2010 – 35th Queensland Water Industry Operations Workshop

22 to 24 June, 2010 – Community Sports Centre, CQ University, Rockhampton

Supported by: Fitroy River Water & WITA
with assistance from: Rad-Tel Systems, ITT Water and Wastewater, Acromet, Peerless Industrial Systems, Australian Water Association, Queensland Government and Queensland Water Directorate

The following papers appear in order of the Workshop Program

WIOA REPORT Cynthia Lim – WIOA Operations Manager

OPERATOR’S GUIDE TO ACTIVATED SLUDGE BULKING Michael Lever

+Abstract

A range of factors have been suggested to explain the causes of filamentous bulking. Unfortunately they are often opposites. Different theories have been developed based on dissolved oxygen, substrate diffusion within the floc, bacterial growth kinetics and food storage properties. These concepts have been combined with new analysis of anoxic bulking to produce a consistent unified theory. Full scale plant examples are used for illustration.

-Close

SURVIVING THE BREAKING OF THE DROUGHT John McCarthy – Seqwater Mt Crosby

+Abstract

Mt Crosby Eastbank and Westbank Water Treatment Plants are conventional alum coagulation, sedimentation and rapid sand filtration plants with Westbank having an additional dissolved air flotation process. Eastbank has a maximum capacity of 700ML/day and Westbank has a maximum capacity of 250ML/day.

Both treatment plants source their water from the Brisbane River with Wivenhoe Dam being some 60 kilometres upstream of the treatment plant raw water intakes. Numerous creeks enter the Brisbane River between Wivenhoe Dam and Mt Crosby creating a variety of treatment challenges through changes in soluble manganese, taste, algae, turbidity, colour, alkalinity and conductivity.

During the drought from 2002 to 2007 the storage levels in the dams had reduced to <15%. On 19th November 2008, a rain depression dumped >200mm of rain over much of the mid-Brisbane River Catchment in approximately 4 hours, starting at 7:00pm. This rain event for Mt Crosby WTPs was the breaking of the drought and for the following 6 months, the start of the post-drought water treatment challenges.

-Close

THE APV INATURE SLUDGE TREATMENT PROCESS Robert Fulton – SPX Flow Technology

+Abstract

An important component in the operation of large wastewater treatment plants is the Anaerobic Sludge Digestion process. The main aims are to improve the biological conversion rates, maximize gas generation volumes as an energy resource, and minimize sludge disposal volumes that represent a cost to plant operations.

This paper will show that through the innovative use of proven process technologies, a significant improvement in the biological conversion process can be realized utilizing an external recirculation system incorporating a low-pressure homogenizer for digester sludge treatment. We shall show how higher organic conversion rates, increases in energy production (biogas yields), and reduction in sludge volumes can be achieved, and how a net positive financial benefit may be realized after a relatively short payback period.

-Close

DEMAND MANAGEMENT IS THE BUZZ – BUT IF YOU DON’T MEASURE IT, HOW DO YOU MANAGE IT? Peter McLennan – AllFlow Supply Company

+Abstract

Urban water supply is a growing issue for many cities and towns. Rapid population growth, droughts, ground water contamination, surface water pollution, greater use of water using devices as a result of higher incomes and ground water mining have all lead to water shortages in urbanized areas. D.E. Agthe et al (eds.), Managing Urban Water Supply. 2003, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Nederlands.

Demand Management, particularly in relation to water supply, can be described as understanding your customer’s requirements and ensuring that sufficient supply is available.

This would be easy if you can be sure of the expected usage over a defined period. As population grows, demand grows. As water supplies deplete, demand still grows. Managing the demand so that there is always water available is becoming a complex issue which needs to be reviewed regularly and actively managed in line with the provider’s Customer and Environmental policies.

