125 Results

• 

  AC26 Digital Conference Bundle

  Contains 15 Component(s), Includes Credits Overview Contact Hour / CEU

  AC26 The Power of Community; Annual Conference and Expo April 7-10| Sacramento

  

  CWEA Member: $295.00
  Non-Member: $390.00

  13.0 contact hours towards CWEA's certifications.
  This series includes the following 50 minute sessions. 

  Protecting Infrastructure and Reuse Reliability: Integrated Adaptive Plan for Odor, Corrosion, and UVT (Collections Reliability)

  The City of Modesto operates a 20 MGD two-plant treatment system, with primary treatment at the Sutter Plant and secondary/tertiary treatment at the Jennings Plant. In recent years, the City has faced escalating odor complaints near Sutter, severe hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)-driven corrosion at Jennings, and seasonal ultraviolet transmittance (UVT) drops that jeopardize recycled water compliance. This study integrated field investigations, bench testing, and technology evaluations to develop an adaptive, tiered plan addressing all three challenges concurrently.

  Comprehensive monitoring in four major trunk sewers and both plants quantified sulfide mass loads, confirmed two major trunks as dominant contributors (>80% of load to Sutter), and documented extreme H₂S levels at Jennings—averaging over 100 ppm and peaking above 700 ppm at fine screens. UVT declines were found to coincide with seasonal blending of high-BOD, low-pH cannery wastewater with domestic flows, introducing lignins, tannins, and potentially UV-absorbing artificial sweeteners. LC-MS confirmed the presence of five sweeteners in UV influent, though their individual impacts remain to be quantified.
  A broad suite of odor/corrosion control options was screened against technical, operational, cost, and UVT-risk criteria. Chemicals with potential toxic by-products or proven UVT impairment were eliminated. Life-cycle analysis showed pure oxygen injection to be 3–6x less costly than chemical dosing for major trunk applications, with nanobubble oxygenation offering potential dual benefits for odor suppression and UVT improvement.

  Bench-scale ECO₂ oxygenation tests validated rapid, complete dissolved sulfide removal within 30 minutes and confirmed low oxygen uptake rates, supporting conservative system sizing. The recommended adaptive plan applies a tiered approach: (1) immediate oxygen injection installation at Woodland and Thousand Oaks lift stations; (2) Sutter biofilter optimization, and nanobubble pilot testing; (3) targeted force main treatment via nanobubbles, oxygen injection, or nitrate dosing; and (4) end-of-line H₂S capture at Jennings via biotrickling filters.

  Parallel UVT mitigation tiers included reverse blending to isolate cannery flows, nanobubble piloting, targeted compound source characterization, and long-term industrial source control via pretreatment or sewer-use by-laws. This integrated, data-driven strategy enables Modesto to phase investments, respond adaptively to performance data, and meet both odor/corrosion and recycled water reliability goals within operational and financial constraints.

  Learning Objectives:
  After the presentation, participants will be able to diagnose odor, corrosion, and UVT challenges using field data and source identification techniques
  After the presentation, participants will be able to compare the cost, performance, and UVT impacts of chemical, oxygen, and nanobubble treatment strategies
  After the presentation, participants will be able to apply a tiered, integrated and adaptive planning framework to phase solutions that protect infrastructure and protect recycled water reliability"

  From Failing Septic Systems to Sustainable Futures: Sewer Solutions for Disadvantaged Communities in Sacramento County (Collections Reliability)

  A new tool is available for concrete cylinder force main condition assessment: electromagnetic (EM) thickness testing. This tool does not require destructive methods that increase risk and defeat the purpose of assessment, nor does it require deployment of equipment on the inside of the pipe. V&A is piloting a technique developed in the oil and gas industry to use an EM probe on the outside of the pipe to measure metal thickness. Ross Valley Sanitary District's seven-mile force main system is about 42% reinforced concrete cylinder pipe (RCCP), with a steel cylinder surrounded by cement and outside steel reinforcing, installed between 1958 and 1986. RVSD would prefer avoidance of costly replacement if a non-destructive condition assessment technique would indicate more years of remaining service. The application of EM testing to a section of RCCP pipe along a known corrosion gradient will be presented, along with costs, equipment, procedures and results, and the potential application of EM testing in RVSD's broader condition assessment program will be discussed.

  Learning Objectives:
  Understand electromagnetic testing equipment, procedures, and costs, and how they relate to metal thickness of force main assets and their remaining useful life.
  Understand how the study of a gradient of defective pipe, using corroded section of bypass force main, demonstrated the usefulness and sensitivity of EM testing to measure metal pipe thickness.
  Evaluate whether to invest in electromagnetic testing as a targeted condition assessment tool and compare it with other force main condition assessment techniques and force main management approaches."

  A New Tool for Concrete Cylinder Force Main Condition Assessment - External Electromagnetic Thickness Testing (Collections Reliability)

  The Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer) spearheaded a critical infrastructure project to replace failing septic systems with public sewer service in five small, disadvantaged communities in Sacramento County. Many of the replaced septic systems were beyond their useful lifespan, unpermitted, or unable to meet modern regulatory standards, posing risks to public health and the environment. The project constructed approximately 51,660 linear feet of new sanitary sewer pipelines, enabling households to abandon outdated septic systems and connect to reliable public sewer service.

  Given the financial hardships faced by these low-income communities, SacSewer successfully pursued local, state, and federal grant funding and other cost-sharing assistance to make sewer conversion available at no cost to the residential and school properties in these communities. This effort required extensive community engagement and education with the goal of residents and property owners understanding that converting to sewer service would not only alleviate septic system maintenance burdens and avoid increasingly stringent septic regulations, but also protect groundwater, bolster public health, and enhance their property values. SacSewer expects construction to conclude by the end of 2025 with successful implementation ensuring long-term environmental protection and equitable access to essential wastewater services in Sacramento County.
  Presenters will share lessons learned in securing and coordinating funding, managing project schedules, and designing effective community engagement strategies.
  
  Key takeaways will include:
  • How to approach and structure successful funding applications and coordinate with multiple funding agencies
  • Strategies for building property owner trust and participation
  • Critical lessons from construction document requirements and permitting
  • Team collaboration practices between owners, SacSewer, funding agencies, and design and funding consultants that improved project delivery
  
  The session will be interactive, using tools such as Mentimeter to engage the audience through live polls and Q&A. Attendees will leave with both immediate, actionable strategies for their own projects and broader lessons for sustaining long-term infrastructure improvements in underserved communities.
  
  Learning Objectives:
  Upon completion, participants will understand and know how to approach and structure successful funding applications and coordinate with multiple funding agencies.
  Upon completion, participants will know strategies for building property owner trust and participation.
  Upon completion, participants will know lessons from construction document requirements and permitting as well as team collaboration practices between homeowners, SacSewer, funding agencies, and consultants that improved project delivery."
  

  Integrating Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence into Management of Systems in the Water Industry (AI/Instrumental & Control)

  The water industry is experiencing a transformative shift driven by the convergence of digital technologies and data science. Among these, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful and disruptive technology to address challenges in water resource management, infrastructure optimization, and operations. AI models' ability to learn from and predict patterns directly from data, examples, and experience, rather than relying on mechanisms or pre-defined rules, makes this technology highly applicable to the water industry.

  Machine learning (ML) is a subset of AI that enables systems to learn from data and improve performance over time without explicit programming. ML sits within the broader AI landscape and is particularly relevant for water applications due to its ability to handle structured and unstructured data, adapt to changing conditions, and uncover hidden insights. In water management, ML can be leveraged to predict equipment failures, optimize treatment processes, forecast influent flows, and enhance decision-making.

  This presentation explores the evolving role of ML in the water sector, demystifies core concepts, and illustrates their application through real-world case studies. It also highlights the critical importance of data quality, system integration, and human factors for successful deployment. The presentation emphasizes that while ML may appear complex, it is fundamentally rooted in mathematical relationships and pattern recognition—making it accessible and highly valuable when applied correctly.

  The presentation will provide a practical assessment of the ML algorithms gaining utility in the water industry and discuss the data requirements and challenges when implementing ML technologies. Four primary ML paradigms will be discussed: supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, and deep learning. Real-world case studies will demonstrate the practical applications of ML in predicting influent flows and forecasting biogas production. The presentation will also provide an overview of the current state of ML applications in the water industry across five stages of maturity, from research/embryonic to mature applications. Finally, the presentation will highlight the challenges associated with poor data quality and the importance of a robust system architecture for successful ML deployment in the water industry.

  Learning Objectives:
  Understand the Role of AI and ML in the Water Industry: Gain insights into how AI and ML are transforming water resource management, infrastructure optimization, and operations.
  Describe different ML paradigms and applications relevant to the water industry supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, and deep learning.
  Recognize the importance of data quality, system integration and human factors in the successful deployment of ML technologies in the water sector."

  Bottlenecks and Breakthroughs: Developing AI Models for Optimizing Calera Creek’s Wastewater Treatment Operations (AI/Instrumental & Control) 
  Arup and the City of Pacific worked together to develop two AI/ML models as proof of concepts for sequential batch reactor (SBR) and auto-thermal thermophilic aerobic digestion (ATAD) operations at the Calera Creek Water Recycling plant. Arup and City of Pacifica first identified opportunities through visualizing historic plant data and then developed, trained, and tested chosen models. The project conclusions highlight barriers to implementation of AI/ML in plant operations, and identified necessary next steps to overcome these obstacles.

  The Calera Creek Water Recycling Plant, located in Pacifica, California, is a critical facility that uses advanced SBR technology to efficiently combine aeration and clarification processes and ATAD technology to produce Class A sludge. These technical innovations allow the plant to meet the evolving challenges of wastewater treatment, nutrient removal, and environmental sustainability.

  With the increasing complexity of its operations—especially during peak storm flows—there are a growing number of opportunities for advanced analytics, rooted in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques, to optimize the plant’s operations. These include improving energy efficiency, enhancing process performance, and reducing the risk of unexpected faults or failures through managed predictive maintenance. This presentation will include insights from the Engineers, Operators, and Data Scientists’ perspective, as well as lessons learned from the project team when addressing challenges in developing optimization approaches towards SBR and ATAD operation.

  The presentation will also cover how to effectively incorporate stakeholder input, pivot when presented with ambivalent results, and create roadmaps for effective integration of AI models in wastewater treatment plant operation.

  Learning Objectives:
  Develop strategies to encourage AI integration with existing wastewater treatment processes.
  Recongnize bottlenecks to predictive AI/ML modeling for sequential batch reactor (SBR) and auto-thermophilic aerobic digester systems.
  Manage uncertainty surrounding wastewater treatment plant data availability and quality."

  Generative AI for Operations and Maintenance for Utilities (AI/Instrumental & Control) 
  Water and wastewater utilities face mounting challenges—aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, and increasing operational complexity. Generative AI is emerging as a transformative tool to support operations and maintenance (O&M) by making institutional knowledge more accessible, improving decision-making, and boosting workforce efficiency.

  This session presents the development and deployment of a domain-specific Generative AI platform for utility O&M. The goal is to show how large language models (LLMs), integrated with structured utility data, can assist field crews, operators, and engineers in real time. The system—called a Knowledge Twin—uses retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) to deliver accurate, actionable responses to natural language queries on assets, procedures, alarms, and troubleshooting.

  Currently piloted with multiple utilities, the platform accommodates varying levels of data maturity. Data sources such as CMMS records, SCADA logs, SOPs, GIS data, and work order histories are ingested, structured into a knowledge graph, and connected to a fine-tuned LLM trained on the terminology, context, and workflows unique to water and wastewater operations.

  Early results show that field staff can resolve issues faster, locate information more easily, and preserve institutional knowledge despite staff turnover. Use cases include alarm response guidance, step-by-step maintenance support, asset history retrieval, and on-demand training. A key finding is the system’s ability to uncover insights from previously siloed or underused data, reducing time-to-resolution and unplanned downtime.

  The approach is designed to start small—focusing on high-impact use cases—and scale as more data is curated or digitized. This lowers the barrier to entry, enabling utilities of all sizes to leverage AI without perfect datasets or major system changes.

  The session will feature a live demonstration, practical deployment considerations, and lessons from early adopters. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how Generative AI can be safely and effectively implemented to enhance daily O&M, improve service reliability, and strengthen workforce capabilities.

  As utilities confront aging infrastructure and the demands of digital transformation, Generative AI provides a powerful path to future-proof operations and empower the next generation of utility professionals.

  Learning Objectives:
  1. Understand what Generative AI is and how it applies specifically to utility operations and maintenance.
  2. To see key operational use cases where Generative AI delivers measurable value.
  3. To understand how AI tools using existing utility data—regardless of current data maturity."

  Leading Without a Manual: Elevating Field Experts into Strategic Leaders (Emerging Leaders)

  In the water and wastewater industry, many of the most effective leaders begin their careers in the field—bringing years of hands-on experience, technical skill, and operational insight. However, transitioning from technical expert to organizational leader often presents a new set of challenges. These individuals are suddenly expected to inspire teams, communicate across departments, and align with strategic goals—frequently without formal leadership training.

  This session explores how field professionals can successfully evolve into mission-driven leaders. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in mechanical systems, utility maintenance, and asset reliability across four Southern California agencies, the presenter offers a real-world, inside-out perspective on what it truly takes to lead beyond the wrench.

  Participants will examine the critical mindset shift required to move from task-oriented thinking to strategic influence. The session emphasizes the growing importance of emotional intelligence, effective communication, and leadership presence—skills that must complement technical excellence in today’s utility environment.

  Attendees will also explore the tension between reactive maintenance demands and the proactive vision needed to lead utilities into the future. Core topics include building cross-functional trust, creating psychological safety within field teams, supporting workforce development, and fostering a culture of shared accountability.

  Designed for working supervisors, lead technicians, and managers, this session provides actionable tools and relatable insights to help operational leaders align their teams with broader organizational missions and values. Participants will leave better equipped to translate their deep field experience into meaningful leadership impact—strengthening team performance, improving collaboration, and helping their utilities thrive.

  Whether you’re currently in a leadership role or preparing to step into one, this session will challenge you to lead with both precision and purpose.

  Learning Objectives:
  Leadership Requires More Than Technical Skill. Transitioning from field expert to effective leader demands a shift in mindset—from task execution to strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and cross-departmental collaboration.
  Communication and Trust Are Foundational. Building psychological safety, fostering trust across teams, and developing clear communication practices are essential for uniting field crews with organizational goals.
  Operational Excellence Can Drive Organizational Impact. With the right tools and leadership approach, field professionals can transform their hands-on experience into mission-driven leadership, bridging daily operations with long-term utility vision."

  Leading the Flow: Empowering Leadership in Wastewater Treatment Operations (Emerging Leaders)

  Leading the Flow: Empowering Leadership in Wastewater Treatment Operations is a dynamic training designed to elevate leadership skills among water treatment professionals. Participants will explore practical strategies for leading teams, driving operational excellence, and fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and innovation. Through interactive discussions and real-world scenarios, this session empowers supervisors, managers, and emerging leaders to navigate challenges, inspire performance, and lead with confidence in a highly regulated and mission-critical environment. Whether you're managing daily operations or preparing for future leadership roles, this training provides the tools and mindset needed to lead effectively and sustainably in the water treatment industry.

  Learning Objectives:
  Will have clear examples on how to lead with purpose and confidence Develop the mindset and skills to lead teams effectively in a mission-critical, regulated environment.
  Understand how to achieve operational excellence through people Learn how to inspire performance, foster accountability, and build a culture of safety and innovation.
  How to apply leadership in real-world scenarios Engage with practical strategies and interactive discussions that connect leadership principles to everyday challenges in wastewater operations.

  Communicate Like a Leader: Practical Tools for Managing Projects and Expectations (Emerging Leaders)

  Strong communication is not just about presenting information. It is about helping work move forward.

  Early in their careers, many professionals discover that projects rarely stall because of technical challenges. More often, they slow down because expectations were unclear, updates were not shared, or stakeholders were left guessing about progress.

  In this practical and engaging session, David Garrison shares communication strategies that help professionals keep projects on track, maintain trust with stakeholders, and guide tasks to completion.

  Drawing from more than a decade working with associations, public agencies, and consulting teams, David explores how small communication habits can dramatically improve collaboration. Participants will learn how proactive updates, clear expectations, and simple communication rhythms can strengthen relationships and prevent misunderstandings before they occur.

  Through real examples and interactive discussion, participants will leave with tools they can apply immediately to improve their effectiveness as communicators and project contributors.

  Because in professional environments, the difference between frustration and trust is often just one message sent at the right time.

  Learning Objectives:
  Use simple communication strategies that keep projects moving forward
  Set clear expectations with stakeholders and team members
  Share updates that build trust and transparency
  Apply practical tools to improve follow-through and accountability"

  Interview for Success: Best Practices at Every Level ( Interviewing & Advancement)
  This interactive workshop will guide attendees through interview skills, tools, and KPIs tailored to career advancement at multiple levels:

  • From Individual Contributor to Lead Person
  • From Lead Person to Supervisor
  • From Supervisor to Manager and beyond
  A PowerPoint presentation and/or video will be shown to illustrate best practices, KPIs, and sample interview scenarios to reinforce learning.

  Key components include:
  • Introducing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) used during interviews to evaluate candidate competencies effectively
  • Sharing strategic interview questions that encourage informative, revealing answers from candidates, helping interviewers identify top talent
  • Personal stories and lessons learned from Norman and Helen’s experiences

  A diverse panel of leaders—including upper management, assistant/deputy directors, directors, and general managers from various agencies—will share their interview insights, challenges, and tips for success. Attendees will have the opportunity for interactive Q&A.

  Learning Objectives:
  Enhance interview skills across all career levels
  Equip interviewees with practical tools, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and strategic questions, to excel in interviews
  Gain insights from a panel of seasoned leaders sharing lessons learned and success tips"

  Confident Conversations: Interviewing Skills for Water and Wastewater Professionals ( Interviewing & Advancement) 
  This session is designed to support professionals in the water and wastewater industry as they navigate job interviews to advance their careers or transition into new roles. While technical expertise is essential in this sector, many candidates struggle to effectively communicate their experience and value in an interview setting.

  The presentation will offer practical, industry-relevant guidance on how to prepare for interviews, respond to behavioral and technical questions, and confidently articulate skills related to safety, compliance, and problem-solving. Through relatable examples and interactive elements, attendees will gain tools to present themselves clearly and professionally, skills that are often underrepresented in technical training but critical for career growth.

  Part Two

  Mock Interview Lab: Practice, Feedback, and Insight

  This full-day interactive session offers water and wastewater professionals a unique opportunity to sharpen their interviewing skills through live mock interviews with a panel of interviewers. Designed to simulate real-world scenarios, each participant will engage in a 15-minute mock interview followed by ten minutes of personalized feedback and Q&A. Interviews will focus on technical and behavioral competencies relevant to the industry, including safety awareness, regulatory knowledge, teamwork, and supervisory skills.

  Participants can sign up for individual interview slots, while up to five observers per session are welcome to watch and learn from the feedback process. This format not only builds confidence but also helps attendees understand how to present their experience effectively and respond to common interview challenges.

  The session is ideal for early-career professionals, those seeking advancement, or anyone preparing for a transition within the field. It supports workforce development by providing practical, hands-on experience in a supportive environment.
  Learning Objectives:
  properly prepare themselves for an interview.
  talk about their technical skills in a relatable way.
  avoid common mistakes made in the interview."

  Session 3: Panel Discussion: Tips & Tools to Make You Stand Out and Ace Your Interview ( Interviewing & Advancement) 
  Learning Objectives:

  Gain insights from a panel of seasoned leaders sharing lessons learned and success tips
  Learn tips to make you stand out from an HR perspective
  Take away best practices that can be implemented in your next interview"

  AC26 Recordings Sponsored By: 

  

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below) will receive 13.0. contact hours towards ALL CWEA's certifications.

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the recording, you will need to view each video in the series. Upon completion of the last video in the series, the system will automatically unlock the attention check code for you view. The two (2) different attention check codes that will be displayed, and you will need to enter these codes as 1st attention check code – 2nd attention check code (XXXX-XXXX) in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check codes, you will be able to create and download an electronic certificate of completion under the "Contents" tab.

  • You must log in to register
    • Non-member - $390
    • Member - $295

    Continue

  • More Information
• 

  AC26 Interviewing & Advancement Track Bundle

  Contains 6 Component(s) Overview Contact Hour / CEU

  AC26 The Power of Community; Annual Conference and Expo April 7-10| Sacramento

  

  CWEA Member: $85.00
  Non-Member: $110.00

  3.0 contact hours towards CWEA's CSM, certifications.
  3.0 contact hours towards CWEA's ECI, certifications.
  3.0 contact hours towards CWEA's LAB certifications.
  3.0 contact hours towards CWEA's EIT, certifications.
  3.0 contact hours towards CWEA's MT, certifications.
  
  

  This series includes the following 50 minute sessions. 

