Roundtables

It’s hard to stay up to date with the latest water regulations. So we make it easy – we poll our viewers at the start of the Roundtable so our panel of experts focuses their discussion on YOUR biggest concerns, like the lead service line inventory, cyber security, and PFAS. Learn more about the rules and regulations that will soon affect your treatment plant and distribution system.

Some topics covered:

• Is PADEP developing a set of standards for what is acceptable for LSL inventory investigation?
• If you have paper records for your water services, do you need to dig up the services to comply with the Revised Lead & Copper Rule?
• When do we expect EPA to get the RLCR guidance rolled out to the States?
• Under the current LCR, if a system voluntarily replaced LSLs on the utility side but may not have replaced or documented the customer side of the service line, does this location count as a lead service line?
• What is the average cost for a Lead Service Line Replacement?
  Is there a video of a LSL replacement? (You betchya! https://youtu.be/wmJoVW6jIKw)
• What are the typical treatment techniques to remove PFAS?

Panelists: Tori Morgan, LO (Entech Engineering), Serena DiMagno (SSM), Patti Kay Wisniewski (EPA), Deb Watkins, PE (Essential Utilities), Mike McGill (WaterPIO)

Have you ever jacked a reservoir to increase capacity? What about moving and re-erecting a waterspheroid? The old tankies know these tricks, but most tank owners and engineers don’t even know about these options for their water tanks. Learn what is possible from our panel of seasoned professionals.

Some topics covered:

• What is storage tank jacking?
• How long does it take to raise a tank? How do you coordinate with the tank repaint schedule, which typically has a long lead time?
• How do you fix a tank leak?
• How feasible is it to jack bolted tanks?
• When does a tank leak repair fail?
• Could there be a concern for galvanic corrosion when adding an aluminum roof to a steel tank?
• What are some tips for tank logos?
• Moving and re-erecting tanks.
• Cell antenna corrals.
• What should you have in your Tank Toolbox?

Panelists: Ralph Wawrzyniakowski (PA American Water), Jamie Stoltzfus (IK Stoltzfus), Joe Hoban, PE (Dixon Engineering), Dave Cull, PE, SE (Caldwell Tanks)

The new PA One Call regulations were implemented several years ago, but some Owners and Contractors still struggle to understand the changes, new responsibilities and what actions put them at risk. Recent in-house training with the folks at PA One Call spotlighted the importance of a group discussion to better understand how the engineer, designer, owner, contractor, and utility each approach underground work. We’ll bring all parties to the Round ’table’ so we can all work better and more safely with PA One Call.

Some topics covered:

• What is PA One Call?
• What is your biggest issue with PA One Call and digging?
• Is there a difference in the reliability of utility markouts from the utility itself versus third-party location companies?
• What do designers struggle with?
• How deep can infrastructure be accurately located?
• What is the coolest thing you’ve ever found when you were digging?
• What is the current PUC position on the marking of abandoned utilities?
• Who makes violation reports? And when?
• We specify 3rd party line locating for our Contractors to complete during plant work because a client doesn't know where things are.The Contractor completes but also calls PA One Call. How should the authority comply?
• Are there any utilities that can refuse to locate their lines for "security" reasons? (i.e. high-pressure gas transmission mains)

Panelists: Eric Moore, LO, PE (Entech Engineering), Paul McCarty (Entech Engineering), Norm Parrish (PA One Call), Doug Haupt (PPL), Matt Shapansky, PE (Allan Myers), Neil Derstine (Derstine Company)

Did you see the 130 ton “fatberg” in the London sewers a few years ago? YUCK!! Then you know that Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) can really wreak havoc with a wastewater system. Our panel will discuss what goes into a successful FOG Program, what types there are, and who would most benefit from one. We’ll also learn how utilities can foster relationships with and educate their customers to take care of FOG before it becomes a big problem down the line.

Some topics covered:

• What elements make up a good FOG Program?
• What role does an ordinance play in a FOG Program?
• How do local plumbing codes interact with FOG ordinances?
• Who are the FOG police and enforcers?
• What roles can landlords or FOG haulers play in a program?
• How often do you clean a grease trap?
• What is the 25% rule?
• Who can handle questions about grease trap sizes or detention times?
• Do residential customers create enough FOG to be a concern?
• Are there in-sewer pretreatment options for FOG?
• Who pays for a FOG program?
• How do you know if you need a FOG program?
• What are FOG best management practices?
• What is the nastiest thing you’ve seen in a sewer or grease trap?

