Newsletter Vol. 4, No. 2
Sewer Line Rapid Assessment Tool (SL-RAT™) Improves Inspections, Reduces Cost Inside This Issue
SL-RAT™ inspection
The Wastewater Maintenance Division (WWD) began using the Sewer Line Rapid Assessment Tool (SL-RAT™) by InfoSense last year in its inspection program as part of its long term effort to reduce the number of sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) in the system. The SL-RAT™ uses sound waves bounced between two manholes to quickly identify pipes in need of maintenance or repair. It has become a critical piece of equipment for helping the WWD more efficiently deploy maintenance staff and equipment. Since 2014, the City has inspected approximately 317 miles of sewer lines. WWD Superintendent Robert Judy noted, “Since we began using this new technology, we have seen a significant reduction in emergency calls for stoppages.” According to Judy, “The commitment to success by our employees is really what makes this thing work well for us.”
Sound waves naturally follow a pipe’s curvature. The SL-RAT™ detects problems in a pipe when a portion of the acoustic energy is reflected and absorbed by obstructions, blockages, and defects. The SL-RAT™ can also be rapidly deployed as it does not require a robotic transporter to capture pipe data. This technology has allowed WWD staff to inspect the sewer system more rapidly and with less expense. Recently, the WWD deployed a second SL-RAT™ inspection team with a second unit and two additional employees. “We expect this to further improve our inspection and preventive maintenance program into the new fiscal year,” SL-RAT™ devices states Judy.
Wastewater Maintenance Division Launches GraniteNet
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Sanitary Sewer Overflows
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Utilities and Engineering Diaper Drive Challenge
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Groundbreaking Ceremony
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2016 Wastewater Maintenance Division BBQ
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City of Columbia Wastewater Team Wins National Water Heroes Award
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City of Columbia Wins Awards for Clean Water 2020 Program
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Clean Water 2020 Public Outreach Meetings
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Trash the Grease Campaign
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Wastewater Maintenance Division Launches GraniteNet The WWD recently upgraded its Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) software technology from GraniteXP to GraniteNet. CCTV technology allows field personnel to see the current condition of existing pipelines, identify potential problems, and to direct resources to repair these trouble spots. WWD Superintendent Robert Judy remarked, “The City’s Wastewater Maintenance and Street Division will benefit from the improved documentation process by using this technology.” The upgrade will save staff time by minimizing manual data entry, eliminating unnecessary paper, and providing real-time data to the City’s Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), Cityworks. GraniteNet integrates well with Cityworks and has useful benefits Evan Summers operates GraniteNet in the field such as video compression that is compatible with internet video streaming standards, increased storage and retrieval capabilities, and the ability to initiate asset-based inspections directly from the software. The upgrades also allow the City to track CCTV use when responding to work orders. The upgrade was a collaborative effort between the WWD and the City IT Department.
Sanitary Sewer Overflows In June 2016, the Wastewater Collection and Transmission System experienced four Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) events. Four of these events occurred during dry weather. The total number of SSOs for the 2015-2016 Fiscal Year finished at 155. This is a net increase of 33 over the 2014-2015 Fiscal Year, which had 122 events. This year’s increase in SSOs was due to wet weather events and collapsed lines, with 41 more SSOs occurring in those two categories this fiscal year (FY15/16) than the previous fiscal year (FY14/15). The total number of SSOs per 100 miles of pipe for the City of Columbia was approximately 14.09 in the 2015-2016 Fiscal Year. As of June 2016 (FY15/16), the total SSO estimated volume was 6,080,061 gallons. In comparison, the total SSO estimated volume for the 2014-2015 Fiscal Year was 1,237,897 gallons. This was a net increase of 4,842,164 gallons.
SSO metric chart for July 2015 to June 2016
Clean Water 2020
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Utilities and Engineering Diaper Drive Challenge In May, the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant, Columbia Canal Water Treatment Plant, Wastewater Maintenance Division, and Clean Water 2020 participated in a diaper drive held by Power in Changing, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides diapers, wipes, and training pants to local families in need. During the week-long event, employees were challenged to contribute by purchasing baby items of any size or brand in order to win a luncheon for their department. The Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant won the diaper drive challenge, and Power in Changing held their luncheon on May 26.
Diaper Drive Challenge donations
Nearly 2,400 items were collected throughout the drive. Those items will help as many as 150 families in the Midlands! For more information on Power in Changing visit their website at www.powerinchanging.org.