  Session 1: Interview for Success: Best Practices at Every Level
  This interactive workshop will guide attendees through interview skills, tools, and KPIs tailored to career advancement at multiple levels:

  • From Individual Contributor to Lead Person
  • From Lead Person to Supervisor
  • From Supervisor to Manager and beyond
  A PowerPoint presentation and/or video will be shown to illustrate best practices, KPIs, and sample interview scenarios to reinforce learning.

  Key components include:
  • Introducing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) used during interviews to evaluate candidate competencies effectively
  • Sharing strategic interview questions that encourage informative, revealing answers from candidates, helping interviewers identify top talent
  • Personal stories and lessons learned from Norman and Helen’s experiences
  
  A diverse panel of leaders—including upper management, assistant/deputy directors, directors, and general managers from various agencies—will share their interview insights, challenges, and tips for success. Attendees will have the opportunity for interactive Q&A.
  
  Learning Objectives:
  Enhance interview skills across all career levels
  Equip interviewees with practical tools, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and strategic questions, to excel in interviews
  Gain insights from a panel of seasoned leaders sharing lessons learned and success tips"

  Session 2: Confident Conversations: Interviewing Skills for Water and Wastewater Professionals
  Confident Conversations: Interviewing Skills for Water and Wastewater Professionals

  This session is designed to support professionals in the water and wastewater industry as they navigate job interviews to advance their careers or transition into new roles. While technical expertise is essential in this sector, many candidates struggle to effectively communicate their experience and value in an interview setting.

  The presentation will offer practical, industry-relevant guidance on how to prepare for interviews, respond to behavioral and technical questions, and confidently articulate skills related to safety, compliance, and problem-solving. Through relatable examples and interactive elements, attendees will gain tools to present themselves clearly and professionally, skills that are often underrepresented in technical training but critical for career growth.

  Part Two

  Mock Interview Lab: Practice, Feedback, and Insight

  This full-day interactive session offers water and wastewater professionals a unique opportunity to sharpen their interviewing skills through live mock interviews with a panel of interviewers. Designed to simulate real-world scenarios, each participant will engage in a 15-minute mock interview followed by ten minutes of personalized feedback and Q&A. Interviews will focus on technical and behavioral competencies relevant to the industry, including safety awareness, regulatory knowledge, teamwork, and supervisory skills.

  Participants can sign up for individual interview slots, while up to five observers per session are welcome to watch and learn from the feedback process. This format not only builds confidence but also helps attendees understand how to present their experience effectively and respond to common interview challenges.

  The session is ideal for early-career professionals, those seeking advancement, or anyone preparing for a transition within the field. It supports workforce development by providing practical, hands-on experience in a supportive environment.
  Learning Objectives:
  properly prepare themselves for an interview.
  talk about their technical skills in a relatable way.
  avoid common mistakes made in the interview."

  Session 3: Panel Discussion: Tips & Tools to Make You Stand Out and Ace Your Interview
  Learning Objectives:

  Gain insights from a panel of seasoned leaders sharing lessons learned and success tips
  Learn tips to make you stand out from an HR perspective
  Take away best practices that can be implemented in your next interview"

  AC26 Recordings Sponsored By: 

  

  
  

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below) will receive  contact hours towards CWEA's certification:3.0 CSM, 2.0  ECI, 3.0 LAB, 3.0 MT, 3.0 EIT,

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the recording, you will need to view each video in the series. Upon completion of the last video in the series, the system will automatically unlock the attention check code for you view. The two (2) different attention check codes that will be displayed, and you will need to enter these codes as 1st attention check code – 2nd attention check code (XXXX-XXXX) in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check codes, you will be able to create and download an electronic certificate of completion under the "Contents" tab.

  • You must log in to register
    • Non-member - $110
    • Member - $85

    Continue

  • More Information
• 

  AC26 Emerging Leaders Track Bundle

  Contains 6 Component(s) Overview Contact Hour / CEU

  AC26 The Power of Community; Annual Conference and Expo April 7-10| Sacramento

  

  
  

  CWEA Member: $85.00
  Non-Member: $110.00

  3.0 contact hours towards CWEA's CSM, certifications.
  2.0 contact hours towards CWEA's ECI, certifications.
  3.0 contact hours towards CWEA's LAB certifications.
  3.0 contact hours towards CWEA's EIT, certifications.
  1.0 contact hours towards CWEA's MT, certifications.
  1.0 contact hours towards CWEA's AWT, certifications.

  This series includes the following 50 minute sessions. 

  Session 1: Leading Without a Manual: Elevating Field Experts into Strategic Leaders
  In the water and wastewater industry, many of the most effective leaders begin their careers in the field—bringing years of hands-on experience, technical skill, and operational insight. However, transitioning from technical expert to organizational leader often presents a new set of challenges. These individuals are suddenly expected to inspire teams, communicate across departments, and align with strategic goals—frequently without formal leadership training.

  This session explores how field professionals can successfully evolve into mission-driven leaders. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in mechanical systems, utility maintenance, and asset reliability across four Southern California agencies, the presenter offers a real-world, inside-out perspective on what it truly takes to lead beyond the wrench.

  Participants will examine the critical mindset shift required to move from task-oriented thinking to strategic influence. The session emphasizes the growing importance of emotional intelligence, effective communication, and leadership presence—skills that must complement technical excellence in today’s utility environment.

  Attendees will also explore the tension between reactive maintenance demands and the proactive vision needed to lead utilities into the future. Core topics include building cross-functional trust, creating psychological safety within field teams, supporting workforce development, and fostering a culture of shared accountability.

  Designed for working supervisors, lead technicians, and managers, this session provides actionable tools and relatable insights to help operational leaders align their teams with broader organizational missions and values. Participants will leave better equipped to translate their deep field experience into meaningful leadership impact—strengthening team performance, improving collaboration, and helping their utilities thrive.

  Whether you’re currently in a leadership role or preparing to step into one, this session will challenge you to lead with both precision and purpose.
  
  Learning Objectives:
  Leadership Requires More Than Technical Skill. Transitioning from field expert to effective leader demands a shift in mindset—from task execution to strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and cross-departmental collaboration.
  Communication and Trust Are Foundational. Building psychological safety, fostering trust across teams, and developing clear communication practices are essential for uniting field crews with organizational goals.
  Operational Excellence Can Drive Organizational Impact. With the right tools and leadership approach, field professionals can transform their hands-on experience into mission-driven leadership, bridging daily operations with long-term utility vision."

  Session 2: Leading the Flow: Empowering Leadership in Wastewater Treatment Operations
  
  Leading the Flow: Empowering Leadership in Wastewater Treatment Operations is a dynamic training designed to elevate leadership skills among water treatment professionals. Participants will explore practical strategies for leading teams, driving operational excellence, and fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and innovation. Through interactive discussions and real-world scenarios, this session empowers supervisors, managers, and emerging leaders to navigate challenges, inspire performance, and lead with confidence in a highly regulated and mission-critical environment. Whether you're managing daily operations or preparing for future leadership roles, this training provides the tools and mindset needed to lead effectively and sustainably in the water treatment industry.

  Learning Objectives:
  Will have clear examples on how to lead with purpose and confidence Develop the mindset and skills to lead teams effectively in a mission-critical, regulated environment.
  Understand how to achieve operational excellence through people Learn how to inspire performance, foster accountability, and build a culture of safety and innovation.
  How to apply leadership in real-world scenarios Engage with practical strategies and interactive discussions that connect leadership principles to everyday challenges in wastewater operations.

  Session 3: Communicate Like a Leader: Practical Tools for Managing Projects and Expectations

  Strong communication is not just about presenting information. It is about helping work move forward.

  Early in their careers, many professionals discover that projects rarely stall because of technical challenges. More often, they slow down because expectations were unclear, updates were not shared, or stakeholders were left guessing about progress.

  In this practical and engaging session, David Garrison shares communication strategies that help professionals keep projects on track, maintain trust with stakeholders, and guide tasks to completion.

  Drawing from more than a decade working with associations, public agencies, and consulting teams, David explores how small communication habits can dramatically improve collaboration. Participants will learn how proactive updates, clear expectations, and simple communication rhythms can strengthen relationships and prevent misunderstandings before they occur.

  Through real examples and interactive discussion, participants will leave with tools they can apply immediately to improve their effectiveness as communicators and project contributors.

  Because in professional environments, the difference between frustration and trust is often just one message sent at the right time.
  
  Learning Objectives:
  Use simple communication strategies that keep projects moving forward
  Set clear expectations with stakeholders and team members
  Share updates that build trust and transparency
  Apply practical tools to improve follow-through and accountability"

  AC26 Recordings Sponsored By: 

  

  
  

  
  

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below) will receive  contact hours towards CWEA's certification:3.0 CSM, 2.0  ECI, 3.0 LAB, 1.0 MT, 3.0 EIT, 1.0 AWT.

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the recording, you will need to view each video in the series. Upon completion of the last video in the series, the system will automatically unlock the attention check code for you view. The two (2) different attention check codes that will be displayed, and you will need to enter these codes as 1st attention check code – 2nd attention check code (XXXX-XXXX) in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check codes, you will be able to create and download an electronic certificate of completion under the "Contents" tab.

  • You must log in to register
    • Non-member - $110
    • Member - $85

    Continue

  • More Information
• 

  AC26 AI/Instrumental & Control Track Bundle

  Contains 6 Component(s) Overview Contact Hour / CEU

  AC26 The Power of Community; Annual Conference and Expo April 7-10| Sacramento

  

  CWEA Member: $85.00
  Non-Member: $110.00

  1.0 contact hours towards CWEA's CSM, certifications.
  2.0 contact hours towards CWEA's LAB, certifications.
  1.0 contact hours towards CWEA's MT, certifications.
  3.0 contact hours towards CWEA's EIT, certifications.
  
  This series includes the following 50 minute sessions. 

  Session 1: Integrating Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence into Management of Systems in the Water Industry
  

  The water industry is experiencing a transformative shift driven by the convergence of digital technologies and data science. Among these, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful and disruptive technology to address challenges in water resource management, infrastructure optimization, and operations. AI models' ability to learn from and predict patterns directly from data, examples, and experience, rather than relying on mechanisms or pre-defined rules, makes this technology highly applicable to the water industry.

  Machine learning (ML) is a subset of AI that enables systems to learn from data and improve performance over time without explicit programming. ML sits within the broader AI landscape and is particularly relevant for water applications due to its ability to handle structured and unstructured data, adapt to changing conditions, and uncover hidden insights. In water management, ML can be leveraged to predict equipment failures, optimize treatment processes, forecast influent flows, and enhance decision-making.

  This presentation explores the evolving role of ML in the water sector, demystifies core concepts, and illustrates their application through real-world case studies. It also highlights the critical importance of data quality, system integration, and human factors for successful deployment. The presentation emphasizes that while ML may appear complex, it is fundamentally rooted in mathematical relationships and pattern recognition—making it accessible and highly valuable when applied correctly.

  The presentation will provide a practical assessment of the ML algorithms gaining utility in the water industry and discuss the data requirements and challenges when implementing ML technologies. Four primary ML paradigms will be discussed: supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, and deep learning. Real-world case studies will demonstrate the practical applications of ML in predicting influent flows and forecasting biogas production. The presentation will also provide an overview of the current state of ML applications in the water industry across five stages of maturity, from research/embryonic to mature applications. Finally, the presentation will highlight the challenges associated with poor data quality and the importance of a robust system architecture for successful ML deployment in the water industry.
  
  Learning Objectives:
  Understand the Role of AI and ML in the Water Industry: Gain insights into how AI and ML are transforming water resource management, infrastructure optimization, and operations.
  Describe different ML paradigms and applications relevant to the water industry supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, and deep learning.
  Recognize the importance of data quality, system integration and human factors in the successful deployment of ML technologies in the water sector."

  Session 2: Bottlenecks and Breakthroughs: Developing AI Models for Optimizing Calera Creek’s Wastewater Treatment Operations
  Arup and the City of Pacific worked together to develop two AI/ML models as proof of concepts for sequential batch reactor (SBR) and auto-thermal thermophilic aerobic digestion (ATAD) operations at the Calera Creek Water Recycling plant. Arup and City of Pacifica first identified opportunities through visualizing historic plant data and then developed, trained, and tested chosen models. The project conclusions highlight barriers to implementation of AI/ML in plant operations, and identified necessary next steps to overcome these obstacles.

  The Calera Creek Water Recycling Plant, located in Pacifica, California, is a critical facility that uses advanced SBR technology to efficiently combine aeration and clarification processes and ATAD technology to produce Class A sludge. These technical innovations allow the plant to meet the evolving challenges of wastewater treatment, nutrient removal, and environmental sustainability.

  With the increasing complexity of its operations—especially during peak storm flows—there are a growing number of opportunities for advanced analytics, rooted in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques, to optimize the plant’s operations. These include improving energy efficiency, enhancing process performance, and reducing the risk of unexpected faults or failures through managed predictive maintenance. This presentation will include insights from the Engineers, Operators, and Data Scientists’ perspective, as well as lessons learned from the project team when addressing challenges in developing optimization approaches towards SBR and ATAD operation.

  The presentation will also cover how to effectively incorporate stakeholder input, pivot when presented with ambivalent results, and create roadmaps for effective integration of AI models in wastewater treatment plant operation.
  
  Learning Objectives:
  Develop strategies to encourage AI integration with existing wastewater treatment processes.
  Recongnize bottlenecks to predictive AI/ML modeling for sequential batch reactor (SBR) and auto-thermophilic aerobic digester systems.
  Manage uncertainty surrounding wastewater treatment plant data availability and quality."

  Session 3: Generative AI for Operations and Maintenance for Utilities
  Water and wastewater utilities face mounting challenges—aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, and increasing operational complexity. Generative AI is emerging as a transformative tool to support operations and maintenance (O&M) by making institutional knowledge more accessible, improving decision-making, and boosting workforce efficiency.

  This session presents the development and deployment of a domain-specific Generative AI platform for utility O&M. The goal is to show how large language models (LLMs), integrated with structured utility data, can assist field crews, operators, and engineers in real time. The system—called a Knowledge Twin—uses retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) to deliver accurate, actionable responses to natural language queries on assets, procedures, alarms, and troubleshooting.

  Currently piloted with multiple utilities, the platform accommodates varying levels of data maturity. Data sources such as CMMS records, SCADA logs, SOPs, GIS data, and work order histories are ingested, structured into a knowledge graph, and connected to a fine-tuned LLM trained on the terminology, context, and workflows unique to water and wastewater operations.

  Early results show that field staff can resolve issues faster, locate information more easily, and preserve institutional knowledge despite staff turnover. Use cases include alarm response guidance, step-by-step maintenance support, asset history retrieval, and on-demand training. A key finding is the system’s ability to uncover insights from previously siloed or underused data, reducing time-to-resolution and unplanned downtime.

  The approach is designed to start small—focusing on high-impact use cases—and scale as more data is curated or digitized. This lowers the barrier to entry, enabling utilities of all sizes to leverage AI without perfect datasets or major system changes.

  The session will feature a live demonstration, practical deployment considerations, and lessons from early adopters. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how Generative AI can be safely and effectively implemented to enhance daily O&M, improve service reliability, and strengthen workforce capabilities.

  As utilities confront aging infrastructure and the demands of digital transformation, Generative AI provides a powerful path to future-proof operations and empower the next generation of utility professionals.
  
  Learning Objectives:
  1. Understand what Generative AI is and how it applies specifically to utility operations and maintenance.
  2. To see key operational use cases where Generative AI delivers measurable value.
  3. To understand how AI tools using existing utility data—regardless of current data maturity."

  AC26 Recordings Sponsored By: 
  
  

  

  
  

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below) will receive  contact hours towards CWEA's certification:1.0 CSM, 2.0 LAB, 1.0 MT, 3.0 EIT.

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the recording, you will need to view each video in the series. Upon completion of the last video in the series, the system will automatically unlock the attention check code for you view. The two (2) different attention check codes that will be displayed, and you will need to enter these codes as 1st attention check code – 2nd attention check code (XXXX-XXXX) in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check codes, you will be able to create and download an electronic certificate of completion under the "Contents" tab.

  • You must log in to register
    • Non-member - $110
    • Member - $85

    Continue

  • More Information
• 

  AC26 Collections Reliability Track Bundle

  Contains 6 Component(s), Includes Credits Overview Contact Hour / CEU

  AC26 The Power of Community; Annual Conference and Expo April 7-10| Sacramento

  

  CWEA Member: $85.00
  Non-Member: $110.00

  3.0 contact hours towards CWEA's CSM, certifications.
  This series includes the following 50 minute sessions. 

  Session 1: Protecting Infrastructure and Reuse Reliability: Integrated Adaptive Plan for Odor, Corrosion, and UVT
  

  The City of Modesto operates a 20 MGD two-plant treatment system, with primary treatment at the Sutter Plant and secondary/tertiary treatment at the Jennings Plant. In recent years, the City has faced escalating odor complaints near Sutter, severe hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)-driven corrosion at Jennings, and seasonal ultraviolet transmittance (UVT) drops that jeopardize recycled water compliance. This study integrated field investigations, bench testing, and technology evaluations to develop an adaptive, tiered plan addressing all three challenges concurrently.
  
  Comprehensive monitoring in four major trunk sewers and both plants quantified sulfide mass loads, confirmed two major trunks as dominant contributors (>80% of load to Sutter), and documented extreme H₂S levels at Jennings—averaging over 100 ppm and peaking above 700 ppm at fine screens. UVT declines were found to coincide with seasonal blending of high-BOD, low-pH cannery wastewater with domestic flows, introducing lignins, tannins, and potentially UV-absorbing artificial sweeteners. LC-MS confirmed the presence of five sweeteners in UV influent, though their individual impacts remain to be quantified.
  A broad suite of odor/corrosion control options was screened against technical, operational, cost, and UVT-risk criteria. Chemicals with potential toxic by-products or proven UVT impairment were eliminated. Life-cycle analysis showed pure oxygen injection to be 3–6x less costly than chemical dosing for major trunk applications, with nanobubble oxygenation offering potential dual benefits for odor suppression and UVT improvement.
  
  Bench-scale ECO₂ oxygenation tests validated rapid, complete dissolved sulfide removal within 30 minutes and confirmed low oxygen uptake rates, supporting conservative system sizing. The recommended adaptive plan applies a tiered approach: (1) immediate oxygen injection installation at Woodland and Thousand Oaks lift stations; (2) Sutter biofilter optimization, and nanobubble pilot testing; (3) targeted force main treatment via nanobubbles, oxygen injection, or nitrate dosing; and (4) end-of-line H₂S capture at Jennings via biotrickling filters.
  
  Parallel UVT mitigation tiers included reverse blending to isolate cannery flows, nanobubble piloting, targeted compound source characterization, and long-term industrial source control via pretreatment or sewer-use by-laws. This integrated, data-driven strategy enables Modesto to phase investments, respond adaptively to performance data, and meet both odor/corrosion and recycled water reliability goals within operational and financial constraints.
  
  

  Learning Objectives:
  After the presentation, participants will be able to diagnose odor, corrosion, and UVT challenges using field data and source identification techniques
  After the presentation, participants will be able to compare the cost, performance, and UVT impacts of chemical, oxygen, and nanobubble treatment strategies
  After the presentation, participants will be able to apply a tiered, integrated and adaptive planning framework to phase solutions that protect infrastructure and protect recycled water reliability"

  Session 2: From Failing Septic Systems to Sustainable Futures: Sewer Solutions for Disadvantaged Communities in Sacramento County

  A new tool is available for concrete cylinder force main condition assessment: electromagnetic (EM) thickness testing. This tool does not require destructive methods that increase risk and defeat the purpose of assessment, nor does it require deployment of equipment on the inside of the pipe. V&A is piloting a technique developed in the oil and gas industry to use an EM probe on the outside of the pipe to measure metal thickness. Ross Valley Sanitary District's seven-mile force main system is about 42% reinforced concrete cylinder pipe (RCCP), with a steel cylinder surrounded by cement and outside steel reinforcing, installed between 1958 and 1986. RVSD would prefer avoidance of costly replacement if a non-destructive condition assessment technique would indicate more years of remaining service. The application of EM testing to a section of RCCP pipe along a known corrosion gradient will be presented, along with costs, equipment, procedures and results, and the potential application of EM testing in RVSD's broader condition assessment program will be discussed.

  Learning Objectives:
  Understand electromagnetic testing equipment, procedures, and costs, and how they relate to metal thickness of force main assets and their remaining useful life.
  Understand how the study of a gradient of defective pipe, using corroded section of bypass force main, demonstrated the usefulness and sensitivity of EM testing to measure metal pipe thickness.
  Evaluate whether to invest in electromagnetic testing as a targeted condition assessment tool and compare it with other force main condition assessment techniques and force main management approaches."

