth.

The A-Horizon is the mineral “topsoil” and consists of highly weathered parent
material (rocks), which is somewhat lighter in color than the O horizon due to a decrease
in organic matter. The particles in the A horizon are more granular and “crumb-like”.
Seeds germinate and plant roots grow in this layer. It is made up of humus (decomposed
organic matter) mixed with mineral particles. The depth of the A horizon is measured
from the region of color changes from the dark O horizon to the transition to the B
horizon. The transition to the B horizon can be identified by increased clay content (see
below) and the absence of organic material: no root hairs, small pieces of needle, etc.
The most thorough soil study involves analysis on separate O and A horizon samples.
This requires separating and storing O and A horizon samples. It also involves
completing the entire soil analysis on both the O and A samples. If this is not possible,
the O and A samples can be combined (or composited) and the analysis can be completed
on the O and A sample together.
The B-Horizon is also called the subsoil - this layer is beneath the A horizon and above
the C horizon. It contains clay and mineral deposits (like iron, aluminum oxides, and
calcium carbonate) that it receives when soil solution containing dissolved minerals drips
from the soil above.
The B horizon is identified by increased clay content that makes the soil hold together
when moist. A simple test for clay content is to moisten a small handful of soil and
attempt to smear a small portion up the forefinger. Soils high in clay will hold together
and form a “ribbon”, soils with more sand and silt will be granular and fall apart. It is
lighter in color and often may be reddish due to the iron content.
The C Horizon (layer beneath the B Horizon) consists of porous rock (broken-up
bedrock, bedrock with holes). It is also called regolith or saprolyte which means "rotten
rock." Plant roots do not penetrate into this layer; very little organic material is found in
this layer.
The R-Horizon is the un-weathered rock (bedrock) layer that is beneath all the other
layers. For the purposes of drip dispersal designs, the R horizon is considered an
impermeable layer.
Water Pollution Control (WPC) Soils Map. A first order survey as defined in the Soil
Survey Manual, United States Department of Agriculture, October 1993. These surveys
are made for various land use that requires detailed soils information. Map scale should
be one (1) inch equals one hundred (100) feet or a scale that will allow the map to fill a
24” x 36” plan sheet. These maps should have adequate cartographic detail to satisfy the
requirements of project. The WPC Soils Map is essentially a special map that shows a
very high degree of soil and landscape detail. Baseline mapping standards for these WPC
Soils Maps prepared in support of drip dispersal should be a first order survey in
accordance with the current edition of the Soil Survey Manual, United States Department
of Agricultural; October 1993. Soil profile information and pit excavation, as described
in these design criteria are additional requirements deemed necessary to properly assess
an area’s suitability for drip dispersal. These maps should be clearly marked or labeled as
“Water Pollution Control Soils Map”.

Soil map unit. A unique collection of areas that have common soil characteristics and/or
miscellaneous physical and chemical features.
Soil scientist. A person having the experience and education necessary to measure soil
properties and classify soils per Soil Taxonomy, synonymous with the term “soil
consultant”.
Soil series. A group of soils that have similar properties; the lowest level of soil
classification.
Most limiting horizon. A horizon in the soil (bedrock or fragipan) that either provides
the greatest impediment to or completely stops the downward movement of liquids
through the soil.
17.2.4 Special Soil/Geologic Considerations

For sites with slopes between 30% and 50%, TDEC may request, a special investigation
(performed by a qualified professional, such as a geologist, geo-tech engineer,
engineering geologist, etc.) to be conducted to evaluate those sites. To adequately
complete these determinations the following information should be provided.
 Strike and dip angle of underlying bedrock
 Depth to either hard rock and partly weathered rock
 Type of rock (limestone, shale, etc.)
 Soil particle-size class designation to a depth of six (6) feet or to hard rock
whichever is less
 Slippage potential of slope
 Certification statement signed by a qualified professional that addresses all of
the above characteristics.
For sites with slopes between 30% and 50%, in addition to meeting all other soil
suitability requirements, the site should also meet the following requirements:
 Have a vertical depth of at least twenty (20) inches of soil above the rock
layer.
 Not have a predominant particle size class of fragmental or sandy-skeletal.
17.3.1 General
One of the key steps in the design of a drip dispersal system is to develop a "design
application rate" in gallons per day per square foot (GPD/SF). This value is derived from
either the hydraulic (water) loading rate (Lwh) based upon the most restrictive of (1) the
NRCS hydraulic conductivity data and the texture and structure (per Table 17-2), or (2)
the nutrient (nitrogen) loading rate (Lwn) calculations to determine design wastewater
loading(s) and, thus, drip field area requirements.


The most limiting horizon, of each soil series (or lowest possible level of soil
classification) shall be identified. Any surface condition that limits the vertical or lateral
drainage of the soil profile shall also be identified. Examples of such conditions are
shallow bedrock, a high water table, aquitards, and extremely anisotropic soil
permeability. Design considerations relative to the soils per Section 17.1.4 must be used.
Sites with seasonal high groundwater less than twenty-four (24) inches deep may require
drainage improvements before they can be utilized for slow rate land treatment. The
design hydraulic conductivity at such sites is a function of the design of the drainage
system.
17.4.1 General
The design wastewater loading is a function of:
a. Precipitation.
b. Evapotranspiration.
c. Design hydraulic conductivity rate.
d. Nitrogen loading limitations.
e. Other constituent loading limitations.
f. Groundwater and drainage conditions.
g. Average and peak design wastewater flows.
h. Soil denitrification rates
i. Rate of nitrogen uptake in site vegetation
Therefore, developing the design wastewater loading is an iterative process. The Lwh
value is determined by a detailed site evaluation and will be dependent upon the soil
characteristics as shown in Table 17-2 and pictorially represented in Figure 17.3. This
loading is then compared to the Lwn loading limitations (reference Section 17.5). If the
initial Lwh value exceeds the Lwn value, the design wastewater loading resulting from
the nitrogen reduction evaluation described in Section 17.5 becomes the design loading
rate.

FIGURE 17.3
17.5.1 General
Nitrate concentration in percolate from wastewater irrigation systems will be limited via a
State Operation Permit (SOP) to not exceed 10 mg/L nitrate-nitrogen at the site property
line. Percolate nitrate concentration is a function of nitrogen loading, cover crop, and
management of vegetation and hydraulic loading. The design wastewater loading
determined from using the criteria stipulated in 17.1.4 for hydraulic conductivity must be
checked against nitrogen loading limitations.
In some instances, the amount of wastewater that can be applied to a site may be limited
by the amount of nitrogen in the wastewater. A particular site may be limited by the
nitrogen content of the wastewater during certain months of the year and limited by the
infiltration rate during the remainder of the year.

Equation 17-2 is used to calculate, on a monthly basis, the allowable hydraulic loading rate based
on nitrogen limits:
Lwn = Cp (Pr - PET) + N(4.413)

(1 - f)(Cn) - Cp (Equation 17-2)
Where:
Lwn = allowable monthly hydraulic loading rate based on nitrogen limits, inches/month
Cp = nitrogen concentration in the percolating wastewater, mg/L.
This will usually be 10mg/L Nitrate-Nitrogen
Pr = Five-year return monthly precipitation, inches/month
PET = potential evapotranspiration, inches/month
U = nitrogen uptake by cover, lbs./acre/year
N = nitrogen uptake by cover, lbs./acre/month
Cn = Nitrate-Nitrogen concentration in applied wastewater, mg/L
(after losses in pre-application treatment)
f = fraction of applied nitrogen removed by denitrification and volatilization.
The values of Lwh and Lwn are compared for each month.
The lesser of the two values will be used to determine the amount of acreage needed.
NOTES:
 A “Cn” value of less than 23 mg/L will become a permit condition.
 The allowable (default value) vegetative uptake “U” of nitrogen on the drip area will
be an uptake rate of 100 pounds per acre per year unless trees or other vegetation are
acceptable to, and permitted by WPC.
 The “f” values for denitrification have been estimated based upon data supplied by
the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Denitrification
rates (f) ranging from 25% in January and February to 35% in July and August are
very conservative, but are defendable based upon the literature. Denitrification rates
are assumed to vary linearly with the temperature and the actual rates are likely to be
higher than the default values shown in Table 17-2.
 Conversion Factor - 4.413mg-acre-inch/liter-lb. The equation and factor are from the
TDHE Design Criteria for Sewage Works (April 1989). The factor comes from
assuming that one pound of contaminant of concern is diluted within a volume of
water equal to one acre-inch. For the derivation of this factor see Appendix 17-C.

Table 17-3 shows the default values for Lwn calculations. Other values may be used provided
adequate rationale and documentation is presented to, and approved by the Department of
Environment and Conservation.
TABLE 17-3
N f
MONTH Pr(1) PET(2) Uptake(3) Denitrification(4)
Inches / Month Inches / Month Percent / Month Percent / Month
JAN 7.62 0.10 1% 25%
FEB 6.72 0.27 2% 25%
MAR 8.85 0.97 4% 27%
APR 6.59 2.30 8% 29%
MAY 6.13 3.59 12% 31%
JUN 5.52 4.90 15% 33%
JUL 6.85 5.44 17% 35%
AUG 4.73 5.00 15% 35%
SEP 5.54 3.79 12% 34%
OCT 4.47 1.98 8% 32%
NOV 6.11 0.82 4% 29%
DEC 7.55 0.27 2% 26%
(1) Based upon Table A-3 of Chapter 16 – 5-year return monthly precipitation
(2) Based upon Table A-2 of Chapter 16 – Potential Evapotranspiration
(3) Based upon Table A-5 of Chapter 16 – Monthly Nitrogen Uptake by Vegetation
(4) Applied Nitrogen Fraction Removed by Denitrification / Volatilization
Note: Appendix 17-B shows Equation 17-2, using the default values.