Consent Decree Deliverables To-Date
Status
CAP List (Checkbook)
Completed
Sewer Mapping Program (SMP)
Approved Dec. 9, 2014
Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) – Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
Approved Jan. 15, 2016
Maintenance Management System (MMS)
Approved Sep. 2, 2016
Satellite Sewer System Agreements (SSSA)
Approved Sep. 2, 2016
Transmission System Operations and Maintenance Program (TSOMP)
Approved Sep. 2, 2016
Continuing Sewer Assessment Program (CSAP)
Approved May 23, 2016
Gravity Sewer System Operations and Maintenance Program (GSOMP)
Approved May 23, 2016
WWTP Operations Program
Approved May 23, 2016
Contingency and Emergency Response Plan (CERP)
Approved May 23, 2016
WCTS Training Program
Approved May 23, 2016
Information Management System (IMS) Program
Approved May 23, 2016
Financial Analysis Program
Approved May 23, 2016
WWTP Training Program
Submitted
CD Deliverables to-date chart Clean Water 2020
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City’s Water Distribution and Wastewater Management Facilities Groundbreaking Ceremony
On June 8, 2016, the City of Columbia held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Water Distribution and Wastewater Management facilities located at 4011 West Beltline Boulevard. Construction plans include renovating two existing structures and building a new 15,300 square foot administrative complex. The City is pursuing its first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building Silver Certification for this project. “We’re very excited about this project. For years, our water and wastewater maintenance staff have been packed very tightly in our existing facility. By moving into this new facility, it will give us an opportunity to expand and improve our operations,” Director of Utilities and Engineering Joey Jaco stated. Wastewater Maintenance Division Superintendent, Robert Judy, agreed. “Our employees work hard for the citizens of Columbia and are looking forward to occupying this new facility,” Judy stated. The expected completion date for the project is August 2017. When complete, approximately 300400 employees will work in the new buildings. The Water Distribution and Wastewater Management facilities will include sustainable features such as rain gardens to filter storm water and reduce runoff, landscaping to cut irrigation, bicycle storage and showers to encourage alternative transportation, a sunshade system on the exterior to reduce solar heat, and enhanced lighting and thermal efficiency. Plans also include a warehouse, air conditioned storage, an air conditioned guardhouse, covered fleet storage, material and equipment storage, and an outdoor service bay and bulk material storage bins. The asphalt onsite will be reclaimed for landscaping and rain gardens.
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...We’re very excited about this project. For years, our water and wastewater maintenance staff have been packed very tightly in our existing facility. By moving into this new facility, it will give us an opportunity to expand and improve our operations...
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City of Columbia's Water Distribution and Wastewater Management facilities
Clean Water 2020
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2016 Wastewater Maintenance Division BBQ
Longevity Service Awards 5 YEARS Dexter Diggs Alejandra Veal Eaddy Spencer
Wastewater Maintenance Division staff enjoy BBQ
Wastewater Maintenance Division staff enjoy BBQ
The Wastewater Maintenance Division held their informal midyear BBQ on May 27, 2016, at Earlewood Park. WWD Superintendent Robert Judy welcomed the group and thanked the team for all their hard work on the preparations. Judy expressed gratitude for having time with everyone to enjoy a meal together and share the Division’s progress this year. Longevity Service Awards were presented to staff who reached the 5, 10, and 15 year marks. Judy remarked, “It seems like some of you all have been here longer than that [and] we appreciate every day you’re here.” New hires were also recognized and asked to stand. Everyone welcomed them aboard.
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Keep this up, and think safety. It has to start with you.
10 YEARS Frank Fox
Recent retiree, Jimmy Thomas, was honored for 38 years of faithful service to the City of Columbia. Judy presented Thomas with a City of Columbia watch, commemorative plaque, hardhat signed by his coworkers, and a COC cap in appreciation of his loyal service. Judy thanked Thomas for providing quality service to the customers over the years. Thomas will be missed by the Wastewater Maintenance Division and throughout the City.
15 YEARS Melvin Singleton Tony Williams
Superintendent Robert Judy and Retiree Jimmy Thomas
Judy and Assistant Wastewater Superintendent Kris Hunniford presented WWD staff with a new City of Columbia Utilities and Engineering “Safety is No Accident” duffle to help remind them to be safe at work and at home. Judy continued his positive message, noting that to-date there have only been five vehicle accidents and 10 injuries. In comparison, 2015 ended with 35 vehicle accidents and 36 injuries. He asked staff “to keep this up, and think safety. It has to start with you.”
New Hires – January to May Jason Butler Chris Glen Jamaule Glover Justin Green Gerald Holas Brittany Holston Tenorio Johnson Timothy Jordan Bernard Malone
Jennifer (Christy) Martin Andrew Moore Channing Morrell Stephen Nabhloz Brandon O’Neal Joseph Perry Thomas Perry Douglas Rauth
Colie Scott Roland Scott Chris Seawright Kelly Smutylo Delaurentis Veal Charles Wakefield Calvin Williams
Clean Water 2020
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City of Columbia Wastewater Team Wins National Water Heroes Award City of Columbia Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant staff, Ashley Dove, James Foust, Adrian Martin, and Brandon Wilcox, were selected by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) for its national 2016 Water Heroes Award for responding bravely during Columbia’s historic October 2015 flood. The Water Heroes Award recognizes an individual or group who goes beyond the call of duty during an emergency situation to continue protecting the public and the environment and who raises the status of the wastewater industry in the United States. Dove, Foust, Martin, and Wilcox were honored during WEFTEC®, the Water Environment Federation’s Annual Technical Exhibition and Conference September 27, 2016, in New Orleans. Ashley Dove, James Foust, WEF President Paul Bowen, Adrian Martin, and Brandon Wilcox (Photo credit: Water Environment Federation)
In October 2015, South Carolina was hit by a threeday, 1,000-year rain event that caused devastating flooding in the Midlands. Throughout the event, staff calmly managed the wastewater that was surging through the 60 million-gallon-per-day rated plant. At one point, they maintained inflow of 156 million gallons in one day, a level not seen before in the plant’s history. Concerns about the reliability of a nearby dike prompted the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to recommend staff evacuate and shut down the plant. However, Dove, Foust, Martin, and Wilcox placed concern for public wellbeing and other staff above their own safety. They agreed to stay at the plant to maintain the system. Had the plant been evacuated and shut off, raw sewage would have poured into the river, surrounding neighborhoods and city streets, and drastically impacted Columbia’s citizens. Throughout the crisis, regulatory compliance was maintained at the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant and no sewage was spilled into the river from the plant. Ashley Dove was the 2002 Water Environment Association of South Carolina (WEASC) Water Operator of the Year. James Foust recently won the 2015 WEASC’s Wastewater Operator of the Year.