Panelists: Ed Pietroski, LO, PE (Entech Engineering), Tori Morgan, LO (Entech Engineering), Marci Beggs (Entech Engineering), Heath Edelman, LO, PE (Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology), Eric Shearer, LO (City of Lebanon Authority), & Chris Taylor, LO (Palmer Township)

It's one thing to find store shelves empty of toilet paper or your pet's favorite brand of wet food. But 8" DI pipe? Chlorine? Chemical testing reagents? What do water and wastewater systems do when the materials and equipment needed to do the most basic parts of their operations are nowhere to be found? Our panel will review what's happening now and what to expect in the future, plus where to get help.

Some topics covered:

• The Million Dollar Question: How long will the supply chain shortage last?
• What is your biggest supply chain struggle?
• Why did this happen?
• With ridiculously long lead times, how can I get a generator?
• Are clients allowing alternatives to what they normally specify for equipment and parts?
• How hard is it to swap out a major component after design?
• Is paying a shipping premium worth it?
• What are recommendations for bidding and budgeting with supply and pricing volatility?

Panelists: Dale Miller (Entech Engineering), Kevin Morley (AWWA), Steve Allgeier (EPA), Dean Miller (Miller Environmental), & Troy Dressler (L/B Water)

Flooding from Hurricane Ida... extreme temperatures during the summer and winter... ice storms... Water, wastewater, and stormwater facilities used to be up against these battles with Mother Nature every few years, but with them coming more frequently, we all need to be better prepared. Our panel will discuss what they do before, during, and after extreme weather events, what measures during design, operations, and maintenance matter the most, and what they'll do differently next time.

Some topics covered:

• What should operators do when a big storm is forecasted?
• What's in a weather preparedness playbook?
• How can you test your Emergency Response Plan (ERP)?
• Should you hard-wire generators for pump stations or use plugs?
• How often should you test your backup power?
• What is PAWarn?
• How can you get help during an extreme weather event?
• How do stormwater management and impervious surfaces impact flooding?
• Why are water and wastewater plants built in flood zones by rivers and streams?
• What should you measure after a storm to help prepare for the next?
• What is your most important tool during an extreme weather event?
• How can you prepare for straight line winds?
• What types of backup communication devices are most effective?
• What projects are most important to prevent flooding?

Panelists: Rob Horvat (Entech Engineering), Eric Moore (Entech Engineering), Joe Gallagher (Aqua PA - Water), John Bright (Aqua PA - Wastewater), & Mike Snyder (PaWARN)

As if running your water system wasn’t hard enough, you also need to keep up to date with regulatory and legislative changes. Our panel will discuss what is required now and what’s on the horizon, how utilities are preparing for these changes, plus respond to your questions and concerns.

Some topics covered:

• What is the current status of the Lead and Copper Rule?
• Should you start working on your lead service line inventory and replacement plan?
• Have there been any developments with regards to PFAS?
• What do I do if I cannot purchase chlorine due to a supplier shortage?
• Where can you get free cybersecurity tools?
• Is there funding available for water system cybersecurity upgrades?
• Are Manganese (Mn) regulations going to be coming from regulators? Will they affect water or wastewater?
• What are the specifics of the Legionnaires' Disease Prevention and Reporting Act?
• Are there revisions or improvements coming to the Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) that water systems publish 2x a year?

Panelists: Rob Horvat (Entech), Tori Morgan (Entech), Kevin Morely (AWWA), Patti Kay Wisniewski (EPA Region 3), & Serena DiMagno (Spotts, Stevens and McCoy)

Some parts of wastewater treatment are easy: just do what you did the day before. But when readings change, something breaks, or upgrades occur, THEN what do you do? Ideally, operators and engineers put their heads together, share expertise and experiences, call in other experts, and work as a team to craft a solution. Our panel will share their O&M stories and take your questions on how to keep these plants running when the SH*T hits the fan!

Some topics covered:

• What's the key to keeping an old plant running and things from breaking?
• What are successful wastewater rate strategies?
• What's the dumbest thing you've seen an engineer do at a WWTP?
• What are the keys to getting the new technology engineers design to work at a WWTP?
• How can I combat limited staffing issues?
• What do MOST wastewater operators do on vacation?
• What are head-bangers and ball-busters, and how can they be avoided?

Panelists: Ed Pietroski (Entech), Dale Miller (Entech), Eric Moore (Entech), Mark Bubel (Aqua Wastewater), Eric Usbeck (Arrowhead Sewer Company), Joe Rehm (Arrowhead Sewer Company)

Our last Roundtable on Finding Funding (https://youtu.be/dNVD11xPBzU) explored ways for municipalities, authorities, and water and wastewater companies to fund their projects. Our new panel will reveal WHO has money, and HOW to improve your chance of getting it.