  
  Session 3: A New Tool for Concrete Cylinder Force Main Condition Assessment - External Electromagnetic Thickness Testing

  The Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer) spearheaded a critical infrastructure project to replace failing septic systems with public sewer service in five small, disadvantaged communities in Sacramento County. Many of the replaced septic systems were beyond their useful lifespan, unpermitted, or unable to meet modern regulatory standards, posing risks to public health and the environment. The project constructed approximately 51,660 linear feet of new sanitary sewer pipelines, enabling households to abandon outdated septic systems and connect to reliable public sewer service.

  Given the financial hardships faced by these low-income communities, SacSewer successfully pursued local, state, and federal grant funding and other cost-sharing assistance to make sewer conversion available at no cost to the residential and school properties in these communities. This effort required extensive community engagement and education with the goal of residents and property owners understanding that converting to sewer service would not only alleviate septic system maintenance burdens and avoid increasingly stringent septic regulations, but also protect groundwater, bolster public health, and enhance their property values. SacSewer expects construction to conclude by the end of 2025 with successful implementation ensuring long-term environmental protection and equitable access to essential wastewater services in Sacramento County.
  Presenters will share lessons learned in securing and coordinating funding, managing project schedules, and designing effective community engagement strategies.
  Key takeaways will include:
  • How to approach and structure successful funding applications and coordinate with multiple funding agencies
  • Strategies for building property owner trust and participation
  • Critical lessons from construction document requirements and permitting
  • Team collaboration practices between owners, SacSewer, funding agencies, and design and funding consultants that improved project delivery
  The session will be interactive, using tools such as Mentimeter to engage the audience through live polls and Q&A. Attendees will leave with both immediate, actionable strategies for their own projects and broader lessons for sustaining long-term infrastructure improvements in underserved communities.
  Learning Objectives:
  Upon completion, participants will understand and know how to approach and structure successful funding applications and coordinate with multiple funding agencies.
  Upon completion, participants will know strategies for building property owner trust and participation.
  Upon completion, participants will know lessons from construction document requirements and permitting as well as team collaboration practices between homeowners, SacSewer, funding agencies, and consultants that improved project delivery."

  
  

  AC26 Recordings Sponsored By: 
  
  

  

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below) will receive 3.0 contact hours towards CWEA's certification:CSM

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the recording, you will need to view each video in the series. Upon completion of the last video in the series, the system will automatically unlock the attention check code for you view. The two (2) different attention check codes that will be displayed, and you will need to enter these codes as 1st attention check code – 2nd attention check code (XXXX-XXXX) in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check codes, you will be able to create and download an electronic certificate of completion under the "Contents" tab.

  • You must log in to register
    • Non-member - $110
    • Member - $85

    Continue

  • More Information
• 

  AC26 Protecting Infrastructure and Reuse Reliability: Integrated Adaptive Plan for Odor, Corrosion, and UVT

  Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/07/2026 Overview Speakers Contact Hour / CEU

  AC26 The Power of Community; Annual Conference and Expo April 7-10| Sacramento

  CWEA Members: $35.00
  Non-Members $45.00
  CWEA Contact Hours: 1.0 contact hours towards CWEA Certifications: CSM, AWT

  The City of Modesto operates a 20 MGD two-plant treatment system, with primary treatment at the Sutter Plant and secondary/tertiary treatment at the Jennings Plant. In recent years, the City has faced escalating odor complaints near Sutter, severe hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)-driven corrosion at Jennings, and seasonal ultraviolet transmittance (UVT) drops that jeopardize recycled water compliance. This study integrated field investigations, bench testing, and technology evaluations to develop an adaptive, tiered plan addressing all three challenges concurrently.
  
  Comprehensive monitoring in four major trunk sewers and both plants quantified sulfide mass loads, confirmed two major trunks as dominant contributors (>80% of load to Sutter), and documented extreme H₂S levels at Jennings—averaging over 100 ppm and peaking above 700 ppm at fine screens. UVT declines were found to coincide with seasonal blending of high-BOD, low-pH cannery wastewater with domestic flows, introducing lignins, tannins, and potentially UV-absorbing artificial sweeteners. LC-MS confirmed the presence of five sweeteners in UV influent, though their individual impacts remain to be quantified.
  
  A broad suite of odor/corrosion control options was screened against technical, operational, cost, and UVT-risk criteria. Chemicals with potential toxic by-products or proven UVT impairment were eliminated. Life-cycle analysis showed pure oxygen injection to be 3–6x less costly than chemical dosing for major trunk applications, with nanobubble oxygenation offering potential dual benefits for odor suppression and UVT improvement.
  
  Bench-scale ECO₂ oxygenation tests validated rapid, complete dissolved sulfide removal within 30 minutes and confirmed low oxygen uptake rates, supporting conservative system sizing. The recommended adaptive plan applies a tiered approach: (1) immediate oxygen injection installation at Woodland and Thousand Oaks lift stations; (2) Sutter biofilter optimization, and nanobubble pilot testing; (3) targeted force main treatment via nanobubbles, oxygen injection, or nitrate dosing; and (4) end-of-line H₂S capture at Jennings via biotrickling filters.
  
  Parallel UVT mitigation tiers included reverse blending to isolate cannery flows, nanobubble piloting, targeted compound source characterization, and long-term industrial source control via pretreatment or sewer-use by-laws. This integrated, data-driven strategy enables Modesto to phase investments, respond adaptively to performance data, and meet both odor/corrosion and recycled water reliability goals within operational and financial constraints.
  
  Learning Objectives:
  After the presentation, participants will be able to diagnose odor, corrosion, and UVT challenges using field data and source identification techniques
  After the presentation, participants will be able to compare the cost, performance, and UVT impacts of chemical, oxygen, and nanobubble treatment strategies
  After the presentation, participants will be able to apply a tiered, integrated and adaptive planning framework to phase solutions that protect infrastructure and protect recycled water reliability. 

  AC26 Recorded Sessions Sponsored By: 

  

  
  

  

  Neda Etemad-Spinden, MBA

  Client Manager

  Woodard & Curran

  Neda Etemad Spinden is a clean water advocate and seasoned water industry professional based in Sacramento, California, currently serving as Client Manager at Woodard & Curran. Holding a Chemical Engineering degree from Western University and an MBA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, she brings a rare blend of technical depth and strategic business leadership to her work.
  Over a 20-year career spanning companies like Xylem, Evoqua Water Technologies, 3M, and Pall Corporation, Neda has built deep expertise in water treatment, filtration, and lifecycle services — consistently delivering results through client-focused solutions, high-value contract negotiations, and cross-functional team leadership.At her core, Neda is an aspiring servant-leader who believes that empowering people is the most powerful driver of lasting results.

  

  Ben Kohler, Grade V

  WQC Superintendent – Chief Plant Operator

  City of Modesto - Wastewater Division

  Ben serves as the WQC Superintendent and Chief Plant Operator for the City of Modesto. With a Grade 5 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate from the State Water Resources Control Board, Ben brings expertise and leadership to the City's wastewater operations. The City of Modesto operates two wastewater treatment facilities. These facilities treat an average of 20 MGD with nearly 15 MGD that are treated to recycled water standards and discharged to the Delta-Mendota Canal for beneficial reuse.

  

  Nolan Harris

  Plant Maintenance Superintendent

  City of Modesto - Wastewater Division

  

  John Klarich

  Utility Plant Operations Supervisor

  City of Modesto - Wastewater Division

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below)1.0  contact hours towards CWEA's Contact Hours, CSM, AWT

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the live webinar, please note the one (1) attention check code that will be displayed during the webinar in the top left or right corner of the presentation for approximately 90 seconds.  Please enter this code in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check code, you will be able to create and download an electronic "Certificate of Completion" under the "Contents" tab.

  • You must log in to register
    • Non-member - $45
    • Member - $35

    Continue

  • More Information
• 

  AC26 From Failing Septic Systems to Sustainable Futures: Sewer Solutions for Disadvantaged Communities in Sacramento County

  Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/07/2026 Overview Speakers Contact Hour / CEU

  AC26 The Power of Community; Annual Conference and Expo April 7-10| Sacramento

  CWEA Members: $35.00
  Non-Members $45.00
  CWEA Contact Hours: 1.0 contact hours towards CWEA Certifications: CSM, MT

  A new tool is available for concrete cylinder force main condition assessment: electromagnetic (EM) thickness testing. This tool does not require destructive methods that increase risk and defeat the purpose of assessment, nor does it require deployment of equipment on the inside of the pipe. V&A is piloting a technique developed in the oil and gas industry to use an EM probe on the outside of the pipe to measure metal thickness. Ross Valley Sanitary District's seven-mile force main system is about 42% reinforced concrete cylinder pipe (RCCP), with a steel cylinder surrounded by cement and outside steel reinforcing, installed between 1958 and 1986. RVSD would prefer avoidance of costly replacement if a non-destructive condition assessment technique would indicate more years of remaining service. The application of EM testing to a section of RCCP pipe along a known corrosion gradient will be presented, along with costs, equipment, procedures and results, and the potential application of EM testing in RVSD's broader condition assessment program will be discussed.
  
  Learning Objectives:
  Understand electromagnetic testing equipment, procedures, and costs, and how they relate to metal thickness of force main assets and their remaining useful life.
  Understand how the study of a gradient of defective pipe, using corroded section of bypass force main, demonstrated the usefulness and sensitivity of EM testing to measure metal pipe thickness.
  Evaluate whether to invest in electromagnetic testing as a targeted condition assessment tool and compare it with other force main condition assessment techniques and force main management approaches.

  AC26 Recorded Sessions Sponsored By: 

  

  
  

  

  Monique Day, MS, PE

  Principal Engineer

  West Yost Associates

  Monique Day has 22 years of experience as an engineer in water resources planning and has been with West Yost Associates in Davis for 21 years. Monique’s experience includes integrated water resources planning, urban water management planning, water reuse planning, and supporting clients in a range of areas such as water transfers, permitting, conservation, surface and groundwater storage, conjunctive use, water rights, and water quality. Much of Monique’s project work has involved multi-stakeholder planning and implementation processes, project management, and funding strategy and pursuits. She is the consultant Project Manager for the Sacramento Area Sewer District’s Septic to Sewer Evaluation Program and has assisted the District with identifying and applying for funding for the District’s top-priority disadvantaged communities.
  
  Monique has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from U.C. Santa Cruz, a bachelor’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from U.C. Berkeley, and a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from U.C. Berkeley.

  

  Christina Ramirez, MS, PE

  Senior Engineer

  West Yost

  Christina Ramirez, MS, PE, is a Senior Engineer and Project Manager at West Yost in Sacramento, California with more than 14 years of experience in civil engineering. She specializes in the design and construction of water and wastewater infrastructure, having overseen and contributed to projects encompassing over 180 miles of pipeline. Christina's experience includes grant funded septic-to-sewer conversions, preparation of construction documents and permit applications, design of trenchless crossings for various rights-of-way, and extensive community engagement. She enjoys collaborating closely with clients and multidisciplinary project teams to deliver innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable infrastructure solutions for communities throughout California.

  

  Anne Tran, P.E

  Associate Civil Engineer

  Sacramento Area Sewer District

  Anne Quach Tran, P.E., is an Associate Civil Engineer at the Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer). With over 23 years of experience in planning, design, and construction, Anne has successfully led and developed complex, multi-stakeholder programs. She currently manages the Septic-to-Sewer Program, securing nearly $47M in local, state, and federal grants. She provides strategic direction and coordination to support the construction of 51,600 linear feet of sewer infrastructure in five severely disadvantaged communities. She has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from U.C. Davis.

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below)1.0  contact hours towards CWEA's Contact Hours, CSM, MT

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the live webinar, please note the one (1) attention check code that will be displayed during the webinar in the top left or right corner of the presentation for approximately 90 seconds.  Please enter this code in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check code, you will be able to create and download an electronic "Certificate of Completion" under the "Contents" tab.

  • You must log in to register
    • Non-member - $45
    • Member - $35

    Continue

  • More Information
• 

  AC26 A New Tool for Concrete Cylinder Force Main Condition Assessment - External Electromagnetic Thickness Testing

  Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/07/2026 Overview Speakers Contact Hour / CEU

  AC26 The Power of Community; Annual Conference and Expo April 7-10| Sacramento

  CWEA Members: $35.00
  Non-Members $45.00
  CWEA Contact Hours: 1.0 contact hours towards CWEA Certifications: CSM

  The Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer) spearheaded a critical infrastructure project to replace failing septic systems with public sewer service in five small, disadvantaged communities in Sacramento County. Many of the replaced septic systems were beyond their useful lifespan, unpermitted, or unable to meet modern regulatory standards, posing risks to public health and the environment. The project constructed approximately 51,660 linear feet of new sanitary sewer pipelines, enabling households to abandon outdated septic systems and connect to reliable public sewer service.
  
  Given the financial hardships faced by these low-income communities, SacSewer successfully pursued local, state, and federal grant funding and other cost-sharing assistance to make sewer conversion available at no cost to the residential and school properties in these communities. This effort required extensive community engagement and education with the goal of residents and property owners understanding that converting to sewer service would not only alleviate septic system maintenance burdens and avoid increasingly stringent septic regulations, but also protect groundwater, bolster public health, and enhance their property values. SacSewer expects construction to conclude by the end of 2025 with successful implementation ensuring long-term environmental protection and equitable access to essential wastewater services in Sacramento County.
  
  Presenters will share lessons learned in securing and coordinating funding, managing project schedules, and designing effective community engagement strategies.
  
  Key takeaways will include:
  • How to approach and structure successful funding applications and coordinate with multiple funding agencies
  • Strategies for building property owner trust and participation
  • Critical lessons from construction document requirements and permitting
  • Team collaboration practices between owners, SacSewer, funding agencies, and design and funding consultants that improved project delivery
  
  The session will be interactive, using tools such as Mentimeter to engage the audience through live polls and Q&A. Attendees will leave with both immediate, actionable strategies for their own projects and broader lessons for sustaining long-term infrastructure improvements in underserved communities.
  
  Learning Objectives:
  Upon completion, participants will understand and know how to approach and structure successful funding applications and coordinate with multiple funding agencies.
  Upon completion, participants will know strategies for building property owner trust and participation.
  Upon completion, participants will know lessons from construction document requirements and permitting as well as team collaboration practices between homeowners, SacSewer, funding agencies, and consultants that improved project delivery.

  AC26 Recorded Sessions Sponsored By: 

  

  
  

  
  

  

  Steve M. Moore, PE

  General Manager

  Ross Valley Sanitary District

  Steve Moore has been General Manager of the Ross Valley Sanitary District in Marin County, California since 2018. He is a registered civil engineer, responsible for a staff of 37 employees, an annual operating budget of $25 Million, an annual capital budget of $15 Million, and a service population of 47,000. He has over 35 years experience as a water resources professional, including 20 years as staff and board member at the State and Regional Water Boards, culminating in serving as Vice Chair of the California State Water Board. He has over 10 years experience as an environmental and engineering consultant with work experience in rural and urban settings throughout California, specializing in wastewater and aquatic resources. He has a B.S. in biological sciences and an M.S. in civil and environmental engineering, both from Stanford University.

  

  Noy Phannavong, PE

  Condition Assessment Practice Lead

  V&A Consulting Engineers

  Noy has over 18 years of experience working on infrastructure condition assessment projects. His duties include planning and managing projects, collecting and analyzing data, conducting engineering evaluations, and preparing engineering reports and rehabilitation design documents. He is well-versed in various condition assessment technologies for collecting data in the field, as well as the data analysis aspects in the office. With his unique field experience working on condition assessment projects, Noy assists his clients in solving unique challenges related to preserving water and wastewater infrastructure.

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below)1.0  contact hours towards CWEA's Contact Hours, CSM

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the live webinar, please note the one (1) attention check code that will be displayed during the webinar in the top left or right corner of the presentation for approximately 90 seconds.  Please enter this code in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check code, you will be able to create and download an electronic "Certificate of Completion" under the "Contents" tab.

  • You must log in to register
    • Non-member - $45
    • Member - $35

    Continue

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  AC26 Integrating Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence into Management of Systems in the Water Industry

  Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/07/2026 Overview Speakers Contact Hour / CEU

  AC26 The Power of Community; Annual Conference and Expo April 7-10| Sacramento

  CWEA Members: $35.00
  Non-Members $45.00
  CWEA Contact Hours: 1.0 contact hours towards CWEA Certifications: EIT, LAB

  The water industry is experiencing a transformative shift driven by the convergence of digital technologies and data science. Among these, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful and disruptive technology to address challenges in water resource management, infrastructure optimization, and operations. AI models' ability to learn from and predict patterns directly from data, examples, and experience, rather than relying on mechanisms or pre-defined rules, makes this technology highly applicable to the water industry.

  Machine learning (ML) is a subset of AI that enables systems to learn from data and improve performance over time without explicit programming. ML sits within the broader AI landscape and is particularly relevant for water applications due to its ability to handle structured and unstructured data, adapt to changing conditions, and uncover hidden insights. In water management, ML can be leveraged to predict equipment failures, optimize treatment processes, forecast influent flows, and enhance decision-making.

  This presentation explores the evolving role of ML in the water sector, demystifies core concepts, and illustrates their application through real-world case studies. It also highlights the critical importance of data quality, system integration, and human factors for successful deployment. The presentation emphasizes that while ML may appear complex, it is fundamentally rooted in mathematical relationships and pattern recognition—making it accessible and highly valuable when applied correctly.

  The presentation will provide a practical assessment of the ML algorithms gaining utility in the water industry and discuss the data requirements and challenges when implementing ML technologies. Four primary ML paradigms will be discussed: supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, and deep learning. Real-world case studies will demonstrate the practical applications of ML in predicting influent flows and forecasting biogas production. The presentation will also provide an overview of the current state of ML applications in the water industry across five stages of maturity, from research/embryonic to mature applications. Finally, the presentation will highlight the challenges associated with poor data quality and the importance of a robust system architecture for successful ML deployment in the water industry.
  
  Learning Objectives:
  Understand the Role of AI and ML in the Water Industry: Gain insights into how AI and ML are transforming water resource management, infrastructure optimization, and operations.
  Describe different ML paradigms and applications relevant to the water industry supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, and deep learning.
  Recognize the importance of data quality, system integration and human factors in the successful deployment of ML technologies in the water sector.

  AC26 Recorded Session Sponsored By: 

  

  
  

  

  Sandeep Sathyamoorthy

  VP, Director of Innovation and Technology

  Stantec

  Sandeep Sathyamoorthy is Vice President and Director of Water Innovation and Technology at Stantec, where he leads transformative initiatives at the intersection of advanced treatment, digital solutions, and sustainable water infrastructure. With over two decades of experience, Sandeep specializes in integrating emerging technologies into utility and industrial applications, driving impact across water reuse, resource recovery, and climate resilience. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering from Tufts University and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University, grounding his work in both technical rigor and systems-level thinking. Sandeep is passionate about fostering cross-sector collaboration and mentoring the next generation of water professionals.

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below)1.0  contact hours towards CWEA's Contact Hours, EIT, LAB

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the live webinar, please note the one (1) attention check code that will be displayed during the webinar in the top left or right corner of the presentation for approximately 90 seconds.  Please enter this code in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check code, you will be able to create and download an electronic "Certificate of Completion" under the "Contents" tab.

  • You must log in to register
    • Non-member - $45
    • Member - $35

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  AC26 Bottlenecks and Breakthroughs: Developing AI Models for Optimizing Calera Creek’s Wastewater Treatment Operations

  Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/07/2026 Overview Speakers Contact Hour / CEU

  AC26 The Power of Community; Annual Conference and Expo April 7-10| Sacramento

  CWEA Members: $35.00
  Non-Members $45.00
  CWEA Contact Hours: 1.0 contact hours towards CWEA Certifications: EIT

  Arup and the City of Pacific worked together to develop two AI/ML models as proof of concepts for sequential batch reactor (SBR) and auto-thermal thermophilic aerobic digestion (ATAD) operations at the Calera Creek Water Recycling plant. Arup and City of Pacifica first identified opportunities through visualizing historic plant data and then developed, trained, and tested chosen models. The project conclusions highlight barriers to implementation of AI/ML in plant operations, and identified necessary next steps to overcome these obstacles.

  The Calera Creek Water Recycling Plant, located in Pacifica, California, is a critical facility that uses advanced SBR technology to efficiently combine aeration and clarification processes and ATAD technology to produce Class A sludge. These technical innovations allow the plant to meet the evolving challenges of wastewater treatment, nutrient removal, and environmental sustainability.

  With the increasing complexity of its operations—especially during peak storm flows—there are a growing number of opportunities for advanced analytics, rooted in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques, to optimize the plant’s operations. These include improving energy efficiency, enhancing process performance, and reducing the risk of unexpected faults or failures through managed predictive maintenance. This presentation will include insights from the Engineers, Operators, and Data Scientists’ perspective, as well as lessons learned from the project team when addressing challenges in developing optimization approaches towards SBR and ATAD operation.

  The presentation will also cover how to effectively incorporate stakeholder input, pivot when presented with ambivalent results, and create roadmaps for effective integration of AI models in wastewater treatment plant operation.
  