Each decentralized wastewater treatment system utilizing drip effluent dispersal should
be covered by a Plan of Operation and Management (POM). For public utility systems, a
General POM applicable to all of the utility’s facilities and covering the items discussed
below will suffice. The POM is written by the owner or the owner's engineer and once
accepted by the Division of Water Pollution Control, the POM becomes the operating and
monitoring manual for the facility. This manual should be kept on file by the facility
owner and should be available for inspection by personnel from the Tennessee
Department of Environment and Conservation.
This Plan should include, but not be limited to, the following information unless
previously submitted via the permit application process:
17.6.1 Introduction
a. System Description:
1. A narrative description and process design summary for the land treatment
facility including the design wastewater flow, design wastewater characteristics,
pre-application treatment system and drip fields.
2. A map of the land treatment facility showing the pre-application treatment
system, drip fields, buffer zones, roads, streams, drainage system discharges,
monitoring wells, etc.
3. A map of the collection system including gravity lines, force mains and pump
stations tributary to the land treatment facility. Indicate their size and capacity.
4. A schematic and plan of the pre-application treatment system identifying all
pumps, valves and process control points.
5. A schematic and plan of the irrigation distribution system identifying all
pumps, valves, gauges, etc.
b. Discuss the design life of the facility and factors that may shorten its useful life.
Include procedures or precautions that will compensate for these limitations.

a. Discuss management's responsibilities and duties.
b. Discuss staffing requirements and duties:
1. Describe the various job titles, number of positions, qualifications, experience,
training, etc.
2. Define the work hours, duties and responsibilities of each staff member.
3. Describe the location of operational and maintenance personnel relative to the
location of the treatment system.

a. Pre-application Treatment System:

1. Describe how the system is to be operated.

2. Discuss process control.
3. Discuss maintenance schedules and procedures.
4. Discuss the use of telemetry
b. Drip Dispersal System Management:
1. Wastewater Application. Discuss how the following will be monitored and
controlled. Include rate and loading limits.
(a) Wastewater loading rate
(gallons per day per square foot or inches/week)
(b) Drip dispersal field application cycles
2. Discuss how the system is to be operated and maintained.
(a) Storage pond(s), where utilized.
(b) Irrigation pump station(s)
(c) Drip dispersal field force main(s) and laterals
3. Discuss start-up and shut-down procedures.
4. Discuss system maintenance.
(a) Equipment inspection schedules
(b) Equipment maintenance schedules
5. Discuss operating procedures for adverse conditions.
(a) Electrical and mechanical malfunctions
6. Provide troubleshooting procedures for common or expected problems.
7. Discuss the operation and maintenance of back-up, stand-by and support
equipment.
c. Drainage System (if applicable):
1. Discuss operation and maintenance of surface drainage and run off control
structures.
2. Discuss operation and maintenance of subsurface drainage systems.

a. Discuss sampling procedures, frequency, location and parameters for:
1. Pre-application treatment system.
2. Drip Dispersal System:
(a) Storage pond(s), where utilized
(b) Groundwater monitoring wells
(c) Drainage system discharges (if applicable)
(d) Surface water (if applicable)
b. Discuss soil sampling and testing:

c. Discuss ambient conditions monitoring:
1. Rainfall
2. Soil moisture
d. Discuss the interpretation of monitoring results and facility operation:
1. Pre-application treatment system.
2. Drip dispersal fields.
3. Soils.

a. Discuss maintenance records:
1. Preventive.
2. Corrective.
b. Monitoring reports and/or records should include:
1. Pre-application treatment system and storage pond(s).
(a) Influent flow
(b) Influent and effluent wastewater characteristics
2. Drip Dispersal System.
(a) Wastewater volume applied to drip dispersal fields.
(b) Loading rates.
3. Groundwater Depth.
4. Drainage system discharge parameters (if applicable).
5. Soils data.
6. Rainfall and climatic data.

Effluent Discharge, Reclamation, and Reuse Vocabulary
1. The term ________________________________ is used to describe any rivers, streams, lakes,
estuaries, or oceans into which wastewater effluent is discharged. Direct discharge into these waters
is the most common reuse method.
2. Chemicals are added to a sample in the field to prevent the water quality indicators of interest from
changing before the analysis can be conducted in the laboratory; this is known as a
___________________________________.
3. A ________________ sample is a single sample of water collected at a particular time and
place that represents the composition of the water only at that time and place.
4. A collection of individual samples obtained at regular intervals – usually every one or two
hours during a 24 hour period‐ which are combined to form a representative sample is
known as a __________________________ sample.
5. The process in which an organism takes in oxygen for its life processes and gives off carbon
dioxide is called ____________________________.
6. The process by which water vapor is released to the atmosphere from living plants; includes
the total water removed by plants and by evaporation from soil, snow, and water surfaces.
_________________________________
7. The most common form of land treatment for effluent disposal is ____________________,
which includes ridge and furrow, sprinklers, surface/drip systems, and border strip flooding.
8. A type of irrigation method, _____________________________ is a series of interconnected
ditches (furrows) which allow for the distribution, infiltration, and treatment of wastewater.
9. Another form of irrigation, ____________________________ are broken into 3 categories:
solid set (fixed), portable, or continuously moving.
10. This form of irrigation is used on highly impermeable soils; where wastewater is applied
intermittently at top of terrace, slowly runs down the slope, and runoff is collected at the
bottom for further treatment: ______________________________
11. One way to gauge the impact that effluent discharge is having on the receiving waters is to
measure DO at several different cross sections downstream from the discharge to
determine the lowest level; this is called a ______________________________.

12. The point, location, or structure where wastewater discharges from a sewer, drain, or other
conduit is called the _________________________. These locations will be identified and
numbered in your NPDES permit.
Word Bank
Composite
Irrigation
Surface waters
Ridge and furrow
Dissolved Oxygen profile (aka Oxygen profile)
Overland flow
Evapotranspiration
Respiration
Spray systems
Grab
Fixed sample
Outfall

Effluent Discharge, Reclamation, and Reuse Review Questions
1. What is the most common method of effluent discharge, reclamation, and reuse?
2. List other common methods of wastewater discharge, reclamation, and reuse.
3. Tennessee does not allow rapid infiltration due to the risk of rapid groundwater discharge. Why
would that be a problem?
4. How would you measure the impact of discharge on receiving waters?
5. What water quality indicators can be monitored or determined by in‐stream measurements?
6. What water quality indicators are usually determined by samples collected in the field and then
analyzed in the laboratory?
7. According to the TN Design Criteria, wastewater that is spray irrigated on public sites (such as golf
courses, cemeteries, green areas, parks, etc.) must not exceed a BOD5 and TSS of ________mg/L, as
a monthly average. Disinfection to reduce E. coli bacteria to _________ colonies/100 mL is required.

Section 1ϭ
Treatment Plant Administration
and Management
355
NEED FOR UTILITY MANAGEMENT

 Public or private, large or small, it’s a complex and
challenging job
 Protection from environmental disasters with a
minimum investment of money
 External concerns (public citizens) vs. challenges
TREATMENT PLANT within the utility

Ethical and responsible
ADMINISTRATION AND 
decisions
MANAGEMENT  Personnel
 Resources
 Equipment
 Preparing for the future
FUNCTIONS OF A MANAGER PLANNING

 Planning  One of the most important functions
 Organizing  Building the resources and financial capability to
 Staffing provide for future needs
 Directing
 Future growth
 Industrial development
 Controlling
 Plant capacity
 Level of treatment
 In small communities, the utility manager may  Short term and long term goals
be the only one who has all these responsibilities
 Should include input from: operational personnel,
local officials, and the public
PLANNING (O & M) PLANNING (O&M)

 Operational Standpoint  Corrective Maintenance (Reactive)
 To maintain design functionality (capacity)  Emergency
 Does the system perform as designed?  Reliance on reactive maintenance will always result
in poor system performance
 Proactive or reactive?
 2 types of emergencies:
1. Corrective Maintenance
1. Normal
2. Preventative Maintenance  Sewer blockages
3. Predictive Maintenance  Can be reduced by effective maintenance program
2. Extraordinary
High-intensity rainstorm, floods, earthquakes
Proactive can be scheduled and long-term Capital


 Can be minimized by planned maintenance program and
Improvement Programs (CIP) planned/budgeted development of comprehensive emergency response plan
358 Administration and Management

PLANNING (O&M) PLANNING (O&M)

 Preventative Maintenance (Proactive)  Predictive Maintenance (Proactive)
 Programmed, systematic approach  Method of establishing baseline performance data,
monitoring performance over time, observing changes
 Will always result in improved system performance so failure can be predicted
 Ex: lubrication of motors is frequently based on  Goal: reduce Corrective and Emergency maintenance,
running time thereby reducing system failures that result in
 Major elements of good PM program: stoppages and overflows
 Planning and scheduling
 Records management  Goal of managing maintenance: minimize
 Spare parts management investments of labor, materials, money, and
 Cost and Budget control equipment
 Major capital investments
 Emergency repair procedures
 Reliability is critical
 Training program
PLANNING BACK-UP REQUIREMENTS

