2005 – 68th WIOA Victorian Conference

1 and 2 September, 2005 Schweppes Centre – Bendigo

Proudly Supported by: Coliban Water, Campaspe Asset Management Services (CAMS), DSE – Water Sector Services & Australian Pollution Engineering

Papers listed in order of the conference program

RECLAIMED WATER IRRIGATION – A RISK BASED APPROACH TO MANAGEMENT Anna Kelliher – RMCG

+Abstract

Using reclaimed water for irrigation has numerous benefits and risks associated with it. The most successful schemes have the highest benefits with the risks well managed.

There is not a single recipe that can be applied across all situations. Practices used at one site may appear less sophisticated, or use a more basic level of technology than another. However, both sites may be using best practice for their situation.

Best practice is one that ensures the level of risk and level of difficulty for a particular site is managed appropriately so that the desired outcome is achieved. Consequently practices for high-risk situations are much more demanding than for low-risk scenarios.

Risks associated with reclaimed water irrigation vary according to:
• The quality and quantity of reclaimed water available;
• The physical characteristics of the site being irrigated;
• The irrigation system used;
• The type of plant being irrigated; and
• The management system in place.

Generally high-risk scenarios are to be avoided and methods available to reduce risk should be implemented. However for any changes identified the impact on social and economic benefits must be considered. The overall benefit, in a triple-bottom line sense, may mean that operating at a higher risk level is preferable.

The Victorian EPA Guidelines for Reclaimed Water Irrigation are in the process of being updated. They will take a risk-based approach similar to that outlined.

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AQWEST PLANT CHLORINATION : EFFICIENCY – SAFETY – ENVIRONMNETAL PROTECTION : AN OPERATIONAL SUCCESS Jeff Nock – Aqwest – Bunbury Water Board

+Abstract

This paper is concerned with an approach adopted by Aqwest in regards to the process of chlorination at each of its six (6) water treatment plants. The paper draws from historical data maintained prior to the implementation of the new strategy, and data acquired over two, five year contract periods during which particular attention was paid and records maintained in terms of several critical elements. These elements included OH&S, staff training, and environmental issues, optimising treatment plant operations, produced water costs, water quality deviations, gas release incidents and emergency response.

Linkages are identified between a sole operator concept and that of utilising a cooperative principle including chlorine gas and equipment service providers. We see that the outcomes achieved demonstrate the degree to which optimisation of chlorination systems in a whole of life plan can provide significant benefits to all parties concerned. At the same time the key issue of quality and costs to the consumer can be predicted for the long term and associated costs forecasted accurately for terms in excess of five years.

Finally, the conclusion is that the overall chlorination process can be moulded to suit many applications with the same level of predictable benefits and the same or greater level of reduction in perceived hazard.

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NITROGEN REMOVAL USING TERTIARY FILTRATION Suzy Hatch & Colum Kearney – Sydney Water

+Abstract

In 2002 both West Hornsby and Hornsby Heights Sewerage Treatment Plants (STP) completed a Biological Nutrient Reduction (BNR) upgrade. Prior to the upgrade the plants were achieving Total Nitrogen (TN) of approximately 25mg/l. The aim of the upgrade was for both plants to achieve a TN of 5mg/l as a 90 percentile in the effluent. Realistically that means the plants have to target a TN of 3mg/l to achieve compliance. Included in the BNR upgrade was the installation of a methanol dosing facility providing an external carbon food source for more removal of TN.

Due to the nature of BNR, process designers were unsure how to combine and quantify the internal organic carbon food source from the fermenter with the methanol in order to achieve desired TN levels. It was up to the production team to test various quantities and dosing points of the Methanol to optimise the best results for nitrogen removal from the wastewater. Both plants were commissioned in June 2002 and after 18 months of process changes the plants were still only achieving approximately 7mg/l of TN in the plant effluent. We were a long way from reaching the goal of the upgrade.

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COMPOSTING BIOSOLIDS  Darren Key – Gippsland Water

+Abstract

This paper is an overview of the biosolids composting process being developed at the Resource Recovery Facility (RRF), Dutson Downs which is owned and operated by Gippsland Water. This process is being developed to reduce risk and improve environmental outcomes relative to direct land application of biosolids.

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PUMP EFFICIENCY MONITORING & MANAGEMENT AT MELBOURNE WATER Peta Maddy – SEAV

+Abstract

Melbourne Water is one of the largest users of energy in Victoria spending about $14.1M in 2003/04. Melbourne Water’s aim is to minimise imported energy costs and associated greenhouse gas emissions by maximising its capacity to generate renewable energy and by ensuring that major energy consuming components are being operated and maintained in a manner that minimises energy consumption. The latter includes pumping stations, which account for 60% of Melbourne Water’s energy consumption.