-Close

BIOLOGICAL NUTRIENT REMOVAL (BNR) TECHNOLOGY IN NEW AND UPGRADED WWTP’S Bill Grote – SkillsTech – TAFE

+Abstract

Although much progress has been made in the past 30 years, BNR wastewater treatment plants do not always live up to expectation. This paper reviews key features of BNR plant design, basic microbiology behind nutrient removal and discusses some problems and process requirements operators should be aware of, when trying to operate and optimise BNR plant performance.

-Close

INTEGRATED STORAGE MANAGEMENT – A PHILOSOPHY ON THE MITIGATION OF ALGAE IN INTERMEDIATE WATER & EFFLUENT STORAGES Chris McLaughlin – BioRemedy

+Abstract

Algae are a vital part of the aquatic ecosystem, providing both food and shelter for other organisms and can also play a crucial role in the ability of an aquatic system, be it natural or man-made, to absorb nutrients and heavy metals. However, in many situations, the proliferation and overgrowth of algae becomes detrimental to the optimal functionality of water and effluent storages.

In intermediate storages, where the process unit collects either partially-processed or source waters before final treatment, be it disinfection prior to outfall, or coagulation, flocculation and filtration prior to release to the reticulation, the presence of algae can present a range of negative impacts upon operational processes.

Operational staff, as well as re-use customers, can be placed at significant risk if algal blooms, particularly of the blue-green (cyanobacteria) algal division, are not managed appropriately.

Management via executing the concept of destratification of distinct thermal layers (eplilimnion, metalimnion and hypolimnion) that can occur within the susceptible water storage should be a principal consideration. In periods of extreme infestation an open-minded practical approach to a supplementary chemical control may need to be considered to achieve short-term respite.

Through the application of appropriate strategies, designed to ensure both operational and managerial considerations, mitigation of the risks associated with persistent algal infestation can be successfully achieved.

-Close

NORTHERN PIPELINE INTERCONNECTOR “NPI” IMPLEMENTATION: THE EFFECT ON OPERATION OF THE NORTH PINE WTP Denis Maguire – Seqwater North Pine

+Abstract

The North Pine WTP is a conventional alum coagulation, sedimentation and filtration plant that treats water that supplies many Northern Brisbane suburbs as well as the regions of Moreton Regional Council including Pine Rivers, Caboolture as well as Redcliffe City. The treatment plant is located downstream and adjacent to the North Pine Dam. This treatment plant began in 1970 with operation commencing in 1974. The plant can treat 250 mega litres of water per day.

A multi billion dollar Water Grid has been established in SEQ which is an integrated system that secures and efficiently manages SEQ water supplies and comprises an infrastructure network of treatment facilities and two way pipes that move water from new and existing sources across the region. One particular network interface that has been established as part of this Grid initiative is the Northern Pipeline Interconnector (NPI) that links the North Pine WTP with the Lander Shute WTP some 60 klms to the North.

-Close

FOAMING ORGANISMS IN SEWAGE TREATMENT-FRIEND OR FOE: VICTIM OF BAD PUBLICITY Peter Griffiths – CH2M HILL Australia

+Abstract

Foaming bacteria are a common occurrence in many activated sludge sewage treatment plants. The accumulation of foams on secondary clarifiers can result in increased solids carryover in the final effluent possibly causing licence limits to be exceeded. The hosing down of clarifiers to break up the foams is labour intensive. Various methods of controlling the foaming bacteria have been proposed and implemented over the years. These control measures have met with varied success and many failures.

The fundamental question of “what causes foaming organisms to proliferate” was answered by research undertaken in Australia. Applying this research and based on full scale plant studies within Australia, it is possible to identify why foaming bacteria occur, why the severity of foaming varies and why “overnight” foaming events occur.

-Close

WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL INTEGRATION OF DRIVE BY AUTOMATED METER READING Aleisha Wrigley – Western District Regional Council

+Abstract

All councils face the challenge of reducing operating costs. Labour accounts are a substantial segment of these costs.

The recent amalgamation of several councils in South Western Queensland has affirmed the need for efficient and cost effective operating practices. This presented Western Downs Regional Council the opportunity to implement Drive by AMR (automatic meter reading) technology with the expectation of reducing meter reading time and costs in outlying areas and improving meter reading accuracy.