 Emergency Response Plan (aka Emergency  TN Design Criteria:
Operating Plan or EOP)  14.3.1.2
 Natural or human disasters  All treatment facilities greater than 100,000 gpd shall be
equipped with an emergency generator to provide an
 Contingency planning
alternate power source
1. Vulnerability Assessment  2.7.4

2. Inventory organizational personnel  An emergency power source or auxiliary power is required
for all pumping stations larger than 1 MGD to ensure
3. Provide for a recovery operation (plan) continuous operability unless experience has shown the
4. Training programs for operators frequency and duration of outages to be low and the
pumping station and/or sewers provide storage sufficient for
5. Coordinate with local agencies expected interruptions in power service.
6. Establish communications procedure
7. Provide protection for staff, equip, records, maps
ORGANIZING
 Deciding who does what work and delegating authority
to appropriate persons
 Utility should have a written organizational plan and
written policies
 Show who reports to whom
 Job descriptions
 Authority = the power and resources to do a specific job
or to get that job done
 Responsibility = answering to those above in the chain
of command to explain how and why you used your
authority
 Delegation = the act in which power is given to another
person
 Accountable = employee must ensure the manager is
informed of results or events
Administration and Management 357

ORGANIZING STAFFING
 Employees should not be asked to accept  Should have established procedures for:
responsibilities beyond their level of authority  Hiring
Analyzing staffing needs
 Authority and responsibility must be delegated

 Qualifications profile, Advertising, Interviewing

properly to be effective
 Training
 New employee and ongoing
 3 components present = successful delegation  Safety is extremely important, but not sole benefit
 Protection of public’s investment
1. Proper job assignments
 Employee pride and recognition
2. Authority
 Certification
3. Responsibility  Supervisor training
 Evaluating job performance

 Follow-up is important  Written evaluation strongly recommended for documentation
 Set goals
STAFFING COMMUNICATION
 68-221-909. Certification of operators Responsibilities  Both written and oral communication skills are
Multiple functions. needed to effectively organize and direct the operation
 (a) All operators of water and wastewater systems are
of wastewater plant
encouraged to become certified, although this part requires
only that a person in direct charge of a water treatment  2 part process:
plant, wastewater treatment plant, water distribution  Info must be given
system or wastewater collection system be certified.  Info must be understood (good listening skills)
 (c) It is permissible for one (1) certified operator to have
the responsibility for more than one (1) water and/or  Communicating with employees, your governing body,
wastewater system where two (2) or more systems are and the public
involved in reasonable proximity to one another, and where
the duties of operation are such that the work time of one
(1) person may properly be divided among two (2) or more  Annual report
systems, or where a certified operator may adequately  One of the most involved writing projects
supervise the work of others in more than one (1) system.  Review of what and how the utility operated the past year
[Acts 1984, ch. 812, § 8; T.C.A., § 68-13-909.]  Include goals for next year
COMMUNICATION FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

 Conducting Meetings  Budgeting is perhaps the most challenging
 Public Relations task for many managers
 Utility Operations  Must understand how the money was spent over
Public image

the last year, the needs of the utility, and how
 Open communication
 Mass Media
the needs should be prioritized
 Being Interviewed  Must have a Repair/Replacement Fund
 Public Speaking  Wastewater treatment rates
 Consumer Inquiries  Capital Investments and funding in the future
 Customer calls are frequently your first indication that
something may be wrong  Financial Assistance
 Education can be a valuable tool
 Franklin videos: flushable wipes, grease
 Plant Tours

SAFETY SECURITY MEASURES

 Regardless of size, utility must have a safety program  Investing in security and infrastructure
 Basic elements include: safety policy statement, safety improvements
training and promotion, accident investigation and
reporting  Security of critical wastewater infrastructure
 Regulatory agencies  Sanitary and Storm sewers is one of America’s most

valuable resources
 OSHA (TOSHA)
 Vulnerabilities include:
 First Aid
 Pumping and Lift Stations
 Hazard Communication/Right To Know Laws  Manholes
 29 CFR 1910.1200  Chemical and fuel storage areas
 SDS  Outfall pipes
 Confined Space Entry Procedures

 Reporting
 Training
ETHICS
 Performing illegal acts is always unethical.
However, unethical acts are not always illegal.
 What is ethics?
 Moral principles and rules of conduct

 The point of ethics is to benefit people
 Correct ethical actions are those that one does out of
consideration for others
 How people ought to treat each other
 Ethical concepts are based on the assumption that
everyone acts with consideration of all
 Everyone benefits when we act ethically towards others
ETHICS ETHICS
 Examples of illegal and unethical activities:  Ask yourself: “Would I be uncomfortable with my
 Providing false information on an application for a actions if they were reported in the newspaper?”
job or certification exam
 Cheating on your certification exam
 Copying certification exam questions  Other areas where operators will encounter
 Dry-labbing (writing down results without actually ethical situations:
performing the test)  Collecting samples
 Falsifying results and reports  Preparation of reports
 Intentionally discharging toxic wastes to receiving  Sabotaging someone else’s work
waters
 Recommending a vendor or
 Harassing other employees
consulting engineer
 Requiring operators to use unsafe equipment, work
under unsafe conditions, or occupy confined space  Employee performance evaluations
with an unsafe atmosphere  Cheating on an exam

ETHICS ETHICS
 Whistleblowing = the act of reporting illegal  0400-49-01-.11 Rules Governing Water and
activity to an authority Wastewater Operator Certification
 An operator’s certificate may be revoked when:
 Codes of Ethics  Operator has not used reasonable care, judgement, or

• Interactions between
 Trustworthiness operators and the public
application of his/her knowledge in performance of
• Interactions among their duties
 Respect
operators  Intentional or negligent
 Responsibility
• Approved professional  Operator is incompetent to perform those duties
 Caring conduct  Operator has practiced fraud or deception
 Justice • Service by operators to  Obtained certificate through fraud, deceit, or submission of
 Civic virtue and citizenship protect the public and the inaccurate data regarding qualifications
environment  False, inaccurate data on reports or lab analysis
ANY QUESTIONS?

Administration and Management Vocabulary
1. __________________ is the power and resources to do a specific job or to get that job done.
2. The act of _______________________ is defined as deciding who does what work and delegating authority
to the appropriate persons.
3. Answering to those above in the chain of command to explain how and why you have used your authority is
defined as ________________________.
4. A ______________________________ is a brief (10‐20 minutes) safety meeting held every 7 – 10 working
days.
5. Moral principles and rules of conduct define the concept of ___________________. An operator’s
certification may be revoked if they do not act with this concept in mind.
6. When a manager gives power/responsibility to an employee, and the employee ensures that the manager is
informed of results or events, that employee is demonstrating _____________________.
7. ________________________ is the act in which power is given to another person in the organization to
accomplish a specific job.
8. ______________________ maintenance is proactive and is defined as a programmed, systematic approach
to maintenance activities.
9. The nation's provides the essential services that underpin American society
and serve as the backbone of our nation's economy, security, and health. This includes the Water and
Wastewater Systems Sector, which includes water distribution and sewage collection systems.
10. Identifying system components, estimating disaster effects on those components, estimating customer
demand for service following a disaster, and identifying key system components that would be primarily
responsible for a system failure are all key steps that should be taken when conducting a
____________________ analysis.
11. The act of reporting illegal activity to an authority is called _______________________.
12. ______________________ maintenance is a method of establishing baseline performance data, monitoring
performance criteria over a period of time, and observing changes in performance so that failure can be
predicted and maintenance can be performed on a planned, scheduled basis.
Word Bank:
Accountability Ethics
Organizing Accountability
Preventative Responsibility
Whistleblowing Tailgate Safety Meeting
Critical Infrastructure Authority
Predictive Vulnerability

Review Questions – Administration and Management
1. Utility Management is a complex and challenging job because, in part, it involves protecting the town
from environmental disasters with a minimum investment of money.
a. True
b. False
2. Planning involves building the resources and financial capability to provide for future needs, therefore it
only incorporates long term goals.
a. True
b. False
3. Proper planning should include input from whom?
a. Operational personnel
b. Local officials
c. Public
d. All of the above
4. Which of the following types of maintenance are considered proactive?
a. Corrective
b. Preventative
c. Predictive
d. All of the above
e. Both b. and c.
5. Sewer blockages are an example of an “extraordinary” type of emergency.
a. True
b. False
6. Emergency Response Plans (also called Emergency Operating Plans) involve coordinating and
communicating with local agencies to assess vulnerabilities and provide for a recovery operation in the
case of a natural or human disaster.
a. True
b. False
7. Consumer inquiries are often an operator’s first indication that something may be wrong in your
collection system.
a. True
b. False
8. Safety is the sole benefit to employee training.
a. True
b. False