  Learning Objectives:
  Develop strategies to encourage AI integration with existing wastewater treatment processes.
  Recognize bottlenecks to predictive AI/ML modeling for sequential batch reactor (SBR) and auto-thermophilic aerobic digester systems.
  Manage uncertainty surrounding wastewater treatment plant data availability and quality.

  AC26 Recorded Sessions Sponsored By: 

  

  
  

  

  Yunus Kovankaya

  Engineer

  Arup

  Yunus Kovankaya, is a water engineer with a background in both digital technology and wastewater treatment. During his time in Academia his area of focus was utilizing mixed integer non-linear optimization problems to automate design decisions and high level cost estimates for decentralized wastewater treatment and conveyance. As a process engineer at Arup, he has continued to leverage this background, conducting geospatial analyses on rural wastewater treatment systems and pollution of surrounding waterways. On the wastewater treatment side, Yunus has experience in exploration, design, and construction of wastewater treatment solutions for public agencies and private clients in California. This includes conventional wastewater treatment plants, SBR, sludge handling, and water recycling. Yunus combines his technical expertise in process engineering with his academic background in integrated water systems management to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and lifecycle costs of collection and treatment systems for clients.

  

  Jeff McAllister

  Engineer

  Arup

  

  Daniel Patten, MS, PE (he/him/his)

  Engineering Manager

  City of Pacifica

  Dan Patten, P.E. has worked at the City of Pacifica since April 2023 and has been the Engineering Manager for the Wastewater Division since September 2023. He has experience in water and wastewater design, construction, startup and operations. He has worked in both the private and public sectors since graduating from UC Davis in 2008.

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below)1.0  contact hours towards CWEA's Contact Hours, EIT

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the live webinar, please note the one (1) attention check code that will be displayed during the webinar in the top left or right corner of the presentation for approximately 90 seconds.  Please enter this code in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check code, you will be able to create and download an electronic "Certificate of Completion" under the "Contents" tab.

  • You must log in to register
    • Non-member - $45
    • Member - $35

    Continue

  • More Information
• 

  AC26 Generative AI for Operations and Maintenance for Utilities

  Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/07/2026 Overview Speakers Contact Hour / CEU

  AC26 The Power of Community; Annual Conference and Expo April 7-10| Sacramento

  CWEA Members: $35.00
  Non-Members $45.00
  CWEA Contact Hours: 1.0 contact hours towards CWEA Certifications: CSM, MT, LAB, EIT

  Water and wastewater utilities face mounting challenges—aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, and increasing operational complexity. Generative AI is emerging as a transformative tool to support operations and maintenance (O&M) by making institutional knowledge more accessible, improving decision-making, and boosting workforce efficiency.

  This session presents the development and deployment of a domain-specific Generative AI platform for utility O&M. The goal is to show how large language models (LLMs), integrated with structured utility data, can assist field crews, operators, and engineers in real time. The system—called a Knowledge Twin—uses retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) to deliver accurate, actionable responses to natural language queries on assets, procedures, alarms, and troubleshooting.

  Currently piloted with multiple utilities, the platform accommodates varying levels of data maturity. Data sources such as CMMS records, SCADA logs, SOPs, GIS data, and work order histories are ingested, structured into a knowledge graph, and connected to a fine-tuned LLM trained on the terminology, context, and workflows unique to water and wastewater operations.

  Early results show that field staff can resolve issues faster, locate information more easily, and preserve institutional knowledge despite staff turnover. Use cases include alarm response guidance, step-by-step maintenance support, asset history retrieval, and on-demand training. A key finding is the system’s ability to uncover insights from previously siloed or underused data, reducing time-to-resolution and unplanned downtime.

  The approach is designed to start small—focusing on high-impact use cases—and scale as more data is curated or digitized. This lowers the barrier to entry, enabling utilities of all sizes to leverage AI without perfect datasets or major system changes.

  The session will feature a live demonstration, practical deployment considerations, and lessons from early adopters. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how Generative AI can be safely and effectively implemented to enhance daily O&M, improve service reliability, and strengthen workforce capabilities.

  As utilities confront aging infrastructure and the demands of digital transformation, Generative AI provides a powerful path to future-proof operations and empower the next generation of utility professionals.
  Learning Objectives:
  1. Understand what Generative AI is and how it applies specifically to utility operations and maintenance.
  4. To see key operational use cases where Generative AI delivers measurable value.
  2. To understand how AI tools using existing utility data—regardless of current data maturity.

  AC26 Recorded Sessions Sponsored By: 
  

  

  
  

  

  Olivier Terrien (he/him/his)

  Business Development

  Teamsolve

  Olivier Terrien works at the intersection of water operations, technology, and organizational resilience. At TeamSolve, he helps water and wastewater utilities apply Generative AI to operations and maintenance by making institutional knowledge easier to access, improving day-to-day decision-making, and supporting workforce transition, without disrupting existing systems or workflows.
  
  Olivier has over 20 years of experience leading digital transformation initiatives across regulated, infrastructure-intensive industries. He has worked with utilities, public agencies, and technology partners across the U.S., Europe, and Asia to modernize asset management, operational practices, and knowledge-sharing processes.
  
  His recent work focuses on deploying domain-specific AI platforms that integrate CMMS, SCADA, SOPs, and field data to support operators, engineers, and maintenance teams in real time. Olivier is also the founder of the AI for Water Utilities community, a practitioner-led forum focused on practical, real-world adoption.

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below)1.0  contact hours towards CWEA's Contact Hours.CSM,MT LAB, EIT

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the live webinar, please note the one (1) attention check code that will be displayed during the webinar in the top left or right corner of the presentation for approximately 90 seconds.  Please enter this code in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check code, you will be able to create and download an electronic "Certificate of Completion" under the "Contents" tab.

  • You must log in to register
    • Non-member - $45
    • Member - $35

    Continue

  • More Information
• 

  AC26 Leading Without a Manual: Elevating Field Experts into Strategic Leaders

  Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/07/2026 Overview Speakers Contact Hour / CEU

  AC26 The Power of Community; Annual Conference and Expo April 7-10| Sacramento

  CWEA Members: $35.00
  Non-Members $45.00
  CWEA Contact Hours: 1.0 contact hours towards CWEA Certifications: CSM, ECI, LAB, EIT

  Presentation Description: Leading the Flow: Empowering Leadership in Wastewater Treatment Operations is a dynamic training designed to elevate leadership skills among water treatment professionals. Participants will explore practical strategies for leading teams, driving operational excellence, and fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and innovation. Through interactive discussions and real-world scenarios, this session empowers supervisors, managers, and emerging leaders to navigate challenges, inspire performance, and lead with confidence in a highly regulated and mission-critical environment. Whether you're managing daily operations or preparing for future leadership roles, this training provides the tools and mindset needed to lead effectively and sustainably in the water treatment industry.

  Learning Objectives:
  Will have clear examples on how to lead with purpose and confidence Develop the mindset and skills to lead teams effectively in a mission-critical, regulated environment.
  Understand how to achieve operational excellence through people Learn how to inspire performance, foster accountability, and build a culture of safety and innovation.
  How to apply leadership in real-world scenarios Engage with practical strategies and interactive discussions that connect leadership principles to everyday challenges in wastewater operations.
  

  AC26 Recorded Sessions Sponsored By: 

  

  
  

  
  

  

  Norman Woods

  Assistant Public Works Director

  City of American Canyon - Utilities and Environmental Services

  Norman Woods is the Assistant Public Works Director of Utilities and Environmental Services for the City of Roseville, California, where he oversees comprehensive utility operations including water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, recycled water systems, and water quality management. In this role, he manages multimillion-dollar budgets, directs capital improvement projects, and provides leadership for a skilled team, ensuring regulatory compliance and the delivery of high-quality services to the community. Previously, he served as Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator V (Chief Plant Operator) and held earlier positions as Lead Operator (Grade IV) and Operator II/III, gaining extensive hands-on experience in SCADA systems, process control, laboratory analysis, equipment maintenance, and emergency response planning. Across all roles, Norman has demonstrated expertise in staff development, performance evaluation, operational optimization, and sustainable infrastructure management.
  
  Norman holds a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University and a Bachelor of Science in Government and Public Policy from California State University, Sacramento. His educational background in business and public policy complements his technical expertise, enabling him to lead complex municipal utility operations with strategic insight and efficiency. With a career grounded in public service, Norman is dedicated to advancing infrastructure, promoting environmental sustainability, and mentoring the next generation of utility professionals while fostering a collaborative, results-driven work culture.

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below)1.0  contact hours towards CWEA's Contact Hours.CSM, ECI, LAB, EIT

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the live webinar, please note the one (1) attention check code that will be displayed during the webinar in the top left or right corner of the presentation for approximately 90 seconds.  Please enter this code in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check code, you will be able to create and download an electronic "Certificate of Completion" under the "Contents" tab.

  • You must log in to register
    • Non-member - $45
    • Member - $35

    Continue

  • More Information
• 

  AC26 Leading the Flow: Empowering Leadership in Wastewater Treatment Operations

  Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/07/2026 Overview Speakers Contact Hour / CEU

  AC26 The Power of Community; Annual Conference and Expo April 7-10| Sacramento

  CWEA Members: $35.00
  Non-Members $45.00
  CWEA Contact Hours: 1.0 contact hours towards CWEA Certifications: CSM, ECI, LAB, EIT

  Presentation Description: Leading the Flow: Empowering Leadership in Wastewater Treatment Operations is a dynamic training designed to elevate leadership skills among water treatment professionals. Participants will explore practical strategies for leading teams, driving operational excellence, and fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and innovation. Through interactive discussions and real-world scenarios, this session empowers supervisors, managers, and emerging leaders to navigate challenges, inspire performance, and lead with confidence in a highly regulated and mission-critical environment. Whether you're managing daily operations or preparing for future leadership roles, this training provides the tools and mindset needed to lead effectively and sustainably in the water treatment industry.

  Learning Objectives:
  Will have clear examples on how to lead with purpose and confidence Develop the mindset and skills to lead teams effectively in a mission-critical, regulated environment.
  Understand how to achieve operational excellence through people Learn how to inspire performance, foster accountability, and build a culture of safety and innovation.
  How to apply leadership in real-world scenarios Engage with practical strategies and interactive discussions that connect leadership principles to everyday challenges in wastewater operations.
  
  AC26 Recorded Sessions Sponsored By: 
  

  

  
  

  

  Stephen McKeon (he/him/his)

  Managing Partner

  La Clara Vista Consulting

  Stephen (Steve) McKeon is a motivated, approachable servant leader with more than 25 years' professional experience leading teams in global operations in the Automotive/Aerospace, Defense Contracting, and recently Wine/Spirits markets.
  
  He has extensive experience in program management, project execution, and developing high-performance work teams who deliver results. With a unique operations background to include environmental, health and safety, lean manufacturing, and contract services, he has demonstrated the ability to solve business challenges and deliver results in US and global markets. With his focus on stakeholder groups—the customer, the employee, and the business—he finds balance and harmony to achieve alignment and meet competing demands. From this perspective, he has helped many organizations develop leaders in the practice and currently conducts workshops with partners Lupe Munoz and Alex Aranda on Transformational Leadership founded in Servant Leadership.
  
  Leveraging lean thinking methodologies and practice, he helps organizations evolve and grow through development of standard work practice with a robust continuous improvement approach to eliminate wasteful practice. He has extensive experience in problem solving, process engineering, organizational change management, risk management, project planning, team building, communication, technical support, and program start-up and closure.
  
  Values: Trust, Safety, Respect, Integrity, Resilience
  Priorities: Family, Friendship, Life Experiences
  Degree: Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science - Metropolitan State University of Denver
  Certified in Lean Practice - George Group
  
  You can learn more about Steve by catching him and Lupe Munoz on The Leadership Exchange podcast.

  

  Lupe Munoz, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Shingo Operational Excellence

  Managing Partner

  La Clara Vista Consulting

  Lupe is a transformational leader with over 30 years of leadership experience. With a degree in Aerospace Engineering, and seven years as a U.S. Army Veteran, Lupe brings a disciplined, strategic approach to leadership. Over three decades, he’s led high-performing teams across multiple industries, always focused on driving results through servant leadership, accountability, purpose, and operational excellence. As a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Lupe combines data-driven decision-making with a people-first mindset helping organizations build stronger leaders, improve execution, and build continuous improvement cultures.

  

  Alex Aranda, MBA, SPHR-CA, SHRM-SCP (she/her/hers)

  Managing Partner

  La Clara Vista Consulting

  Alex Aranda is a Managing Partner at La Clara Vista Consulting and a Senior HR Leader with over 20 years of professional leadership experience, specializing in building high-performing teams and driving organizational results. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA and an MBA from California State University, Sacramento; complemented by various HR certifications. Alex is recognized for fostering cultures of trust, accountability, and resilience, and for her enduring passion for helping individuals unlock their full potential by aligning talent with purpose. A skilled mentor, trainer, coach, problem-solver, and facilitator, Alex finds particular interest in subjects such as Emotional Intelligence, Leading Change, Conflict Management, Servant Leadership, and Operational Excellence. Alex resides in Lodi, California and has 3 children ages 15, 9, and 8.

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below)1.0  contact hours towards CWEA's Contact Hours. LAB, EIT

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the live webinar, please note the one (1) attention check code that will be displayed during the webinar in the top left or right corner of the presentation for approximately 90 seconds.  Please enter this code in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check code, you will be able to create and download an electronic "Certificate of Completion" under the "Contents" tab.

  • You must log in to register
    • Non-member - $45
    • Member - $35

    Continue

  • More Information
• 

  AC26 Interview for Success: Best Practices at Every Level

  Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/07/2026 Overview Speakers Contact Hour / CEU

  AC26 The Power of Community; Annual Conference and Expo April 7-10| Sacramento

  CWEA Members: $35.00
  Non-Members $45.00
  CWEA Contact Hours: 1.0 contact hours towards CWEA Certifications: CSM, ECI, LAB, MT, EIT

  Presentation Description: This interactive workshop will guide attendees through interview skills, tools, and KPIs tailored to career advancement at multiple levels:

  • From Individual Contributor to Lead Person
  • From Lead Person to Supervisor
  • From Supervisor to Manager and beyond
  A PowerPoint presentation and/or video will be shown to illustrate best practices, KPIs, and sample interview scenarios to reinforce learning.

  Key components include:
  • Introducing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) used during interviews to evaluate candidate competencies effectively
  • Sharing strategic interview questions that encourage informative, revealing answers from candidates, helping interviewers identify top talent
  • Personal stories and lessons learned from Norman and Helen’s experiences
  A diverse panel of leaders—including upper management, assistant/deputy directors, directors, and general managers from various agencies—will share their interview insights, challenges, and tips for success. Attendees will have the opportunity for interactive Q&A.
  Learning Objectives:
  Enhance interview skills across all career levels
  Equip interviewees with practical tools, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and strategic questions, to excel in interviews
  Gain insights from a panel of seasoned leaders sharing lessons learned and success tips"

  Participants can sign up for individual interview slots, while up to five observers per session are welcome to watch and learn from the feedback process. This format not only builds confidence but also helps attendees understand how to present their experience effectively and respond to common interview challenges.

  The session is ideal for early-career professionals, those seeking advancement, or anyone preparing for a transition within the field. It supports workforce development by providing practical, hands-on experience in a supportive environment.
  Learning Objectives:
  properly prepare themselves for an interview.
  talk about their technical skills in a relatable way.
  avoid common mistakes made in the interview.

  
  

  

  Helen N. Hu, P.E. (Moderator)

  EchoWater Facility O&M Manager II

  Sacramento Area Sewer District

  Helen Hu is the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Manager II with the Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer). In this role, Helen oversees a workforce of about 200 technical and administrative staff in supervisory and non-supervisory positions that are responsible for the 24/7 operation and maintenance of the EchoWater Resource Recovery Facility (EchoWater Facility).
  
  Helen has over 22 years of experience in the wastewater industry, including operation and maintenance; regulatory and compliance in areas of process safety, air quality and climate change, NPDES, recycled water, and solid waste management; budget administration and audit; workforce and organization development; training and labor relations.
  
  Helen started her career in 2002 with SacSewer as an Assistant Civil Engineer at the EchoWater Facility and continues to advance to her current position. Helen was inspired to pursue the field of wastewater during a high school field trip that showed the process of treating dirty water to clean water and being able to put it back to the environment for beneficial reuse. Helen pursued her interests in wastewater at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering. While at Cal Poly, Helen worked at Smucker’s fruit processing plant in Oxnard, CA as a Pre-treatment Plant Operator to “get her feet wet” in the field.
  
  Helen is a licensed Civil Engineer with the State of California and is actively involved with California Water Environment Association (CWEA). Helen currently serves as the Vice Chair on CWEA's Northern Regional Committee and Conference Co-Chair for the 2026 Annual Conference. Helen also serves as a Facilitator in the Sacramento County's award-winning Leadership Development Academy program.
  
  Outside of work, Helen is a wife and mother of two kids, enjoys cooking, crocheting, watching crime shows, and reading.

  

  Norman Woods

  Assistant Public Works Director

  City of American Canyon - Utilities and Environmental Services

  Norman Woods is the Assistant Public Works Director of Utilities and Environmental Services for the City of Roseville, California, where he oversees comprehensive utility operations including water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, recycled water systems, and water quality management. In this role, he manages multimillion-dollar budgets, directs capital improvement projects, and provides leadership for a skilled team, ensuring regulatory compliance and the delivery of high-quality services to the community. Previously, he served as Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator V (Chief Plant Operator) and held earlier positions as Lead Operator (Grade IV) and Operator II/III, gaining extensive hands-on experience in SCADA systems, process control, laboratory analysis, equipment maintenance, and emergency response planning. Across all roles, Norman has demonstrated expertise in staff development, performance evaluation, operational optimization, and sustainable infrastructure management.
  
  Norman holds a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University and a Bachelor of Science in Government and Public Policy from California State University, Sacramento. His educational background in business and public policy complements his technical expertise, enabling him to lead complex municipal utility operations with strategic insight and efficiency. With a career grounded in public service, Norman is dedicated to advancing infrastructure, promoting environmental sustainability, and mentoring the next generation of utility professionals while fostering a collaborative, results-driven work culture.

  

  Christina Winnicki, SHRM-CP

  Management Analyst

  Ross Valley Sanitary District

  Christina Winnicki is a dedicated HR Management Analyst and Board Clerk at Ross Valley Sanitary District. With over a decade of experience spanning finance, human resources, and office management, Christina brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. She holds SHRM-CP and CLRM certifications and earned her Bachelor's degree in Accounting. She is currently working towards her Master’s in Public Administration.
  
  In her current position, Christina manages recruitment and onboarding, supports HR operations, and performs board clerk duties. Before transitioning to public service, she worked with small businesses, helping them streamline operations, recruit talent, and achieve profitability.
  
  Born and raised in the East Bay, Christina is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She co-founded East Bay Women for Good, a giving circle that supports local non-profits, and volunteers with The Bread Project, an organization dedicated to empowering disadvantaged individuals with the skills needed to enter the workforce.
  
  In her free time, Christina enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children, camping, baking, and exploring new podcasts.

  

  John Vogel

  Operations Supervisor

  Ross Valley Sanitary District

  John Vogel has been an active member of the California Water Environment Association since 2011 and a dedicated volunteer since 2017. He currently serves as Vice President of the CWEA State Board of Directors and is a past Chair of the Technical Certification Program (TCP) Committee, where he led statewide exam revalidation efforts and supported workforce development across all certification grades. John has also served as TCP Vice Chair, OPS Financial Committee member, and liaison to multiple committees, sections, and local chapters, and on program committes such as the Planned Program and Development committee, the CWEA Audit committee, and the Executive Committee.
  
  Professionally, John is an Operations Supervisor at Ross Valley Sanitary District, where he oversees data-driven asset management, CMMS optimization, CCTV, maintenance, remote flow program, pump stations, and collection system performance. He is a frequent CWEA conference presenter, having presented at Annual Conferences on topics including sewer data management, CMMS utilization, remote monitoring, and I&I reduction. John is passionate about practical leadership, certification excellence, and advancing the wastewater profession through education and service.

  

  Nichole Morgan

  Civil Engineer Board Member

  State Water Resources Control Board

  Nichole Morgan was appointed as the civil engineer to the State Water Resources Control Board by Governor Gavin Newsom in June 2021. Ms. Morgan most recently served as an Assistant Deputy Director in the State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Financial Assistance, where she worked on projects providing funding for drinking water, wastewater, storm water and groundwater infrastructure improvements. During this time Ms. Morgan also oversaw the management of a variety of additional programs including the Lead in Child Care Centers, Fish Advisories, and Drinking Water and Wastewater Operator Certification programs.

