Inframark WWTP Report

Ebensburg WWTP Monthly Report: January 2025

Date: February 24, 2025 Prepared by: Luke Byrne, Project Manager for Inframark

Executive Summary

During January 2025, the Ebensburg wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) treated a total of 20,688,000 gallons of wastewater, averaging 667,400 gallons per day. The month was exceptionally cold, leading to several operational challenges related to freezing temperatures.

Key Operational Updates:

• Sludge Management: The centrifuge was operated weekly, sending 13. 59 tons of dry sludge to the landfill.
• Cold Weather Challenges:
  • The #1 influent valve failed to meet its limit switch during cold evenings; staff reset it as needed.
  • Effluent/influent auto sampler tubing froze overnight. Additional heat tape and insulation were added, and insulated boxes are planned for future cold weather.
• Maintenance & Repairs:
  • A new electric unit heater was installed in the centrifuge building to replace a faulty motor.
  • New 4-inch piping and valves were installed on the SBR #3 waste line.
  • A failing solenoid was replaced on SBR #4.
  • A new 6-inch valve was installed in the piping gallery to aid in pumping solids to the final digester.
  • A new Bell and Gossett circulating pump was installed on the heating system.
• UV System: Inframark was notified by Trojan UV that parts for the EMA-owned unit are limited. A quote has been received, and discussions regarding funding are ongoing with the borough manager.
• Sewer Lift Stations: Regular inspections were conducted at all three stations, including snow plowing and generator exercises. Higher-than-normal pump runtime was noted at the industrial park marine center pumping station, prompting a recommendation to investigate potential water leaks.

Operations & Compliance

• Testing Schedule:
  • Effluent pH, alkalinity, and dissolved oxygen are analyzed daily.
  • SBR tank testing (Settleability, MLSS) occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
  • Influent and effluent compliant testing for DEP reporting is done on Tuesdays and Thursdays, including TSS, BOD, Phosphorus, Nitrogen, and fecal coliform samples.
• Data Reporting: All data is entered into WIMS daily for E-DMR monthly reporting. Monthly reports are sent electronically to DEP by the 28th of each month.
• Plant Operations: Daily tasks included inspecting pump stations, composite samplers, screening units, grit removal processes, and UV operational checks. Sludge was pumped to digesters for thickening, and aeration cycles were adjusted to optimize sludge.

Maintenance & Repair

Inframark staff completed 86 work orders in January. Key activities included:

• Greasing decanters on SBR tanks, screening units, and centrifuges.
• Cleaning influent screening unit, sludge pump access hatches, wet well pump floats, and the UV basin.
• Installing new 4-inch piping on SBR#3, a 6-inch valve on the pump up line, and a new heater in the centrifuge building.
• Performing monthly safety inspections and checking oil/belts on blowers daily.
• Snow removal and salting walkways.

Financial Update

Maintenance Expenditures:

• Meter guy: $190. 00 (Annual flow meter calibration)
• Tractor supply: $63. 59 (Salt spreader)

CAPS Budget Status:

Category	Contract Total per Year	Previous Balance	Total Spent this Month	Remaining Balance
Maintenance Cap	$25,950. 84	$25,950. 84	$253. 59	$25,697. 25
Sludge Cap	$83,042. 76	$83,042. 76	$17,079. 00	$65,963. 76
Chemical Cap	$23,251. 92	$23,251. 92	$3,148. 00	$20,103. 93

Health & Safety

• There were no accidents in January.
• Personnel have worked 1,827 days (5 years 1 month) without an accident or injury.
• Training and presentations covered weekly tailgate meetings, winter weather SOPs, and proper sampling procedures.

Personnel

The following personnel are certified for their roles:

• Randy Lauer (Operator II): PA Class A, E, Wastewater Subclass 1,2,3,4
• Kyle Smiley (Operator II): PA Class A, E, Water Subclass 1,10,11,12
• Tony Perott (Operator I): PA Class C, E, Water Subclass 1,6,7,8,12
• Shawn Jones (Operator in Training): Training for PA DEP exam
• Matt Hull (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