Wastewater Treatment Works Compliance Maintenance Program

References for Operation and Maintenance Programs for Sanitary Sewer Collection Systems

Sanitary sewer collection systems are critical parts of the wastewater treatment process. Collection systems represent major capital investments for communities. Sewer pipes and pumping stations deteriorate through normal use and age. Proper operation, maintenance, inspection, and rehabilitation of the sanitary sewer collection system are necessary to prevent backups and overflows of wastewater. A comprehensive operation and maintenance program for the collection system promotes cost-effective performance of the wastewater treatment system over its design life.

Recommended References for Collection System Operation and Maintenance Programs

• Optimizing Operation, Maintenance, and Rehabilitation of Sanitary Sewer Collection Systems. Prepared by the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission, December 2002.

  Free through the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission's web site: http://www.neiwpcc.org/omrmanual.asp (exit DNR in new window). Click on the Chapter links to download individual chapters. A hard copy of the manual can be purchased for $25 (includes shipping and handling). Use the order form on the web site and fax: 978-323-7919 or mail NEIWPCC, Boott Mills South, 100 Foot of John Street, Lowell, MA 01852-1124; or call 978-323-7929. This manual helps collection system owners and operators optimize system performance, enhance effectiveness of maintenance programs, and reduce the long-term costs of operation.

• Capacity, Management, Operations, and Maintenance (CMOM) Program Self Assessment Checklist. Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, October 2003.

  Free download through U.S. EPA's web site: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/cmomselfreview.pdf (exit DNR in new window). This 25- page checklist is a screening-level tool that can help utilities evaluate their operation and maintenance program to identify general areas of strengths and weaknesses. Completing the self-assessment checklist will allow the utility to flag program areas that need improvement and establish priorities for additional or more detailed assessments.

• Guide for Evaluating Capacity, Management, Operation, and Maintenance (CMOM) Programs at Sanitary Sewer Collection Systems. Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, January 2005. EPA 305-B-05-002.

  Free download through U.S. EPA's web site: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/cmom_guide_for_collection_systems.pdf (exit DNR in new window). This guide identifies some of the criteria used by EPA to evaluate a collection system's management, operation, and maintenance program activities. Collection system owners or operators can review their own systems by following the checklist in Chapter 3 to reduce the occurrence of sewer overflows and improve or maintain compliance.

• Collection System Basic Manual. Prepared for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 1995.

  Purchase through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Fiscal Services 6th Floor, 520 Lafayette Road, North, St. Paul, Minnesota 55155, (651) 296-8868. $15/manual. This manual is used by the state of Minnesota to train wastewater treatment operators on various collections system operation and maintenance methods. A comprehensive view of collection system operation and maintenance presented in an easy-to-read format.

• Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater Collection Systems, Volume I. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Office of Water Programs, California State University, Sacramento.

  Purchase through the Office of Water Programs, California State University, Sacramento web site: http://www.owp.csus.edu/training/courses/waste_water/index.php (exit DNR in new window), phone 916-278-6142, fax: 916-278-5959, or mail Office of Water Programs, California State University Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819-6025. $49/manual. This manual was prepared to train operators on safety procedures for construction, inspections, and testing of sewers; inspection of manholes; and underground construction and repair. Detailed instructions are included for using closed-circuit television, clearing stoppages, cleaning sewers, and controlling roots, grease, odors and corrosion in collection systems.

• Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater Collection Systems, Volume II. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Office of Water Programs, California State University, Sacramento.

  Purchase through the Office of Water Programs, California State University, Sacramento web site: http://www.owp.csus.edu/training/courses/waste_water/index.php (exit DNR in new window), phone 916-278-6142, fax: 916-278-5959, or mail Office of Water Programs, California State University Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819-6025. $49/manual. This manual was prepared to train operators on how to safely operate and maintain a variety of types of motors, supervisory controls, pumps, valves, and other equipment; examine the condition of a sewer system; set up a sewer rehabilitation program; and safely use various methods to replace or repair damaged sewers.

• Collection Systems: Methods for Evaluating and Improving Performance. Office of Water Programs, California State University, Sacramento.

  Purchase through the Office of Water Programs, California State University, Sacramento web site: http://www.owp.csus.edu/training/courses/waste_water/index.php (exit DNR in new window), phone 916-278-6142, fax: 916-278-5959, or mail Office of Water Programs, California State University Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819-6025. $49/manual. This manual contains procedures for evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of existing operation and maintenance programs through the use of critical performance indicators. Information is included on how to establish an effective collection system operation and maintenance program that will maintain the functional and structural integrity of the collection system.

• Collection System Operation and Maintenance Training Videos. Office of Water Programs, California State University, Sacramento.

  Purchase through the Office of Water Programs, California State University, Sacramento web site: http://www.owp.csus.edu/training/courses/waste_water/index.php (exit DNR in new window), phone 916-278-6142, fax: 916-278-5959, or mail Office of Water Programs, California State University Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819-6025. $100/DVD. This video course is designed to train operators in the practical aspects of operating and maintaining wastewater collection systems, emphasizing safe practices and procedures. Information is presented on inspection and testing of sewers, inspection of manholes, and underground repair. Detailed instructions are included for using closed-circuit television, clearing stoppages, cleaning sewers, and controlling roots, grease, odors, and corrosion in collection systems. Operators learn to operate and maintain lift stations and a variety of types of motors, supervisory controls, pumps, valves, and other equipment. This course focuses on the knowledge and skills operators need to identify actual collection system problems and select appropriate methods to solve them. This video course was developed to complement the current two-volume set of operation and maintenance training manuals.

• Wastewater Collection Systems Management, Manual of Practice (MOP) 7, 5th Edition. Water Environment Federation, 1999. M05000.

  Purchase through the Water Environment Federation. Contact Customer Service (e-mail): csc@wef.org; call 1-800-666-0206, fax: 1-703-684-2492, or mail Water Environment Federation, Attn. Publications Order Dept., 601 Wythe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1994. $50/member WEF; $70/non-member. A comprehensive reference addressing procedures, practices, and guidelines for effectively operating, maintaining, and establishing or re-establishing wastewater collection systems as dependable public utilities.