In March 2005, the Sustainable Energy Authority Victoria (SEAV) formed a partnership with Melbourne Water under the Business Energy Innovation Initiative to undertake a pump efficiency study.

When fully implemented the outcomes from the study are expected to yield energy savings in the order of 2% to 4%, which equates to approximately 3,470 to 6,940 MWh with a commensurate cost saving of $109,000 to $218,000 per annum. This also results in a reduction in greenhouse pollution of approximately 2,500 to 5,000 tonnes per annum or the equivalent to removing 575 to 1,150 average cars from Victorian roads each year.

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RELINE & REHABILITATION OF SERVICE PIPELINES Stephen Bluett – “us” – Utility Services

+Abstract

This paper provides an overview about innovative no-dig technology, applied for customers of ‘us‘ – Utility Services to deliver tomorrow’s solution for today’s challenges by satisfying demands and expectations on commercial, environmental, communal and OHS issues.

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A NEW INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR OPERATIONAL & LABORATORY DATA Jason Whittaker – Goulburn Valley Water

+Abstract

This paper highlights the process employed by Goulburn Valley Water (GVW) in the identification, development and implementation of a suitable information system for the collection and management of all field, laboratory, plant and calibration information collected for water and waste water services within the Authority.

A partnering approach was undertaken between GVW and Bridge-Soft LLC of the United States to develop a specific product suitable for the water industry, based upon an existing product of Bridge-Soft.

Specifically, the paper outlines the history dictating the need for the Information System, as well as the key processes undertaken and issues encountered during the development of the database. In addition, the benefits to GVW and generally to the Water Industry will be discussed.

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ON-SITE GENERATION OF SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE: BASIC OPERATING PRINCIPLES AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS John Hooper – Fluidquip Australia

+Abstract

This paper discusses the technical advances that have been made in the equipment used for generating 0.8% Sodium Hypochlorite on-site ( at the point of use ) and the benefits & limitations associated with this technology.

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GOULBURN VALLEY WATER’S FIELD STAFF TRAINING STRATEGY Adam Glasson – Goulburn Valley Water

+Abstract

Goulburn Valley Water had traditionally provided training for field staff in their specific areas of responsibility. Determining training needs and setting budgets was left to individual Managers. A field staff training committee was formed to develop a field staff training strategy. This committee consisted of field staff from across the authority and management representatives. After being in operation for just over two years, the benefits of the implementation of the training strategy are now rippling though the organisation through better trained and more knowledgeable staff. The authority has also taken a lead role in developing new training material specifically targeted to meet the needs of its staff.

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A DUMMY’S GUIDE TO COAGULANTS Peter Gebbie – Earth Tech Engineering

+Abstract

This paper is intended as a guide to using coagulants in water treatment by answering a series of questions that many Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Operators have probably thought of but were too afraid to ask, or didn’t quite know where to look for the answers!

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MELBOURNE WATER’S EASTERN TREATMENT PLANT – HACCP JOURNEY Sean Wise – Melbourne Water

+Abstract

Melbourne Water obtained Quality Assurance (HACCP) certification from Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance (LRQA) in March 2005. This paper presents the methodology undertaken to deliver a certified HACCP Plan for one of Australia’s largest sewage treatment plants.

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HAZARDOUS AREAS FOR WATER & WASTEWATER FACILITIES Neil Dennis – Maunsell Australia

+Abstract

The identification and management of hazard areas is a key issue, particularly in the operation of water and wastewater plants where the presence of gases such as methane and Hydrogen Sulphide can generate potentially hazardous areas. Hazardous areas are those defined in the wiring rules as areas of potential explosion risk due to the presence of flammable gas or vapour. This paper presents information relevant to the classification of hazardous areas based on current Australian Standards. The correct application and limitations of current standards are outlined and the use of alternative standards such as NFPA 820 are also discussed.

The relationship of current hazardous area classification and electrical installation requirements in hazardous areas are introduced in the context of minimising the likelihood of explosions. Finally, new directions in standards are introduced including current development work within the IEC, (International Electrotechnical Commission), to include alternative approaches to hazardous area classification based on risk assessment.

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PIGGING OF THE LOBETHAL SEWER RISING MAIN Sue Lefebvre – SA Water

+Abstract

A 7.5 km long sewer rising main often burst at environmentally sensitive points. Although sections of the main were programmed to be replaced, pigging was a short term solution to relieve pressure in the main. There were numerous considerations during the planning of the pigging project.

