Wastewater

wastewater laboratory | wastewater collection system | home sewer problems | industrial pretreatment | sampling |

See our new feature on sampling at the Williams Monoco Waste Treatment Plant

The District’s Williams Monaco Wastewater Treatment Plant is located at 9702 Monaco Street in Henderson, Colorado. Over 200 miles of sewer lines collect wastewater generated in the District and deliver it to this location for treatment.

Treatment steps at the plant include physical processes such as screening and settling; biological processes to remove organic matter from the wastewater and to digest, condition, and convert sludge to an organic soil amendment ; and chemical processes including chlorination to kill harmful bacteria. All of these steps are necessary to ensure that the wastewater can be safely discharged to the South Platte River. The river is a precious resource and its downstream uses, including recreation, irrigation, and water supply must be protected.

Originally constructed in the 1950’s, the plant has undergone a series of expansions and upgrades over the years. These improvements were necessary not only due to growth in the District, but to meet increasingly strict state and federal regulations. A plant expansion project was recently completed in 2004. This undertaking increased the treatment capacity of the plant from 4.4 to 7.0 million gallons per day. The project also allows the District to meet nitrogen, chlorine, and bacterial discharge regulations. The administration building, which is visible from Monaco Street, was expanded to create much needed office and garage space. A new sludge digester and other process enhancements were also accomplished during the construction. The cornerstone of the entire project is the new Moving Bed Bioreactor (MBBR) which went online early in 2004. This new treatment basin utilizes bacteria to reduce organic matter, ammonia, and nitrate to low levels.

This project was only the latest step in the District’s continuing effort to keep pace with the needs of its customers. Planning is already underway to determine the District’s “next step” to meet future demands in the area of wastewater treatment.

Wastewater Laboratory

The main purpose of the SACWSD wastewater treatment plant laboratory is to ensure treated wastewater meets state and federal government regulations before it is released into the South Platte River.

These regulations have been set up to prevent harmful pollutants from being released into the environment.

The wastewater chemist performs tests on the treated wastewater and keeps records that are reported to the government monthly. These records are required to keep the plant in compliance with its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.

Tests performed include:

• Fecal coliforms (bacterial testing)
• Carbonaceous Biochemical Oxygen Demand (also called CBOD)
• Total suspended solids
• Ammonia
• Nitrates
• Nitrites
• pH
• Chlorine (which is added to the wastewater in the treatment process)

Other samples are collected at the plant, then sent to other labs for completion. These tests include:

• Metals
• Cyanide
• WET (test for toxicity to aquatic life)
• Microbiological tests on biosolids

The wastewater chemist also works with the pretreatment program to sample and test for metals and organics, such as pesticides and industrial chemicals.

SACWSD's tests are performed using EPA-approved methodology. The lab personnel are tested once a year through the Discharge Monitoring Report Quality Assurance (DMRQA). The DMRQA is a blind sample test given to make sure the chemist is using correct methods and is proficient in performing the tests.

Another role of the wastewater laboratory is to provide treatment plant personnel with information and data valuable to the operation of the plant. By monitoring the wastewater throughout the entire treatment process, the lab can provide analytical data that affects plant operational decisions.

The wastewater laboratory also analyzes samples of the South Plate River as a member of the South Platte Coalition for Urban River Evaluation (SPCURE). This is a group of river dischargers and users concerned with monitoring water quality of the South Platte River.

Stephen Ellis is the Wastewater Chemist. To contact him, email sellis@sacwsd.org

wastewater laboratory | wastewater collection system | home sewer problems | industrial pretreatment |

WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM

The District’s wastewater collection system consists of over 200 miles of sewer mains (pipes), ranging from 8” to 30” in diameter. These pipes convey wastewater from homes, businesses, and industries to the Williams Monaco Wastewater Treatment Plant. The majority of the system operates by gravity. However, twelve pump stations operate where flows must be lifted uphill. The stations are equipped with duplicate pumps and emergency power generators. Preventative maintenance and daily inspections keep the pump stations in top operating condition.

Sewer main cleaning and inspections are part of an on-going program to keep obstructions from blocking wastewater flow. Mobile equipment, utilizing high-pressure water, clear obstructions and scour debris from the mains. The cleaning operation continues daily, weather permitting, resulting in complete system coverage every 1½ years. Closed-circuit television is sometimes used to locate and identify problems, and inspect the physical condition of sewer mains.

wastewater laboratory | wastewater collection system | home sewer problems | industrial pretreatment |

HOME SEWER PROBLEMS

The vast majority of sewer problems experienced by homeowners are due to problems in internal plumbing, or in the sewer service line. The sewer service line is the drainpipe connecting the home’s internal piping to the District’s sewer main. Most sewer problems are characterized by slow drainage from sinks, floor drains, washer drains, or toilets. In severe cases, there may be a complete lack of drainage. If sewage is actually flowing into your home through a floor drain, immediately contact the District’s Wastewater Treatment Plant at 303.289.5769. There may be an obstruction in the sewer main.