  From 1999 to 2009 Ms. Morgan worked for public agencies and engineering consulting firms. Her responsibilities included planning, designing, and overseeing the construction of drinking water, wastewater and recycled water treatment and conveyance facilities throughout California. Ms. Morgan joined the State Water Resources Control Board in 2009 where she worked as staff in the Division of Financial Assistance, Delta Water Master’s Office, and the Division of Water Rights. Ms. Morgan worked as a manager at the Central Valley Regional Water Board from 2012 to 2018, where she managed the region’s NPDES program. She returned to the State Water Board in 2018 as the head of the Office of Sustainable Water Solutions and was promoted in 2019 to an Assistant Deputy Director with the Division of Financial Assistance.
  
  Ms. Morgan has a Bachelor in Science in Civil Engineering from California State University, Sacramento.

  

  Sonny Lunde, PE

  Director of EchoWater Resource Recovery Facility

  Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer)

  Sonny Lunde is the Director of EchoWater Operations at the Sacramento Area Sewer District and leads over 350 SacSewer staff responsible for the operations, maintenance, engineering, construction programs, and laboratory services at the EchoWater Resource Recovery Facility. Sonny has over 25 years of public service. Prior to his role as the Director of EchoWater Operations, Sonny served as the Engineering Design Manager for SacSewer's Collection System Operations, and the Engineering Manager and Operations and Maintenance Manager for SacSewer's EchoWater Operations. Sonny holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from California State University, Sacramento. He has been a licensed engineer since 2004.

  

  Paul Bruemmer, MT-4 D-2

  Operation &Maintenance Manager

  Ross Valley Sanitary District

  Operations and Maintenance Manager – Ross Valley Sanitary District
  With 26 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry, I’ve built my career across the full spectrum of collections, distribution, and treatment plant maintenance. My background includes extensive hands‑on and supervisory work with the City of Daly City and Central Marin Sanitation Agency, where I supported critical infrastructure and operational reliability.
  I currently serve as the Operations and Maintenance Manager for Ross Valley Sanitary District, home to California’s oldest sanitary collection system. In this role, I oversee system performance, maintenance programs, field operations, and long‑term asset stewardship to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible service for the community.

  

  Alexandra Ikeda, BS

  Deputy City Manager

  City of American Canyon

  Alexandra Ikeda, Deputy City Manager for the City of American Canyon, holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Recreation and Leisure Management from California State University East Bay, and brings more than 20 years of public service expereience. With a diverse background in parks, recreation, public communications, and administration, Alexandra prides herself on fostering strong community connections and partnerships. She has a strong foundation in public information and storytelling, staff development, and city leadership. Alexandra is also known as a motivated, solutions-oriented leader who creates welcoming and collaborative team environments that gets things done. With hands-on field experience and a visionary approach, she enjoys bringing innovative ideas to life and empowing teams to achieve successful outcomes for the organization and the community.

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below)1.0  contact hours towards CWEA's Contact Hours. CSM, ECI, LAB, MT, EIT

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the live webinar, please note the one (1) attention check code that will be displayed during the webinar in the top left or right corner of the presentation for approximately 90 seconds.  Please enter this code in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check code, you will be able to create and download an electronic "Certificate of Completion" under the "Contents" tab.

  • You must log in to register
    • Non-member - $45
    • Member - $35

    Continue

  • More Information
• 

  AC26 Confident Conversations: Interviewing Skills for Water and Wastewater Professionals

  Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/07/2026 Overview Speakers Contact Hour / CEU

  AC26 The Power of Community; Annual Conference and Expo April 7-10| Sacramento

  CWEA Members: $35.00
  Non-Members $45.00
  CWEA Contact Hours: 1.0 contact hours towards CWEA Certifications: CSM, ECI, LAB, MT, EIT

  Confident Conversations: Interviewing Skills for Water and Wastewater Professionals

  This session is designed to support professionals in the water and wastewater industry as they navigate job interviews to advance their careers or transition into new roles. While technical expertise is essential in this sector, many candidates struggle to effectively communicate their experience and value in an interview setting.

  The presentation will offer practical, industry-relevant guidance on how to prepare for interviews, respond to behavioral and technical questions, and confidently articulate skills related to safety, compliance, and problem-solving. Through relatable examples and interactive elements, attendees will gain tools to present themselves clearly and professionally, skills that are often underrepresented in technical training but critical for career growth.

  Part Two

  Mock Interview Lab: Practice, Feedback, and Insight

  This full-day interactive session offers water and wastewater professionals a unique opportunity to sharpen their interviewing skills through live mock interviews with a panel of interviewers. Designed to simulate real-world scenarios, each participant will engage in a 15-minute mock interview followed by ten minutes of personalized feedback and Q&A. Interviews will focus on technical and behavioral competencies relevant to the industry, including safety awareness, regulatory knowledge, teamwork, and supervisory skills.

  Participants can sign up for individual interview slots, while up to five observers per session are welcome to watch and learn from the feedback process. This format not only builds confidence but also helps attendees understand how to present their experience effectively and respond to common interview challenges.

  The session is ideal for early-career professionals, those seeking advancement, or anyone preparing for a transition within the field. It supports workforce development by providing practical, hands-on experience in a supportive environment.
  Learning Objectives:
  properly prepare themselves for an interview.
  talk about their technical skills in a relatable way.
  avoid common mistakes made in the interview.

  
  

  

  Helen N. Hu, P.E. (Moderator)

  EchoWater Facility O&M Manager II

  Sacramento Area Sewer District

  Helen Hu is the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Manager II with the Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer). In this role, Helen oversees a workforce of about 200 technical and administrative staff in supervisory and non-supervisory positions that are responsible for the 24/7 operation and maintenance of the EchoWater Resource Recovery Facility (EchoWater Facility).
  
  Helen has over 22 years of experience in the wastewater industry, including operation and maintenance; regulatory and compliance in areas of process safety, air quality and climate change, NPDES, recycled water, and solid waste management; budget administration and audit; workforce and organization development; training and labor relations.
  
  Helen started her career in 2002 with SacSewer as an Assistant Civil Engineer at the EchoWater Facility and continues to advance to her current position. Helen was inspired to pursue the field of wastewater during a high school field trip that showed the process of treating dirty water to clean water and being able to put it back to the environment for beneficial reuse. Helen pursued her interests in wastewater at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering. While at Cal Poly, Helen worked at Smucker’s fruit processing plant in Oxnard, CA as a Pre-treatment Plant Operator to “get her feet wet” in the field.
  
  Helen is a licensed Civil Engineer with the State of California and is actively involved with California Water Environment Association (CWEA). Helen currently serves as the Vice Chair on CWEA's Northern Regional Committee and Conference Co-Chair for the 2026 Annual Conference. Helen also serves as a Facilitator in the Sacramento County's award-winning Leadership Development Academy program.
  
  Outside of work, Helen is a wife and mother of two kids, enjoys cooking, crocheting, watching crime shows, and reading.

  

  Norman Woods

  Assistant Public Works Director

  City of American Canyon - Utilities and Environmental Services

  Norman Woods is the Assistant Public Works Director of Utilities and Environmental Services for the City of Roseville, California, where he oversees comprehensive utility operations including water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, recycled water systems, and water quality management. In this role, he manages multimillion-dollar budgets, directs capital improvement projects, and provides leadership for a skilled team, ensuring regulatory compliance and the delivery of high-quality services to the community. Previously, he served as Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator V (Chief Plant Operator) and held earlier positions as Lead Operator (Grade IV) and Operator II/III, gaining extensive hands-on experience in SCADA systems, process control, laboratory analysis, equipment maintenance, and emergency response planning. Across all roles, Norman has demonstrated expertise in staff development, performance evaluation, operational optimization, and sustainable infrastructure management.
  
  Norman holds a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University and a Bachelor of Science in Government and Public Policy from California State University, Sacramento. His educational background in business and public policy complements his technical expertise, enabling him to lead complex municipal utility operations with strategic insight and efficiency. With a career grounded in public service, Norman is dedicated to advancing infrastructure, promoting environmental sustainability, and mentoring the next generation of utility professionals while fostering a collaborative, results-driven work culture.

  

  Christina Winnicki, SHRM-CP

  Management Analyst

  Ross Valley Sanitary District

  Christina Winnicki is a dedicated HR Management Analyst and Board Clerk at Ross Valley Sanitary District. With over a decade of experience spanning finance, human resources, and office management, Christina brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. She holds SHRM-CP and CLRM certifications and earned her Bachelor's degree in Accounting. She is currently working towards her Master’s in Public Administration.
  
  In her current position, Christina manages recruitment and onboarding, supports HR operations, and performs board clerk duties. Before transitioning to public service, she worked with small businesses, helping them streamline operations, recruit talent, and achieve profitability.
  
  Born and raised in the East Bay, Christina is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She co-founded East Bay Women for Good, a giving circle that supports local non-profits, and volunteers with The Bread Project, an organization dedicated to empowering disadvantaged individuals with the skills needed to enter the workforce.
  
  In her free time, Christina enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children, camping, baking, and exploring new podcasts.

  

  John Vogel

  Operations Supervisor

  Ross Valley Sanitary District

  John Vogel has been an active member of the California Water Environment Association since 2011 and a dedicated volunteer since 2017. He currently serves as Vice President of the CWEA State Board of Directors and is a past Chair of the Technical Certification Program (TCP) Committee, where he led statewide exam revalidation efforts and supported workforce development across all certification grades. John has also served as TCP Vice Chair, OPS Financial Committee member, and liaison to multiple committees, sections, and local chapters, and on program committes such as the Planned Program and Development committee, the CWEA Audit committee, and the Executive Committee.
  
  Professionally, John is an Operations Supervisor at Ross Valley Sanitary District, where he oversees data-driven asset management, CMMS optimization, CCTV, maintenance, remote flow program, pump stations, and collection system performance. He is a frequent CWEA conference presenter, having presented at Annual Conferences on topics including sewer data management, CMMS utilization, remote monitoring, and I&I reduction. John is passionate about practical leadership, certification excellence, and advancing the wastewater profession through education and service.

  

  Nichole Morgan

  Civil Engineer Board Member

  State Water Resources Control Board

  Nichole Morgan was appointed as the civil engineer to the State Water Resources Control Board by Governor Gavin Newsom in June 2021. Ms. Morgan most recently served as an Assistant Deputy Director in the State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Financial Assistance, where she worked on projects providing funding for drinking water, wastewater, storm water and groundwater infrastructure improvements. During this time Ms. Morgan also oversaw the management of a variety of additional programs including the Lead in Child Care Centers, Fish Advisories, and Drinking Water and Wastewater Operator Certification programs.

  From 1999 to 2009 Ms. Morgan worked for public agencies and engineering consulting firms. Her responsibilities included planning, designing, and overseeing the construction of drinking water, wastewater and recycled water treatment and conveyance facilities throughout California. Ms. Morgan joined the State Water Resources Control Board in 2009 where she worked as staff in the Division of Financial Assistance, Delta Water Master’s Office, and the Division of Water Rights. Ms. Morgan worked as a manager at the Central Valley Regional Water Board from 2012 to 2018, where she managed the region’s NPDES program. She returned to the State Water Board in 2018 as the head of the Office of Sustainable Water Solutions and was promoted in 2019 to an Assistant Deputy Director with the Division of Financial Assistance.
  
  Ms. Morgan has a Bachelor in Science in Civil Engineering from California State University, Sacramento.

  

  Sonny Lunde, PE

  Director of EchoWater Resource Recovery Facility

  Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer)

  Sonny Lunde is the Director of EchoWater Operations at the Sacramento Area Sewer District and leads over 350 SacSewer staff responsible for the operations, maintenance, engineering, construction programs, and laboratory services at the EchoWater Resource Recovery Facility. Sonny has over 25 years of public service. Prior to his role as the Director of EchoWater Operations, Sonny served as the Engineering Design Manager for SacSewer's Collection System Operations, and the Engineering Manager and Operations and Maintenance Manager for SacSewer's EchoWater Operations. Sonny holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from California State University, Sacramento. He has been a licensed engineer since 2004.

  

  Paul Bruemmer, MT-4 D-2

  Operation &Maintenance Manager

  Ross Valley Sanitary District

  Operations and Maintenance Manager – Ross Valley Sanitary District
  With 26 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry, I’ve built my career across the full spectrum of collections, distribution, and treatment plant maintenance. My background includes extensive hands‑on and supervisory work with the City of Daly City and Central Marin Sanitation Agency, where I supported critical infrastructure and operational reliability.
  I currently serve as the Operations and Maintenance Manager for Ross Valley Sanitary District, home to California’s oldest sanitary collection system. In this role, I oversee system performance, maintenance programs, field operations, and long‑term asset stewardship to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible service for the community.

  

  Alexandra Ikeda, BS

  Deputy City Manager

  City of American Canyon

  Alexandra Ikeda, Deputy City Manager for the City of American Canyon, holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Recreation and Leisure Management from California State University East Bay, and brings more than 20 years of public service expereience. With a diverse background in parks, recreation, public communications, and administration, Alexandra prides herself on fostering strong community connections and partnerships. She has a strong foundation in public information and storytelling, staff development, and city leadership. Alexandra is also known as a motivated, solutions-oriented leader who creates welcoming and collaborative team environments that gets things done. With hands-on field experience and a visionary approach, she enjoys bringing innovative ideas to life and empowing teams to achieve successful outcomes for the organization and the community.

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below)1.0  contact hours towards CWEA's Contact Hours. CSM, ECI, LAB, MT, EIT

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the live webinar, please note the one (1) attention check code that will be displayed during the webinar in the top left or right corner of the presentation for approximately 90 seconds.  Please enter this code in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check code, you will be able to create and download an electronic "Certificate of Completion" under the "Contents" tab.

  • You must log in to register
    • Non-member - $45
    • Member - $35

    Continue

  • More Information
• 

  AC26 Panel Discussion: Tips & Tools to Make You Stand Out and Ace Your Interview

  Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/07/2026 Overview Speakers Contact Hour / CEU

  AC26 The Power of Community; Annual Conference and Expo April 7-10| Sacramento

  CWEA Members: $35.00
  Non-Members $45.00
  CWEA Contact Hours: 1.0 contact hours towards CWEA Certifications: CSM, ECI, LAB, MT, EIT

  Gain insights from a panel of seasoned leaders sharing lessons learned and success tips
  Learn tips to make you stand out from an HR perspective
  Take away best practices that can be implemented in your next interview

  Learning Objectives:

  Use simple communication strategies that keep projects moving forward
  Set clear expectations with stakeholders and team members
  Share updates that build trust and transparency
  Apply practical tools to improve follow-through and accountability"

  
  

  

  Helen N. Hu, P.E. (Moderator)

  EchoWater Facility O&M Manager II

  Sacramento Area Sewer District

  Helen Hu is the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Manager II with the Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer). In this role, Helen oversees a workforce of about 200 technical and administrative staff in supervisory and non-supervisory positions that are responsible for the 24/7 operation and maintenance of the EchoWater Resource Recovery Facility (EchoWater Facility).
  
  Helen has over 22 years of experience in the wastewater industry, including operation and maintenance; regulatory and compliance in areas of process safety, air quality and climate change, NPDES, recycled water, and solid waste management; budget administration and audit; workforce and organization development; training and labor relations.
  
  Helen started her career in 2002 with SacSewer as an Assistant Civil Engineer at the EchoWater Facility and continues to advance to her current position. Helen was inspired to pursue the field of wastewater during a high school field trip that showed the process of treating dirty water to clean water and being able to put it back to the environment for beneficial reuse. Helen pursued her interests in wastewater at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering. While at Cal Poly, Helen worked at Smucker’s fruit processing plant in Oxnard, CA as a Pre-treatment Plant Operator to “get her feet wet” in the field.
  
  Helen is a licensed Civil Engineer with the State of California and is actively involved with California Water Environment Association (CWEA). Helen currently serves as the Vice Chair on CWEA's Northern Regional Committee and Conference Co-Chair for the 2026 Annual Conference. Helen also serves as a Facilitator in the Sacramento County's award-winning Leadership Development Academy program.
  
  Outside of work, Helen is a wife and mother of two kids, enjoys cooking, crocheting, watching crime shows, and reading.

  

  Norman Woods

  Assistant Public Works Director

  City of American Canyon - Utilities and Environmental Services

  Norman Woods is the Assistant Public Works Director of Utilities and Environmental Services for the City of Roseville, California, where he oversees comprehensive utility operations including water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, recycled water systems, and water quality management. In this role, he manages multimillion-dollar budgets, directs capital improvement projects, and provides leadership for a skilled team, ensuring regulatory compliance and the delivery of high-quality services to the community. Previously, he served as Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator V (Chief Plant Operator) and held earlier positions as Lead Operator (Grade IV) and Operator II/III, gaining extensive hands-on experience in SCADA systems, process control, laboratory analysis, equipment maintenance, and emergency response planning. Across all roles, Norman has demonstrated expertise in staff development, performance evaluation, operational optimization, and sustainable infrastructure management.
  
  Norman holds a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University and a Bachelor of Science in Government and Public Policy from California State University, Sacramento. His educational background in business and public policy complements his technical expertise, enabling him to lead complex municipal utility operations with strategic insight and efficiency. With a career grounded in public service, Norman is dedicated to advancing infrastructure, promoting environmental sustainability, and mentoring the next generation of utility professionals while fostering a collaborative, results-driven work culture.

  

  Christina Winnicki, SHRM-CP

  Management Analyst

  Ross Valley Sanitary District

  Christina Winnicki is a dedicated HR Management Analyst and Board Clerk at Ross Valley Sanitary District. With over a decade of experience spanning finance, human resources, and office management, Christina brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. She holds SHRM-CP and CLRM certifications and earned her Bachelor's degree in Accounting. She is currently working towards her Master’s in Public Administration.
  
  In her current position, Christina manages recruitment and onboarding, supports HR operations, and performs board clerk duties. Before transitioning to public service, she worked with small businesses, helping them streamline operations, recruit talent, and achieve profitability.
  
  Born and raised in the East Bay, Christina is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She co-founded East Bay Women for Good, a giving circle that supports local non-profits, and volunteers with The Bread Project, an organization dedicated to empowering disadvantaged individuals with the skills needed to enter the workforce.
  
  In her free time, Christina enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children, camping, baking, and exploring new podcasts.

  

  John Vogel

  Operations Supervisor

  Ross Valley Sanitary District

  John Vogel has been an active member of the California Water Environment Association since 2011 and a dedicated volunteer since 2017. He currently serves as Vice President of the CWEA State Board of Directors and is a past Chair of the Technical Certification Program (TCP) Committee, where he led statewide exam revalidation efforts and supported workforce development across all certification grades. John has also served as TCP Vice Chair, OPS Financial Committee member, and liaison to multiple committees, sections, and local chapters, and on program committes such as the Planned Program and Development committee, the CWEA Audit committee, and the Executive Committee.
  
  Professionally, John is an Operations Supervisor at Ross Valley Sanitary District, where he oversees data-driven asset management, CMMS optimization, CCTV, maintenance, remote flow program, pump stations, and collection system performance. He is a frequent CWEA conference presenter, having presented at Annual Conferences on topics including sewer data management, CMMS utilization, remote monitoring, and I&I reduction. John is passionate about practical leadership, certification excellence, and advancing the wastewater profession through education and service.

  

  Nichole Morgan

  Civil Engineer Board Member

  State Water Resources Control Board

  Nichole Morgan was appointed as the civil engineer to the State Water Resources Control Board by Governor Gavin Newsom in June 2021. Ms. Morgan most recently served as an Assistant Deputy Director in the State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Financial Assistance, where she worked on projects providing funding for drinking water, wastewater, storm water and groundwater infrastructure improvements. During this time Ms. Morgan also oversaw the management of a variety of additional programs including the Lead in Child Care Centers, Fish Advisories, and Drinking Water and Wastewater Operator Certification programs.

  From 1999 to 2009 Ms. Morgan worked for public agencies and engineering consulting firms. Her responsibilities included planning, designing, and overseeing the construction of drinking water, wastewater and recycled water treatment and conveyance facilities throughout California. Ms. Morgan joined the State Water Resources Control Board in 2009 where she worked as staff in the Division of Financial Assistance, Delta Water Master’s Office, and the Division of Water Rights. Ms. Morgan worked as a manager at the Central Valley Regional Water Board from 2012 to 2018, where she managed the region’s NPDES program. She returned to the State Water Board in 2018 as the head of the Office of Sustainable Water Solutions and was promoted in 2019 to an Assistant Deputy Director with the Division of Financial Assistance.
  
  Ms. Morgan has a Bachelor in Science in Civil Engineering from California State University, Sacramento.

  

  Sonny Lunde, PE

  Director of EchoWater Resource Recovery Facility

  Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer)

  Sonny Lunde is the Director of EchoWater Operations at the Sacramento Area Sewer District and leads over 350 SacSewer staff responsible for the operations, maintenance, engineering, construction programs, and laboratory services at the EchoWater Resource Recovery Facility. Sonny has over 25 years of public service. Prior to his role as the Director of EchoWater Operations, Sonny served as the Engineering Design Manager for SacSewer's Collection System Operations, and the Engineering Manager and Operations and Maintenance Manager for SacSewer's EchoWater Operations. Sonny holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from California State University, Sacramento. He has been a licensed engineer since 2004.

