View Important Policies and System Requirements for this course

INSTRUCTORS: 
Akshay Kumar
Farhan M. Khan
Rajiv Gupta
Carrie Knatz, P.E.
Dounia Elkhatib, Ph.D, USCGA
Corinna Fleischmann, Ph.D, P.E., CAPT, USCG
Ashley McWilliams
Kushal Adhikari, Ph.D
Jay Stone, P.E., BCEE, CFM, CPESC, LEED AP, CWPPP, ESCPC, CESCPP, CPSWQ

Course Length: 1 hour

Purpose and Background

This course will only award PDHs for completion.

Technical presentations from the 2024 World Environmental & Water Resources Congress:

Spatial Analysis of Water Quality Trends in Wastewater Treatment Using GIS and Machine Learning (12 minutes)

This presentation explores the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and machine learning techniques to analyze water quality trends in wastewater treatment. The study addresses challenges like data reliability and biases in prediction models, focusing on key water quality parameters such as pH, BOD, COD, nitrate, and organic matter. Methods include spatial interpolation using empirical Bayesian kriging and machine learning classification, with models like fine tree and Gaussian support vector machine achieving high accuracy in categorizing wastewater into residential, industrial, and commercial classes. The findings emphasize the importance of accurate prediction and spatial analysis for effective water resource management and public health protection.

Using CFD to Evaluate Mixing and Flow Distribution to Optimize Biological Nutrient Removal Performance (10 minutes)

This presentation details the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to optimize the mixing and flow distribution in a new biological nutrient removal (BNR) facility. The study investigates the mixing of return activated sludge (RAS) from multiple pump stations and its integration with primary effluent, aiming to enhance treatment efficiency. It highlights the application of CFD in analyzing the effectiveness of mixing baffles and alternative configurations to achieve complete mixing before effluent discharge. The findings demonstrate the critical role of CFD in refining design parameters to ensure optimal nutrient removal performance.

Ensuring Modern Standards are Met at Older Facilities – Two Case Studies (15 minutes)

This presentation examines the challenges and solutions involved in upgrading older facilities to meet modern environmental standards. Through two case studies, the work addresses the technical issues associated with outdated infrastructure and the implementation of contemporary regulatory requirements. The studies focus on assessing existing conditions, identifying compliance gaps, and developing retrofit strategies to enhance environmental performance. Key engineering solutions include updating systems for waste management, pollution control, and energy efficiency, ensuring that facilities align with current standards and regulations.

Stormwater Management Using Low Impact Developments (LIDs): Case Study from Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA (15 minutes)

This presentation explores the application of Low Impact Developments (LIDs) in stormwater management at Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA. It details the design and implementation of various LID techniques, such as permeable pavements, bioretention cells, and green roofs, aimed at reducing runoff and improving water quality. The study evaluates the effectiveness of these systems in managing stormwater volumes, promoting infiltration, and mitigating peak flow rates. Results demonstrate the benefits of LIDs in enhancing local hydrology, reducing pollutant loads, and supporting sustainable site development practices.

City MS4 Retrofit Program – Case Studies (14 minutes)

This presentation covers the City MS4 Retrofit Program, focusing on case studies that illustrate the retrofitting of municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s). The program aims to address stormwater management issues by integrating best management practices (BMPs) like green infrastructure, detention basins, and enhanced filtration systems. It highlights the technical challenges of retrofitting existing urban infrastructure to meet regulatory requirements for stormwater quality and quantity control. The case studies demonstrate the design, implementation, and performance assessment of these retrofits, showcasing improvements in pollutant reduction and hydrological benefits.

Learning outcomes and session benefits

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain how GIS and machine learning can be utilized to analyze and predict water quality trends in wastewater treatment processes.
• Discuss the role of CFD in optimizing mixing and flow distribution in biological nutrient removal facilities.
• Identify the common challenges in upgrading older facilities to comply with modern environmental standards.
• Describe the various LID techniques used in stormwater management at Juniata College and explain their roles in reducing runoff and improving water quality.
• Identify the technical challenges and outcomes associated with retrofitting MS4s, as illustrated by the case studies.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes are assessed and achieved through passing a 10 multiple choice question post-test with at least a 70%.

Who Should Attend?

• Water resource engineers
• Environmental engineers
• Consulting engineers
• Utility Engineers
• Public Agency Engineers
• Utility Directors

How to Earn your PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion

This course is worth 1 PDH. To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 365 days of the course.