*Please note that the maintenance of internal plumbing and sewer service lines is the responsibility of the property owner. The District is responsible for maintenance of sewer mains only.

Possible Causes and Corrective Measures

• Vent pipes may be plugged. Water cannot drain if air is not allowed to replace the water in the pipe. You can demonstrate this principle by covering the top of a water-filled soda straw with your finger. The water will not drain from the straw until you remove your finger from the top. Vent pipes can usually be found on the roof above bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms. Visually inspect for leaf litter or bird nest material. Some hardware stores carry flushing devices that can be hooked to a garden hose and inserted into the vent pipe. Please use extreme caution when working on your roof!
• “P” traps may be plugged. Sinks and drains have “P” traps to catch debris. They can often be removed for cleaning. Use a pipe wrench to prevent damage to the piping.
• An internal pipe may be plugged somewhere between the fixture (sink, washer drain, etc) and the sewer service line. An auger (snake), if long enough, may be inserted into the fixture drain (or clean-out, if present) and reach the obstruction to remove it.
• The sewer service line may be plugged somewhere between the house and the District sewer main. An auger, if long enough, may be inserted into a fixture drain (or cleanout, if present) and reach the obstruction to remove it.

Sewer service lines are susceptible to major problems such as sagging, cracking, or plugging from tree roots. In many cases, the services of a professional plumber will be needed to deal with these problems. Since sewer service lines are partly located under streets, homeowners may need to obtain street-cut permits if excavation is required for major repairs.

Who to Contact if you have Home Sewer Plumbing Problems

• If you are unable to correct a problem in your home’s internal plumbing or sewer service line, contact a plumbing contractor. There are multiple listings in the business section of the phone directory.
• If you suspect that the problem is in the District’s sewer main, contact the Wastewater Treatment Plant at 303.289.5769.

How to Maintain your Home Sewer Plumbing

• Never pour grease down the drain! Liquid grease will solidify somewhere in the pipes. Eventually, enough may build up to cause a blockage. Pour grease into a can (an empty coffee can works great). Keep it in the refrigerator so the grease can solidify. Use the same can until it is full and then dispose of it in the trash.
• Use your garbage disposal sparingly! Never use your garbage disposal as a substitute for the trash can. Put larger volumes of cooking and table scraps and unwanted leftovers in plastic bags and place in the trash. Smaller amounts from plates, pots, and pans can be safely rinsed into the disposal. Be especially careful with pasta, potatoes, and other starchy foods. Starch and water make paste, which can plug pipes. Be even more careful with what goes down the kitchen drain if you don’t have a disposal.
• Never flush baby diapers down the toilet! Even if large objects like this make it to the sewer main (if you’re that lucky!) they can cause blockages in the sewer main, or plug District pumps.
• Never plant trees over your sewer service line! Roots are the leading cause of blockages. If you have any roots in your sewer service line, the grease, food waste, and large objects just mentioned are even more likely to cause blockages.
• Never pour hazardous household chemical wastes down the drain. Take advantage of local hazardous waste roundups or permanent collection centers. Do not dispose of chemical wastes down storm drains. Storm drains flow directly to streams or rivers.
• Use sewer pipe cleaning chemicals carefully and sparingly! Follow label instructions closely to avoid dangerous fumes, skin and eye injury, and pipe and fixture damage. Proper care of your home sewer pipes will decrease the need for chemicals. The Water Environment Federation has a booklet on maintaining Fat Free Sewers.

wastewater laboratory | wastewater collection system | home sewer problems | industrial pretreatment |

INDUSTRIAL PRETREATMENT

What is the Industrial Pretreatment Program?
What kind of industries are regulated under the Industrial Pretreatment Program?
What businesses are considered to be Significant Industrial Users (SIUs)?
What is required of SIUs?
How does an SIU obtain an industrial discharge permit?

What is the Industrial Pretreatment Program?

The Pretreatment Program is an EPA mandated program that requires South Adams County Water and Sanitation District to regulate the discharges from industrial and commercial sources into the District’s sewer system. The purpose of the program is to reduce the amount of pollutants being discharged in order to:

• protect the District’s system from pollutants that could interfere with the treatment processes;
• protect the South Platte River from industrial pollutants that could pass through the plant untreated;
• ensure that the District’s biosolids remain of high quality and can be used as a soil conditioner and fertilizer; and
• protect District workers from potentially harmful chemicals.

The term “pretreatment” refers to the requirement that industries “pre-treat” their wastewater before discharging it to the sanitary sewer system.

What kind of industries are regulated under the Industrial Pretreatment Program?

All businesses, including industrial, commercial and governmental establishments that discharge anything other than sanitary wastewater are technically subject to the requirements of the Pretreatment Regulations. For most businesses, this simply means they cannot discharge anything that will adversely affect the wastewater system or its workers, or the treatment plant effluent or biosolids.