The panel delves into:

• Where can I find information on available funding programs?
• When are grant applications due for various funding sources?
• How does a political regime change affect your grant strategy?
• How can you improve your funding application for your best odds of receiving a grant?
• Where can I find grant and funding opportunities?
• What is a "Shovel-Ready" project, and why are there grant/funding advantages to them?
• What types of projects are available to receive grants?
• Are there industrial pretreatment grants available?
• How do you decide which grant/funding avenue (grants/loans/bonds) to pursue for a project?
• Can you re-apply for funding with basically the same application form that was previously unawarded?
• What are the common application mistakes and how can you avoid them?
• How can you minimize the impacts of raising rates?
• What options do Authorities have to apply for grant funding if it's only open to townships or boroughs?
• Are there grand/funding programs for water/wastewater system residents?

Panel: Natalie O'Connor (Entech), Mary Beth Peters (Entech), Michael Angerson (Entech), Robert Boos (PennVest), Scott Kramer (RBC Capital), Sean McElroy (RUS), Christine Gunsaullus (Entech)

15%. That’s the percentage of the water and wastewater workforce that is women.

How many times have you been the only woman at a meeting… at a jobsite… on a project team? What’s that feel like? And is it a disadvantage, or can you spin it into a super power? The women on this panel have risen through the ranks, and discuss their struggles and pet-peeves, their successes, and encourage other women. By the end, it’s clear that so many of these “women’s” issues are just as applicable to the men in the audience, so the tips benefit everyone.

The panel delves into:

• What is passive sexism? What are productive responses to it?
• Tips to achieve a better work/life balance
• Handshake, hug, or kiss - how do you greet a woman at a business meeting? (hint: it's never a kiss!)
• Should you offer to get people in your meeting coffee, or does this purvey gender biases?
• Where are good places to network with other women?
• What is imposter syndrome, and how do you combat it?
• How can you ensure you're being paid equally with your male counterparts?
• How to “kill them with kindness”

Panel: Christine Gunsaullus (Entech Engineering), Natalie O’Conner (Entech Engineering), Tori Morgan (Entech Engineering), Liesel Gross (Lehigh County Authority), Carol Paul (Greenville Water Authority), Wendy Walter (Williamsport Municipal Water Authority & Sanitary Authority)

We have a long tradition of being “operator-centric” here at Entech. By knowing the wastewater pump station terminology, understanding the options available, and where they can have input, operators can effectively collaborate in the design process, resulting in a better end product. Our roundtable panel discusses what aspects of pump station design are most important to the end-user, and how operators can best contribute.

A Few of the Topics Covered:

• How do you fight corrosion in a wet well?
• What's better: grinders, screens, or both? Which is best for a wet well?
• What's something overlooked by engineers in pump station design?
• What are the pros and cons of a VFD pump?
• How do you control odor in a pump station?
• What's a great design feature you've seen in recent pump stations?
• Pump station floats or level transducers?
• Why does Dale answer "It depends" to so many questions? Are there really that many pros, cons, and variables to pump station design?
• How can you avoid "buyers (or operators) remorse" when the pump station is done?

Panelists: Chris Hannum, PE (Entech Engineering), Rich Harrison, PE (Entech Engineering). Dale Miller, LO (Entech Engineering), Art Auchenbach (Riorden Materials), Bob Kunzelman (J.T. Seeley)

When you only do a water tank rehabilitation every decade or so, it’s hard to know the step-by-step process to get it done efficiently, cost-effectively, and with no effects on your distribution system. Our panel of tank experts will review the best way to rehab, plus the struggles they’ve had, so YOU don’t have to struggle.

A Few of the Topics Covered:

• When is the right time in a tank's life cycle to rehab it?
• What permits are required when rehabbing a water tank?
• How long will the tank's coatings last?
• How often should a tank inspection be done?
• What details and components are important in a tank inspection report?
• How long, from conception to completion, does it take to do a tank rehab?
• What do we do with lead paint?
• What can be done to plan for cell antennas?
• What important items should a cell antenna contract contain to protect your tank?
• Where does cathodic protection work best in a tank?
• Who can you go to for help?
  

