Ebensburg WWTP Monthly Report - November 2023
Report Date: December 18, 2023
Prepared by: Luke Byrne (Plant Manager) for Inframark Water Infrastructure Operations
Executive Summary
- The Ebensburg wastewater treatment plant treated 19,602,000 gallons of wastewater in November — averaging 653,400 gallons per day.
- All operational and testing requirements were met for the month.
- The centrifuge ran once weekly on average; 5. 863 tons of dry sludge were sent to landfill.
- Staff are investigating screening unit operations to optimize press performance.
Maintenance & Repairs Highlights:
- HVAC technician serviced the boiler — discovered a faulty emergency shutdown switch that was preventing operation.
- Additional concerns identified with unit heaters at WWTP and Industrial Park pumping station.
- Failing transfer switch at Emerald Pumping Station (damaged by lightning) has been replaced with a new automatic unit; Dodson will install it.
- Approved project to replace discharge elbows, slide rails, and pump impellers at Industrial Park sewer lift station — pending parts delivery.
On the Radar (Upcoming Items):
- Level sensors for SBR tanks
- UV inventory check
- Screening unit building heat system
- Polymer jar tests
Operations & Compliance
Testing Schedule:
- SBR Tank Testing (Mon/Wed/Fri): Settleability, MLSS, MLVSS
- Influent/Effluent Testing (Tue/Thu): TSS, BOD, CBOD
- Daily Checks: Effluent pH, Dissolved Oxygen, UV intensity, composite samples
- All data entered daily into WIMS for E-DMR reporting.
- Monthly reports submitted electronically to DEP by the 28th.
Plant Operations Performed:
- Daily checks of Industrial Park and Emerald Estates pump stations
- Screening unit inspections, process phase adjustments, utility water pumping
- WAS pump operations vs. stability monitoring
- Decanting digesters for thickening; sludge pumped to digesters
- Removed floating debris from SBR tanks; altered aeration cycles for sludge optimization
- Operated grit removal systems; checked influent/effluent samplers daily
- Conducted UV operational checks
Maintenance & Repair Activities (November)
Inframark staff completed 214 work orders, including:
- Greased decanters on SBR tanks and screening unit
- Installed heat tape on effluent composite sampler line
- Boiler maintenance performed
- Completed monthly safety inspections
- Hosed and cleaned U. V. trough, bulbs, sensors
- Daily hosing/cleaning of influent screening unit
- Checked oil/belts on blowers daily; greased weekly
- Hosed centrifuge building floor; greased centrifuge
- Cut grass/weeds, cleaned fall debris/flowerbeds
- Snow removal/salting
- Removed debris from State School weir box
- Swept/mopped control building floors weekly
Financial Update
Maintenance Expenditures:
| Vendor |
Amount |
Item |
| Scanlan Supply |
$255. 02 |
Fluorescent lights |
| Walmart |
$19. 70 |
Batteries |
| Kaza (All American Fire) |
$194. 46 |
Fire extinguisher inspections |
| Long Barn |
$33. 28 |
Utility water line plumbing |
Caps For WWTP Budget Tracking:
| Category |
Contract Total/Year |
Previous Balance |
Spent This Month |
Remaining Balance |
| Maintenance Cap |
$25,691. 76 |
$3,538. 11 |
$502. 46 |
$3,035. 65 |
| Sludge |
$84,782. 76 |
$38,370. 13 |
$3,922. 88 |
$34,447. 25 |
Health & Safety
- Zero accidents reported in November.
- Personnel have worked 1,399 days (3 years 11 months) without an accident or injury.
- Training and presentations included:
- Weekly tailgate meetings
- COVID-19 updates
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Centrifuge operations and shutdown SOP
Personnel & Certifications
| Name |
Title |
Operator Certifications |
| Sharon Burkett |
Lead Operator |
PA Class A, E; Wastewater Subclass 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Kyle Smiley |
Operator |
PA Class A, E; Water Subclass 1 |
| Randy Lauer |
Operator |
PA Class A, E; Wastewater Subclass 1,2,3,4 |
| Luke Byrne |
Plant Manager |
PA Class A, E; Water Subclass 1,7,8,10,11 |
| Tony Perott |
Operator |
PA Class C, E; Water Subclass 1,6,7,8,12 |
This report reflects full compliance with operational standards and highlights proactive maintenance efforts to ensure continued safe and efficient wastewater treatment for the Ebensburg community.