2019 – 82nd WIOA Victorian Water Industry Operations Conference & Exhibition
4 & 5 September 2019 – Bendigo Exhibition Centre
Supported by: Victorian Regional Water Corporations represented by Coliban Water, Gippsland Water, South East Water and Goulburn Murray Water
Prime Sponsors: Calix, Filtec, Hach, Ixom and Xylem
The following papers are listed in order of the conference program
Bushfires in Melbourne’s water catchments: data driven incident management Kim Mosse – Melbourne Water
+Abstract
Melbourne Water’s two largest catchments, Thomson and Upper Yarra, were threatened by two separate bushfire events in early 2019. These two reservoirs play an important role in ensuring Melbourne’s supply security and are not serviced by filtration plants downstream as they are part of Melbourne’s protected catchment system. As such, the only mechanism to manage any fire induced water quality event is by carefully managing bulk transfers throughout the entire Melbourne supply system.
-Close
Drawing the lime, the challenges and trials of a large lime plant Hannah Kelly – Melbourne Water
+Abstract
As a powder, lime is particularly susceptible to build up and blockages in the slurry batching and dosing systems. In early 2018, this was especially prevalent at the Silvan lime plant where multiple dosing pump failures occurred and required significant cost and time for maintenance and operations personnel to resolve. The cause of these breakdowns was suspected to be large impurities in the lime product and undissolved lime carryover from the slurry tank.
-Close
Don’t just ask for it, business case it Jamie Rossato – North East Water
+Abstract
North East Water (NEW) started a journey with implementing and rolling out the Lean program via an external facilitator. The program provided North East Water Operators with the skills to recognize areas for waste reduction, efficiency gains, customer service, and reducing operational costs. But more importantly it is about maintaining a safe and healthy working environment and having all employees committed to continuous improvement in all areas of safety awareness and application. In short, it is ensuring that safety is one of the key values of each team member.
-Close
A nightmare on Mason Street, our experience with a major sewer pump station blockage Russell Sunderland – Goulburn Valley Water
+Abstract
In late November 2018, one of the major sewer pump stations (SPS) in Shepparton, SHPS01 in Mason St, experienced flow drop-off and then failure of both dry mounted pumps. The cause was a massive rag and fat ball which had formed a solid mass in the wet well and restricted flow. Further complications included a corroded and unusable inlet isolating valve and bypass pumping that could not drain the network. As a result, divers installed a plug to isolate the wet well for the removal of the blockage material.
-Close
Protecting those who keep our water safe, an overview of the support available for managing chlorine gas safely Chris Howard – Ixom
+Abstract
Across the country thousands of operators are striving hard to ensure their communities have safe, reliable drinking water and that wastewater is handled and treated responsibly. Use of chlorine gas is a common, reliable and effective means of disinfecting water; however, like any water disinfection method the technology has hazards that need to be carefully managed. It is important that the right tools and systems are provided to ensure the operators can perform their vital work safely. This paper focuses on the available resources that water operators can use. It will provide an overview of Chemical Risk Management, including its three main elements: chemical systems, training and emergency response.
-Close
Dwindling supply versus high demand. Sunday Creek – Kilmore and Euroa drought response Benjiman Gazzola – Goulburn Valley Water
+Abstract
Goulburn Valley Water (GVW) has experienced high demand from and no inflow to our raw water storages in the Euroa and Sunday Creek systems. At the end of 2018 and beginning of 2019 we found ourselves in a precarious situation – how to identify and introduce new water sources to our systems to maintain supply. The ability to adapt quickly has been key with drought response management teams formed, an interconnecting pipeline between GVW and Yarra Valley Water, the reversal of a raw water transfer main from Broadford to Sunday Creek raw water reservoirs, increased leak detection and introduction of stage 2 restrictions we have stabilised the Sunday creek system.
-Close
Trial study of sensor-based technology at Kenilworth STP – Best paper overall Queensland 2019 Cale Maclean – Unitywater
+Abstract
Effective measurement of in-situ sludge is key in operation and maintenance of the waste stabilisation ponds in Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). Effective sludge measurements are also essential from a budget perspective. Current methods of sludge measurements are time-consuming and inconsistent mainly due to agreed settleability point of fluff and sludge blanket level. Use of sensor-based technology has potential advantages over conventional methods.
-Close
Optimisation of aeration systems across North East Water wastewater treatment plants Matthew Leach – North East Water
+Abstract
Ongoing increases in electricity prices, and commitments to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions has prompted a renewed focus to optimise aeration efficiency across North East Water WWTPs. This paper reviews projects undertaken by North East Water to date to optimise aeration performance and reduce overall energy consumption. The results from a trial of new aeration technology are discussed, and how the outcomes of this trial will be incorporated into future optimisation opportunities across the Corporation. This paper highlights the importance considering individual site characteristics when considering optimisation opportunities, the need for establishing cross-organisational workgroups to deliver the best outcomes.