  

  Paul Bruemmer, MT-4 D-2

  Operation &Maintenance Manager

  Ross Valley Sanitary District

  Operations and Maintenance Manager – Ross Valley Sanitary District
  With 26 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry, I’ve built my career across the full spectrum of collections, distribution, and treatment plant maintenance. My background includes extensive hands‑on and supervisory work with the City of Daly City and Central Marin Sanitation Agency, where I supported critical infrastructure and operational reliability.
  I currently serve as the Operations and Maintenance Manager for Ross Valley Sanitary District, home to California’s oldest sanitary collection system. In this role, I oversee system performance, maintenance programs, field operations, and long‑term asset stewardship to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible service for the community.

  

  Alexandra Ikeda, BS

  Deputy City Manager

  City of American Canyon

  Alexandra Ikeda, Deputy City Manager for the City of American Canyon, holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Recreation and Leisure Management from California State University East Bay, and brings more than 20 years of public service expereience. With a diverse background in parks, recreation, public communications, and administration, Alexandra prides herself on fostering strong community connections and partnerships. She has a strong foundation in public information and storytelling, staff development, and city leadership. Alexandra is also known as a motivated, solutions-oriented leader who creates welcoming and collaborative team environments that gets things done. With hands-on field experience and a visionary approach, she enjoys bringing innovative ideas to life and empowing teams to achieve successful outcomes for the organization and the community.

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below)1.0  contact hours towards CWEA's Contact Hours. CSM, ECI, LAB, MT, EIT

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the live webinar, please note the one (1) attention check code that will be displayed during the webinar in the top left or right corner of the presentation for approximately 90 seconds.  Please enter this code in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check code, you will be able to create and download an electronic "Certificate of Completion" under the "Contents" tab.

  • You must log in to register
    • Non-member - $45
    • Member - $35

    Continue

  • More Information
• 

  AC26 Communicate Like a Leader: Practical Tools for Managing Projects and Expectations

  Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/07/2026 Overview Speakers Contact Hour / CEU

  AC26 The Power of Community; Annual Conference and Expo April 7-10| Sacramento

  CWEA Members: $35.00
  Non-Members $45.00
  CWEA Contact Hours: 1.0 contact hours towards CWEA Certifications: ALL 

  Strong communication is not just about presenting information. It is about helping work move forward.

  Early in their careers, many professionals discover that projects rarely stall because of technical challenges. More often, they slow down because expectations were unclear, updates were not shared, or stakeholders were left guessing about progress.

  In this practical and engaging session, David Garrison shares communication strategies that help professionals keep projects on track, maintain trust with stakeholders, and guide tasks to completion.

  Drawing from more than a decade working with associations, public agencies, and consulting teams, David explores how small communication habits can dramatically improve collaboration. Participants will learn how proactive updates, clear expectations, and simple communication rhythms can strengthen relationships and prevent misunderstandings before they occur.

  Through real examples and interactive discussion, participants will leave with tools they can apply immediately to improve their effectiveness as communicators and project contributors.

  Because in professional environments, the difference between frustration and trust is often just one message sent at the right time.
  
  

  Learning Objectives:
  Use simple communication strategies that keep projects moving forward
  Set clear expectations with stakeholders and team members
  Share updates that build trust and transparency
  Apply practical tools to improve follow-through and accountability
  
  AC26 Recorded Sessions Sponsored By: 
  

  
  

  

  David Garrison

  Outreach and Communications Lead

  West Yost

  David Garrison is the Outreach and Communications Lead at West Yost, a water resource management firm dedicated exclusively to water. With more than 15 years of experience in communications, engagement, and strategic facilitation, David has worked closely with associations, public agencies, and consulting teams to strengthen collaboration and alignment.
  
  Earlier in his career, David served as a Creative and Communications Director within an Association Management Company, supporting multiple professional organizations and their volunteer leadership. That experience shaped his practical approach to communication, focusing on clarity, transparency, and building trust across teams.
  
  Today, David works with organizations to improve communication practices that help projects move forward and help teams work together more effectively.

  

  Richard H. Hyle, CSM 4

  Sewer Collections Superintendent

  San Bernardino Municipal Water Department

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below)1.0  contact hours towards CWEA's Contact Hours. ALL

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the live webinar, please note the one (1) attention check code that will be displayed during the webinar in the top left or right corner of the presentation for approximately 90 seconds.  Please enter this code in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check code, you will be able to create and download an electronic "Certificate of Completion" under the "Contents" tab.

  • You must log in to register
    • Non-member - $45
    • Member - $35

    Continue

  • More Information
• 

  AC25 Annual Conference Digital Bundle

  Contains 15 Component(s), Includes Credits Overview Contact Hour / CEU

  AC25 Conference and Expo; Waves of Change, Navigating The Future Of Water. April 22-25| Palm Springs

  

  CWEA Member: $295.00
  Non-Member: $390.00

  13.0 contact hours towards CWEA's certifications.
  This series includes the following 50 minute sessions. 

  Advancing Solids Thickening Through Suspended Air Application
  In a recent project funded by California Energy Commission (CEC), an innovative thickening process -Suspended Air Flotation (SAF®)- was selected to be tested at demonstration scale. SAF® process presents a compelling alternative to traditional thickening methods considering its potential to reduce energy consumption and to separate emerging contaminants such as Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

  The SAF technique employs a suspension of micron-sized air bubbles, ranging from 7 to 50 µm, in water to attain a volumetric air content of 40 to 50%. These bubbles are coated with a thin layer of soap film derived from an electrically charged anionic or cationic surfactant. The charged bubbles offer a substantial interfacial area for the adsorption of oppositely charged flocculated wastewater solids. In practice, suspensions of charged bubbles are introduced into the flotation tank to interact with wastewater solids. The solids then ascend to the surface and are skimmed off. The clarified effluent is recirculated to the headworks.
  SAF enhances traditional thickening methods like Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) by eliminating the need for dissolved air, thus obviating the requirement for pressurization systems, recirculation pumps, compressors, and airlines, leading to considerable energy savings. SAF's capability to manage high solids loads also results in substantial footprint and power savings, high solids recovery (up to 99%), and a high solids loading rate (up to 40 lb/ft2/hr). Moreover, no polymer is needed to thicken sludge to 4% solids. Owing to these benefits, adopting SAF technology can lead to an energy savings of up to 90% compared to its conventional counterparts, such as DAF.
  This presentation will assess this novel technology, its performance, present results from case studies, and elaborate on the potential of this technology for PFAS separation.
  Learning Objectives:
  Define the suspended air flotation technology (SAF) and difference between dissolved air flotation (DAF) technology
  Demonstrate the advancements of SAF technology for various case studies including thickening of Advanced primary treatment solids and secondary solids
  List the important criteria for the design and operational challenges of the SAF technology

  Anaerobic Digestion of Organics: Industry Drivers Overview of Two Case Studies for CHP and RNG
  This presentation will discuss the diversion of organics, such as food waste and the co-digestion of these wastes with anaerobic digestion which generated biogas, a beneficial byproduct. Doing so allows reduction in landfill volumes and stabilization of the waste suitable for land application. The stabilization process, when accomplished with anaerobic digestion, generates biogas, a beneficial byproduct.

  The presentation will include an overview of industry trends, including regional trends in State of California for organics diversion requirements. Other industry drivers that will be covered will include greenhouse gas emissions reductions, state and federal financial incentives, and drivers for renewable energy production.

  When organic waste is diverted to a wastewater treatment facility, the organics can be co-mingled with municipally generated sludge in anaerobic digestion (i.e., co-digestion). This allows for existing infrastructure to be utilized for both wastewater treatment and landfill diversion while generating a biosolids product and digester gas. The produced biogas can be utilized as a fuel source for a process heating boiler or in a combined heat and power system or renewable natural gas.

  Finally, the presentation will include case study overviews of two functioning wastewater treatment facilities with anaerobic digestion, both which are receiving significant quantities of organic wastes to generate biogas from co-digestion. One facility is utilizing biogas produced in a combined heat & power (CHP) for use at the facility and has achieved net zero operations beginning in 2022. The second facility facility has a very large high strength waste program with over 19,000 loads received annually. The biogas from this facility is processing the biogas into renewable natural gas (RNG) for pipeline injection which generates over $6M annually.
  Learning Objectives:
  1. Gain understanding of the industry drivers for organics diversion and resource recovery programs.
  2. Learn about two functioning full-scale wastewater treatment facilities with anaerobic digestion, both which are receiving significant quantities of organic wastes to generate biogas from co-digestion.
  3. Define the concept the organics diversion, such as food waste and the co-digestion of these wastes with anaerobic digestion which generated biogas and potential value of this renewable fuel.

  
  Maximizing Biosolids Value: Post-Upgrade Optimization and Market Development
  This presentation explores the optimization of new solids handling facilities and the creation of marketable biosolids products, drawing insights from two major utilities: Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) and JEA.

  HRSD’s Atlantic Treatment Plant (ATP) transitioned from Class B to Class A biosolids production by commissioning a Cambi thermal hydrolysis process (THP) skid in mid-2020. This transition resulted in increased solids capacity and improved final dewatering performance. The presentation will delve into the startup and optimization process, highlighting lessons learned and how these upgrades have prepared HRSD to adapt to future regulatory changes.

  Initial startup required ATP to disinfect digesters and all associated piping. The first digester was filled with heated disinfected non-potable water and seed from DC Water’s digesters. The approach to ramping up thermally hydrolyzed sludge feed started at 50% of DC Water’s loading rate and increased over several weeks.
  Using existing dewatering centrifuges, the final dewatering cake solids improved from 14-16% total solids (TS) to 30% TS after THP implementation and optimization. Curing pilots using the 30% cake and a windrow turner determined the most efficient method for producing a low-odor, aerobically cured product. Lessons from 2023 pilot studies have been applied to full-scale curing operations initiated in early 2024.

  JEA, one of Florida’s largest utilities, has proactively planned for the future of their biosolids program. In 2017, JEA’s master plan recommended decommissioning the old thermal drying system and outsourcing Class B dewatered cake processing to a third-party. However, this dependence led to uncertainties in costs and regulatory compliance.

  In 2020, JEA revised their strategy, recommending a new regional biosolids handling facility at the Buckman Water Reclamation Facility (BWRF). This facility, designed to handle solids from all 12 JEA-owned water reclamation facilities, includes advanced thickening and dewatering equipment, two large thermal drum drying systems, and infrastructure for high-quality pellet production. These upgrades provide JEA with the flexibility to pivot as regulatory drivers change and new market opportunities arise.

  The presentation will discuss innovative strategies employed by JEA, including a pilot of an in-line high-shear dynamic mixer to re-wet dewatered cake solids, reducing transportation costs and capital expenses.
  Learning Objectives:
  Describe the startup and optimization process of thermal hydrolysis and its impact on biosolids capacity and quality.
  Explain approaches to evaluating and upgrading biosolids handling facilities, focusing on infrastructure, process reliability, and market development.
  Identify key lessons learned in the production and market development for biosolids products."

  Developing Engineering Design Criteria for Partial Denitrification Anammox (PdNA) Implementation for Multiple Biofilm Media
  Partial denitrification anammox (PdNA) implementation can combat some of the most difficult challenges facing California’s water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs). PdNA can alleviate strains caused by population growth and nutrients, while offering long-term budgetary benefits. Rather than using traditional nitrification and denitrification, PdNA can be implemented which has lower energy requirements, carbon demands, and greenhouse gas emissions. In PdNA, nitrate is reduced to nitrite (partial denitrification), and the reduction of nitrite to nitrogen gas (full denitrification) is avoided. The nitrite produced from partial denitrification can then be reduced to nitrogen gas with influent ammonium via anammox. This process has been proven to be more stable than alternative methods (partial nitritation anammox [PNA]), making it an attractive option for mainstream wastewater treatment.

  This presentation will provide an overview of a $4 million U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) PdNA study that will implement PdNA in six WRRFs nationwide. The study focuses on determining engineering design criteria as nitrogen loading and removal rates, mixing requirements, headloss, fill ratios, and retrofittability of different media (moving integrated fixed-film activated sludge [IFAS], fixed IFAS, and biological aerated filters [BAFs]) to enable widespread PdNA implementation.

  Applicability to California Utilities:
  PdNA implementation can be a beneficial solution for California utilities that are seeking to increase capacity or are considering the initiation of a water reuse program. The capacity enhancement holds particular significance for facilities with footprint limitations, as PdNA can be retrofit into existing facilities without significant construction. From the perspective of water reuse, tertiary PdNA in a BAF offers a solution for achieving effluent total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) and total suspended solids (TSS) limits while minimizing modifications to upstream infrastructure.

  As a part of the DOE study, a pilot-scale tertiary BAF PdNA process will be evaluated at the Linda County Water District water resource recovery facility (WRRF) which should commence in Fall 2024. Startup and preliminary results from this pilot and other WRRFs will be shared at the conference.

  Conclusion:
  PdNA represents a cost-effective method for expanding capacity, reducing operation and maintenance costs, and transitioning to water reuse, making it a valuable solution for California utilities.
  Learning Objectives:
  Describe the overall benefits of PdNA, list several approaches to configure/implement PdNA, status of PdNA design criteria, and demonstrate innovative methods for overcoming headloss challenges associated with its implementation.
  Identify the synergistic benefits of combining water reuse with PdNA and describe the tertiary BAF PdNA study at the Linda County WRRF.
  Determine novel technologies that can potentially be integrated with PdNA to minimize the need for supplemental carbon."

  A Flexible Future - How Split Flow BNR Opens Doors to Future Possibilities
  Presentation Description: San Francisco Bay Area wastewater utilities are facing nutrient discharge regulations that impact near-term and long-term decision making. The City of Sunnyvale Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) balanced aging infrastructure needs with future nutrient to develop a phased approach for upgrading their treatment plant to remove nutrients.

  The existing treatment facilities at the WPCP are aging assets and cannot meet anticipated future discharge regulations for nitrogen. The City decided to be an early adopter in nutrient reduction and to implement a two-phased secondary treatment upgrade to transition to a conventional activated sludge (CAS) BNR process. Carollo/Jacobs recently completed the design for the $300M Secondary Treatment and Dewatering Project. The construction of the Phase 1 secondary treatment facility and Demon deammonification sidestream treatment facility is in progress. The CAS facilities will operate in parallel with the existing oxidation pond treatment train and the Demon sidestream facility will treat return stream from a new dewatering process.
  
  Dealing with aging infrastructure and a tight site, this phased approach allows the City lots of flexibility. Delaying the second phase of the project allows the City to:
  • Defer costs and maintain financial flexibility
  • Allow process intensification technology to mature
  • Maximize site space and right size phase 2
  
  This presentation will provide an overview of the project and review key factors that influenced the decision to implement split flow and sidestream treatment, and explore elements of the design that were implemented to successfully manage the split flow operation and flexibility for future expansion.
  This presentation may be of interest to design engineers, decision makers, planners, or others charged with navigating future regulations and developing strategies to optimize performance and nutrient load management. The City of Sunnyvale is on their way towards implementing their Program that began in 2016. Key decisions on implementing split flow and optimizing the Phase 1 Secondary Treatment and Dewatering Project design have maintained flexibility for the City for what comes next.
  
  Learning Objectives:
  Understand how a phased approach to a process upgrade can delay capital investment and increase future flexibility.
  Identify creative solutions that address multiple drivers such as aging infrastructure and new regulations.
  Describe the benefits of planning ahead

  Modifying a BNR Facility for Low DO Operation and Operating it to Get There
  The Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts and Carollo Engineers, Inc. have participated in a Department of Energy project called “Transforming Aeration Energy in Resource Recovery Facilities through Suboxic Nitrogen Removal.” The project seeks to operate the activated sludge process at dissolved oxygen (DO) levels that are significantly below 1.0 mg/L while maintaining nitrification. The aeration process in a water recovery facility (WRF) typically consumes approximately 50% of the total energy of the plant. This project aims to reduce that energy consumption from 1500 to below 650 Kwh/MGD . This project involved pilot work as well as conducting full-scale modifications at the Pomona WRF to accommodate low DO operation.

  The Pomona WRRF was built about 50 years ago and has not had any significant controls modifications since then. This may be typical of many WRF's in California. This presentation will cover in detail the significant modifications that were made to the facility and the costs. The old single speed centrifugal process air compressors were replaced with turboblowers. The old aeration control had one valve which controlled numerous aeration zones. New valves and flowmeters were installed to allow individual aeration zone control. A third-party control system was installed to allow precise DO control as well as ammonia-based aeration control. A solids retention time control system was also provided. To facilitate these control systems additional instrumentation, including sensors for ammonia, nitrate, DO, TSS, and sludge blankets, were installed. Details on the installation and maintenance of these sensors will be discussed.
  The project team will also discuss the approach to reducing the DO while maintaining compliance. Results of low DO activated sludge transition will be presented. This project is due to be completed at the end of September 2024. Pomona WRF is currently operating an average daily DO of 0.85 mg/L. There is some disagreement about how low DO activated sludge works. It may be different organisms doing the nitrification or the existing population adapting to the low DO. The presentation will provide batch kinetic and nitrification test results as well as microbial analysis to try to provide an answer to that question.

  Learning Objectives:
  Upon completion, the participant will be able to understand the equipment and controls required to perform low DO operation.
  Upon completion, the participant will be able to formulate a plan to transition a facility to low DO operation.
  Upon completion, the participant will be able to understand the costs and benefits associated with low DO operation.

  Addressing Future Uncertainties Through Adaptive Planning, Resulting in Intensification and Decarbonization of BNR
  Adaptive planning serves as a valuable means to conceptualize and create designs for water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) that accommodate various stages of growth, even those that are yet unknown. By offering flexible and high-performing technology options, intensification can assist in adaptive planning and effectively address the multiple challenges that WRRFs encounter today. This presentation will highlight the adaptable planning approach and intensification strategies implemented in the secondary treatment system design for the Town of Windsor Water District (Town) to:

  • decarbonize their biological nutrient removal (BNR) system in line with net zero sustainability goals
  • plan for uncertain growth in a space constrained site
  • meet stringent nutrient limits, both nitrogen and phosphorus

  The Town’s WRRF has a limit for effluent total nitrogen and phosphorus in their NPDES permit (set at 10.5 mg-N/L and below detection limit respectively). While the WRF has been consistently meeting their permit, these stringent limitations have become constricting when considering Town’s ability to meet growth requirements. Current average influent TSS and ammonia loadings have already exceeded the WRRF’s design capacity. In addition, the Town will be consolidating with an adjacent sanitation district whose growth comes with a substantial degree of uncertainty.

  The Town conducted a nutrient removal study and conceptual design in 2020, and is now implementing the detailed design of the secondary treatment system. A roadmap will be presented of the adaptive planning design for this system, which considers multiple growth scenarios for each of the Town’s influent sources.

  A variety of intensification options were considered in the design, including aerobic granular sludge (AGS), primary filters and hydrocyclones. Membrane aerated bioreactors (MABR) were ultimately selected for their modular nature, low footprint, and low energy requirement, which perfectly aligns with the Town’s drivers above. The roadmap will illustrate how intensification strategies such as MABR can facilitate adaptive planning by providing phased growth design options that don’t necessarily mean expansion at each step. This part of the presentation will also include an audience driven discussion about how intensification strategies can more broadly be tailored to specific drivers, just as it was in Town’s adaptive design.
  
  Learning Objectives:
  View a roadmap of how adaptive planning can be used for phased design under uncertain and unexpected growth for WRRF’s with a multitude of drivers
  Understand an example of how a specific intensification option can facilitate adaptive phased design and help tailor the design to a specific client’s needs
  Describe how a variety of intensification options can meet various drivers for WRRFs including but not limited to: meeting permits, decarbonizing, address site specific challenges such as space constraints, etc."

  Benefits of Hydrocyclones for WRRF Performance: Better Settling, Improved Nitrification… and Reduced E. coli?!
  The aerobic granular sludge activated sludge process using batch reactors has received attention for the potential it offers to intensify activated sludge. Intensification allows WRRFs to improve effluent quality with a smaller footprint. Alternate technologies like hydrocyclones have become commercially available, which help to retain faster settling particles while the slower-settling particles are wasted out of the system. This type of technology can be more easily incorporated into plug flow reactors. At some plug flow facilities that have both hydrocyclones and unaerated high food-to-microorganism (F/M) selector zones, a relatively high fraction of the activated sludge can become granules producing a “densified sludge”.

  In 2020, the City of Wichita installed a four-cyclone skid (180 gpm of return activated sludge [RAS]) on one of six nitrifying activated sludge trains at the Plant 2 WRRF (rated 54 million gallons per day [mgd]). The benefits to settleability through reductions in the sludge volume index (SVI) of the mixed liquor and improved water clarity in the test basin was observed. The SVI in the main basins averaged 120 mL/g compared to 91 mL/g in the hydrocyclone pilot basin. The City has started sampling E. coli in its secondary effluent prior to ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. Initial sampling has indicated about a 0.5-log reduction in E. coli counts in the hydrocyclone train compared to the non-cyclone trains.