9. Which of the following would be the most challenging and important managerial consideration for
successfully managing a wastewater plant?
a. Budgeting
b. Public relations
c. Annual report
d. Preventative Maintenance Plan
10. The security of America’s critical wastewater infrastructure is extremely important, and includes both
sanitary and storm sewers.
a. True
b. False
11. Pumping and Lift Stations and Manholes would be considered “vulnerabilities” in a security risk
assessment.
a. True
b. False
12. Moral principles and rules of conduct could be used to best describe what trait that operators must
demonstrate?
a. Determination
b. Self‐reliancy
c. Ethics
d. Considerate
13. Which of the following is not an example of an illegal and unethical activity that operators could
encounter in their daily jobs?
a. Dry‐labbing
b. Intentionally discharging toxic wastes to the receiving stream
c. Harassing other employees
d. Arriving 15 minutes late to work
e. Requiring a subordinate to enter an unsafe confined space
14. Cheating on your certification exam is an example of unethical behavior.
a. True
b. False
15. An operator’s certificate may be revoked if the operator is found to have written false or inaccurate data
on a report or lab analysis.
a. True
b. False

366
Section 12
References and Need to Know
365
Suggested Primary Wastewater Treatment Exam References
The following are approved as reference sources for the wastewater treatment examinations. Operators should use the latest edition of
these reference sources to prepare for the exam. These references are not the only reference an operator should use in studying for the
exam, however these are the primary references used in developing the exam.
Biological Natural System

 **CSUS Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants Volume II
 **CSUS Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants Volume I
 Price Joanne Kirkpatrick Applied Math for Wastewater Plant Operators Technomic Publishing
Company Inc. Lancaster PA 1991
 Design Criteria for Sewage Works State of Tennessee Department of Health and Environment Division
of Water Pollution Control Nashville TN Latest Revision
 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit State of Tennessee Department of
Environment and Conservation Division of Water Pollution Control, Latest Revision
 Rules Governing Water and Wastewater Operator Certification, State of Tennessee, Department of
Environment and Conservation, Board of Certification for Water and Wastewater Operators, Nashville,
Latest Revision
 State of Tennessee Water Quality Standards, State of Tennessee, Department of Environment and
Conservation, Division of Water Pollution Control, Nashville, Latest Revision.
Wastewater Treatment 1
 CSUS Advanced Waste Treatment
Environment and Conservation Division of Water Pollution Control Nashville Latest Revision
 Price Joanne Kirkpatrick Applied Math for Wastewater Plant Operators Technomic Publishing Company
Inc. Lancaster PA 1991
Latest Revision
 CSUS Advanced Waste Treatment
 Design Criteria for Sewage Works State of Tennessee Department of Health and Environment
Division of Water Pollution Control Nashville TN Latest Revision
 Price Joanne Kirkpatrick Applied Math for Wastewater Plant Operators Technomic Publishing Company
Inc. Lancaster PA 1991
Latest Revision
 **CSUS Advanced Waste Treatment
 WEF MOP 11
368
 Price Joanne Kirkpatrick Applied Math for Wastewater Plant Operators Technomic Publishing
Company Inc. Lancaster PA 1991
Latest Revision
 **CSUS Advanced Waste Treatment
 WEF MOP 11
 Standard Methods
Latest Revision
There are 2-3 primary references for each of exam. The ** denotes that 20+ of the exam items are linked to the noted reference.
Bold items have at least three items linked to them. Any references that are not bolded, have only 1-2 items linked to them. The
Tennessee State references are included, however, there is a sixth reference if the sixth had at least three items linked to it; in some
cases this was a tie of 2-3 references with just a few items each. State of Tennessee references are italicized.
367
Grade 1 Wastewater Treatment Operator

Need-To-Know Criteria (Subject Areas)
The following list of categories suggests topics of information which are important to know in order to be a successful and
proficient Grade 1 Wastewater Treatment Operator. The list may not be all inclusive, and knowledge of additional topics
may be of benefit to the operator.
Category of Information: Processes

Collection Systems  Total Containment
 Types Activated Sludge
 Inflow, Infiltration, Exfiltration  Conventional
 Sources of wastewater  Step Feed
 Pre-treatment  Contact Stabilization
 Pump stations  Extended aeration
 Tapered aeration
Flow  Oxidation ditch
 Measurement  Types of aeration
 Flow equalization  Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR)
 Membrane Biological Reactor (MBR)
Screening
 Bar screens (hand-cleaned and mechanically Solids handling
cleaned)  Sludge conditioning
 Static screen  Sludge thickening
 Microscreen  Anaerobic digesters
 Rotating screens  Aerobic digesters
 Dewatering
Grinding  Drying beds
 Grinders  Land application
 Comminutors  Composting
 Barminutors  503 Regulations
Grit Removal Disinfection/ Use of Chlorine
 Hand-cleaned grit chambers  Chlorination
 Mechanically-cleaned grit chambers  Dechlorination
 Aerated grit chambers  UV
 Vortex  Other methods
Clarification Advanced Treatment
 Primary (Rectangular; Circular)  Nitrogen removal
 Secondary  Biological
Attached Growth/Fixed Film Effluent Disposal
 Trickling Filters  Discharge
o Standard Rate  Direct Use
o High Rate
 Irrigation
o Roughing
 Underground Disposal
 Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC)
 NPDES Permit
 Activated Biofilter (ABF)
Cross- Connection
Lagoons
 Prevention
 Aerobic
 Types of devices
 Facultative
 Anaerobic
 Aerated
 Discharging
Grade 1 Wastewater Treatment Operator Need-To-Know 1
Revised January 23, 2009
370
Category of Information: Support Systems

Motors Fittings
 Single Phase  Coupling
 Poly Phase  Union
 Variable Speed  Plug/Caps
 Corporation (Ferrell; Cock)
Drives  Curb Stop
 Coupled  Special
 Direct (Shaft; Gear)
 Speed Reducer (Fixed; Variable) Measuring/ Control
 Right Angle  Signal Generators
o Kennison Nozzle
Pumps o Magnetic Flowmeter
 Air Lift o Parshall Flume
 Centrifugal o Proportional Weir
 Positive Displacement o Rectangular Weir
o Piston Plunger o Venturi
o Progressive Cavity o Propeller Meter
o Diaphragm o Ultrasonic
 Screw o Pitot Tube
 Turbine  Signal Transmitters
 Metering o Electric
 Ejector o Pneumatic
o Hydraulic
Blowers and Compressors o Mechanical
o Telemetry
 Centrifugal
 Signal Receivers
 Positive Displacement (Rotary; Piston)
o Counters
o Indicators
Generators – AC & DC
o Log Scale Indicators
o Totalizers
Engines – Gasoline, Diesel, Gas
o Recorders
o Combination Recorders
Joints
 Meters
 Flanged
o Hydraulic – Rotameter
 Compression
o Electrical – Amp
 Dresser o Electrical – Watt
 Victualic o Electrical – Watt – Hour
 Fused o Electrical – Multi.
 Threaded o Electrical – VOM
o Electrical – Megger
Valves o Mechanical – RPM
 Ball  Alarms
 Check  Controls
 Globe o Pneumatic
 Gate o Float
 Plug o Hydraulic
 Petcock o Electrical
 Pressure Control o Telemetry
 Vacuum Relief o Timers
 Mud
 Butterfly Chemical Feeders
 Multiport  Solids
 Telescoping  Liquids
 Sluice Gate  Evaporators
 Air Release  Gas
 Foot  Slurry
 Altitude
369
Category of Information: Support Systems (continued)

Odor Control HVAC
 Biofilters  Fans
 Chemical Additives
 Scrubbers Safety Equipment
 Personal Protection Gear
Rolling Stock  Traffic Control (Warning Devices; Barricades)
 Service Vehicles  Hazard Detectors
 Trucks  First Aid/Hygiene
 Lawn Mowers
 Loaders
 Portable Pumps
 Generators
Category of Information: Lab Tests

Routine Tests
 B.O.D.  Phosphorus
 Ammonia  Solids
 Chlorine Residual o Settleable
 Coliform (Fecal) o Suspended
 Dissolved oxygen o Total dissolved
 E. coli o Total
 Total Kjedahl nitrogen o Volatile
 pH
Control Tests
 Centrifuge  Surfactants
 Alkalinity  Temperature
 C.O.D.  Total organic carbon
 Nutrients  Turbidity
 Micro exam  Volatile acids
 Nitrate - nitrite  Settleability
 Oil and Grease
Special Tests:
 Metals  Phenol
 Chlorinated organics  Sulfate - sulfide
 Cyanide  Biomonitoring
Category of Information: General Information

Units of expression
 Define units
 Convert units Electrical (Basic)
Sources and characteristics Hydraulics (Basic)

 Characterize
 Quality/quantity Maps/plans – Interpretation and use
 Physical/chemical/biological
 Effects WWT Processes
 Pre-aeration  Sketch sequence
 Chemical pre-treatment  Describe processes
 Grease control  Explain why treated
 Goals of WWT (protect public; protect
environment)
372