-Close
Air binding issue in an activated carbon filter Alasdair Turnbull – Veolia Water Operations
+Abstract
The 18ML/d Castlemaine Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in Central Victoria was constructed in 2002 as part of the Aqua Contract in the Coliban Water region. The plant has an Ozone then Biologically Activated Carbon (BAC) process to polish the treated water before chemical dosing and distribution to the network. The five BAC filters at this plant have suffered from fast accumulation of head loss. It was found that air was routinely becoming trapped within the media and causing head loss. The air binding issue was abated to some degree by a partial media replacement and the investigation highlights numerous other measures which might be considered in the future to reduce air binding.
-Close
Manganese removal using pre-filter chemical oxidation – Best operator paper NSW 2019 Shawn Charlton – Federation Council
+Abstract
Prior to 2002, the Corowa water supply was unfiltered. Raw water was pumped from the Murray River and disinfected using chlorine gas then transferred to the town water supply reservoirs and from there into the distribution system. In 2002, the CorowaWater Treatment plant was constructed, but unexpectedly the council started to receive an increased amount of “dirty water” complaints. Customers were reporting black or dark brown water, with the majority of the complaints being generated in the spring and summer months. The council quickly discovered that a manganese biofilm was growing on the inside of the reticulation pipework and this biofilm was dislodged during times of high water use, causing the discoloured water.
-Close
Intermittent reservoir aeration. Reducing running costs without reducing the benefits Shekiah Inglis – Melbourne Water
+Abstract
Aerators are operated seasonally on several key drinking water storages in Melbourne’s supply system. They prevent stratification from occurring during the summer months, and therefore reduce the risk of dirty water events caused by iron and manganese. In recent years Melbourne Water has installed Vertical Profiling Systems (VPS) in several water storages, increasing the availability of detailed real-time water quality data. This data has been used to update and calibrate hydrodynamic models which are key to understanding reservoir behaviour under different scenarios, e.g. debris flow events and introduction of new water sources.
-Close
Real-time calculation of sewage pumping station time to spill in SCADA Amira Haruwarta – Yarra Valley Water
+Abstract
‘Time to Spill’ of a Sewage Pumping Station is defined as how long maintenance crews must respond to an outage before the site spills to the environment. Yarra Valley Water have adapted this feature onto its SCADA System. This provides real-time indication of ‘Time to Spill’, allowing better network visibility, improved decision making and response prioritisation. The feature can be used for a variety of tasks, including managing planned or unplanned outages at a site, and it is an effective tool for incident management. Since being implemented in late 2018, it has already proven its applicability in reducing operational and emergency costs, as well as decreasing the risks of sewer spills.
-Close
The rise of the wet wipes, and our defensive actions Tyrone Butt – Albury City Council
+Abstract
Albury has four WWTP to service the city. In recent years we have seen an increase in blockages to aeration equipment, pumps, mixers and excess load placed on screening equipment causing frequent maintenance issues and an added cost to the business and subsequently the community. This is a result of the explosion of the wet wipes market. Some have even labelled their product as flushable and this is where the problem lies. To cope with the extra solids load in 2017 Albury City Council approached the market for a solution to improve the current screening process and eliminate this increasing operational threat. In 2018 we installed and commissioned 2 new Johnson Centre-Flo band screens, which produced an 85% removal rate, compared to the previous step screens which removed less than 15% of the solids as they could not cope with the additional load and change in sewer characteristics resulting predominantly from wet wipes.
-Close
ABCD compact modular outdoor arc-flash containment safety switchboard Peter Taylor – P.T. Automation Solutions
+Abstract
PTAS’s ABCD (Arc-Blast Containment and Diffusion technology) is a unique invention that enables a compact outdoor switchboard to be capable of containing the catastrophic outcomes of an electrical arc-flash explosion. Such explosions are not common but hospitalise 39* electrical operators and electricians each year with significant 3rd degree burns. Fatalities do occur. It’s the first NATA tested and certified, fully designed, developed product manufactured in Australia. The project was motivated by the adoption of AS61439.1 in May-16 and Sep-17 QLD ‘industrial manslaughter’ laws.
-Close
Adapting to meet cyber security threats to your SCADA David Walker – Yokogawa
+Abstract
Continued media headlines reporting cyber security threats, disabling operations from a variety of process intensive and manufacturing industries, make it clear that cyber-attacks are on the rise. The scale and reach of malicious cyber activity affecting public and private sector organisations and individuals is unprecedented. The rate of attacks is increasing, and the methods used by malicious actors are rapidly evolving. The owner or operator of critical infrastructure needs to ensure that the right security measures are put in place. These measures need to be continuously maintained and modified as cyber threats evolve and diversify.
-Close
VHF ethernet communication – Best paper overall NSW 2019 Alex McCaffrey – Port Macquarie Hastings Council
+Abstract
Long Flat Water Treatment Plant (LF WTP) is an unmanned microfiltration plant that is controlled by SCADA via a UHF radio link. The Water Process Team responsible for running the plant and ensure water quality compliance currently rely on a limited amount of information available on the SCADA system. LF WTP has always struggled with unreliable communications to the radio repeater with a mountain range in between making it difficult to maintain a reliable signal path. The Remote Telemetry Unit (RTU) is the limiting factor. The RTU limitations mean important data can’t be returned to SCADA for the Water Process Team to access. The current RTU limitations can’t be changed to meet the needs of the Process Teams requirement for data. The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and our Drinking Water Management Plan has reporting requirements that we needed to provide data for water quality compliance.