  Current biological nutrient removal (BNR) improvements project at the Plant 2 will incorporate a full-scale hydrocyclone system. This presentation will present the design criteria and layout of the new hydrocyclone facility and BNR facilities, a 5-stage Bardenpho process with high F/M selector zones and 19 cyclones for sludge wasting. Design considerations for the ancillary support facilities will also be presented, including a cyclone feed sludge (RAS) pumping, discharge of the cyclone underflow into the selector zones of the BNR process, and overflow as waste activated sludge (WAS).

  With many utilities in California facing addition of nutrient limits in their discharge permit, the approach provided in this presentation will help these utilities save capital dollars on their improvement projects.
  
  Learning Objectives:
  Upon completion, participants will have a good understanding of densified sludge and the benefits it provides for wastewater plant operations.
  Upon completion, participants will learn the key elements to consider when designing a full-scale hydrocyclone based system to provide densification in a plug flow reactor.
  Upon completion, participants will learn about the latest research associated with hydrocylones, which indicates that they can potentially reduce disinfection dose at WRRFs, in addition to process benefits ."

  
  

  
  

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below) will receive 13.0.0 contact hours towards CWEA's certifications.

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the recording, you will need to view each video in the series. Upon completion of the last video in the series, the system will automatically unlock the attention check code for you view. The two (2) different attention check codes that will be displayed, and you will need to enter these codes as 1st attention check code – 2nd attention check code (XXXX-XXXX) in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check codes, you will be able to create and download an electronic certificate of completion under the "Contents" tab.

  • You must log in to register
    • Non-member - $390
    • Member - $295

    Continue

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  AC25 Water Reuse & Advanced Water Treatment Track Bundle

  Contains 6 Component(s), Includes Credits Overview Contact Hour / CEU

  AC25 Conference and Expo; Waves of Change, Navigating The Future Of Water. April 22-25| Palm Springs

  

  CWEA Member: $150.00
  Non-Member: $195.00

  3.0 contact hours towards CWEA's AWT certifications.
  This series includes the following 50 minute sessions. 

  Session 1: Inevitable Role of Secondary Treatment in Direct Potable Reuse Facilities
  California DPR Regulations require ozone and biological active carbon (BAC) filtration ahead of full advanced treatment consisting of reverse osmosis (RO) and advanced oxidation process (AOP). The main purpose of ozone and BAC is to address low molecular weight organic compounds some of which such as acetone, formaldehyde cannot be effectively removed by the full advanced treatment. The other purpose of ozone-BAC is to provide an additional barrier for chemical peak “averaging”. While Ozone-BAC can provide an effective barrier for low molecular weight compounds that are poorly removed by full advanced treatment, the capabilities of ozone-BAC is limited to relatively small chemical peaking based on North City chemical spike studies. However, one critical area has not come to closer attention of State Water Board. That is the secondary treatment. In this presentation, we will explain inevitable role of secondary treatment in a DPR train. First, an activated sludge based secondary treatment can provide excellent removal for slowly biodegradable organic compounds such as acetone, formaldehyde and all other low molecular alcohols and ketones that are poorly removed by full advanced treatment. Second, a secondary treatment can provide nitrogen control which is critical to meet nitrite and nitrate nitrogen primary MCLs of 1 and 10 mg/L, respectively. These limits may not be reliably met in RO-based full advanced treatment if no nitrogen control is provided in the upstream wastewater treatment plant (e.g., Hyperion WRP). Third, a good nitrogen control is essential to minimize secondary effluent nitrite concentration which creates very high ozone demand during ozonation. Last but not least, a well-designed and operated secondary treatment can provide a high-quality effluent with reduced suspended solids, phosphate and metals which can create operational challenges at downstream advanced water purification facility (AWPF).

  In summary, how a robust secondary treatment along with performance requirements make DPR possible and case study examples will be presented to demonstrate how secondary process performance affects & defines AWPF design, performance & operation in a DPR train. It will provide an unmatched value for public and regulatory agencies to explore how secondary treatment that makes DPR projects more robust and resilient.

  Learning Objectives:
  To understand capabilities and limitations of ozone and BAC for chemical control in DPR projects
  To understand role and superior benefits of activated sludge based secondary treatment in DPR
  To understand how we can configure secondary treatment to make DPR projects more robust and resilient

  Session 2: Secondary Effluent Quality, Potable Reuse, and Nitrogen Removal: Considerations for Multi-Benefit Projects
  Water reclamation facilities are facing a variety of new challenges, including the move toward potable reuse and new regulations to limit nitrogen discharges. This presentation explores the interactions between secondary effluent quality, potable reuse, and nitrogen removal.

  Successful potable reuse requires high-quality, consistent secondary effluent. The first part of this presentation will discuss typical advanced treatment trains for potable reuse and identify the critical design parameters impacted by the secondary treatment processes. Key differences between secondary treatment types will be quantified. The evaluation documents higher concentrations and higher variability in non-nitrifying facilities for several key parameters for potable reuse design, including total organic carbon (TOC), ammonia, and nitrite. For non-nitrifying plants, average TOCs ranged from 14 to 27 mg-N/L; nitrifying plants averaged 10 mg-N/L or less. Some non-nitrifying plants routinely reported nitrite concentrations above 2 mg-N/L, and even the fully nitrified facilities occasionally reported nitrite concentrations above 1 mg-N/L and ammonia concentrations above 2 mg-N/L. Plants considering potable reuse should begin monitoring TOC and nitrite to provide data for advanced treatment design. Optimization or upgrades to secondary treatment may be necessary, depending on the advanced treatment goals and requirements. The presentation will help planners and designers understand the suitability and challenges of their secondary effluent for potable reuse.

  Plants with new nitrogen limits are considering multi-benefit solutions incorporating recycled water and potable reuse to reduce nitrogen discharges. The second part of this presentation will discuss the impact of potable reuse on nitrogen discharges. A variety of upgrade scenarios for a conventional BOD-removal only plant upgrading to potable reuse will be considered, and the impact on nitrogen removal will be quantified. Scenarios considered include different secondary treatment types (conventional BOD-removal like trickling filter solids contact and nitrification/denitrification in activated sludge), different management of reverse osmosis concentrate (discharge of concentrate, return of concentrate to the plant influent, and separate treatment of concentrate), and a range of potable reuse flows. Although each plant situation is unique, the results will help planners and designers understand the feasibility of using potable reuse to reduce nitrogen discharges and the key factors that impact nitrogen discharges.

  Learning Objectives:
  Upon completion, participants will be able to list three secondary effluent quality parameters key to potable reuse design.
  Upon completion, participants will be able to describe the suitability and challenges of their secondary effluent for potable reuse.
  Upon completion, participants will be able to understand the key potable reuse design decisions that impact nitrogen discharges.

  Session 3: Assessment of Virus Removal and Infectivity During Municipal Wastewater Treatment: Implications for Safe Reuse
  Pathogen control and monitoring in water reuse applications is critical to public health protection and gaining public trust. As more utilities and water agencies consider implementing water reuse programs, obtaining credit for log reduction values (LRV) achieved through secondary and tertiary wastewater treatment processes will be an important consideration. While many utilities exploring reuse options are currently focused on membrane processes to achieve additional virus log removal credits, questions remain regarding LRV achieved through various conventional treatment trains. In addition, while molecular assays exist for the detection of viruses, the majority of these methods provide no information on culturability or infectivity thus making extrapolation of end-user exposure risk and identification of suitable applications challenging.
  
  The objective of this study was to assess the removal of human infective viruses throughout the stages of wastewater treatment in a full-scale, tertiary municipal wastewater treatment plant in Canada. The plant resells 20% of its secondary effluent to an industrial partner after additional treatment by membrane filtration and chlorination. The remaining 80% of the secondary effluent undergoes UV disinfection prior to release into the environment. The partnership between the plant and the industrial partner produces 15 million liters of high-quality water for processing each day, which are used in the refinery cooling tower, boiler and hydrogen plant. Virus concentrations and infectivity were analysed using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and integrated cell culture (ICC) to identify infective human viruses. Seven viruses including Norovirus (NoV), Rotavirus (RV), Sapovirus (SaV), Astrovirus (AsV), Adenovirus (AdV), Enterovirus (EV) and JC virus (JCV) were detected in 16 primary effluent samples in which infective viruses were present. Different treatment steps showed various efficiencies in infective virus removal, with membrane filtration exhibiting the highest at 4.6–7.0 log reductions.
  
  The overall treatment virus LRV ranged from 1.1 (RV) to 2.8 (EV) for UV-treated final effluent and from 4.6 (EV) to 7.0 (AdV) when membrane filtration and chlorination were applied. The LRV for the six viruses (except for EV) by membrane filtration were significantly greater than that obtained by UV. EV had the highest inactivation by UV but the lowest by membrane filtration.

  Learning Objectives:
  After the presentation, participants will be able to articulate the benefits and limitations of different viral testing methods and the potential value that coliphage testing might add.
  After the presentation, participants will be able to compare the removal of viruses after various treatment steps.
  After the presentation, participants will have more data to highlight the value and potential virus log removal credits that can be achieved by ultrafiltration (6–7 LRV).

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below) will receive 3.0 contact hours towards CWEA's certification:AWT

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the recording, you will need to view each video in the series. Upon completion of the last video in the series, the system will automatically unlock the attention check code for you view. The two (2) different attention check codes that will be displayed, and you will need to enter these codes as 1st attention check code – 2nd attention check code (XXXX-XXXX) in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check codes, you will be able to create and download an electronic certificate of completion under the "Contents" tab.

  • You must log in to register
    • Non-member - $110
    • Member - $85

    Continue

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  AC25 Nutrient Management Track Bundle

  Contains 8 Component(s), Includes Credits Overview Contact Hour / CEU

  AC25 Conference and Expo; Waves of Change, Navigating The Future Of Water. April 22-25| Palm Springs

  

  CWEA Member: $85.00
  Non-Member: $110.00

  2.0 contact hours towards CWEA's ECI, certifications.
  This series includes the following 50 minute sessions. 

  Session 1: Developing Engineering Design Criteria for Partial Denitrification Anammox (PdNA) Implementation for Multiple Biofilm MediaPartial denitrification anammox (PdNA) implementation can combat some of the most difficult challenges facing California’s water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs). PdNA can alleviate strains caused by population growth and nutrients, while offering long-term budgetary benefits. Rather than using traditional nitrification and denitrification, PdNA can be implemented which has lower energy requirements, carbon demands, and greenhouse gas emissions. In PdNA, nitrate is reduced to nitrite (partial denitrification), and the reduction of nitrite to nitrogen gas (full denitrification) is avoided. The nitrite produced from partial denitrification can then be reduced to nitrogen gas with influent ammonium via anammox. This process has been proven to be more stable than alternative methods (partial nitritation anammox [PNA]), making it an attractive option for mainstream wastewater treatment.

  This presentation will provide an overview of a $4 million U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) PdNA study that will implement PdNA in six WRRFs nationwide. The study focuses on determining engineering design criteria as nitrogen loading and removal rates, mixing requirements, headloss, fill ratios, and retrofittability of different media (moving integrated fixed-film activated sludge [IFAS], fixed IFAS, and biological aerated filters [BAFs]) to enable widespread PdNA implementation.

  Applicability to California Utilities:
  PdNA implementation can be a beneficial solution for California utilities that are seeking to increase capacity or are considering the initiation of a water reuse program. The capacity enhancement holds particular significance for facilities with footprint limitations, as PdNA can be retrofit into existing facilities without significant construction. From the perspective of water reuse, tertiary PdNA in a BAF offers a solution for achieving effluent total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) and total suspended solids (TSS) limits while minimizing modifications to upstream infrastructure.

  As a part of the DOE study, a pilot-scale tertiary BAF PdNA process will be evaluated at the Linda County Water District water resource recovery facility (WRRF) which should commence in Fall 2024. Startup and preliminary results from this pilot and other WRRFs will be shared at the conference.

  Conclusion:
  PdNA represents a cost-effective method for expanding capacity, reducing operation and maintenance costs, and transitioning to water reuse, making it a valuable solution for California utilities.
  Learning Objectives:
  Describe the overall benefits of PdNA, list several approaches to configure/implement PdNA, status of PdNA design criteria, and demonstrate innovative methods for overcoming headloss challenges associated with its implementation.
  Identify the synergistic benefits of combining water reuse with PdNA and describe the tertiary BAF PdNA study at the Linda County WRRF.
  Determine novel technologies that can potentially be integrated with PdNA to minimize the need for supplemental carbon."

  Session 2: A Flexible Future - How Split Flow BNR Opens Doors to Future Possibilities
  Presentation Description: San Francisco Bay Area wastewater utilities are facing nutrient discharge regulations that impact near-term and long-term decision making. The City of Sunnyvale Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) balanced aging infrastructure needs with future nutrient to develop a phased approach for upgrading their treatment plant to remove nutrients.

  The existing treatment facilities at the WPCP are aging assets and cannot meet anticipated future discharge regulations for nitrogen. The City decided to be an early adopter in nutrient reduction and to implement a two-phased secondary treatment upgrade to transition to a conventional activated sludge (CAS) BNR process. Carollo/Jacobs recently completed the design for the $300M Secondary Treatment and Dewatering Project. The construction of the Phase 1 secondary treatment facility and Demon deammonification sidestream treatment facility is in progress. The CAS facilities will operate in parallel with the existing oxidation pond treatment train and the Demon sidestream facility will treat return stream from a new dewatering process.
  
  Dealing with aging infrastructure and a tight site, this phased approach allows the City lots of flexibility. Delaying the second phase of the project allows the City to:
  • Defer costs and maintain financial flexibility
  • Allow process intensification technology to mature
  • Maximize site space and right size phase 2
  
  This presentation will provide an overview of the project and review key factors that influenced the decision to implement split flow and sidestream treatment, and explore elements of the design that were implemented to successfully manage the split flow operation and flexibility for future expansion.
  This presentation may be of interest to design engineers, decision makers, planners, or others charged with navigating future regulations and developing strategies to optimize performance and nutrient load management. The City of Sunnyvale is on their way towards implementing their Program that began in 2016. Key decisions on implementing split flow and optimizing the Phase 1 Secondary Treatment and Dewatering Project design have maintained flexibility for the City for what comes next.
  
  Learning Objectives:
  Understand how a phased approach to a process upgrade can delay capital investment and increase future flexibility.
  Identify creative solutions that address multiple drivers such as aging infrastructure and new regulations.
  Describe the benefits of planning ahead

  Session 3: Modifying a BNR Facility for Low DO Operation and Operating it to Get There
  The Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts and Carollo Engineers, Inc. have participated in a Department of Energy project called “Transforming Aeration Energy in Resource Recovery Facilities through Suboxic Nitrogen Removal.” The project seeks to operate the activated sludge process at dissolved oxygen (DO) levels that are significantly below 1.0 mg/L while maintaining nitrification. The aeration process in a water recovery facility (WRF) typically consumes approximately 50% of the total energy of the plant. This project aims to reduce that energy consumption from 1500 to below 650 Kwh/MGD . This project involved pilot work as well as conducting full-scale modifications at the Pomona WRF to accommodate low DO operation.

  The Pomona WRRF was built about 50 years ago and has not had any significant controls modifications since then. This may be typical of many WRF's in California. This presentation will cover in detail the significant modifications that were made to the facility and the costs. The old single speed centrifugal process air compressors were replaced with turboblowers. The old aeration control had one valve which controlled numerous aeration zones. New valves and flowmeters were installed to allow individual aeration zone control. A third-party control system was installed to allow precise DO control as well as ammonia-based aeration control. A solids retention time control system was also provided. To facilitate these control systems additional instrumentation, including sensors for ammonia, nitrate, DO, TSS, and sludge blankets, were installed. Details on the installation and maintenance of these sensors will be discussed.
  The project team will also discuss the approach to reducing the DO while maintaining compliance. Results of low DO activated sludge transition will be presented. This project is due to be completed at the end of September 2024. Pomona WRF is currently operating an average daily DO of 0.85 mg/L. There is some disagreement about how low DO activated sludge works. It may be different organisms doing the nitrification or the existing population adapting to the low DO. The presentation will provide batch kinetic and nitrification test results as well as microbial analysis to try to provide an answer to that question.

  Learning Objectives:
  Upon completion, the participant will be able to understand the equipment and controls required to perform low DO operation.
  Upon completion, the participant will be able to formulate a plan to transition a facility to low DO operation.
  Upon completion, the participant will be able to understand the costs and benefits associated with low DO operation.

  
  

  Session 4: Addressing Future Uncertainties Through Adaptive Planning, Resulting in Intensification and Decarbonization of BNR
  Adaptive planning serves as a valuable means to conceptualize and create designs for water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) that accommodate various stages of growth, even those that are yet unknown. By offering flexible and high-performing technology options, intensification can assist in adaptive planning and effectively address the multiple challenges that WRRFs encounter today. This presentation will highlight the adaptable planning approach and intensification strategies implemented in the secondary treatment system design for the Town of Windsor Water District (Town) to:

  • decarbonize their biological nutrient removal (BNR) system in line with net zero sustainability goals
  • plan for uncertain growth in a space constrained site
  • meet stringent nutrient limits, both nitrogen and phosphorus

  The Town’s WRRF has a limit for effluent total nitrogen and phosphorus in their NPDES permit (set at 10.5 mg-N/L and below detection limit respectively). While the WRF has been consistently meeting their permit, these stringent limitations have become constricting when considering Town’s ability to meet growth requirements. Current average influent TSS and ammonia loadings have already exceeded the WRRF’s design capacity. In addition, the Town will be consolidating with an adjacent sanitation district whose growth comes with a substantial degree of uncertainty.

  The Town conducted a nutrient removal study and conceptual design in 2020, and is now implementing the detailed design of the secondary treatment system. A roadmap will be presented of the adaptive planning design for this system, which considers multiple growth scenarios for each of the Town’s influent sources.

  A variety of intensification options were considered in the design, including aerobic granular sludge (AGS), primary filters and hydrocyclones. Membrane aerated bioreactors (MABR) were ultimately selected for their modular nature, low footprint, and low energy requirement, which perfectly aligns with the Town’s drivers above. The roadmap will illustrate how intensification strategies such as MABR can facilitate adaptive planning by providing phased growth design options that don’t necessarily mean expansion at each step. This part of the presentation will also include an audience driven discussion about how intensification strategies can more broadly be tailored to specific drivers, just as it was in Town’s adaptive design.
  
  Learning Objectives:
  View a roadmap of how adaptive planning can be used for phased design under uncertain and unexpected growth for WRRF’s with a multitude of drivers
  Understand an example of how a specific intensification option can facilitate adaptive phased design and help tailor the design to a specific client’s needs
  Describe how a variety of intensification options can meet various drivers for WRRFs including but not limited to: meeting permits, decarbonizing, address site specific challenges such as space constraints, etc."

  Session 5: Benefits of Hydrocyclones for WRRF Performance: Better Settling, Improved Nitrification… and Reduced E. coli?!
  The aerobic granular sludge activated sludge process using batch reactors has received attention for the potential it offers to intensify activated sludge. Intensification allows WRRFs to improve effluent quality with a smaller footprint. Alternate technologies like hydrocyclones have become commercially available, which help to retain faster settling particles while the slower-settling particles are wasted out of the system. This type of technology can be more easily incorporated into plug flow reactors. At some plug flow facilities that have both hydrocyclones and unaerated high food-to-microorganism (F/M) selector zones, a relatively high fraction of the activated sludge can become granules producing a “densified sludge”.

  In 2020, the City of Wichita installed a four-cyclone skid (180 gpm of return activated sludge [RAS]) on one of six nitrifying activated sludge trains at the Plant 2 WRRF (rated 54 million gallons per day [mgd]). The benefits to settleability through reductions in the sludge volume index (SVI) of the mixed liquor and improved water clarity in the test basin was observed. The SVI in the main basins averaged 120 mL/g compared to 91 mL/g in the hydrocyclone pilot basin. The City has started sampling E. coli in its secondary effluent prior to ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. Initial sampling has indicated about a 0.5-log reduction in E. coli counts in the hydrocyclone train compared to the non-cyclone trains.

  Current biological nutrient removal (BNR) improvements project at the Plant 2 will incorporate a full-scale hydrocyclone system. This presentation will present the design criteria and layout of the new hydrocyclone facility and BNR facilities, a 5-stage Bardenpho process with high F/M selector zones and 19 cyclones for sludge wasting. Design considerations for the ancillary support facilities will also be presented, including a cyclone feed sludge (RAS) pumping, discharge of the cyclone underflow into the selector zones of the BNR process, and overflow as waste activated sludge (WAS).

  With many utilities in California facing addition of nutrient limits in their discharge permit, the approach provided in this presentation will help these utilities save capital dollars on their improvement projects.
  