With the capability of increased meter reads, Western Downs Regional Council are anticipating another benefit; effective demand management through improved and more frequent advise to customers on water consumption.

The paper details the roll out strategy for the implementation of Drive by AMR as well the integration into meter reading systems. The paper will present the anticipated benefits as well as drawbacks from the implementation and integration of a Drive by AMR.

-Close

AVG FILTERS AND WAIMATE WATER Paul Roberts – Waimate District Council, New Zealand

NEW “CLEAN-EDGE” IMPELLER DESIGN OVERCOMES RAGGING IN WASTEWATER BIOREACTORS Peter Glass – SPX Fluid Technology – LIGHTNIN Operations

+Abstract

Mechanical agitators are used in various applications within a wastewater treatment plant, including in Anoxic/Anaerobic/De-nitrification Mixing Tanks, Sludge Mixing Tanks and Equalization/Neutralization Tanks. However in many instances, the presence of fibrous solids leads to an entangled “rag build-up” on the impeller which, over time, results in both mechanical and electrical overload leading to possible failure of the machine if adequate removal of the rag build-up is not maintained.

A new impeller design (LIGHTNIN Clean-Edge) has been recently developed to yield the same process result as a traditional three-bladed high-efficiency hydrofoil impeller without rag build-up during operation. This new design impeller will draw equivalent power at the same speed and is therefore easily retro-fitted to existing equipment. Benefits include: reduced electrical energy usage; reduced repair bills; reduced maintenance costs and increased plant availability.

-Close

THE FIVE DAY CHALLENGE – REBUILDING THE KILMORE WTP AFTER THE BLACK SATURDAY BUSHFIRES Greg Comer – Goulburn Valley Water

+Abstract

This paper details Goulburn Valley Water’s response to replacing the electrical and control systems and chemical dosing works destroyed by the Black Saturday fires. This task was done in five days using largely internal resources. Good planning was critical to the success of the project.

-Close

PRODUCING SAFE DRINKING WATER FROM THE DYNAMIC FITZROY RIVER Jason Plumb – Fitzroy River Water

+Abstract

The Fitzroy Basin is the second largest catchment in Australia. It consists of numerous river systems that drain areas which vary significantly in their geology, land use practice, and rainfall patterns. As a result of this catchment diversity, the origin of flows in the basin has a strong influence on the quantity and quality of water that enters the lower Fitzroy. The Fitzroy River Barrage impoundment serves as the water source for both the Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast Water Supply Schemes.

With ever increasing water quality regulation and scrutiny on water service providers, maintaining a safe supply of drinking water from a dynamic river system such as the Fitzroy requires an array of skills and expertise. Specific challenges include, treating raw water turbidity that can vary by more than three orders of magnitude, responding to flood events, and dealing with prolonged cyanobacterial blooms. Here we describe our response to some of these challenges and discuss future issues that will impact the supply of safe drinking water from the Fitzroy River.

-Close

PICTURE THE FUTURE: AUSTRALIA – WATER & ENERGY Ian Storie – Siemens

+Abstract

Today, the world is undergoing significant changes due to climate change, demographic change, urbanisation and globalisation. As Australians and global citizens, we have reached a future-critical cross road.

Siemens has undertaken a comprehensive and unique research project called ‘Picture the Future Australia, focussing on the two critical issues of water and energy in Australia. Undertaken in consultation with some of Australia’s leading research and development institutions, this research provides a technology blueprint outlining what can be achieved in the next two decades to help Australia meet carbon emissions targets, and to ensure a secure and sustainable water future.

In view of these current challenges and opportunities, I believe what is missing is a course of action – but one that is not overwhelming in its detail. Rather, a strategy that brings together the wealth of information and proposes a plan. I believe our research delivers this. Australia has always had the choice to pursue an economically and environmentally sustainable future – and, even in the midst of global challenges such as climate change, demographic change, urbanisation and globalisation, these choices are still available for us to fulfil.

