New for the 2010/2011 LABS program year, Cortech Engineering has stepped up to cover LABS’ expenses for our website, email outreach and a possible new event registration system. This support is critical in helping move LABS forward in the digital age. Thank you Cortech Engineering!
The municipal sales contacts are Marc Sanchez or Gabriel Zink.
A bit about Cortech:
Cortech Engineering offers a broad range of pumps, process equipment products and services for industrial applications in chemical processing, food and beverage, electric utilities, pulp and paper, Oil and Gas, Refining, OEM, and general industry.
Cortech Engineering also has three separate business divisions; Industrial Pumps, Engineered Skids with Pumps and Controls and Municipal Pumps and Process Equipment.
Serving the California and Nevada for 20 years, Cortech Engineering has the knowledge, products, and expertise to help solve your pump and process equipment applications.
Cortech Engineering brings added value to our customers with expert product knowledge and implementation. You can count on Cortech Engineering to assist you in:
- Product selection
- Basic design support
- Training (on and off site)
- Installation support
- Turn-key support
- Hot and cold alignment
- Troubleshooting
- Spare parts
- Full service capabilities for most product lines
- Modular Process Systems including metering pump skids
Their website is www.CortechPumps.com
Interested in supporting LABS as a regular sponsor, contact LABS Corporate Director Alec Mackie at alecm@jwce.com or by calling 714-428-4614.
Senate pro-tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) with Bring Back the Beach host Julia Louis Dreyfus (credit: Derek Goes, Heal the Bay)
The environmental group Heal the Bay held their annual Bring Back the Beach bash on the beach in Santa Monica last month. Over 900 people attended and helped raise funds for the organization which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
CWEA member and AECOM US Group Executive President Jack Baylis was honored with the Dorthy Green Award during the awards ceremony. The late Mrs. Green is one of the group’s founders. Mr. Baylis has served on Heal the Bay’s Board for several years as well as on their science and engineering committee. The Walt Disney Company was also honored for their environmental dedication.
Senator Steinberg announced during the event his full support for AB-1998 – a statewide ban on single use plastic bags – wrote Heal the Bay Executive Director Mark Gold on his Spouting Off blog.
Envent offers a range of site services for complex fluid handling, odor control and more.
LABS is honored to welcome Envent Corporation as a new sponsor. An expert in site services for the oil, gas and wastewater industries, Envent has been busy helping Southern California treatment plant’s and collection systems managers with complicated and advanced bypass, odor control and complex contamination issues.
Envent is very proud of their focus on worker health and safety as noted below. Chevron Pipeline recently honored the company with the 2009 Health, Environment and Safety Leadership Commitment award. They offer a range of solutions for AQMD permitted odor control systems for wastewater applications.
For details please contact:
Mr. Noel K. Esten
Senior Sales Engineer
Envent Corporation
nesten@envent.net
2398 California Avenue Signal Hill, CA 90755
Phone (888) 997-9465 • Fax (562) 997-9485 • Mobile (562) 480-4919
Richard Watts, Brian Peck and Attendee (lt) Trainer Bruce Borders with Attendees in Riverside
By Wendy Wert
Chair
CWEA Training Coordination Committee
In May 2010, the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) presented specialized Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) training to 160 participants at four locations across the State of California. The seminar was held in: Fresno on Tuesday, May 4, 2010, Eureka on Thursday, May 6, 2010, Riverside on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 and Vacaville on Thursday May 13, 2010. Featured Speaker Bruce Borders of Control Systems West provided training on Electrical Controls and Instrumentation of the type that are typically found at Pump Stations. Record numbers of CWEA attendees were presented with detailed training modules related to the selection of control schemes that optimize operations at sewage and stormwater pump stations. Operators, Maintenance Personnel, Design Engineers, Facility Managers and Supervisors were in attendance at the training sessions. The program was structured to add to the knowledge and skills of station operators and maintenance personnel, as well as provide improved personnel performance, along with financial and safety benefits.
Click icon to play
Watch this narrated presentation from representatives of Los Angeles based Origin Oil about the development of their technologies which pair wastewater treatment plants, algae development systems and a biofuel processing facility.
A letter from (PDF) Chris Beaven of Origin Oil explains the Federal funding available right now and the wastewater partnerships the company is searching for.
Their system breaks down algae as a feedstock and produces a clean biofuel. Is algae the energy of the future? Everyone from the Feds to private industry to WEF’s Algae Working Group are trying to figure that out.
Contact information:
Chris Beaven
Business Development
OriginOil, Inc.
O: 323-939-6006
F: 323-315-2306
M: 310-490-0939
e: chris@originoil.com
w: www.originoil.com
The presentation and audio are from the March P3S meeting. Used with permission.
By Wendy Wert
Chair
CWEA Training Coordination Committee
Dr. Wes Eckenfelder – friend, colleague, and pioneer in the Environmental Engineering Profession – passed away Saturday evening, March 27, 2010. A few days before, on March 22, 2010 the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) hosted a tribute and technical seminar honoring Wes Eckenfelder’s contributions to the field. The seminar was held at the Hyperion Wastewater Treatment Plant in Los Angeles. The program began with an outline of the program presented by moderator David Greenwood. Mr. Greenwood introduced the first speaker David Jenkins, professor emeritus of UC Berkeley.
