download a printable August - december 2023 Course Schedule

3 training contact hours (0.3 CEUs)

This three-hour training class will introduce the concept of recycling or reclaiming properly treated municipal wastewater for beneficial purposes such as agriculture and irrigation, groundwater replenishment, industrial processes, environmental restoration, and potable water supplies. The concept of potable vs. non-potable reuse scenarios will be reviewed.  Federal and state regulatory structure for various reuse scenarios will be highlighted. 

Topics to be covered include:

· Highlight the role of wastewater reuse in achieving efficient resource use, ensuring protection of environmental and human health, and improving water management.

· Discussion of reusing properly treated municipal wastewater to recharge groundwater aquifers, irrigate landscapes and agricultural fields, provide critical stream flows, and provide industries and facilities with an alternative to potable water for a range of uses.

· Discussion of treatment technologies for protecting public and environmental health

· Highlight and share state and Federal regulations and guidance for reusing properly treated municipal wastewater

 3 training contact hours (0.3 CEUs) 

This three-hour training class will introduce various municipal wastewater collection system concepts, terminologies, and characteristics. The distribution of combined and separate sewer systems in the US will be reviewed and characteristics contributing to overflows from each type of system will be discussed. The contrast between gravity and pressure sewers will be examined. Various pumps station and pumping system configurations will be shared. Common collection system operation and maintenance practices will be shared.

Topics to be covered include:

· Discussion of the evolution of wastewater collection systems

· Discussion of combined sewer and separate sewer systems

· Discussion of components of gravity and pressure sewers

· Highlights of various pump station designs and their pros and cons

· Review and practice problem solving for collection system and pump station math problems  

3 training contact hours (0.3 CEUs)

This three-hour training class will cover the basic biological processes that are the foundation of municipal wastewater secondary treatment of conventional pollutants for both activated sludge and fixed-film processes. The composition of activated sludge, metabolism mechanisms of bacteria, and growth rates will be discussed. The configuration and operation of various types of secondary treatment systems will be shared. Process calculations for various secondary systems will be demonstrated and practiced.

Topics to be covered include:

· Discussion of the secondary treatment system terminologies

· Discussion of bacterial processes utilized in wastewater pollutant reduction

· Review of process control lab tests and math problems

· Utilization of microscopic examination for process monitoring and adjustment

 3 training contact hours (0.3 CEUs) 

This three-hour training class will cover the basics of the wastewater laboratory for operations staff. The class will introduce the concepts of process monitoring and monitoring to demonstrate permit compliance. Typical gravimetric and volumetric lab tasks that an operator could be called upon to conduct will be reviewed and shared. Proper sampling and handling techniques will be highlighted, along with applicable QA/QC steps. Example math problems will be demonstrated and skills practiced.

Topics to be covered include:

· Laboratory analysis for process monitoring vs. permit compliance monitoring

· Discussion of laboratory safety issues

· Discussion of gravimetric and volumetric analyses

· Review of typical permit-required monitoring parameters and their analyses

· Review of proper sampling and handling techniques and associated QA/QC

 3 training contact hours (0.3 CEUs) 

This three-hour training class will introduce the concept of nutrient reduction by reviewing the consequences of excess nutrient discharge, impaired waterbodies and water-quality based effluent discharge limits, the sources of nutrients in municipal wastewater, and various control and reduction strategies. The course will introduce concepts of enhanced biological treatment systems – highlighting typical removal performances. Ideal operating conditions and wastewater characteristics will be shared.

Topics to be covered include:

· Discussion of nutrient based watershed impairments and control strategies

· Discussion of sources of excess nitrogen and phosphorous within municipal wastewater

· The role and usefulness of enhanced biological treatment systems for nutrient reduction

· Discussion of nitrogen and phosphorous cycle within enhanced biological treatment systems

· Discussion of ideal operating conditions and limitations within enhanced biological systems  

 3 training contact hours (0.3 CEUs)

Utilizing information from Sacramento’s Manage for Success, this three-hour training class will help attendees recognize problems and their need/opportunity for change; and take measures to solve the problem before it becomes larger and more difficult to control.  It will highlight techniques for communication, information gathering, and analysis to support making choices when there are a range of potential alternatives, many appearing similar and each having consequences.   

