Jon: Since GWRS went into operation, we have perfected
what each of our operations should know about the other and
how we should communicate. It’s a continuing process. This is
another area where the operators who do this work could pro-vide
knowledge and information to developing a certification
and training framework.
Tyson: With our recent GWRS expansion there was a lot more
to be learned such as incorporation of our new flow equaliza-tion
process. We have also developed new ways to optimize our
chloramine program and post treatment processes. These areas
are purely plant optimization efforts that have helped improve
our operational efficiencies. Our finished product has essentially
remained unchanged since we went online January 2008, which
gives us confidence in the continued mitigation of public health
concerns related to our operations.
Our two operations are in continuous communications 24/7,
which is paramount to our ability to determine how a process in
one plant may affect the other plant. Our plants operate in very
stable patterns so even subtle changes are noticed
and discussed. Sometimes this can result in OCSD
making corrective measures or explaining its plant
processes to help OCWD operators better under-stand
expected effects or be prepared to incorporate
response procedures based upon prescribed CCP
response plans. Take for example GWRS microfil-tration
feed water turbidity NTU (nephelometric
turbidity unit) limits. If we see the NTU climbing
about four or five NTU, we’ll call OCSD to see if
they can provide any details or corrective actions.
If the feed water exceeds 20 NTU for four hours
we must shutdown; if the feed water NTU exceeds
50 NTU at any time, we must shutdown. The feed
water we receive from OCSD maintains a very sta-ble
2–4 NTU so something would have to be seri-ously
wrong next door to hit those CCP feed water
NTU limits.
Jon: The true success of our facilities is that the
training and coordination is so strong in our part-nership.
We’re physically right next door to each
“ Training
programs should
match industry
practices and
cover variations
likely to exist in
different kinds
of facilities.
”
Jon Bradley
other and we have a flexible and informed working
relationship. And our service areas are very, very similar so we’re
able to operate for the good of the service area. Not for the good
of either organization independently.
SOURCE: You’re suggesting that not only are you two
personally talking with each other but that operators at
various levels are also talking. What about plants that
aren’t linked operationally as yours are? Will there be a
need for extensive training and employee development?
Tyson: Training in this arena needs to stress the importance
of being informed about the other agency’s specific concerns
and realizing the importance of communicating any issues as
they arise. We have developed training materials for MF, RO,
UV/AOP (advanced oxidation process) and post treatment
stabilization, much of which was developed by the initial
GWRS design and construction. Membrane consultants and
vendors also provide training. Our operations department
has also developed various training materials on a lessons-learned/
need-to-know basis. Training materials specific to
advanced treatment processes are more readily available
from manufacturers of the components, and traditional water
and wastewater study courses are still coming up to speed in
offering detailed materials specific to AWT IPR/DPR. Having
the proper training materials available for future AWT IPR/
DPR exams is an important piece to this puzzle. The challenge
is exploiting these new technologies to the level they need to be
for training purposes.
Jon: In the 90s there were a lot of training opportunities
such as internships, college courses, and work/trade programs
that trained the previous generation who went into water and
wastewater jobs. With most of the vacancies filled and not much
turnover, the need for these programs fell off. Several years ago
here at OCSD, we started looking into what we could do to pre-pare
for the upcoming “retirement wave.” Our decision was to
develop a working relationship with Rancho Santiago College,
which has a comprehensive internship program. We work the
students through operations, maintenance, elec-trical,
instrumentation, and collections, the whole
gamut. They get education and hands-on training
that is very valuable and is difficult to find.
SOURCE: What would you tell CA-NV
AWWA, government agencies and other
professionals about the kind of training
AWT operators need?
Tyson: Focus new training materials on technolo-gies
specific to IPR/DPR AWT facilities. That means
knowledge of low- and high-pressure membrane
systems, biological, fouling and scaling control of
membrane systems; disinfection and advanced ox-idation
systems; pump, hydraulic, and valve con-trol.
Chemical applications. Post treatment. And
all the terminologies—EC (electrical conductivity)
TDS (total dissolved solids), log removal, PDT/MIT
(pressure decay test/ membrane integrity test), TMP
(transmembrane pressure), TOC (total organic car-bon),
pH, etc. I’m in favor of the SCWCB coordinat-ing
and offering future AWT IPR/DPR exams and
certifications as they do now in water and wastewater. Existing or
new training entities should begin offering materials and classes
on the newer technologies. These might include CA-NV AWWA,
California State University at Fresno, OpStar, etc.
Jon: When an agency develops a training or testing pro-gram,
it is important to thoroughly understand the topic. In
this case, if you want a program that covers the various types
of AWT process units and integration of processes, it is import-ant
to survey several plants that operate these types of facilities
and gather their feedback. In general, certification programs are
designed to assess an operator’s general knowledge of industry
practices. For example, in wastewater we learn about ponds, but
at OCSD we don’t use ponds to treat our wastewater. It’s still
important to learn about ponds, however, because some waste-water
plants in California could include them as part of their
treatment process. Training programs should match industry
practices and cover variations likely to exist in different kinds
of facilities. S
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/www.ca-nv-awwa.org