Dr. Jenkins initiated proceedings by showing attendees a photograph of Wes Eckenfelder and presenting a brief biography of Eckenfelder. Wes has been deemed the “godfather” of wastewater treatment by many of his colleagues, former students and peers, Wes played a significant role in the development of wastewater treatment. Through research, numerous technical publications and multiple courses and seminars, his name has become well known in the industry. Wes’ sense of humor has enlightened many presentations. It has been noted that he has a way of presenting highly technical information such that it can be easily understood. He encouraged his students to expand think for themselves, and never hesitated to share his knowledge with others in his field, which as Dr. Jenkins noted, was the purpose of the CWEA seminar.
There are nice interviews with Dr. Eckenfelder on the WaterWorld website and in the 2000 issue of Quarterly from Brown and Caldwell. Dr. Eckenfelder is the namesake for WEF’s Industrial Water Quality Lifetime Achievement Award.
Read the full story on the CWEA E-Bulletin blog >
(photos by Amanda Schmidt, RMC Water & Environment)
Over thirty young professionals attended the Los Angeles-Glendale Water Reclamation Plant (LAG) tour on January 26, 2010. Mr. Hiddo Netto from the City of Los Angeles provided an overview of the City of Los Angeles’ wastewater treatment plants and LAG’s role in the overall system.
For PDF copies of the presentations click here>
The southern meeting took place in the conference center at the LACSD's Joint Adminstration Offices in Whittier.
By Wendy Wert
CWEA Training Coordination Committee Chair
LACSD
and Jon Hay
CWEA Biosolids Committee Chair
Black & Veatch
On January 26, 2010, the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Biosolids Committee hosted a specialty conference “Understanding Future Regulatory Trends and Impacts on Biosolids Management in California” at the Los Angeles Sanitation Districts Joint Administration Office in Whittier. This one-day biosolids specialty conference, which trained 76 people, consisted of a series of technical presentations separated by interactive discussions between leading experts and attendees. The morning session consisted of opening remarks and a review of the Part 503 regulations presented by the conference Chair, followed by six technical presentations. The innovative networking lunch also served as a venue for an update on Assembly Bill 32 and Green House Gas emissions standards (GHGs) presented by Patrick Griffith. The afternoon session, consisted of five technical presentations, and closing remarks delivered by the conference co-chair.
A total of 12 speakers gave presentations that covered a wide range of relevant topics, including current trends in biosolids regulations, application and limitations of the general order, an overview of the biosolids composting rule, county ordinances and local issues, national regulatory trends, impacts of air quality regulations, methods of managing biosolids that generate renewable power, and several case studies that demonstrated emerging technologies and illustrated successful regional solutions. The speakers also presented on these same topics at SFPUC in San Francisco on January 27. This event trained 160 CWEA members and non-members.
Treatment Plant of the Year - Terminal Island Water Reclamation Plant
(click next to browse through award winners)
By Wendy Wert
LABS Director
On January 23, 2010, the Los Angeles Basin Section (LABS) of California Water Environment Association (CWEA) hosted the 2009 annual LABS awards from the Royal Salon of the Queen Mary. The celebration began with an energized social gathering of CWEA leaders, members, and award winners.
The featured speaker, CWEA Past President Dave Greenwood highlighted specific steps CWEA has taken in 2009 and those planned for 2010 to reach the organizational training objectives in light of current economic conditions. Greenwood reported that CWEA has remained strong during this economic cycle. Although conference attendance was slightly lower than expected, the organization remains energized and plans to roll out stellar training opportunities in 2010. He urged the organizations present to continue to partner with CWEA to support training opportunities for their staff and emphasized the value of workforce engagement.
2010 CWEA Biosolids Conference – Understanding Future Regulatory Trends & Impacts on Biosolids Management
January 26, 2010
LACSD Conference Center, Whittier
January 27, 2010
San Francisco
(PDFs) “The posted presentations are for the personal use of CWEA Biosolids Conference attendees. These presentations may not be reproduced without the authors written consent.”
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Opening Remarks - Part 503 – Jon Hay, Black & Veatch / Dave Bechtel, Lee & Ro, Southern Conference Hosts
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Agenda - (North Conference)
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State General Order for Biosolids - Jarrod Ramsey-Lewis, SWRCB
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Biosolids Composting Rules – Ken Decio, Cal-Recycle (presented by Greg)
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Local Regulatory Issues and Ordinances – Matt Bao, LACSD
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Air Pollution Control Regulations – Layne Baroldi, Synagro
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National Regulatory Trends & Issues - Greg Kester, CASA
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Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Strategies – Patrick Griffith, LACSD
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Rialto Slurry Carb® Facility - Ray Kearney, Enertech
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IEUA Composting Facility – Jeff Ziengenbien, IEUA
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Ventura Regional Biosolids - Mark Lawler, VRSD
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City of Los Angeles TIRE Project - Omar Moghaddam, City of LA
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Biosolids to Energy – a Coalition Approach – Caroline Quinn, Delta Diablo SD (North conference)
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California’s First Design-Build Biosolids Thermal Dryer - Ruben Robles, Sacramento Regional County SD (North conference)
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SFPUC San Francisco Greasecycle - Todd Jordon, Carollo (North conference)
From TECS Environmental…
To all,
Our firm TECS Environmental is looking to hire a part-time Industrial Waste inspector for the LA / San Gabriel Valley area. If anyone could be of assistance with identifying an individual, please contact our offices either by email or calling.