-Close

REHABILITATION OF SEWERS FOR THE FUTURE – RISK AND ASSET MANAGEMENT OF YOUR SEWER NETWORK Neville L’Oste-Brown – Fitzroy River Water

+Abstract

Council’s have in the past constructed their sewers back filled them and let them drain away with out much care or attention or at times not even a second thought. Like a corps in a grave, buried and never to be seen again.

In recent years investigations have revealed that a lot of the sewers that have been constructed for greater than 40 years are showing signs of degradation.

-Close

SKILLS INITIATIVES FOR THE QUEENSLAND WATER INDUSTRY Rob Fearon – Queensland Water Directorate

+Abstract

Career pathways and attraction and retention of staff are key issues for the Queensland water industry and the broader industry nationally. This situation is getting worse with technical skills shortages and attrition to the mining sector, retirement of long-tem workers in an industry dominated by ‘baby boomers’ and increasing community and regulatory standards. The Queensland Water Directorate (qldwater), a membership body for water service providers (WSPs) in Queensland and representing over 90% of local government WSPs, is building a number of projects to address these issues.

-Close

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN THE WATER INDUSTRY 2010 Wayne Morling – Government Skills Australia

+Abstract

There will be a full review of the water training package (NWP07) undertaken during this period. Two key commonwealth initiatives are to include “sustainability/green skills” and also “flexible qualification” requirements into all training packages.

Key areas of focus for the review will be Certificate IV, Diploma and Graduate Certificate levels of the package. Additionally, consideration will be given to introducing an Advanced Diploma to the training package.

It is also anticipated that new units will need to be developed at certificate levels II and III to accommodate evolving needs of industry.

To successfully complete this review, industry will be extensively consulted. This will involve identifying changing and emerging needs through a variety of consultation and communication processes. We intend to utilise Technical Reference Groups, comprised of subject matter experts within industry, as well as, seeking input and feedback more broadly across the industry.

-Close

DRINKING WATER INCIDENTS: THE REGULATOR’S PERSPECTIVE Nigel Garson – Office of the Water Supply Regulator, DERM

+Abstract

In July 2008, the Queensland State Government introduced new legislation for regulating recycled and drinking water quality. The Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 aims to further strengthen the safety and reliability of Queensland’s water supplies.

This paper explains how the requirements for drinking water have been implemented, what the Office of the Water Supply Regulator (OWSR) has learnt along the way and what industry improvements have been observed from OWSR’s perspective.

-Close

SLUDGE SETTLEABILITY CONTROL AT ELANORA WWTP RAS CHLORINATION TRIAL Martin Hindmarsh – Allconnex Water

+Abstract

Poor sludge settleability, caused by high concentrations of filamentous bacteria in the mixed liquor, was limiting the capacity of the Elanora Wastewater Treatment Plant; with solids carryover causing high effluent turbidity during wet weather flows. A range of solutions were considered in addressing this problem. The option considered most likely to provide a robust improvement in settleability, with acceptable process risk and cost, was RAS chlorination.

RAS chlorination was trialled over a 3 month period on the smaller stage of the plant. An acceptable improvement in settleability was recorded. Detrimental impacts on effluent quality were observed at high doses, providing guidance on the operational limitations of RAS chlorination.

-Close

ROCKHAMPTON TO YEPPOON PIPELINE – PROJECT MANAGEMENT ASPECTS Chris Hegarty – Cardno & Neville L’Oste Brown – Fitzroy River Water

+Abstract

This $49.4 million project provides a link between the Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast water supply networks. The project has received State and Federal Government funding and will supplement the existing Waterpark Creek source for the Capricorn Coast. It involves approximately 42km of 600mm and 750mm diameter Ductile Iron Cement Lined pipeline as well a pump station and a 10ML reservoir.

Project Delivery will be explored in terms of the number and type of contracts employed, risk and the management of the many contract interfaces. Special design aspects are discussed including above ground valve facilities, rural fire hydrants and service connection points.

-Close