Collection Systems Activated Sludge
• Types • Conventional
• Inflow, Infiltration, Exfiltration • Step Feed
• Sources of wastewater • Contact Stabilization
• Pre-treatment • Extended aeration
• Pump stations • Tapered aeration
• Complete mix
Flow • Pure oxygen
• Measurement • Oxidation ditch
• Flow equalization • Types of aeration
• Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR)
Screening • Membrane Biological Reactor (MBR)
• Bar screens (hand-cleaned)
• Bar screens (mechanically cleaned) Solids handling
• Microscreen • Sludge conditioning
• Sludge thickening
Grinding • Anaerobic digesters
• Grinders • Aerobic digesters
• Comminutors • Dewatering
• Barminutors • Incineration
• Drying beds
Grit Removal • Land application
• Hand-cleaned grit chambers • Composting
• Mechanically-cleaned grit chambers • 503 Regulations
• Aerated grit chambers
• Vortex Disinfection/ Use of Chlorine
• Chlorination
Clarification • Dechlorination
• Primary (Rectangular; Circular) • UV
• Secondary • Other methods
• SBR Clarification
Advanced Treatment
Attached Growth/Fixed Film • Filtration
• Trickling Filters • Nitrogen removal
o Standard Rate
• Phosphorus removal
o High Rate
• Biological
o Roughing
• Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC)
Effluent Disposal
• Activated Biofilter (ABF)
• Discharge
• Direct Use
Lagoons
• Irrigation
• Aerobic
• Underground Disposal
• Facultative
• NPDES Permit
• Anaerobic
• Aerated
Cross- Connection
• Discharging
• Prevention
• Total Containment
• Types of devices

Revised January 23, 2009 371
Motors Fittings
• Single Phase • Coupling
• Poly Phase • Union
• Variable Speed • Plug/Caps
• Corporation (Ferrell; Cock)
Drives • Curb Stop
• Coupled • Special
• Direct (Shaft; Gear)
• Speed Reducer (Fixed; Variable) Measuring/ Control
• Right Angle • Signal Generators
o Kennison Nozzle
Pumps o Magnetic Flowmeter
• Air Lift o Parshall Flume
• Centrifugal o Proportional Weir
• Positive Displacement o Rectangular Weir
o Piston Plunger o Venturi
o Progressive Cavity o Propeller Meter
o Diaphragm o Ultrasonic
• Screw o Pitot Tube
• Turbine • Signal Transmitters
• Metering o Electric
• Ejector o Pneumatic
o Hydraulic
Blowers and Compressors o Mechanical
o Telemetry
• Centrifugal
• Signal Receivers
• Positive Displacement (Rotary; Piston)
o Counters
o Indicators
Generators – AC & DC
o Log Scale Indicators
o Totalizers
Engines – Gasoline, Diesel & Gas
o Recorders
Joints
• Meters
• Flanged
• Compression
• Dresser o Electrical – Watt
• Victualic o Electrical – Watt – Hour
• Fused o Electrical – Multi.
• Threaded o Electrical – VOM
o Electrical – Megger
Valves o Mechanical – RPM
• Ball • Alarms
• Check • Controls
• Globe o Pneumatic
• Gate o Float
• Plug o Hydraulic
• Petcock o Electrical
• Pressure Control o Telemetry
• Vacuum Relief o Timers
• Mud
• Butterfly
• Multiport
• Telescoping
• Sluice Gate
• Air Release
• Foot
• Altitude
374
Chemical Feeders HVAC
• Solids • Heat Exchangers
• Liquids • Dehumidifiers
• Evaporators • Fans
• Gas • Compressors
• Slurry
Safety Equipment
Odor Control • Personal Protection Gear
• Biofilters • Traffic Control (Warning Devices; Barricades)
• Chemical Additives • Hazard Detectors
• Scrubbers • First Aid/Hygiene
Rolling Stock
• Service Vehicles
• Trucks
• Lawn Mowers
• Loaders
• Portable Pumps
• Generators
Routine Tests
• B.O.D. • Phosphorus
• Ammonia • Solids
• Chlorine Residual o Settleable
• Coliform (Fecal) o Suspended
• Dissolved oxygen o Total dissolved
• E. coli o Total
• Total Kjedahl nitrogen o Volatile
• pH
Control Tests
• Centrifuge • Oil and Grease
• Alkalinity • Surfactants
• C.O.D. • Temperature
• Color • Total organic carbon
• Conductance • Turbidity
• Nutrients • Volatile acids
• Micro exam • Settleability
• Nitrate - nitrite
Special Tests:
• Metals • Phenol
• Chlorinated organics • Sulfate - sulfide
• Cyanide • Biomonitoring

Units of expression • Effects
• Define units • Pre-aeration
• Convert units • Chemical pre-treatment
• Grease control
Sources and characteristics Electrical (Basic)
• Characterize
• Quality/quantity Hydraulics (Basic)
• Physical/chemical/biological
373
Category of Information: General Information(continued)
Maps/plans – Interpretation and use
WWT Processes
• Sketch sequence
• Describe processes
• Explain why treated
• Goals of WWT (protect public; protect environment)

376

Need-To-Know Criteria
may be of benefit to the operator

Collection Systems Activated Sludge
• Types • Conventional
• Inflow, Infiltration, Exfiltration • Step Feed
• Pre-treatment • Contact Stabilization
• Sources of wastewater • Extended aeration
• Pump stations • Tapered aeration
• Complete mix
Flow • Pure oxygen
• Measurement • Oxidation ditch
• Flow equalization • Types of aeration
• Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR)
Screening • Membrane Biological Reactor (MBR)
• Bar screens (hand-cleaned)
• Bar screens (mechanically cleaned) Solids handling
• Static screen • Sludge conditioning
• Microscreen • Sludge thickening
• Anaerobic digestors
Grinding • Aerobic digestors
• Grinders • Dewatering
• Comminutors • Incineration
• Barminutors • Drying beds
• Land application
Grit Removal • Composting
• Hand-cleaned grit chambers • 503 Regulations
• Mechanically-cleaned grit chambers
• Aerated grit chambers Disinfection/ Use of Chlorine
• Vortex • Chlorination
• Dechlorination
Clarification • UV
• Primary (Rectangular; Circular) • Other methods
• Secondary
• SBR Clarification Advanced Treatment
• Filtration
Attached Growth/Fixed Film • Nitrogen removal
• Trickling Filters • Phosphorus removal
o Standard Rate
• Biological
o High Rate
o Roughing
• Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) Effluent Disposal
• Activated Biofilter (ABF) • Discharge
• Direct Use
Lagoons
• Irrigation
• Aerobic
• Underground Disposal
• Facultative
• NPDES Permit
• Anaerobic
• Aerated Cross- Connection
• Discharging • Prevention
• Types of devices

Motors Fittings
• Single Phase • Coupling
• Poly Phase • Union
• Variable Speed • Plug/Caps
• Corporation (Ferrell; Cock)
Drives • Curb Stop
• Coupled • Special
• Direct (Shaft; Gear)
• Speed Reducer (Fixed; Variable) Cathodic Protection Devices
• Right Angle • Anode Rod/Bags
• Cathode Rod/Bags
Pumps • Rectifiers
• Air Lift • Potentiometers
• Centrifugal
• Positive Displacement Measuring/ Control
o Piston Plunger • Signal Generators
o Progressive Cavity o Kennison Nozzle
o Diaphragm o Magnetic Flowmeter
• Screw o Parshall Flume
• Turbine o Proportional Weir
• Metering o Rectangular Weir
• Ejector o Venturi
o Propeller Meter
Blowers and Compressors o Ultrasonic
• Centrifugal o Pitot Tube
• Positive Displacement (Rotary; Piston) • Signal Transmitters
o Electric
Generators – AC & DC o Pneumatic
o Hydraulic
Engines – Gasoline, Diesel & Gas o Mechanical
o Telemetry
Joints • Signal Receivers
• Flanged o Counters
• Compression o Indicators
• Dresser o Log Scale Indicators
• Victualic o Totalizers
• Fused o Recorders
• Threaded o Combination Recorders
• Meters
Valves o Hydraulic – Rotameter
• Ball o Electrical – Amp
• Check o Electrical – Watt
o Electrical – Watt – Hour
• Globe
o Electrical – Multi.
• Gate
o Electrical – VOM
• Plug o Electrical – Megger
• Petcock o Mechanical – RPM
• Pressure Control • Alarms
• Vacuum Relief • Controls
• Mud o Pneumatic
• Butterfly o Float
• Multiport o Hydraulic
• Telescoping o Electrical
• Sluice Gate o Telemetry
• Air Release o Timers
• Foot
• Altitude

378
Chemical Feeders HVAC
• Solids • Heat Exchangers
• Liquids • Dehumidifiers
• Evaporators • Fans
• Gas • Compressors
• Slurry • Condensers
• Boilers
Odor Control
• Biofilters Safety Equipment
• Chemical Additives • Personal Protection Gear
• Scrubbers • Traffic Control (Warning Devices; Barricades)
• Hazard Detectors
Rolling Stock • First Aid/Hygiene
• Service Vehicles
• Trucks
• Tractors
• Trailers
• Lawn Mowers
• Loaders
• Portable Pumps
• Generators

Routine Tests
• B.O.D. • Phosphorus
• Ammonia • Solids
• Chlorine Residual o Settleable
• Coliform (Fecal) o Suspended
• E. coli o Total dissolved
• Dissolved oxygen o Total
• Total Kjedahl nitrogen o Volatile
• pH
Control Tests
• Centrifuge • Oil and Grease
• Alkalinity • Surfactants
• C.O.D. • Temperature
• Color • Total organic carbon
• Conductance • Turbidity
• Nutrients • Volatile acids
• Micro exam • Settleability
• Nitrate - nitrite • Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate (SOUR)
Special Tests:
• Metals • Phenol
• Chlorinated organics • Sulfate - sulfide
• Cyanide • Biomonitoring