Thank you for your assistance with this request.
Joseph A. Perez
TECs Environmental
106 S. Mentor Ave., Suite 125
Pasadena, Ca 91106
(626) 396-9424
Website: www.tecsenv.com
Locally based professional photographer Brian Raimondi takes environmental related pictures, including a long-term project shooting at the City of Los Angeles’ Bureau of Sanitation Hyperion Wastewater Treatment Plant. In beautiful black and white as well. His first view of the plant was on a public tour. “‘The tour was excellent and very informative. As you can imagine, the facility is an interesting backdrop for photographing,” Brian said.
View more of Brian’s photos at www.brianraimond.com.
Photos are copyrighted, used with permission.
Click image for a larger view…
Old fashioned climber screens take out rags and trash at the headworks before material can cause problems inside the treatment plant as well as prevent trash from entering the Pacific Ocean.
Truck load-out monitoring office. Biosolids are hauled to the City's recycling farm called Green Acres.
Sludge digester piping
Looking over Hyperion's rose garden and final clarifiers towards the LA DWP's Scattergood Power Plant.Piping network between digesters.
Hyperion's egg-shaped digesters.
Mike Selna, AAEE Vice President (lt) Attendee (ctr) Joseph S. Cavarretta, AAEE Executive Director (rt)
By Wendy Wert
LABS Director
On October 13, 2009 the American Academy of Environmental Engineers (AAEE) hosted a breakfast and networking event at WEFTEC09 in Orlando, FL. The AAEE/AIDIS/WEF “Trends in Wastewater Treatment” event drew attendees from a broad spectrum of the environmental profession. AAEE President, Debra R. Reinhart Ph.D., P.E., BCEE, welcomed attendees and introduced the featured speaker, James L. Barnard Ph.D., P.E., BCEE. Dr. Barnard is recognized internationally as “the Father of Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR).” A celebrated 40-year career includes groundbreaking work that forms the basis for all BNR process configurations in use today. His current research on membrane and biofilm technology is leading to innovations that may reduce BNR plant size by more than two-thirds.
Dr. Barnard led environmental professionals on an entertaining historical journey through wastewater treatment. His presentation highlighted the discovery of the activated sludge process, major trends in wastewater treatment, drivers for Research and Development, wastewater as a resource, and possible future scenarios.
Apply by November 31st for computer based testing - January 1 to March 31.
Applications available at www.cwea.org/cert or call 510-382- 7800 #119 to have one mailed to you.
To learn more about the computer based testing system visit www.cwea.org/cbt.
Residents in environmentally sensitive areas of Malibu will have until 2019 to hook-up to a wastewater treatment system. The Civic Center area has until 2015 to comply. The LA Times notes the long running argument over septic systems versus sewer system dates back to 1991 when the city was first incorporated.
“The lack of adequate sanitation is a basic public nuisance issue,” said Madelyn Glickfeld, a Regional Water Quality Control Board Member who lives in Point Dume. “Here we are in one of the richest cities in the U.S., and we have sewage running down the street.”
The City has already started construction on a stomrwater treatment plant called Legacy Park.
There was a water main break Monday morning in an 8″ pipeline connection to a larger 54″ line sending a tall geyser rising into the air. Some reporters quickly dubbed it “Old Faithful of the Valley.” The LADWP quickly closed off the line.
The agency describes it as a purple pipe carrying recycled water. The water is required to meet California Title 22 water quality standards for health and safety but is not used for drinking water. No one was hurt.
It’s likely the recycled water is from the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant just across the 405-freeway. The facility recycles roughly 26-million gallons every day.
Guest Speaker: Jon Schladweiler
Historian of the Arizona Water Association
Join LABS dinner and learn about the history of sewer conveyance systems!
Jon Schladweiler is a valuable source of information about the evolutionary development of sewers over the past 5,500 years. He has researched and collected materials related to the history of sewage conveyance systems over the past fifteen years.
RSVP and details here, go>
Such as skipping the hamburger for lunch…
A Long Beach wastewater recycling project will receive Federal funding as part of legislation the Senate passed last week. The 2010 fiscal year Energy and Water Appropriations Conference Report includes $634,000 for the project.
“We will also be able to continue to expand the city’s use of recycled water, which reduces our consumption of potable water, and makes Long Beach less dependent on outside sources of water, which as everyone knows are becoming more and more unreliable.” Matthew Veeh, LB Water spokesman.