For businesses discharging significant amounts of toxic pollutants, or other pollutants in amounts that may be detrimental to the District’s operations, there may be additional requirements. These businesses, classified by the District as Significant Industrial Users (SIUs), are required to obtain industrial discharge permits in order to discharge to the sewer system. Each permit contains specific limits on the industrial pollutants that are present in an industry’s discharge. Permits also contain monitoring and reporting requirements with which the industry must comply if it is to continue discharging to the sewer system.

What businesses are considered to be Significant Industrial Users?

The following types of businesses are considered to be SIUs:

• Businesses engaged in operations identified as “categorical” processes by EPA. These categorical processes include electroplating, metal finishing, nonferrous metals forming, battery manufacturing and a number of other activities.
• Businesses that discharge 25,000 gallons per day or more of process wastewater, unless they are found by the District to have no potential to violate local pretreatment standards (including local limits). Local Limits PDF
• Businesses, regardless of size, whose discharge has the potential to adversely affect the operations of the District or its connectors. This includes such facilities as large food processors, large rendering plants, large film processing facilities (individual film developers are not regulated as SIUs at this time), and groundwater remediation projects including leaking underground tank cleanups.

What is required of SIUs?

Besides obtaining an industrial discharge permit, SIUs may be required to install facilities to treat their wastewater prior to discharge to the sewer system to meet applicable pretreatment standards. SIUs must periodically sample and analyze their discharges to determine compliance, and must report the results to the District. SIUs who fail to comply with pretreatment standards face the possibility of serious enforcement actions, including monetary penalties and termination of sewer service.

How does an SIU obtain an industrial discharge permit?

Businesses should contact the District to begin the permitting process. Call the Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator at 720.206.0466.

A Wastewater Questionnaire and a Pretreatment Handbook is available for download.

Forms and Documents

Many forms and documents used to administer the Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) can be downloaded as PDF files.

• New Businesses - If the Industrial Pretreatment Program staff has asked your facility to complete a wastewater questionnaire to determine if your business is subject to Industrial Pretreatment standards, then please download the form here: WW Questionnaire.
• Local Limits - To view the District’s local limits, click Local Limits
• Hazardous Waste Form – To download this form, click Hazardous Waste
• Restaurant Oil and Grease Best Management Practices Video - ALSO AVAILABLE IN SPANISH! This video is free to all restaurants within the South Adams County Water and Sanitation District service area. For more information, call the Industrial Pretreatment Manager at 720.206.0466.
• Industrial Pretreatment Handbook – Click here to download the Industrial Pretreatment Program regulations.

Part 1 – District Regulations
Managing Hazardous Waste – A Guide for Small Business
Managing Used Oil – Advice for Small Business
RCRA: Reducing Risk from Waste – Part 1
RCRA: Reducing Risk form Waste – Part 2

• Best Management Practices – If you have been asked to submit a Best Management Practices plan (BMP), these documents may be helpful, BMP Outline and BMP Example.
• Non-Residential User Fee Schedule
• Pollution Prevention – The following links have information on pollution prevention.
  General information on water protection - www.ourwater.org
  Front Range Community College and Tri-County Health have many resources at their website, www.hazmat.frcc.cccoes.edu
  Here are just a few:

  Paint Waste Fact Sheet
  Hazardous Waste Fact Sheet
  A Self Audit Checklist for Generators of Hazardous Wastes -
  Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
  A Self Audit Checklist for VOCs and CFCs

• Interceptor CAD Files

Sampling at SACWSD Wastewater Treatment Plant

Sampling is an important part of any wastewater treatment facility. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issues wastewater treatment facilities a Discharge Permit specifying the frequency and type of samples that must be taken.

To ensure the plant is meeting these requirements, a great deal of sampling at the facility is necessary. Five times a week, the laboratory staff collects samples of untreated water entering the facility and treated water being discharged.   

This is an automated sampler. It allows us to collect composite samples around the clock, without requiring a sampling technician to be present. A composite sample is a collection of individual samples taken over 24 hours and then mixed together in proportion to the plant flows. Composite samples let us see what is happening with the water over a period of time. The collection bucket is sitting in a refrigerator. All samples must be kept at 4°C so that the water chemistry doesn’t change.  

The wastewater laboratory not only collects samples for permit-related purposes, but also collects process control samples. These are necessary to monitor plant efficiency and to check plant processes.

Grab samples are collected using many different sampling devices, some as simple as a bottle attached to a pole. Grab samples provide a snapshot of the water quality at one specific point in time. This process control sample is being collected to monitor for ammonia removal.

Some of the samples collected by laboratory staff come from manholes located throughout the collection system.  This sample is being taken to help monitor hydrogen sulfide which can cause collection system problems such as corrosion and odors. .

We also collect river samples as a member of the South Platte Coalition for Urban River Evaluation. This group is focused on monitoring the health of the Urban South Platte River. Member entities all along the river collect grab samples twice a month. These samples are analyzed for a variety of constituents. Results are entered into a publicly accessible EPA database.

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