377
Units of expression WWT Processes
• Define units • Sketch sequence
• Convert units • Describe processes
• Explain why treated
Electrical ( Basic) • Goals of WWT (protect public; protect
environment)
Hydraulics (Basic)
Sources and characteristics

• Characterize
• Quality/quantity
• Physical/chemical/biological
• Effects
• Pre-aeration
• Chemical pre-treatment
• Grease control

380


Collection Systems
 Types Activated Sludge
 Inflow, Infiltration, Exfiltration  Conventional
 Pre-treatment  Step Feed
 Sources of wastewater  Contact Stabilization
 Pump stations  Extended aeration
 Tapered aeration
Flow  Complete mix
 Measurement  Pure oxygen
 Flow equalization  Oxidation ditch
 Types of aeration
Screening  Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR)
 Bar screens (hand-cleaned)  Membrane Biological Reactor (MBR)
 Bar screens (mechanically cleaned)
 Static screen Solids handling
 Microscreen  Sludge conditioning
 Sludge thickening
Grinding  Anaerobic digesters
 Grinders  Aerobic digesters
 Comminutors  Dewatering
 Barminutors  Incineration
 Drying beds
Grit Removal  Land application
 Hand-cleaned grit chambers  Composting
 Mechanically-cleaned grit chambers  503 Regulations
 Aerated grit chambers
 Vortex Disinfection/ Use of Chlorine
 Chlorination
Clarification  Dechlorination
 Primary (Rectangular; Circular)  UV
 Secondary  Other methods
 SBR Clarification
Advanced Treatment
Attached Growth/Fixed Film  Filtration
 Trickling Filters  Nitrogen removal
o Standard Rate  Phosphorus removal
o High Rate
 Biological
o Roughing
 Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) Effluent Disposal
 Activated Biofilter (ABF)  Discharge
Lagoons
 Direct Use
 Aerobic
 Irrigation
 Facultative
 Underground Disposal
 Anaerobic
 NPDES Permit
 Aerated
 Discharging Cross- Connection
 Prevention
 Types of devices
Motors  Altitude
 Single Phase Fittings
 Poly Phase  Coupling
 Variable Speed  Union
 Plug/Caps
Drives  Corporation (Ferrell; Cock)
 Coupled  Curb Stop
 Direct (Shaft; Gear)  Special
 Speed Reducer (Fixed; Variable)
 Right Angle Cathodic Protection Devices
 Anode Rod/Bags
Pumps  Cathode Rod/Bags
 Air Lift  Rectifiers
 Centrifugal  Potentiometers
 Positive Displacement
o Piston Plunger Measuring/ Control
o Progressive Cavity  Signal Generators
o Diaphragm o Kennison Nozzle
 Screw o Magnetic Flowmeter
 Turbine o Parshall Flume
 Metering o Proportional Weir
 Ejector o Rectangular Weir
o Venturi
Blowers and Compressors o Propeller Meter
 Centrifugal o Ultrasonic
 Positive Displacement (Rotary; Piston) o Pitot Tube
 Signal Transmitters
Generators – AC & DC o Electric
o Pneumatic
Engines – Gasoline, Diesel & Gas o Hydraulic
o Mechanical
Joints o Telemetry
 Flanged  Signal Receivers
 Compression o Counters
 Dresser o Indicators
 Victualic o Log Scale Indicators
o Totalizers
 Fused
o Recorders
 Threaded
 Meters
Valves
 Ball
 Check o Electrical – Watt
 Globe o Electrical – Watt – Hour
 Gate o Electrical – Multi.
 Plug o Electrical – VOM
 Petcock o Electrical – Megger
 Pressure Control o Mechanical – RPM
 Vacuum Relief  Alarms
 Mud  Controls
 Butterfly o Pneumatic
 Multiport o Float
 Telescoping o Hydraulic
 Sluice Gate o Electrical
 Air Release o Telemetry
 Foot o Timers
382

Chemical Feeders  Generators
 Solids HVAC
 Liquids  Heat Exchangers
 Evaporators  Dehumidifiers
 Gas  Fans
 Slurry  Compressors
 Condensers
Odor Control  Boilers
 Biofilters
 Chemical Additives Safety Equipment
 Scrubbers  Personal Protection Gear
 Traffic Control (Warning Devices; Barricades)
Rolling Stock  Hazard Detectors
 Service Vehicles  First Aid/Hygiene
 Fork Lifts
 Trucks
 Tractors
 Trailers
 Lawn Mowers
 Loaders
 Portable Pumps
Routine Tests
 B.O.D.  Phosphorus
 Ammonia  Solids
 Chlorine Residual o Settleable
 Coliform (Fecal) o Suspended
 E. coli o Total dissolved
 Dissolved oxygen o Total
 Total Kjedahl nitrogen o Volatile
 pH
Control Tests
 Centrifuge  Oil and Grease
 Alkalinity  Surfactants
 C.O.D.  Temperature
 Color  Total organic carbon
 Conductance  Turbidity
 Nutrients  Volatile acids
 Micro exam  Settleability
 Nitrate - nitrite  Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate (SOUR)
Special Tests:
 Metals  Phenol
 Chlorinated organics  Sulfate - sulfide
 Cyanide  Biomonitoring

381

Units of expression
 Define units
 Convert units WWT Processes
 Sketch sequence
Electrical (Basic)  Describe processes
 Explain why treated
Hydraulics (Basic)  Goals of WWT (protect public; protect
environment)
Sources and characteristics
 Characterize
 Quality/quantity
 Physical/chemical/biological
 Effects
 Pre-aeration
 Chemical pre-treatment
 Grease control

384
Section 13
Answers to Review Questions
383
Section 1 Introduction Answers
Vocabulary:
1. Water Pollution
2. Inflow
3. Nutrient
4. Coliforms
5. Stabilization
6. BOD
7. Primary Treatment
8. Infiltration
9. Sanitary, Stormwater, Combined
10. Organic
11. Secondary Treatment
12. Receiving waters
13. Effluent
14. Inorganic
*See Section 2 for Math Answers
Section 3 Preliminary Treatment Answers
Vocabulary:
1. Diffuser
2. Grit
3. Hydrogen Sulfide
4. Mechanically, Screen
5. Fine
6. Wedgewire
7. Rotary Drum
8. Escalating Step Screen
9. Comminutor
10. Paint Filter Test
11. Septage
12. Grit Channel
13. Aerated Grit Chamber
14. Cyclonic Grit
15. Adsorption
16. Absorption
17. Flow Equalization
Review Questions:
1. The wastewater may turn septic, and hydrogen sulfide gas may be released by anaerobic bacteria feeding on
the wastes. This can cause odor problems, damage concrete in the plant, and make the wastes more difficult
to treat.
386
2. C
3. Grit is abrasive and will rapidly wear out pumps and other equipment. Coarse debris can damage pumps,
plug up pipes, and take up valuable space in digesters
4. It is usually buried to prevent it from attracting pests or creating offensive odors
5. E
6. 1.36 ft3/MG
7. Bar racks and screens catch the debris found in wastewater whereas comminution units grind it up; The
debris caught by bar racks and screens is removed from the wastewater stream whereas the debris ground
up by comminution units remains in the wastewater stream and is carried to downstream processes; The
debris caught by bar racks and screens must be disposed of (burial or incineration), whereas comminution
eliminates the disposal step
8. The blades may be out of alignment.
9. 0.5 ft/sec
10. Grit is washed to remove organic material before disposal. If the organic material is not separated and
removed, offensive odors could develop and attract flies and/or rats. If the grit is being used as fill material,
settling can occur when the organic material starts to decompose.
11. D
12. Pre‐aeration helps to freshen the wastewater by adding dissolved oxygen; Prevent septic conditions, which
would prevent the formation of hydrogen sulfide; Improves sludge settleability; The older wastewater
becomes, the more difficult it is for aerobic organisms to treat wastes and for solids to settle; Freshening the
wastewater tends to make downstream treatment processes more effective; An added benefit of an aerated
grit chamber is grease removal. The aeration of the flow stream will encourage the grease to float to the
surface where it can be removed by skimmers. (Removes floatables)

