Tis the season…. for clogged drains? This time of year means big trouble for wastewater utilities when residents pour fat, oil, and grease (also known as FOG) down the drain where it can harden and clog pipes. The clogs can be expensive to address, but they are easy to prevent. “The best way to dispose Read More
Tag: wastewater
Novel Approach to Address Effluent Mercury Regulatory Limit
A novel approach to addressing a new effluent mercury regulatory limit will help a northern Minnesota town’s wastewater treatment facility (WWTF) remain in compliance under its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NDPES) permit. The City of Ely hired the team of AE2S and JPJ Engineering in 2017, to develop a wastewater facility plan to address Read More
USEPA Announces New Wastewater Regulations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has released Preliminary Effluent Guidelines Program Plan 15 (Preliminary Plan 15), which identifies opportunities to better protect public health and the environment through the regulation of wastewater pollution. Preliminary Plan 15 includes three new rulemakings to reduce contaminants including PFAS and nutrients from key industries. The USEPA will initiate the three new rulemakings after concluding several Read More
USEPA Announces Interim Strategy to Address PFAS Through Wastewater Permits
Aggressively addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment continues to be an active and ongoing priority for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The USEPA has issued a memorandum detailing an interim National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting strategy for addressing PFAS in USEPA-issued wastewater permits. In addition, USEPA released information on Read More
Cold Weather + Holiday FOG = Sewer Clogs
The holidays may look a little different this year, with fewer people gathering in large groups due to COVID-19 concerns. But that doesn’t mean traditional foods like turkey, ham, prime rib, and gravy are off the menu. This time of year can mean big trouble for wastewater utilities when residents pour fat, oil, and grease Read More
WEF Report Determines Low Risk of COVID-19 Infection for Wastewater Professionals
On August 13th, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) Blue Ribbon Panel on Biological Hazards and Safety Precautions published their findings Protecting Wastewater Professionals From Covid-19 and Other Biological Hazards. The publication covers specific findings regarding COVID-19; an update of MOP-1, Safety, Health, and Security in Wastewater Systems; and identifies additional research needs. Through his role Read More