Topics to be covered include: 

• Eight steps in the problem-solving process 
• Analysis of the problem using a variety of techniques to gather as much information as possible about the problem and its causes. 
• Using measurable criteria to evaluate the effectiveness of the solution to ensure that the problem is resolved. Identifying four decision levels (strategic, management, operational, and transactional), with examples of how each could be applied in a water/wastewater utility. 
• Building support for a decision and overcoming possible resistance. 
• Benefits and drawbacks of using groups and committees to make decisions 

 1.5 training contact hours  (1.5 CEUs)

This 90-minute training class will highlight my recent personal experiences as a new member of the wastewater operator community. During the class, my experiences with exam strategy and the certification process for several states will be reviewed, the facility I presently work at will be discussed via a virtual-tour, and my impression of entering the field later-in-life and becoming a licensed wastewater operator will be made available for group discussion.  Common daily, weekly, and monthly operational tasks will also be reviewed and shared.

Topics to be covered include:

• Certification exam experiences (paper-based and computer-based) for NH, MA, and FL
• Assisting in the operation of a Modified Ludzack Ettinger (MLE) facility, permitted for 12 MGD with a daily flow of 6.5 MGD, and authorized for reuse of plant effluent.
• Conducting bench-top laboratory tests for daily process control strategy.
• Routine tasks of a typical workday – plant tours, sampling and data gathering, process monitoring, and general house-keeping.
• Determination of daily sludge wasting, based on solids inventory, mixed liquor concentrations, and desired mean cell residence time.
• Initial impressions and eye-opening experiences of a new operator.

3 training contact hours (0.3 CEUs)

This three-hour training class will highlight the purpose of disinfection for the reduction of waterborne diseases and explore the three most-prevalent wastewater disinfection processes – chlorination, ultraviolet radiation, and ozonation. The need and mechanisms for de-chlorination will also be reviewed. Solving several typical math word problems associated with disinfection will also be demonstrated.

Topics to be covered include:

• Description of pathogens and waterborne diseases necessitating the need for disinfection.
• Review the disinfection processes for utilizing chlorine, hypochlorite, ultraviolet radiation, and ozone.
• Description of the breakpoint chlorination process.
• Review the methods of disinfectant application to wastewater flows.
• · Safety hazards associated with handling, usage, and storage of disinfectants. 

3 training contact hours (0.3 CEUs)

This three-hour training class will highlight the utilization of pH and suspended solids information for making operational decisions at a wastewater treatment plant; while emphasizing critical steps an operator takes to ensure proper sample collection, analyses, and documentation of results. One-hour will be devoted to the topic of pH and one hour will be for the topic of suspended solids analysis; total suspended solids (TSS) and volatile suspended solids (VSS). The remaining time will consist of demonstrating process control math word problems. Example calculations– based on actual analytical results - will be solved.

Topics to be covered include:

• Introduction to pH, what pH measurements mean and the difference between acidic and basic conditions.
• Discussion of sample representativeness and the difference between composite and grab sampling, utilization of proper sample containers and hold times, and meter calibration techniques.
• The role and usefulness of pH monitoring for making operational changes.
• Discussion of total and volatile suspended solids and how their determination can be utilized for process control decisions.
• How to prepare for TSS and VSS analyses, and utilization of drying oven, furnace, and analytical balance. 
• Determination of actual TSS and VSS concentration and removal efficiency – based on real-world analytical data.

3 training contact hours (0.3 CEUs)

This three-hour training class will help attendees refresh or develop knowledge and skills associated with the negative aspects of excess fats, oil, and grease in collection systems and wastewater treatment plants. The course will also offer preliminary steps that wastewater staff have typically employed when working with food-service and food-preparation establishments to decrease grease discharges.

Topics to be covered include:

· Relationship between grease discharges and sanitary sewer blockages and overflows

· Relative anticipated grease contributions from various types of food service establishments

· Typical internal and external grease separators

· Sewer Use Ordinance enhancements for grease controls

· Food Service Establishment BMPs

· Outreach Materials

3 training contact hours (0.3 CEUs)

This three-hour training class will help attendees refresh or develop skills related to pump components, their functions, and utilizations for moving liquids and solids in a wastewater system.  Associated pump-related math skills will also be reviewed.  

Topics to be covered include:

• Theory of Pumping Fluids

• Centrifugal vs. Positive Displacement Pumps

• Wet well and dry well configurations

• Basic Pump Hydraulics, Pump Curves, and Horsepower Concepts

• Typical centrifugal pump components (sleeves, seals, impellors, etc.)

