Inframark WTP Report

Ebensburg Municipal Authority: September 2023 WTP Monthly Report

Date: October 23, 2023 Prepared by: Luke Byrne, Water Plant Manager (Inframark)

Executive Summary

During September 2023, the Ebensburg water treatment plant treated a total of 28,207,000 gallons of reservoir water. This averages to approximately 940,233 gallons per day.

• Water Purchases: An average of 71,347 gallons per day were purchased from Saltlick and blended into the distribution system. This is higher than the normal average of 60,000/day due to Nanty Glo purchasing water.
• Nanty Glo: Nanty Glo continued to purchase water until September 5th.
• Power Outage: A brief power outage occurred on September 7th. The generator transferred over properly, and normal operations resumed without issues.
• Filter Evaluation: A quarterly evaluation of Filter #2 was performed; it was found to be in excellent condition and meeting all performance requirements.
• Coagulant Tank Cleaning: Staff cleaned a large amount of settlement (mostly powered Poly-aluminum) from the bulk coagulant tank. The material was vacuumed out and discharged into lagoons for dilution and sedimentation before being treated at the WWTP.
• Customer Complaint: On September 22nd, Inframark addressed a customer complaint regarding dirty water in Crestwood. The issue was linked to a recent mainline repair, and no further complaints were received.
• Raw Water Monitoring: On September 27th, PA DEP collected raw water samples for cyanotoxins. No detectable levels were found.
• Leak Repair: On September 27th, Inframark and borough staff repaired a large leak in the distribution system, reducing water loss by roughly 120,000 gallons per day.
• DAF Unit: The Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) unit was taken offline on September 28th for annual maintenance and cleanup.
• Flow Requirements: The downstream by-pass flow valve was operated several times to meet the instream flow requirement of 270,000 GPD.

Operations & Compliance

• Monthly Operating Report (MOR): September’s compliance data, consisting of over 20,000 points from operators and the SCADA system, was submitted to PA DEP.
• Bacteriological Samples: Nine samples were collected as required by state regulations. Zero samples tested positive for total coliform.
• Chlorine Levels: A minimum of one sample per week is required to ensure free chlorine levels are at or above 0. 20mg/L. All samples collected in August met this standard.
• Water Allocation Permit: Inframark received a reminder for the 2022 Water Allocation Permit Compliance Report, which is due November 6th, 2023.
• Water Loss Study: A study/plan detailing historical water loss and future plans to address unaccounted-for water was submitted to PA DEP. A response is pending.
• SOC Resampling: Third-quarter Synthetic Organic Compounds (SOCs) were resampled due to a lab failing quality control.
• Instrument Calibration: Online and lab instrumentation were calibrated to conform to PA DEP requirements. Comparative grab samples were collected to ensure the accuracy of continuous chlorine analyzers, turbidimeters, and pH analyzers.
• Water Quality Monitoring: Water quality in the clearwell is monitored daily for all compliance compounds and secondary contaminants.

Plant Operations

• Production Range: Daily production fluctuated between 643,000 and 1,234,000 gallons.
• Filter Washing: Filters are washed every 144 hours (approximately once per week). Longer runtimes have reduced the amount of backwash water used.
• Daily Tasks: Daily activities include process control analysis, monitoring backwash flow rates and filter media, adjusting chemical feed rates, overnight flow monitoring, pump station monitoring, DAF scraper and air saturation adjustments, and verifying online instrument flows.

Maintenance & Repair

Inframark staff completed 93 work orders in September. Key tasks included:

• Greasing DAF recycle pump and scraper
• Fire extinguisher and SCBA inspections
• Ladder inspections
• Exercising sump pumps
• Repairing the caustic tank feed line
• Removing aeration chamber sludge
• Draining and cleaning the DAF unit
• Lubricating blowers
• Inspecting finished water pump packing
• Cleaning/calibrating the Hillcrest chlorine analyzer
• Priming the Ogden tank chemical feed system
• Inspecting eye wash/safety showers
• Greasing clarifier drives and finished water pumps/motors
• Alternating finished water pumps
• Cleaning pH and turbidity meters weekly
• Performing jar testing to optimize chemical usage
• Verifying DAF sump level sensors
• Monitoring filter bed expansion
• General facility cleaning

Financial Update

Maintenance Expenditures:

Vendor	Expense	Description
Ace Hardware	$118. 83	Plumbing, electrical, filter, cleaner
USA Blue Book	$6. 10	Chemical pump fitting
Tractor Supply	$306. 80	DEL PAC tank clean out hose
GT&E	$141. 48	DEL PAC tank clean out hose
Walmart	$219. 52	Sample collection supplies/cartridges
RAM Industrial Services	$328. 28	Chemical pump rebuild kit
LB Water	$214. 54	Caustic tank repairs

Maintenance Cap Status:

Caps For WTP	Contract Total per Year	Previous Balance	Total Spent This Month	Remaining Balance
Maintenance Cap	$26,522. 00	$16,086. 43	$1,335. 55	$14,772. 88

Health & Safety

• Accidents: There were no accidents in September. Personnel have worked 1,338 days (3 years, 9 months) without an accident or injury.
• Training & Presentations:
  • Weekly tailgate meetings
  • COVID-19 news and updates
  • Bulk Tank transfer SOP
  • Boil Water Advisory Checklist

Personnel

Name	Title	Water Operator Certifications
Luke Byrne	Water Plant Manager	PA Class A, E, Water Subclass 1,7,8,10,11
Kyle Smiley	Operator	PA Class A, E, Subclass 1
Jacob Dumm	Operator in Training	Preparing for exam