Panelists: Christine "The Tank Queen” Gunsaullus (Entech Engineering), Rob Horvat (Entech Engineering), Ralph Wawrzyniakowski (Pennsylvania American Water), Jamie Stoltzfus (IK Stoltzfus), Nick Bressler (World International Testing – WIT), Joe Pappo (DN Tanks)

We all remember our start in the water or wastewater industry: knowing next to nothing, not knowing who to trust, feeling stupid and frustrated... it was really tough! If you were lucky, a "seasoned" engineer or operator showed you the ropes and made ALL the difference. We'll hear stories from industry legends, sharing their wisdom and what they wish THEIR 21-year-old selves knew.

Topics Covered:

• What would you tell your younger self?
• When is the best time to take your EIT/PE tests?
• What's the biggest technological change you've seen over the last decades?
• What is a slide rule?
• What's the most interesting problem you've had to solve in your career?
• Why do many operators dislike engineers?
• Sewer System Survivor: What's the weirdest thing you've ever seen in a water/wastewater system?
• Is having a mentor important?
  

Panelists: Danny Smith (Entech), Ed Pietroski, PE (Entech), Mike Sassaman, LO (Entech), Joe Thurwanger (Aqua America), Eric Tissue (KLH Engineers), Carol Paul (Greenville Municipal Water Authority).

Continuing our deep-dive into Inflow & Infiltration (I&I), our panel reviews the key components of administering a successful wastewater I&I Program, such as setting up the rules and regulations, formulating a plan to run the system, how to address I&I, tracking data, etc. Plus, Sewer System Survivor! See which panelist’s I&I story gets them rescued from the sewer

Topics Covered:

• Does every system have I&I problems?
• What roles does a solicitor play in I&I administration?
• How can communication and education of the residents impact I&I programs?
• What communication mediums and tactics have been successful for I&I programs?
• Are there grants or funding available to homeowners to repair lateral connections?
• What strategies exist to successfully work with the PA-DEP?
• How can your staff help with community education and relations?
• What kinds of penalties can be enforced for non-compliance?
• What are effective ways to encourage homeowners to allow inspections?
• How important is documenting your I&I reduction and removal efforts and results?
• What software systems help track and document your I&I program?

Resource: Wastewater Collection Annual Planning Diagram

Panelists: Mike Sassaman, LO(Entech), Eric Moore, PE, LO (Entech), Brian Boland (Kozloff Stoudt Attorneys).

With water and wastewater infrastructure in need of repair, replacement, or meeting new regulations, many owners are unsure how to find funding for their projects. Fortunately, there are numerous agencies who provide funds, grants, and loans... our panel will explain WHO they are, and HOW to improve your chances in getting the money.

Topics Covered:

• Is bigger better with your grant application?
• How does a political regime change affect your grant strategy?
• What are the benefits of reviewing grant history?
• Are municipal bonds good sources of funding in this low-interest rate environment?
• What’s the difference between a grant and a loan, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
• How can knowing your municipality’s demographics help you qualify for certain types of grants?
• Where can I find information on available funding programs?
• When are grant applications due for various funding sources?
• How do I know what grants I’m eligible for?

Resource: Entech Cork (Finding Funding)

Panelists: Natalie O'Connor (Entech), Tori Morgan (Entech), Michael Angerson (Entech), Curt Fontaine (Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County), Scott Graver (Schuylkill Haven Borough), Tommy Holmes (American Water Works Association), Dave Henning (PENNVEST), & Scott Kramer (RBC Capital Markets).

Non-Revenue Water (NRW) is a struggle for many water systems, particularly older ones. Our panel will share their success stories and lessons learned from decades of experience, including leak detection, using the AWWA Water Audit Methodology, meter pits, construction standards/inspection, asset management, and pressure management.

Topics Covered:

• What is Non-Revenue Water (NRW)?
• What are the optimal conditions for leak detection?
• What technologies are available to identify and reduce Non-Revenue Water?
• Can water modeling be used to detect leaks?
• What are the largest sources of NRW?
• How can theft be effectively curtailed?
• What is the Metered Ratio?
• How can meter size affect NRW?
• What does a water leak sound like?
• What is an acceptable percentage of NRW?
• What is a better unit of measure for NRW?
• What is AWWA M36 and how can it be best used?

Panelists: Pat Burke (Entech), Rob Horvat (Entech), Kim Mazur (Entech), Dave Bonkovich (Bonkovich Leak Detection), Brennan Kelly (Aqua PA), Randy Simmons (Aqua PA).

A Board Member, the Manager of Operations, and their Engineer walk into a bar… Now this could be the start of a bad joke, or indicative of the team effort that successfully gets things done at this utility. We’ll share stories about the best ways Boards and Councils, Owners and Managers, Operations Staff, and Engineers can work together, based on the inherent skill sets of each.