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...Dove, Foust, Martin, and Wilcox placed concern for public wellbeing and other staff above their own safety. They agreed to stay at the plant to maintain the system. Had the plant been evacuated and shut off, raw sewage would have poured into the river, surrounding neighborhoods and city streets, and drastically impacted Columbia’s citizens...
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Clean Water 2020
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City of Columbia Wins Awards for Clean Water 2020 Program
Clean Water 2020 leadership receives the ACEC-SC Engineering Excellence Award. Joey Jaco, David Wiman, John Riggs, and Robert Judy from the City of Columbia’s Utilities and Engineering Department are joined by CDM Smith, the CW2020 program management team.
During AAEES’ Annual Awards and Technical Conference in Washington, DC in April, Columbia was awarded the national Excellence in Environmental Engineering and Science Award™ in Operations and Management for Consent Decree Compliance and Infrastructure Improvement and Program Management. Earlier this year, CW2020 received an Engineering Excellence Award in the Special Projects category at the American Council of Engineering Companies of South Carolina’s (ACEC-SC) annual Engineering Excellence Awards Gala. Each year, the ACEC-SC Engineering Excellence Awards recognizes that year’s most outstanding engineering accomplishments in 12 categories ranging from research and consulting engineering services to industrial and manufacturing processes and facilities. The City, assisted by its program manager CDM Smith, developed the CW2020 Program, a multi-year program developed for the wastewater system, in response to the consent decree issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The program’s focus is to improve water quality and protect the safety and health of residents by focusing on wastewater system assessment, infrastructure renewal and upgrades, and operational improvements. The City’s entire system, which includes 67,000 service connections, 28,000 manholes and 56 pump stations, is being assessed as part of the program. CW2020’s objectives are to reduce sanitary sewer overflows and enhance existing infrastructure by appropriately funding wastewater efforts, rehabilitating the system, and improving operations and maintenance (O&M) systems. Improvements will bring the City’s O&M efforts in line with top utilities in the Southeast.
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CW2020’s objectives are to reduce sanitary sewer overflows and enhance existing infrastructure by appropriately funding wastewater efforts, rehabilitating the system, and improving operations and maintenance (O&M) systems.
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The City of Columbia was recently honored by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers & Scientists® (AAEES) and the American Council of Engineering Companies of South Carolina (ACEC-SC) for its Clean Water 2020 (CW2020) Program. The awards highlight the significant improvements the City has made to the operations and maintenance of its wastewater collection and treatment systems.
Clean Water 2020
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Clean Water 2020 Public Outreach Meetings
The Rocky Branch 01 SSES project (SS7280) covers portions of Five Points, Shandon, and Rosewood. The Upper Kinley Creek project (SS7331) covers portions of Harbison Boulevard, Bower Parkway, and Whitehall Extension.
Project SS7280 – Rocky Branch 01 SSES Project
Project upgrades are designed to meet increasing demands from customers and prevent overflows.
Project SS6764 – 30” Force Main from Mill Creek PS to Metro WWTP
Clean Water 2020 recently held public outreach meetings to inform the community about upcoming projects in their areas. City representatives and project managers met with the public to discuss construction plans to upgrade the sanitary sewer force main (SS6764) in the Bluff Road area, East of I-77, and design plans to increase capacity of existing gravity sewer (SS7330) along Upper Mill Creek. Additional drop-ins were held for the Rocky Branch 01 SSES project (SS7280) and the Upper Kinley Creek project (SS7331).
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Project SS7330 – Upper Mill Creek Sewer Improvements Project
Project SS7331 – Upper Kinley Creek Project
Trash the Grease Public Awareness Campaign In May 2015, the City began setting out Trash the Grease goodies and other informational material at its Washington Square and Eau Claire bill-pay centers. Since then, customers have gone home with over 3,800 Trash the Grease can lids to help Trash the Grease awareness info at a COC payment center them properly store – and dispose of – kitchen grease and almost 1,200 key fobs with the Customer Care 24-7 Hotline.
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Project upgrades are designed to meet increasing demands from customers and prevent overflows.
For suggestions or questions regarding the newsletter, please contact: Email: info@CleanWater2020.com Clean Clean Water Water 2020 2020
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