-Close
Treasure in trash, how to exploit waste products for gain – Best operator paper New Zealand 2019 David Allan – Palmerston North
+Abstract
Waste products and their treatment is the purpose of our industry, but does it have to be a money sink? Can accepting more actually be beneficial and a viable cost-reduction strategy? This train of thought led Palmerston North City Council to invest in a cogeneration system. However, the methane gas production from landfill and municipal waste was insufficient to run the system efficiently. The idea then became, how to get more gas using the existing infrastructure. It was decided that to achieve the volume of methane gas required a higher energy waste product. Yet, as with all newborn ideas, it came into the world kicking and screaming.
-Close
Kingaroy Nereda WWTP recycled water and benefits to the community – Best operator paper Queensland 2019 Andrew Watson – South Burnett Regional Council
+Abstract
In mid-2016, Aquatec Maxcon along with Royal HaskoningDHV commissioned Australia’s first full-scale Aerobic Granular Sludge (Nereda®) WWTP. The WWTP can produce Class A+ Recycled Water providing community benefit to the local sporting field, golf course, show grounds and on-site reuse. The secondary effluent from the Nereda® is such quality that after disinfection and detention, it can be applied directly to the South Burnett Regional Council neighbouring 30Ha farm utilising two fixed pivot irrigators to commercialise a resource and further reduce the residual nutrient load that would otherwise end up in the catchment that supplies Kingaroy’s water supply. As an operator, driving through town and seeing children playing on the fields that without recycled water would be dust bowls with prickles makes the extra effort in maintaining, monitoring, sampling and verification of the recycled water worth the effort 10 times over.
-Close
The value of operator competency project Sallyanne Bartlett – WaterQ Plus
+Abstract
The Value of Operator Competency project is a Water Research Australia (WaterRA) memberfunded initiative. The objective of the project is to communicate the value to water industry organisations from having frontline operators that are equipped with the right level of competency to fulfil their roles. A review of employee training and competency approach taken by other industries―aviation (Licenced Aviation Maintenance Engineers), nursing, electrical and engineering―highlighted the importance of defining a minimum competency standard for roles, along with a commitment to provide continual professional development. These industries widely accept the use of mandatory registration and licencing systems to manage workforce competency.
-Close
Electrocution whilst working on water services Craig Piazza – North East Water
+Abstract
This paper will be discussing how the electrical network is connected to water services. How the electrical infrastructure can fail and energize the water network. Why this failure goes unnoticed until it’s too late and what steps Water Network Operators can take to protect themselves from electrocution. When working on water services to reduce the risk of electrocution operators are instructed to use bonding straps and plumb guards as part of their operational procedures, particularly when changing out water meters or disconnecting metallic pipework.
-Close
Upgrading standpipes to smart electronic low level fill system Ian Matheson – Goulburn Valley Water
+Abstract
Goulburn Valley Water (GVW) has several overhead standpipes across its towns which are used for several purposes including:Commercial water carters to deliver potable water to users who are not connected to the reticulation system, Industrial use such as dust suppression for land development, and Commissioning of new water assets. The current system is an honesty based system relying of water carters to correctly fill in docket books, staff are required to visits sites to collect books and office staff to collate data from dockets to process invoices back to the water carters. The new units being installed will be more effective and efficient in the operation, data collection and management of invoices, which will not only reduce the time required by staff to maintain these sites but will also mean that unexplained losses will be eliminated.
-Close
Algal management within the Tarago Water Treatment Plant Gary Anderson – Melbourne Water
+Abstract
Melbourne Water’s Tarago Water Treatment Plant (WTP) has an uncovered sludge thickener/clarifier that has previously been subjected to high levels of algae, resulting in the release of taste and odour compounds. The first event occurred in January 2013 and resulted in the plant being taken offline for several months while an interim management approach was developed. In order to prevent customer impacts, stringent monitoring programs were implemented to regularly look at the algae cell counts and follow up with manual chemical dosing to control algal numbers as required. Whilst reasonably effective, this process was time consuming and didn’t treat the root cause, so alternatives were considered, focusing on cost effective methods to exclude sunlight.
-Close
Maximising water harvest into Melbourne Water’s reservoirs in a dry climate Mary Daaboul – Melbourne Water
+Abstract
Rainfall for the start of 2019 has been the lowest on record dating back to 1850 and Melbourne’s storages are the lowest since 2011. To increase the amount of water harvested into its reservoirs whilst meeting environmental obligations, Melbourne Water is utilising technological advancements within automation and online communication and challenging long standing operational practices. As a result, several opportunities for water saving have been identified that will increase what is harvested into Melbourne Water’s reservoirs each year. This paper will detail how the challenging of existing practices in combination with the implementation of new technologies can contribute to the reliability of Melbourne’s water supply.
-Close