Inframark WTP Report
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Ebensburg Municipal Authority Water Treatment Plant Report - May 2024
Report Date: June 24, 2024 Prepared by: Inframark Water Infrastructure Operations
Executive Summary & Plant Operations
During May 2024, the Ebensburg water treatment plant treated a total of 35,286,000 gallons of reservoir water. This represents an average daily production of 1,138,258 gallons, which is an increase of 236,097 gallons per day compared to historical averages for the month.
- Water Purchases: An average of 88,829 gallons per day were purchased from Saltlick and blended into the distribution system. This higher-than-normal volume was due to excessive water loss and contractors flushing lines for a water line project.
- Production Range: Daily plant production fluctuated between 1,030,000 and 1,249,000 gallons.
- Process Adjustments: Seasonal adjustments were made to filter wash cycles, including increasing air scour duration by 60 seconds and reducing filter runtimes to 96 hours.
Maintenance & Repairs
Inframark staff completed 77 work orders in May. Key maintenance activities included:
- DAF scraper adjustments and repairs
- Caustic pump check valve repairs
- Replacement of the DAF turbidity meter head
- Cleaning of the DAF DEL-PAC pump, clarifier troughs, and facility
- Lubrication of blowers and greasing of finished water pumps/motors
- Inspections of fire extinguishers, ladders, SCBA equipment, and eye wash/safety showers
- Verification of DAF sump level sensors and monitoring of filter bed expansion
Financial Update
Maintenance Expenditures:
- Ace Hardware: $73. 73 (Entry point tap plumbing)
- HACH: $2,108. 78 (Instrument calibration standards/pH probe)
- The Meter Guy LLC: $500. 00 (Annual flow meter calibrations)
Maintenance Cap Status:
- Contract Total per Year: $25,000. 00
- Previous Balance: $19,125. 86
- Total Spent This Month: $2,682. 51
- Remaining Balance: $16,443. 35
Health & Safety
- There were no accidents in May.
- Personnel have worked 1,582 days (4 years, 5 months) without an accident or injury.
- Training & Presentations: Weekly tailgate meetings, Clarifier settling SOP review, and CT calculations.
Personnel & Certifications
| Name | Title | Operator Certifications |
|---|---|---|
| Kyle Smiley | Operator | PA Class A, E, Subclass 1,10,11,12 |
| Tony Perott | Operator | PA Class C, E, Water Subclass 1,6,7,8,12 |
| Shawn Jones | Operator in Training | Training for PA DEP exam |
| Luke Byrne | Project Manager | PA Class A, E, Water Subclass 1,7,8,10,11,12; PA Class A, E, Wastewater |
Compliance & Regulatory Activities
- PA DEP Evaluation: On May 23-24, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) conducted an extensive two-day filter plant performance evaluation. Eight representatives were present, and no major deficiencies were noted. An exit meeting is scheduled for the following month.
- Sampling:
- Nine bacteriological samples were collected; zero were found to be total coliform positive.
- Five chlorine level samples were collected in the distribution system, all meeting or exceeding the 0. 20mg/L minimum requirement.
- PA DEP collected disinfection by-product samples from the treatment facility, Saltlick, Ogden, and two distribution compliance sites.
- Reporting:
- The May 2024 Monthly Operating Report (MOR) was submitted to PA DEP.
- EMA’s Consumer Confidence Report and certification were submitted to PA DEP on May 31st.
- A study/plan regarding historical water loss and unaccounted-for water was submitted to PA DEP on December 20, 2022, and is awaiting a response.
- Instrumentation: 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.
Equipment Issues & Resolutions
- Turbidity Meter: Staff noticed erratic readings from the old 1720E DAF settled turbidity meter, which is no longer supported by HACH. A spare (used) head was installed to resolve the issue, and a new TU5300 turbidity meter has been ordered as a spare unit.
- DAF Air Compressor: The compressor failed to start, possibly due to an electrical surge. It was reset, and DAF water was wasted to the lagoons for roughly one hour until settled water quality returned to normal. This was a one-time event, and the unit has been working well since.
Pumping Stations
- Water pumping stations were inspected regularly throughout the month.
- Annual maintenance was performed on the generator at the Hillcrest tank site; it was found to be in good condition.
- Chlorine residuals at the Ogden pumping station were stable and did not require boosting.
- Standing water in the vault in front of the Ogden tank was pumped out.
- Meter pits at both Ogden and Saltlick were inspected for water infiltration; none was discovered.
- All pumpstation pumps/motors were greased for the month.