Any examination of wastewater provides a clear explanation of why water treatment is a critical part of a city’s infrastructure. Wastewater management processes are essential for protecting human and environmental health and well-being. Without wastewater management, residents of Eastern PA would suffer from contaminated drinking water, water scarcity, environmental degradation, contaminated livestock and public health crises.
At O&M Solutions, we specialize in wastewater management, equipment operations, water treatment facility maintenance and more. We’re here to support your team with any wastewater management tasks. Contact us to see how we can help.
In this article, we will explore the programs and essential operations that keep our water clean and potable for all Pennsylvanians. Keep reading to learn more.
Wastewater Operations in PA
Water treatment facilities in the six regional districts of Pennsylvania benefit from the oversight of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Bureau of Clean Water (BCW).
The BWC’s programs are designed to ensure the following:
Water quality standards establishment, monitoring and assessment
Municipal sewage planning and oversight
Permitting and inspection as per the NPDES
Permitting and inspection as per WQM
Licensing for Sewage Enforcement Officers
Nutrient trading program management
Residential treatment process permitting and inspection
Intergovernmental communication and coordination
Agricultural pollution regulation
Pest control to manage the spread of viruses
In Pennsylvania, the BCW publishes relevant and updated information regarding wastewater management operations, maintenance, certification, training and compliance. They also implement compliance enforcement initiatives and monitoring strategies in adherence with Pennsylvania’s Clean Streams Law and other federal programs.
Some of the primary responsibilities of the BCW include:
Treatment facility and discharge site inspections
Residential sewage inspections
Permitting and compliance enforcement
Emergency response
Compliance management
Compliance assistance for treatment plants
Clean Water Program and Other Initiatives
The BCW is also responsible for the administration of Pennsylvania’s water treatment programs. These programs ensure the successful implementation of safe, effective and standardized water treatment processes.
Here are some of the program’s responsibilities:
Administration duties for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), including issuing permits, compliance enforcement and wastewater treatment plant monitoring
Collecting fees, dues and payments for NDPES permits
Permitting and compliance for WQM
Assisting with sewage planning and licensing
Establishing standards and requirements for wastewater treatment
Completing Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) and maintaining the electronic DMR (eDMR) system for those with NPDES and WQM permits
Biosolids and residential sewage compliance monitoring and permits
Municipal waste management and infrastructure support
Support with the operator certification program
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations in PA
Pennsylvania is home to more than 10,000 wastewater facilities, an average of 4000 of which are inspected annually. As such, the NDPES requires a significant amount of resources to issue permits, monitor compliance and develop inspection objectives.
By developing a compliance monitoring program for wastewater treatment plant operations, the NDPES is best equipped to ensure public health and environmental protections are in place.
Each year, a committee meets to establish goals for the programs. These meetings culminate in a report that outlines the strategy and objectives for the coming year.
These reports include strategies for:
Limiting the risk to groundwater, local ecosystems and public health
Confirming legal and regulatory compliance
Confirming permit processes and schedules
Preventing non-compliance
Establishing a report between regulators and permittees
Navigating legal and regulatory enforcement conflicts and circumstances
Reviewing facility locations and confirming permittance
Assisting with compliance
Regulatory Shifts in Water Management in PA
A growing push for environmental protections has resulted in the Pennsylvanian government's investment in green initiatives over the past decade.
PennVest is an initiative that promotes and funds environmental projects in the state. The program supports a variety of projects that address environmental concerns such as water quality and wastewater management.
Past successful water management projects developed and completed with the help of PennVest include:
Growing Greener Grants: An ongoing grant program for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure improvements.
Tips for Managing a Wastewater Treatment Facility in PA
Managing a wastewater treatment facility is a big responsibility that requires support from investors, governments and a skilled team.
Here are a few tips for wastewater treatment facility owners and operators:
Get Serious About Compliance
One compliance mistake can result in a lost license or permit that could cost you your business. The best way to do this is by hiring a wastewater management company or compliance professional to audit your processes, permit requirements and facility.
Invest in Your Team
The technicians at a wastewater management plant are responsible for a wide range of tasks. Their performance has a direct impact on public health and the health of Pennsylvania’s ecosystems.
Hiring experienced staff or providing extensive training to new employees will reduce the risk of error at your plant. Bringing on a specialist to manage or train your team is an investment that could make a big difference in the effectiveness and efficiency of your operation.
Perform Regular Equipment Maintenance
The functionality of a treatment facility is only as good as its equipment. Typically, repairing damaged equipment is considerably more expensive than performing routine maintenance. And it’s not just the cost of repair that needs to be considered; large repairs will slow operations at your facility, resulting in decreased productivity.
Find a Wastewater Management Company in Eastern Pennsylvania
Wastewater management plants in Eastern Pennsylvania are essential to keeping the state’s water safe and clean to enjoy, but operating one requires an immense amount of work and a comprehensive understanding of federal, state and local regulations.
O&M Solutions provides wastewater treatment operation and management solutions for the public and private sectors in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York.
Our reputation is derived from the excellent results we’ve delivered to our clients for years. We provide advanced capabilities that transcend simple mechanics or rudimentary task completion. Our team provides strategic leadership to support all your wastewater management needs.
For more information about how we can assist you with repairs, management and assessments at your Pennsylvania wastewater treatment facility, contact us today.