Our panelists debate and geek out about:

• What are the roles of boards and councils?
• How can Engineers bridge communication gaps between boards and operations staff?
• Why are personal connections so important?
• What's the key to success when you're asked to be a hired gun?
• Should you use a hired gun or trusted advisor when working with regulators?
• LIGHTNING ROUND: What quality is most important for an engineer to have in order to succeed with a board/authority?
• How can young Engineers be prepared to work with a board/authority?

Panelists include: Ed Pietroski, PE (Entech), Tori Morgan, LO (Entech), Eric Moore, PE (Entech), H. David Miller, LO (Entech), Jeff Ott, PE (Ott Consulting Inc.), Mike Bisignani, PE (GHD).

Rehabbing a steel or concrete wastewater tank isn't easy - you can run into surprises hidden below the crud and corrosion. How do you keep these projects on schedule while keeping an entire plant running smoothly without that tank in service? It is a true challenge. Understanding the big picture and your options ahead of time is critical to success. Our panelists share what they WISH they had known before they started. Crystal balls not included.

Our panelists cover:

• How can you keep a WWTP tank rehab project on schedule?
• How and when do you know what metal repairs will be required?
• How does weather affect a WWTP tank rehab?
• Should you build your WWTP with tank redundancy?
• How important are regular inspections of wastewater tanks and covers?
• What is Alkali-Silica Reactivity (ASR)?
• How can you avoid ASR in WWTP tanks?

Panelists include: Christine "The Tank Queen” Gunsaullus (Entech), Matt Boggs, PE (Entech), H. David Miller, LO (Entech), Dale Miller, LO (Entech), Mark Bubel, PE, LO (Aqua PA Wastewater), Dan Goldhahn (IK Stoltzfus Service Corp), Joe Pappo (DN Tanks).

In the last 20 years, there have been significant changes in aerobic digestion in terms of design, equipment, construction and operations. Has your plant kept up?

Our panelists debate and geek out about:

• What is the definition of Aerobic Digestion?
• Where does Aerobic Digestion occur in a treatment plant?
• What’s BNR?
• Aerobic or Anaerobic?
• What are the changes in instrumentation?
• Is thicker sludge better? Just HOW thick? And what does 4% solids actually mean?
• What savings result from making the process more energy efficient?
• What is the best diffuser?
• Should concrete tanks be lined?
• What are the biggest advancements in aerobic digestion?

Panelists include: Ed Pietroski, PE, LO (Entech), Chris Hannum, PE (Entech), Dale Miller, LO (Entech), Bryen Woo, PE (Ovivo), and Douglas Muller (Eastern Environmental Contractors, Inc.).

As if running your water system wasn’t hard enough with COVID-19, you also need to keep up to date with legislative and regulatory changes. Our panel will review what is required now and what’s on the horizon, and how utilities are preparing for the following:

• Lead & Copper Rule: updates to the rule, getting an accurate system survey of lead service lines, finding funding, and how water authorities can get public buy-in and trust
• PFOA and PFAS: regulations in various states, ITRC website, and top solutions
• Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey & Assessment: What it is, when will it be released, can utilities do the survey themselves, and the value of the survey
• America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA): update, deadline for medium and small systems for the risk & resiliency assessment and emergency response plan, and resources available thru EPA and AWWA
• Start-up of schools and businesses after COVID shutdown: AWWA and CDC help
• UCMR-4: what data is showing us so far, what to do when your data doesn’t look right

Panelists include: Tori Morgan (Entech), Rob Horvat, PE (Entech), Kim Mazur (Entech), Kevin Morley, PhD (Federal Relations for AWWA), Ron Milke (Eurofins Eaton Analytical, LLC).

Tank mixing is still in its infancy. To help water tank owners, our panel answered questions from our audience like:

How do I know if I need a mixer? What % of water tanks have mixers? What type of permits are needed?
How do you choose between passive or active mixing? Is there a handy-dandy guide to tank mixers? Are there special NSF, AWWA or PA DEP requirements that must be followed? How do you verify your mixer is working? How can temperature probes be used to confirm mixing in a tank? What’s the worse mixer failure you’ve ever heard about? How can mixers be used to help with stricter water quality regulations? How effective is the PHi bubbler system? Why are submittal approvals so important in tank mixing projects?

How do you know whether to repair or replace sewer infrastructure experiencing I&I? When is the best time for a post CCTV inspection? Can I install a CIP liner myself? All this and more discussed and debated by seven industry pros.

What is a Roundtable? Why is Entech hosting them? Who killed Jimmy Hoffa? These questions and more are answered. (Ok maybe not the Hoffa one)