• Pumping Rate Calculations (centrifugal and positive displacement)

 3 training contact hours (0.3 CEUs) 

This three-hour training class will help attendees refresh or develop their basic math skills utilizing problem-solving demonstrations and group participation practice questions followed by guided solution development.

Topics to be covered include:

• Fractions and percentages
• Unit Conversions
• Circumference and perimeters
• Areas
• Volumes
• Introduction to ABC formula sheet
• How to rearrange formulas

3 training contact hours (0.3 CEUs)

This three-hour training class will help attendees refresh or develop collection system related math skills utilizing problem-solving demonstrations and group participation practice questions followed by guided solution development. 

Topics to be covered include: 

• Slopes 
• Loading/Population Equivalents 
• Detention Times
• Flow Rates 
• Velocity
• Pump station calibration  

 3 training contact hours (0.3 CEUs) 

This three-hour training class will help attendees refresh or develop wastewater treatment related basic math skills utilizing problem-solving demonstrations and group participation practice questions followed by guided solution development. 

Topics to be covered include: 

• Review basic math concepts 
• Detention Times 
• Percent Removal 
• Pounds/Loading 
• Pumping Rates 
• Weir Overflow Rates
• Surface Settling Rates 

3 training contact hours (0.3 CEUs)

This three-hour training class will help attendees refresh or develop activated sludge related math skills utilizing problem-solving demonstrations and group participation practice questions followed by guided solution development. 

Topics to be covered include:

Review basic math concepts

Aeration basin organic loading 

F/M Ratios 

Solids Retention Times 

Wasting Rates 

Trickling Filter Organic/Hydraulic Loading 

RBC Organic/Hydraulic Loading 

3 training contact hours (0.3 CEUs)

 This three-hour training class will help attendees refresh or develop solids processing related math skills utilizing problem-solving demonstrations and group participation practice questions followed by guided solution development.

Topics to be covered include:
• Review basic math concepts
• Suspended and Percent Solids Determination and Loading
• Dewatering Calculations
• Gravity Thickener and Centrifuge Solids Loading
• Digester Gas Production Problems
• Volatile Acids-to-Alkalinity Ratios
• Lime Neutralization Problems
• Composting Percent Moisture Calculations 

 3 training contact hours (0.3 CEUs)

Target Audience: New and experienced wastewater operators looking to expand their awareness of current issues that impact water quality and potentially affect treatment plant discharge permit limits.   
 

General concepts covered; utilizing lecture, videos, and class exercises:
 - Nationwide water quality management objectives and tools under the Clean Water Act.

- Water pollution threats from uncontrolled urban stormwater.

- The array of stormwater permits (municipal, industrial, construction).

- Innovative steps to address stormwater pollution.

3 training contact hours (0.3 CEUs)

Concepts covered:
- Characteristics of solids in wastewater and the science of settling solids
- Clarifier configurations and common components
- Process variables and their control
- Safety awareness and general clarifier maintenance tips
 

Math topics presented: volumes, detention times, surface overflow rates, process control parameters

 2 training contact hours (0.2 CEUs) 

Concepts covered:

 - Clean Water Act and its regulatory components

        NPDES permits, stormwater, industrial discharges, biosolids

 - Elements of the National Pretreatment Program

        Categorical and Significant Industrial Users        

        General and specific prohibitions

        Effluent limitation guidelines

        Local limits and sewer use ordinances

3 training contact hours (0.3 CEUs)

Concepts covered:

· Commercial brewing process equipment and terminology

· Typical brewery wastewater characteristics

· EPA National Pretreatment Program’s general and specific discharge prohibitions

· Opportunities for side-streaming and waste strength reduction

· Guidance materials for conducting brewery inspections

· Guidance materials for brewery wastewater management BMPs

 2 training contact hours (0.2 CEUs) 

Concepts covered:

 - Awareness of prevalence and variety of cyber‐attacks on municipalities in the US.

 - Awareness of municipal vulnerabilities to cyber‐attacks

 - Awareness of common, low‐cost steps to fortify against cyber‐attacks.

 - Awareness of no‐cost resources for developing more‐robust cyber‐defenses.

2 training contact hours (0.2 CEUs)

Concepts covered:

· Latest information on COVID-19 survivability in the environment

· CDC/OSHA COVID-19 guidance and information for wastewater sector

· General PPE and hygiene considerations for specific wastewater-sector work tasks

· Guidance materials for wastewater-sector hygiene and PPE