Section 4 Flow Answers
Vocabulary:
1. Flow
2. Open Channel
3. Weir
4. Flume
5. Palmer‐Bowlus
6. Converging Section
7. Throat
8. Closed Channel
9. Primary
10. Diverging
11. Parshall Flume
12. Head loss
13. Secondary
14. Flow Equalization
Review Questions:
1. Open channel = the liquid flows with a free/uncovered surface
Closed channel = flow is in a completely filled conduit/pipe
2. Parshall flume – Common in wastewater treatment plants, good for water with high solids/debris content
385
Palmer‐Bowlus flume‐ Most commonly used to retrofit manholes
Trapezoidal flume – Primarily used in irrigation channels, for agricultural purposes
3. Used in situations with high solids/debris content since there are no sharp edges to collect debris.
TN regs (13.2.2) state “Parshall Flumes are ideal for measuring flows of raw sewage and primary effluents
because clogging problems are usually minimal.”
4. Converging section (Entrance), Throat, Diverging section (Discharge)
The Float (with a stilling well) is the most common secondary device used with a Parshall flume and it should
be located 2/3 upstream from the throat. TN regs (13.2.2.4) state “The location of the head measuring
points (stilling well) must be 2/3 the length of the converging sidewall upstream from the crest.”
5. They are very accurate and low maintenance. Because there is essentially no obstruction in flow, there is no
head loss. There are versions for both open and closed channels.
6. In order to properly control the basin’s operation and to optimize its effectiveness, you must know how
much is coming into and out of the basin. It can be beneficial to the plant to keep long term records of
increased flows going into the equalization basin that are associated with rain events (Inflow/Infiltration in
the collection system), and how they impact plant operations.
7. 1.0 mg/L DO
Section 5 Activated Sludge Part 1 Answers
Vocabulary:
1. Absorption
2. Biomass
3. Activated Sludge
4. Adsorption
5. Aeration Basin
6. Facultative
7. MLSS
8. Aerobic, Anaerobic
9. Filamentous
10. MLVSS
11. Anoxic
12. Endogenous Respiration
13. Mixed Liquor
14. Zoogleal
Review Questions:
1. A
2. D
3. A
4. B
5. B
6. C
7. D
388
8. B
9. D
10. A
11. A
12. E
13. B
14. C
15. C
Section 6 Sedimentation Answers
Vocabulary:
1. Sludge
2. Bulking
3. Septic
4. Flocculation
5. Gasification
6. Coagulant
7. Secondary clarifier
8. Short circuiting
9. Surface Loading Rate
10. Colloid
11. Solids Loading Rate
12. Detention time
13. Flights
14. Denitrification
15. Weir
16. Weir Overflow Rate
17. Primary Clarifier
18. Launder
19. SVI
20. Flotation
21. Sloughings
Review Questions:
1. The function of primary clarifier is to remove settleable and floatable solids. Removal of organic settleable
solids is very important because they cause a high demand for oxygen (BOD).
The secondary clarifier is needed to remove the additional solids that were converted into settleable form
in the biological reactor (or whatever treatment processes preceded it).
2. Primary sludge is usually denser than secondary sludge. Typically, a primary clarifier will have an expected
removal efficiency of 95‐99% for settleable solids and 40‐60% for suspended solids.
3. Effluent from secondary clarifier is clearer than effluent from primary clarifier
387
4. Either the sludge will pile up higher on one side (the trailing side) or the flights will hang up and cause severe
damage to the collector mechanism.
5. Toxic waste – from industrial spills or dumps will kill beneficial microorganisms. The toxic material can
become bound in the sludge, which must be neutralized and disposed of (and not returned). This can cause
floating sludge (bulking).
Storm flows and hydraulic overloads – if this is a recurring problem, the sealing of sanitary sewers or the use
of a flow equalization basin may improve the quality of the clarifier effluent. An increase in flow rate can
cause a hydraulic overload.
Septicity from collection system problems – these can develop during hot weather when wastewater travel
times in the collection system become too long
6. At the Influent and Effluent points, preferably composite samples for a 24 hour period.
7. 55%
8. Sludge blanket could be too deep (pump out sludge if mechanism is okay)
The drive unit could have a bad sprocket or defective chain link
There could be a broken flight
A rock or stick may be jammed between the flight or squeegee blade and the floor of the tank
9. The types of solids in the wastewater (especially if there is a significant amount of industrial wastes)
The age of the wastewater when it reaches the plant (a.k.a. the time it spent in the collection system). Older
wastewater becomes stale or septic; solids do not settle properly because gas bubbles cling on the particles
and hold/keep them in suspension.
The hydraulic loading (is it over or under loaded)
Mechanical conditions of the collection mechanism and cleanliness of the clarifier
Proper sludge withdrawal. If sludge is not being wasted frequently enough, it could begin to gasify and
sludge may rise to the surface of the water
Suspended solids being returned to the primary clarifier from WAS, digester supernatant, and sludge
dewatering facilities.
10. Velocity is greater in some sections than others
Turbulence
Stratification due to temperature differences
11. If the velocity of water through a clarifier is too high, the solids/particles will not have enough time to settle
out and they will flow out the effluent. If velocity is too low, undesirable septic conditions can occur. Short
circuiting can be corrected or prevented by installing weir plates, baffles, port openings, and by proper
design of the inlet channel.
12. Detention time in the clarifier
Weir Overflow Rate
Surface Loading Rate
Solids Loading
13. The biological treatment processes following the primary clarifier convert more solids to the settleable form
and also produce floc containing microorganisms that have to be removed from the treated wastewater.
The secondary clarifier is needed to remove these additional solids.
390
14. Sludge disposal depends on the particular design of the treatment plant and the characteristics of the
sludge. Sometimes it is transferred to the primary clarifier, other times it goes to the digester, other times it
is just wasted.
15. Examine weirs. If they are not perfectly level, this can lead to short‐circuiting.
16. To maintain constant hydraulic loading. Trickling Filters use a fixed media biological process, which means
the microorganisms need to have a constant spray of water on them to prevent them from drying out and
dying. Recirculating the effluent helps to ensure a constant water flow.
Section 7 Ponds and Lagoons Answers
Vocabulary:
1. Stabilization Ponds
2. Polishing Pond
3. Overturn/Turnover
4. Parallel
5. Aerobic Ponds
6. Anaerobic Ponds
7. Bioflocculation
8. Oxidation Ponds
9. Facultative Ponds
10. Photosynthesis
11. Algae
12. Respiration
13. Series
14. Thermocline
Review Questions:
1. Offensive odors do not necessarily indicate a problem. Actually, the greatest organic load destroyed per unit
of area (high treatment efficiency) may be accompanied by objectionable odors. Most odors are caused by
overloading or poor housekeeping. If a pond is being overloaded, stop loading and divert influent to other
ponds (if available) until odors stop. Recirculation from aerobic units, the use of floating aerators, and heavy
chlorination are common odor control options. In some areas, sodium nitrate has been added to serve as a
source of oxygen for microorganisms rather than sulfate compounds (which result in odors).
2. May produce odors
Requires a large area of land (would not be cost effective in an area with high land cost)
Treats wastes inconsistently depending on climatic conditions
May contaminate groundwaters
May leave high levels of suspended solids in the effluent
3. They could be located after the preliminary treatment (headworks/screening) and serve as the biological
process (aka biological reactor), followed by a chlorine contact basin.
Or, they can be located after a primary wastewater treatment plant to provide additional clarification, BOD
removal, and disinfection. These ponds are sometimes called “oxidation ponds.”
389
Or, ponds can be used after trickling filters as a form of tertiary treatment. These ponds are sometimes
called “polishing ponds.”
4. These are most common because it is almost impossible to maintain completely aerobic or anaerobic
conditions in all depths at all times in a pond.
5. This is critical to do in advance to prevent odors from developing, it prevents odors that are produced when
solid wastes are exposed to the atmosphere.
6. Higher temperatures are associated with more efficient treatment because the bacterial populations prefer
warmer temps.
7. During the day when it is sunny, algae are photosynthesizing, which means they are using up the carbon
dioxide (which raises the pH) and producing oxygen.
*During the night, when no sunlight is present, the algae use up the oxygen (that they produced during the
daylight) by respiration and produce carbon dioxide (carbon dioxide reacts with water to produce carbonic
acid, which lowers the pH).
Dissolved oxygen levels are being built up during the daylight hours (peak time is late afternoon around 3
pm), and then fall during the night due to the algae using it up.
8. Sparkling green: good, it indicates high pH and DO, and a flourishing algal population (although it should be
noted that there is a possibility of too much algae, which could result in high BOD and TSS)
Dull green to yellow: not so good, pH and DO declining, blue‐green algae are becoming established
Gray to black: bad, anaerobic conditions
Tan to brown: this can be ok if color is caused by an algae bloom, not good if resulting from silt or dike
erosion
Red or pink: presence of purple sulfur bacteria (anaerobic conditions) or red algae (aerobic conditions).
Daphnia blooms can cause a red color – this is generally not a problem except when they die off and may
create a large oxygen demand that could lead to anaerobic conditions.
Milky appearance: indicates system is approaching or is septic, typically from being overloaded.
9. Epilimnion/thermocline/hypolimnion
Turnover is the gentle, natural mixing of pond waters. It is caused by changing temperatures in surface
waters brought on by the progression of the seasons. When the water temperature becomes similar from
top to bottom, winds blowing across the surface of the pond will facilitate a complete mixing. This may
occur in the spring when surface waters warm, or in the fall when surface waters cool to the same
temperature as the water at the bottom.

