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Unlikely Pipe Collapse Inundates NYC Homes with Sewage
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On November 30, 2019, raw sewage flooded the homes of residents living in Queens. Public officials originally theorized that the flooding resulted from a grease induced backup instigated by the Thanksgiving holiday. Upon further investigation by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the New York Times reports that failing infrastructure was the true culprit. Over 150 residents watched helplessly as raw sewage inundated their homes and belongings as a result of a collapsed 32-year-old pipe.
While the DEP has not officially released their report of the investigation, if this statement holds true, New York City could likely be liable for damage claims in the millions. Incidents like these are a reminder of the far reaching impacts wastewater utilities extend over protecting and serving their community. The DEP regularly maintains 7,500 miles of sewers, 95 pumping stations, and 14 plants, yet one collapsed pipe can cost millions to repair and even more to address residential damage.
Effective management plays an important role in maintaining your collection system to avoid rare or unexpected failures. If you're unsure of your system's current conditions, consider an investigative tour as described by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). After completing a tour, the DNR suggests rehabilitation and repair steps that include sewer cleaning, root removal, mainline or manhole rehabilitation, lift station maintenance, and addressing illegal connections. After investigation and rehabilitation, consider updating your collection system maintenance program by following the Core Attributes of Effectively Managed Wastewater Collection Systems.
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The EPA at 50: Progress for a Stronger Future
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December 2020 will mark the 50th Anniversary of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To celebrate the continued improvements made in cleaner land, air, and water, the theme of the Anniversary celebration was announced as "EPA at 50: Progress for a Stronger Future". Highlights of past achievements, historical photos, and successful programs will be promoted throughout the year. Among the most historical progress the water industry can celebrate includes the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. Learn about the history of these acts and ongoing plans for the future of water here. Keep up with the celebration on social media by following #EPAat50.
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 Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This extensive manual provides technical information regarding onsite wastewater treatment system siting, design, installation, maintenance, and replacement.
Source Water Protection
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
This infographic summarizes the value of source water protection and elements that should be included in a protection plan.
Water System Partnerships
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This web-based tool was developed to help utilities and states explore different types of partnerships and find examples of successful partnerships across the country.
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Have a different question?
You can find thousands of helpful resources in our database.
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 LCR Revisions and Corrosion Control Basics
Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. MST
Hosted by the American Water Works Association
With the recently proposed Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, utilities must understand the basics of corrosion and its management in drinking water. This webinar will help utilities learn about the proposed regulatory changes, the basics of corrosion control chemistry, and how one utility has approached the implementation of corrosion control.
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Want to find additional training opportunities for operators,
including events in your area?
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Posts from WaterOperator.org
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The Best YouTube Channels for Water & Wastewater Operators
Explore our favorite YouTube channels to bolster your knowledge in water and wastewater treatment, operator math, operations and maintenance, and utility management.
Featured Video: Interviewing Basics Webinar
In this featured video, Todd Novacek with the Moulton Niguel Water District will teach operators how to prepare for interviews at a new utility.
Managing Dissolved Oxygen in Activated Sludge Plants
Achieve compliance at your activated sludge plant by understanding the significance of monitoring and controlling dissolved oxygen (DO).
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 Years-Long Fight Against PFAS Coming to a Theater Near You
Bloomberg Environment
In this episode of Parts Per Billion, podcast host David Schultz discusses the public health and legal history of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and how it's story was conveyed in the film Dark Waters. The 2019 film is based on the story of a corporate defense attorney who learns about the issues associated with PFOA and then decides to take on its chemical makers.
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Featured Video: Lead Service Line Replacement
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In this episode of Building Wisconsin, host Stuart Keith explores how Milwaukee is approaching their lead service line replacement program. Stuart learns about workforce development opportunities that train new professionals on the skills necessary for lead service line replacement. The results from these programs are visible once Stuart visits a training center in downtown Milwaukee that is actively putting the skills of these water professionals to the test.
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Learn how Milwaukee is training water professionals to take on their lead service line replacement initiative.
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 On the periodic table, the symbol for lead is Pb. This is an abbreviation of the Latin word for lead, plumbum. The word plumbing is also derived from the same word.
Source.
'Share This' offers useful or interesting information that can be shared with the public and other stakeholders.
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EPA Announces New Policy on Using DWSRF for Water Rights Purchases
Under various circumstances, the EPA will now allow DWSRF funds to be used for purchasing rights or access to new sources of drinking water.
Cost to Build Water Treatment Plants to Protect Against PFAS Hazards Will Be 'Substantial'
Tucson Water has begun planning for a new treatment system to protect public health and preventing PFAS contaminated groundwater from reaching key parts of the city's aquifer.
Old Lead Pipes Pushes Replacement Plan in New Jersey Capital
At a cost of $150 million, Trenton, NJ will replace all 37,000 lead pipes over the next five years.
EPA Order Brings Innovative Wastewater Treatment Upgrades in Guam
Guam Waterworks Authority completed upgrades to the Umatac-Merizo wastewater treatment system. The upgrades are well suited to Guam's natural environment and reduce the frequency of discharge.
House Passes Sweeping Bill to Target Spread of Toxic 'Forever Chemicals'
The House passed legislation to regulate PFAS in drinking water. Republicans argue the bill is too broad and jumps ahead of regulatory processes.
How WWTPs Can Remove Pharmaceuticals
A study at seven wastewater treatment plants reveals that granular activated carbon and ozonation are promising treatment technologies to reduce pharmaceuticals. Activated sludge proved less effective.
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Groundwater & Well Care for Public Water Systems is a free online course from WaterOperator.org. Certificates are provided and the course is currently pre-approved for 2 hours continuing education credit in a number of states.
Click here to learn more.
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 WaterOperator.org is a free service, grant-funded to support small community water and wastewater operators with comprehensive resources and information in one easy-to-use place. We also serve the 800+ training, primacy, and technical service organizations, by helping operators get to their information. We aren't buying, selling, or advertising anything. You can call us at 1-866-522-2681 if you need assistance. |
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