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EMISSIONS AND ECONOMICS OF BIOGAS AND POWER Tony Sennitt – Diamond Energy

+Abstract

An emissions balance and economic screening methodology for applying High Rate Anaerobic Lagoon technology (coupled with electricity generation) to waste water treatment facilities.

It delivers a simple analysis that enables companies to focus on managing the total greenhouse gas emissions of an anaerobic lagoon to deliver an output that can be net positive for the environment.

Also includes a simple payback period methodology for converting from an existing facility to Anaerobic lagoon (coupled with electricity generation).

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FILTER OPTIMISATION AT VICTORIA’S LARGEST WATER TREATMENT PLANT Mark Jarvis – Melbourne Water

+Abstract

The Winneke Water Treatment Plant was subjected to an extensive filter optimisation programme. Pragmatic applications were used that can be readily applied to any conventional filtration plant. This paper disseminates robust and practical solutions assisting other engineers and operators better utilise their filtration plant.

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ADWG COMPLIANCE IN REGIONAL VICTORIA Chris Speight – AQ2 Limited

+Abstract

The introduction of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) is posing a substantial challenge to water corporations to provide safe drinking water to all citizens. Of particular concern are regional network supply systems, delivering drinking water to small rural communities. Traditionally, water corporations have used chlorine gas for disinfection at the source of the network yet this method can have limitations in carrying through to the extremities.

This paper presents the results of a trial by Coliban Water of a novel water disinfection technology (Smartaflow) that enables micro-dosing for a remote community in Victoria (Bealiba). The technology described automatically meters sodium hypochlorite into a pressurised water stream in a way that overcomes the limitations of traditional systems. Despite challenging conditions, the results of the trial demonstrate the capability of the technology to safely and reliably dose the water within acceptable residual levels and to provide significant benefits in health and safety and in monitoring and management.

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AIR SCOURING – PLANNING & EXECUTION Craig Newton – “us” – Utility Services

+Abstract

This paper gives an overview of how a large mains cleaning project was completed in a timely manner with little inconvenience to the client and their customers.

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OPERATION OF AN UPFLOW ANAEROBIC SLUDGE BLANKET REACTOR (UASB) Tony Davies – Earth Tech Engineering

+Abstract

This paper discusses the operation and principles of a UASB in a domestic wastewater treatment plant.

This paper will outline why the UASB was chosen for the Echuca Reclamation scheme, the fundamental concept, process description and optimisation that the process engineers and operations staff encountered during commissioning.

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SEWER PUMP STATION FALL PREVENTION SYSTEM Jarrah Feather – East Gippsland Water

+Abstract

Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (Prevention of Falls) 2003 have highlighted the need for the water industry to alter the way it carries out works at heights, which in this industry predominantly exist in sewer pump stations.

East Gippsland Water (EGW) in conjunction with a private contractor have designed, tested and manufactured a system centred around operator safety to meet the requirements of the regulations, and ease of use. The system consists of a removable grate, which is held in place by multi-functional corner brackets, all aluminium in construction. Within the corner brackets is provision for portable barricading specifically designed for this application to be installed.

The primary function of the grate is to offer fall protection when accessing the wet well, allowing the operator to visually check the well without the risk of falling. The secondary function of the grate is to be completely removable once the barricading is in place, allowing relatively unrestricted access to the pump well and all of its components.

The principle behind the barricading is very similar to an everyday scaffold, the posts are specially designed in aluminium to fit into the corner brackets. The rails are telescopic and have quick action claspers to allow their fitting to a wide range of well sizes and ease of use.

This system has been rated by a structural engineer and is a practical alternative to permanent barricading around wells or the use of fall arrest systems. The grate and brackets are totally hidden below the well lid and the barricading is completely removable, allowing for areas where aesthetics are important.

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ODOUR CONTROL STRATEGIES ON THE REGIONAL OUTFALL SEWER Adrian Harper – Gippsland Water

+Abstract

The Regional Outfall Sewer (ROS) conveys industrial and domestic waste from the Latrobe Valley to Dutson Downs for treatment. There are two main sections which comprise the ROS; a 40 km piped section that originates in Morwell, and 45 kms of open channel that starts east of Rosedale. The majority of the industrial effluent that is received is high in sulphates, which in turn leads to the generation of sulphides, and this is the reason for the frequent odour complaints from residents in the vicinity of the open channel section.

This paper discusses the different odour control strategies that were tried on the Regional Outfall Sewer in 2003-05 by Gippsland Water. In particular, pH based control will be discussed as a means of suppressing odours associated with hydrogen sulphide.

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