Section 8 Attached Growth Systems Answers
Vocabulary:
1. Biomass, Zoogleal film
2. Aerobic, Anaerobic
3. Distributor
4. Fixed‐spray Nozzle
5. Nitrification
6. Humus Sludge
7. Series Operation, Parallel Operation
8. Ponding
392
9. Recirculation
10. Trickling Filter
11. 2 Stage Filter
12. Underdrain, Ventilation
Review questions:
1. Scum and flotable solids, dissolved solids, settleable solids, small suspended solids (colloids)
2. The main function is to provide secondary treatment of primary settled wastewater. They function to
remove suspended solids and dissolved organics using microorganisms attached to the media. The slime
growth on the media oxidizes organic materials biologically to form a more stable material. As slime growth
increases, it sloughs off and is removed by settling in a final clarifier. The zoogleal film is mainly aerobic,
including bacteria, free swimming and stalked ciliates, rotifers, and nematodes (similar to those found in
other secondary biological treatment processes).
3. Increase efficiency
Maintain constant wetting rate and hydraulic loading
Dilute toxic wastes
Increase air flow
Recirculation flow dilutes the strength of raw wastewater & allows untreated wastewater to be passed
through the filter more than once.
Prevent freezing
During low‐inflow periods = keep slime growths wet, minimize fly growth, and wash off excess sloughings
Returning TF effluent to the 1°clarifier is an effective odor control measure
adds oxygen to incoming ww that is often septic
4. Recycling of filter effluent increases the contact time of the ww with the biological film and helps to seed
the lower portions of the filter with active organisms. Due to the increased flow rate per unit of area, these
higher flows tend to cause more continuous and uniform sloughing of excess or aged growths. Uniform and
continuous sloughing of growths is important because this provides a more aggressive surface of new
growths to treat the ww. Sloughings of growths prevents ponding and improves ventilation through the
filter. Increased hydraulic loadings also decrease the opportunity for snail and filter fly breeding.
5. To prevent ponding
6. Locally sourced stone/rock is less expensive than plastic. However, synthetic media provides greater surface
area per cubic foot and has a higher percentage of void spaces (growth occurs on outside and inside), which
allows for greater hydraulic and organic loads.
7. It removes the excess biological solids (sloughings) produced in the TF or RBC. As with other secondary
processes, this biological sludge is very close in density to water, so good secondary clarification is needed to
produce a good quality effluent.
8. TF: the main reason to shock with chlorine would be to cure a filter ponding problem by drastically reducing
the amount of biomass in the filter. Another reason to chlorinate would be to control snails, moss, and
roaches (a more likely problem in the southern part of the country). Chlorine can also be used in lower
dosages to control odors and filter flies.
RBC: The reasons for intentionally shocking with chlorine would be to prevent excessive build‐up of biomass
and to kill filamentous organisms or other undesirable growths (ex: Beggiatoa or Thiothrix).
391
9. Protect biological slimes from freezing
Prevent rain from washing off slime growth
Prevent media exposure to sunlight, which results in algae growth
Protect the media from UV rays, which can weaken them/make them brittle
Provide protection from the elements (provide protection for operators from the sun, rain, snow, or wind
while maintaining the equipment)
10. Staging is used to maximize the effectiveness of a given amount of media surface area.

Section 9 Disinfection Answers
Vocabulary:
1. Pathogenic, Waterborne Disease
2. Disinfection, Sterilization
3. Free Chlorine
4. Combined Chlorine
5. Oxidizing Agent
6. Free Chlorine Residual
7. Post Chlorination
8. Chlorine Residual
9. Reducing Agent
10. Chlorine Demand
11. Prechlorination
12. Breakpoint Chlorination
13. Ozonation
14. Chlorination
15. UV Disinfection
Review Questions:
1. See slide 5 for full list
Cholera, typhoid, salmonellosis, shigellosis, gastroenteritis, amoebic dysentery, giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis,
polio, hepatitis A, viral gastroenteritis
2. Disinfection is the destruction of all pathogenic microorganisms, whereas sterilization is the destruction of
ALL microorganisms (good and bad)
3. Lamp output declines with age
Suspended particles can be shield microorganisms
Microorganisms that were not killed may heal/repair themselves
4. Elemental chlorine, Sodium and Calcium hypochlorite, and Chlorine Dioxide
5. Demand = Dose – Residual
Free chlorine residual is the residual formed after the chlorine demand has been met. It’s the chlorine left
over that is free and available to actually disinfect.
Combined chlorine residual is produced when chlorine reacts with substances in the water (it can combine
with ammonia, organic nitrogen, or both to create chloramines). It is still available to oxidize organic matter
and kill bacteria, but not as effective as free residual.
394
6. Hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite
7. Hypochlorous acid (hypochlorite ion is only 1% as effective as hypochlorous acid)
8. Hypochlorous acid is more prevalent at a pH less than 7, it will dissociate when the pH goes higher. It
dissociates into hydrogen and hypochlorite ion, which is less effective.
9. They can form chloramines
10. Organic material can combine with chlorine, which increases the demand. Suspended solids can harbor
bacteria.
11. 30 min detention time at average design flow or 15 minute detention time at daily peak design flow –
whichever is greater
12. To prevent build‐up of excessive pressure and possible rupture. 158 – 165 degrees F
13. Use a commercial ammonia water in a squeeze bottle. It could increase the rate of corrosion at the leak.

Section 10 Effluent Disposal Answers
Vocabulary:
1. Surface Waters
2. Fixed Sample
3. Grab
4. Composite
5. Respiration
6. Evapotranspiration
7. Irrigation
8. Ridge and Furrow
9. Spray Systems
10. Overland Flow
11. D.O. profile
12. Outfall
Review Questions:
1. Discharge into surface waters
2. (1) Discharge to land by use of irrigaton – slow rate, rapid infiltration, overland flow
(2) Groundwater recharge basin
(3) Underground discharge
3. It could contaminate groundwater aquifers. Due to Karst topography, cracks in limestone provide direct
route of infiltration to groundwater and therefore no treatment is achieved and groundwater may become
contaminated.
4. Take a measurement upstream (not affected) and downstream (affected) and compare the two results, and
then perform a DO profile.
5. Dissolved oxygen, pH, Temperature
6. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), Suspended solids (SS), Total coliform and fecal coliform bacteria,
Nutrients (Nitrogen and Phosphorus)
7. 30 mg/L BOD, TSS
393
23 colonies/100 mL for E. coli

Section 11 Administration and Management Answers
Vocabulary:
1. Authority
2. Organizing
3. Responsibility
4. Tailgate Safety Meeting
5. Ethics
6. Accountability
7. Delegation
8. Preventative
9. Critical Infrastructure
10. Vulnerability
11. Whistleblowing
12. Predictive
Review Questions:
1. A
2. B
3. D
4. E
5. B
6. A
7. A
8. B
9. A
10. A
11. A
12. C
13. D
14. A
15. A

396

Introduc On To Wastewater Treatment Week # 1: Grades 1 4, Course #2201

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Introduc On To Wastewater Treatment Week # 1: Grades 1 4, Course #2201

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Introduc On To Wastewater Treatment Week # 1: Grades 1 4, Course #2201

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Introduc on to

Fleming Training Center

Course #2201 Grades 1-4

Sec on 1 Introduc on to Wastewater Treatment 5

Ancient History – Roman Baths Ancient History – Roman latrines

History ‐ 1800’s Cities History – United States

8 Introduction to Wastewater Treatment

TDEC ‐ Fleming Training Center 11 TDEC ‐ Fleming Training Center 12

Introduction to Wastewater Treatment 7

Manholes should be placed Constant minimum slope is

10 Introduction to Wastewater Treatment

Types of Waste ‐ Organic and Inorganic Water Pollution

Introduction to Wastewater Treatment 9

TDEC ‐ Fleming Training Center 29 TDEC ‐ Fleming Training Center 30

12 Introduction to Wastewater Treatment

Introduction to Wastewater Treatment 11

Wastewater Treatment Processes Primary Clarifier Scum removal

TDEC - Fleming Training Center TDEC - Fleming Training Center

14 Introduction to Wastewater Treatment

TDEC - Fleming Training Center TDEC - Fleming Training Center

Attached Growth Biological Treatment Fine Bubble Diffusers Mechanical Aeration

Oxidation Ditch SBR – Sequencing Batch Reactor

Introduction to Wastewater Treatment 13

16 Introduction to Wastewater Treatment

Trucking Solids Gravity Filter Bed

TDEC - Fleming Training Center

Introduction to Wastewater Treatment 15

18 Introduction to Wastewater Treatment

Introduction to Wastewater Treatment 17

Basic Math Review

22 Basic Math Review

Simplify 4128.3  Follow same procedure as solving for X

0.5 4128.3 15,625

Basic Math Review 21

 Calculate 25% of 595,000 448 % 560

0.25 595,000 0.80 %

24 Basic Math Review

Solving for the Unknown

Basics – finding x 6. 56.5 = 3800

5. x = (165)(3)(8.34) 10. 2.4 = (0.785)(5)(5)(4)(7.48)

Basic Math Review 23

11. 19,747 = (20)(12)(x)(7.48) 16. (3000)(3.6)(8.34) = 23.4

12. (15)(12)(1.25)(7.48) = 337

14. x = 2.4 19. 2.5 = 1,270,000

15. 6 = (x)(0.18)(8.34) 20. 0.59 = (170)(2.42)(8.34)

26 Basic Math Review

21. (0.785)(D2) = 5024

22. (x2)(10)(7.48) = 10,771.2

24. (0.785)(D2) = 0.54

25. 2.1 = (0.785)(D2)(15)(7.48)

Basic Math Review 25

Answers for Solving for the Unknown

1. 1.8 8. 360 15. 2816.7

2. 5.7 9. 1649.4 16. 4903.5

3. 5.3 10. 244.7 17. 547,616

4. 5,976,990 11. 11 18. 117.3

5. 8,256.6 12. 5.0 19. 508,000

6. 8.1 13. 7993.9 20. 0.35

7. 0.005 14. 590.4