  Learning Objectives:
  Upon completion, participants will have a good understanding of densified sludge and the benefits it provides for wastewater plant operations.
  Upon completion, participants will learn the key elements to consider when designing a full-scale hydrocyclone based system to provide densification in a plug flow reactor.
  Upon completion, participants will learn about the latest research associated with hydrocylones, which indicates that they can potentially reduce disinfection dose at WRRFs, in addition to process benefits ."

  
  

  
  

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below) will receive 2.0 contact hours towards CWEA's certification:ECI

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the recording, you will need to view each video in the series. Upon completion of the last video in the series, the system will automatically unlock the attention check code for you view. The two (2) different attention check codes that will be displayed, and you will need to enter these codes as 1st attention check code – 2nd attention check code (XXXX-XXXX) in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check codes, you will be able to create and download an electronic certificate of completion under the "Contents" tab.

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  AC25 Biosolids and Energy Track Bundle

  Contains 7 Component(s), Includes Credits Overview Speakers Contact Hour / CEU

  AC25 Conference and Expo; Waves of Change, Navigating The Future Of Water. April 22-25| Palm Springs

  

  CWEA Member: $85.00
  Non-Member: $110.00

  2.0 contact hours towards CWEA's ECI, certifications.
  This series includes the following 50 minute sessions. 

  Session 1: Advancing Solids Thickening Through Suspended Air Application
  In a recent project funded by California Energy Commission (CEC), an innovative thickening process -Suspended Air Flotation (SAF®)- was selected to be tested at demonstration scale. SAF® process presents a compelling alternative to traditional thickening methods considering its potential to reduce energy consumption and to separate emerging contaminants such as Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

  The SAF technique employs a suspension of micron-sized air bubbles, ranging from 7 to 50 µm, in water to attain a volumetric air content of 40 to 50%. These bubbles are coated with a thin layer of soap film derived from an electrically charged anionic or cationic surfactant. The charged bubbles offer a substantial interfacial area for the adsorption of oppositely charged flocculated wastewater solids. In practice, suspensions of charged bubbles are introduced into the flotation tank to interact with wastewater solids. The solids then ascend to the surface and are skimmed off. The clarified effluent is recirculated to the headworks.
  SAF enhances traditional thickening methods like Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) by eliminating the need for dissolved air, thus obviating the requirement for pressurization systems, recirculation pumps, compressors, and airlines, leading to considerable energy savings. SAF's capability to manage high solids loads also results in substantial footprint and power savings, high solids recovery (up to 99%), and a high solids loading rate (up to 40 lb/ft2/hr). Moreover, no polymer is needed to thicken sludge to 4% solids. Owing to these benefits, adopting SAF technology can lead to an energy savings of up to 90% compared to its conventional counterparts, such as DAF.
  This presentation will assess this novel technology, its performance, present results from case studies, and elaborate on the potential of this technology for PFAS separation.
  
  Learning Objectives:
  Define the suspended air flotation technology (SAF) and difference between dissolved air flotation (DAF) technology
  Demonstrate the advancements of SAF technology for various case studies including thickening of Advanced primary treatment solids and secondary solids
  List the important criteria for the design and operational challenges of the SAF technology"

  Session 2: Anaerobic Digestion of Organics: Industry Drivers Overview of Two Case Studies for CHP and RNG
  This presentation will discuss the diversion of organics, such as food waste and the co-digestion of these wastes with anaerobic digestion which generated biogas, a beneficial byproduct. Doing so allows reduction in landfill volumes and stabilization of the waste suitable for land application. The stabilization process, when accomplished with anaerobic digestion, generates biogas, a beneficial byproduct.

  The presentation will include an overview of industry trends, including regional trends in State of California for organics diversion requirements. Other industry drivers that will be covered will include greenhouse gas emissions reductions, state and federal financial incentives, and drivers for renewable energy production.

  When organic waste is diverted to a wastewater treatment facility, the organics can be co-mingled with municipally generated sludge in anaerobic digestion (i.e., co-digestion). This allows for existing infrastructure to be utilized for both wastewater treatment and landfill diversion while generating a biosolids product and digester gas. The produced biogas can be utilized as a fuel source for a process heating boiler or in a combined heat and power system or renewable natural gas.

  Finally, the presentation will include case study overviews of two functioning wastewater treatment facilities with anaerobic digestion, both which are receiving significant quantities of organic wastes to generate biogas from co-digestion. One facility is utilizing biogas produced in a combined heat & power (CHP) for use at the facility and has achieved net zero operations beginning in 2022. The second facility facility has a very large high strength waste program with over 19,000 loads received annually. The biogas from this facility is processing the biogas into renewable natural gas (RNG) for pipeline injection which generates over $6M annually.
  Learning Objectives:
  1. Gain understanding of the industry drivers for organics diversion and resource recovery programs.
  2. Learn about two functioning full-scale wastewater treatment facilities with anaerobic digestion, both which are receiving significant quantities of organic wastes to generate biogas from co-digestion.
  3. Define the concept the organics diversion, such as food waste and the co-digestion of these wastes with anaerobic digestion which generated biogas and potential value of this renewable fuel."

  Session 3: Resilient Resource Recovery at the Encina Water Pollution Control Facility
  Encina Wastewater Authority's plan for resilient resource recovery at the Encina Water Pollution Control Facility will be presented. The plan focusses on having a reliable energy supply to treat wastewater and recover biosolids and energy for beneficial use. Having adequate anaerobic digestion capacity and enhancing its performance for more biogas is an integral part of the plan. Converting solids to biogas decreases the amount of biosolids sent to the dryer and reduces its energy demand. Using biogas to fuel combined heat and power (CHP) units and/or producing renewable natural gas (RNG) while complying with increasingly stringent air permit regulations will be discussed. Ultra-low emissions CHP units being considered include non-combustion fuel cells and flameless-combustion linear generators. The microbial hydrolysis process (MHP) using the hyper-thermophilic bacteria caldicellulosiruptor bescii will enhance the anaerobic digestion project to convert cellulose into biogas. Recuperative thickening will increase the capacity of the existing digesters by increasing the solids retention time (SRT). The reduction in solids concentration in the digesters because of the increased volatile solids reduction (VSR) from the addition of the MHP will balance the increase in solids concentration from the operation of recuperative thickening. The resulting solids concentration will be low enough to enable effective mixing with the existing digester mixing system. The enhanced anaerobic digestion system will produce more biogas and less biosolids. Producing more biogas and fueling ultra-low emission CHP units will contribute to energy resiliency by decreasing the dependence on utility supplied natural gas and electricity.

  Learning Objectives:
  Upon completion, participants will be able to list the components in a resilient water resource recovery facility.
  Upon completion, participants will be able to describe how anaerobic digestion is an integral part of resilient resource recovery.
  Upon completion, participants will be able to define the microbial hydrolysis process and explain how it enhances anaerobic digestion."

  Session 4: Maximizing Biosolids Value: Post-Upgrade Optimization and Market Development
  This presentation explores the optimization of new solids handling facilities and the creation of marketable biosolids products, drawing insights from two major utilities: Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) and JEA.

  HRSD’s Atlantic Treatment Plant (ATP) transitioned from Class B to Class A biosolids production by commissioning a Cambi thermal hydrolysis process (THP) skid in mid-2020. This transition resulted in increased solids capacity and improved final dewatering performance. The presentation will delve into the startup and optimization process, highlighting lessons learned and how these upgrades have prepared HRSD to adapt to future regulatory changes.

  Initial startup required ATP to disinfect digesters and all associated piping. The first digester was filled with heated disinfected non-potable water and seed from DC Water’s digesters. The approach to ramping up thermally hydrolyzed sludge feed started at 50% of DC Water’s loading rate and increased over several weeks.
  Using existing dewatering centrifuges, the final dewatering cake solids improved from 14-16% total solids (TS) to 30% TS after THP implementation and optimization. Curing pilots using the 30% cake and a windrow turner determined the most efficient method for producing a low-odor, aerobically cured product. Lessons from 2023 pilot studies have been applied to full-scale curing operations initiated in early 2024.

  JEA, one of Florida’s largest utilities, has proactively planned for the future of their biosolids program. In 2017, JEA’s master plan recommended decommissioning the old thermal drying system and outsourcing Class B dewatered cake processing to a third-party. However, this dependence led to uncertainties in costs and regulatory compliance.

  In 2020, JEA revised their strategy, recommending a new regional biosolids handling facility at the Buckman Water Reclamation Facility (BWRF). This facility, designed to handle solids from all 12 JEA-owned water reclamation facilities, includes advanced thickening and dewatering equipment, two large thermal drum drying systems, and infrastructure for high-quality pellet production. These upgrades provide JEA with the flexibility to pivot as regulatory drivers change and new market opportunities arise.

  The presentation will discuss innovative strategies employed by JEA, including a pilot of an in-line high-shear dynamic mixer to re-wet dewatered cake solids, reducing transportation costs and capital expenses.
  Learning Objectives:
  Describe the startup and optimization process of thermal hydrolysis and its impact on biosolids capacity and quality.
  Explain approaches to evaluating and upgrading biosolids handling facilities, focusing on infrastructure, process reliability, and market development.
  Identify key lessons learned in the production and market development for biosolids products."

  
  

  
  

  

  Derya Dursun

  Vice President

  Caliskaner WaterTechnologies (CWT)

  Dr. Derya Dursun works as a Senior Associate for Hazen and Sawyer in San Diego office. She has around 15 years of experience as an environmental engineer. Her area of expertise spans from wastewater treatment to biosolids management. She has over 30 peer reviewed publications, including journal papers, conference proceedings, and a PhD thesis. She is also a coauthor for WEF MOP and EPA Process Design Manual for Sludge Treatment and Disposal. She also serves for WEF - Residuals and Biosolids Committee

  

  Dustin Craig, PE (he/him/his)

  Environmental Engineer

  CDM Smith

  Mr. Craig is an environmental engineer experienced with the design of wastewater infrastructure with an emphasis in solids handling processes and bioenergy utilization processes. His experience includes performing wastewater treatment biological process calculations, biogas energy utilization studies, and design, and wastewater thickening and dewatering improvements, and biosolids master planning. Mr. Craig has extensive experience in the study, design, and construction of solids handling improvements including sludge pumping, primary and secondary sludge thickening, sludge dewatering and cake conveyance improvements, and anaerobic digestion facility improvements.

  

  Scott McClelland

  General Manager

  Encina Wastewater Authority

  Scott McClelland joined the Encina Wastewater Authority Team in 2016 and has served as the General Manager since 2021. Scott provides executive oversight to the 77 staff at the Encina Wastewater Authority with a $56 Million annual budget. Scott has over 30 years of experience in the water and wastewater sector and has served in public utilities since 2003. Previously Scott has managed the operations and maintenance of three water treatment plants, laboratories, environmental compliance, and distribution systems. Prior to his public utility experience Scott worked for nine years as a design engineer for a multinational Civil Engineering design firm designing water, wastewater and water reuse treatment facilities. Scott holds a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering, and a Grade 5 Operator’s License, is a Registered Professional Engineer (Civil) and a Board Certified Environmental Engineer for the American Academy of Environmental Engineers in Water and Wastewater Treatment.

  

  Dana Gonzalez

  Principal Technologist

  Carollo Engineers

  Dana Gonzalez is a Principal Technologist at Carollo Engineers, specializing in wastewater innovation, biosolids management, resource recovery, and PFAS mitigation. Her experience in both utility and consulting roles provides a broad perspective on water sector challenges. Dana holds a bachelor’s degree from UCLA, a master’s from Virginia Tech, and a PhD from the University of Virginia. She is a registered Professional Engineer in Virginia.

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below) will receive 2.0 contact hours towards CWEA's certification:ECI

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the recording, you will need to view each video in the series. Upon completion of the last video in the series, the system will automatically unlock the attention check code for you view. The two (2) different attention check codes that will be displayed, and you will need to enter these codes as 1st attention check code – 2nd attention check code (XXXX-XXXX) in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check codes, you will be able to create and download an electronic certificate of completion under the "Contents" tab.

  • You must log in to register
    • Non-member - $110
    • Member - $85

    Continue

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  AC25 Secondary Effluent Quality, Potable Reuse, and Nitrogen Removal: Considerations for Multi-Benefit Projects

  Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/25/2025 Overview Speakers Contact Hour / CEU

  AC25 Conference and Expo; Waves of Change, Navigating The Future Of Water. April 22-25| Palm Springs

  

  CWEA Members: $35.00
  Non-Members $45.00
  CWEA Contact Hours: 1.0 contact hours towards CWEA Certifications: AWT

  Presentation Description: Water reclamation facilities are facing a variety of new challenges, including the move toward potable reuse and new regulations to limit nitrogen discharges. This presentation explores the interactions between secondary effluent quality, potable reuse, and nitrogen removal.

  Successful potable reuse requires high-quality, consistent secondary effluent. The first part of this presentation will discuss typical advanced treatment trains for potable reuse and identify the critical design parameters impacted by the secondary treatment processes. Key differences between secondary treatment types will be quantified. The evaluation documents higher concentrations and higher variability in non-nitrifying facilities for several key parameters for potable reuse design, including total organic carbon (TOC), ammonia, and nitrite. For non-nitrifying plants, average TOCs ranged from 14 to 27 mg-N/L; nitrifying plants averaged 10 mg-N/L or less. Some non-nitrifying plants routinely reported nitrite concentrations above 2 mg-N/L, and even the fully nitrified facilities occasionally reported nitrite concentrations above 1 mg-N/L and ammonia concentrations above 2 mg-N/L. Plants considering potable reuse should begin monitoring TOC and nitrite to provide data for advanced treatment design. Optimization or upgrades to secondary treatment may be necessary, depending on the advanced treatment goals and requirements. The presentation will help planners and designers understand the suitability and challenges of their secondary effluent for potable reuse.

  Plants with new nitrogen limits are considering multi-benefit solutions incorporating recycled water and potable reuse to reduce nitrogen discharges. The second part of this presentation will discuss the impact of potable reuse on nitrogen discharges. A variety of upgrade scenarios for a conventional BOD-removal only plant upgrading to potable reuse will be considered, and the impact on nitrogen removal will be quantified. Scenarios considered include different secondary treatment types (conventional BOD-removal like trickling filter solids contact and nitrification/denitrification in activated sludge), different management of reverse osmosis concentrate (discharge of concentrate, return of concentrate to the plant influent, and separate treatment of concentrate), and a range of potable reuse flows. Although each plant situation is unique, the results will help planners and designers understand the feasibility of using potable reuse to reduce nitrogen discharges and the key factors that impact nitrogen discharges.
  
  

  Learning Objectives:
  Upon completion, participants will be able to list three secondary effluent quality parameters key to potable reuse design.
  Upon completion, participants will be able to describe the suitability and challenges of their secondary effluent for potable reuse.
  Upon completion, participants will be able to understand the key potable reuse design decisions that impact nitrogen discharges."

  
  

  

  Linda K. Sawyer (she/her/hers)

  Senior Process Engineer

  Brown and Caldwell

  Dr. Sawyer has 30 years of experience in wastewater process engineering and currently leads Brown and Caldwell’s wastewater process engineering team in California, Nevada, and Arizona. She specializes in evaluating the whole plant to optimize process designs and evaluate the impacts of liquid, solids, and side stream treatment process changes. Her project experience includes planning, alternatives selection, design, support during construction, and operational support.

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below)1.0  contact hours towards CWEA's Contact Hours. AWT

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the live webinar, please note the one (1) attention check code that will be displayed during the webinar in the top left or right corner of the presentation for approximately 90 seconds.  Please enter this code in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check code, you will be able to create and download an electronic "Certificate of Completion" under the "Contents" tab.

  • You must log in to register
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    • Member - $25

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  AC25 Inevitable Role of Secondary Treatment in Direct Potable Reuse Facilities

  Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/25/2025 Overview Speakers Contact Hour / CEU

  AC25 Conference and Expo; Waves of Change, Navigating The Future Of Water. April 22-25| Palm Springs

  CWEA Members: $35.00
  Non-Members $45.00
  CWEA Contact Hours: 1.0 contact hours towards CWEA Certifications: AWT

  Presentation Description: California DPR Regulations require ozone and biological active carbon (BAC) filtration ahead of full advanced treatment consisting of reverse osmosis (RO) and advanced oxidation process (AOP). The main purpose of ozone and BAC is to address low molecular weight organic compounds some of which such as acetone, formaldehyde cannot be effectively removed by the full advanced treatment. The other purpose of ozone-BAC is to provide an additional barrier for chemical peak “averaging”. 

  While Ozone-BAC can provide an effective barrier for low molecular weight compounds that are poorly removed by full advanced treatment, the capabilities of ozone-BAC is limited to relatively small chemical peaking based on North City chemical spike studies. However, one critical area has not come to closer attention of State Water Board. That is the secondary treatment. In this presentation, we will explain inevitable role of secondary treatment in a DPR train. First, an activated sludge based secondary treatment can provide excellent removal for slowly biodegradable organic compounds such as acetone, formaldehyde and all other low molecular alcohols and ketones that are poorly removed by full advanced treatment. Second, a secondary treatment can provide nitrogen control which is critical to meet nitrite and nitrate nitrogen primary MCLs of 1 and 10 mg/L, respectively. These limits may not be reliably met in RO-based full advanced treatment if no nitrogen control is provided in the upstream wastewater treatment plant (e.g., Hyperion WRP). 

  Third, a good nitrogen control is essential to minimize secondary effluent nitrite concentration which creates very high ozone demand during ozonation. Last but not least, a well-designed and operated secondary treatment can provide a high-quality effluent with reduced suspended solids, phosphate and metals which can create operational challenges at downstream advanced water purification facility (AWPF).

  In summary, how a robust secondary treatment along with performance requirements make DPR possible and case study examples will be presented to demonstrate how secondary process performance affects & defines AWPF design, performance & operation in a DPR train. It will provide an unmatched value for public and regulatory agencies to explore how secondary treatment that makes DPR projects more robust and resilient.
  Learning Objectives:
  To understand capabilities and limitations of ozone and BAC for chemical control in DPR projects
  To understand role and superior benefits of activated sludge based secondary treatment in DPR
  To understand how we can configure secondary treatment to make DPR projects more robust and resilient"

  
  

  

  Zeynep Erdal

  Integrated Solutions Director

  Black & Veatch

  Zeynep leadsintegrated solutions for Black & Veatch’s water business. She specializesin One Water solutions that integrate resource recovery and resiliency. Zeynephas more than 25 years of hands-on experience in business development andimplementation of a wide range of integrated infrastructure solutions. Thisincludes water reclamation, resource recovery, water recycling and advancedtechnologies, organics-to-energy systems, energy efficiency, renewable energy,waste solids treatment and handling, and greenhouse gases. She also hasexperience in regulatory and policy issues and sustainable solutions metricsand implementation through process development, piloting, modelling and design.

  

  Ufuk G. Erdal, PhD, P.E.

  Global Water Reuse Practice and Solutions Director

  Black and Veatch

  Ufuk Erdal has previously been vice president and served as the water reuse national practice and technology director in AECOM. He is registered professional engineer with more than 25 years of diverse experience in planning, pilot testing, preliminary and final design and commissioning of advanced treatment facilities used in water reuse applications.

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below)1.0  contact hours towards CWEA's Contact Hours. AWT

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the live webinar, please note the one (1) attention check code that will be displayed during the webinar in the top left or right corner of the presentation for approximately 90 seconds.  Please enter this code in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check code, you will be able to create and download an electronic "Certificate of Completion" under the "Contents" tab.

  • You must log in to register
    • Non-member - $35
    • Member - $25

    Continue

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  AC25 Assessment of virus removal and infectivity during municipal wastewater treatment: implications for safe reuse

  Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/25/2025 Overview Speakers Contact Hour / CEU

  AC25 Conference and Expo; Waves of Change, Navigating The Future Of Water. April 22-25| Palm Springs

  

  CWEA Members: $35.00
  Non-Members $45.00
  CWEA Contact Hours: 1.0 contact hours towards CWEA Certifications: AWT

  Pathogen control and monitoring in water reuse applications is critical to public health protection and gaining public trust. As more utilities and water agencies consider implementing water reuse programs, obtaining credit for log reduction values (LRV) achieved through secondary and tertiary wastewater treatment processes will be an important consideration. While many utilities exploring reuse options are currently focused on membrane processes to achieve additional virus log removal credits, questions remain regarding LRV achieved through various conventional treatment trains. In addition, while molecular assays exist for the detection of viruses, the majority of these methods provide no information on culturability or infectivity thus making extrapolation of end-user exposure risk and identification of suitable applications challenging. The objective of this study was to assess the removal of human infective viruses throughout the stages of wastewater treatment in a full-scale, tertiary municipal wastewater treatment plant in Canada. 

  The plant resells 20% of its secondary effluent to an industrial partner after additional treatment by membrane filtration and chlorination. The remaining 80% of the secondary effluent undergoes UV disinfection prior to release into the environment. The partnership between the plant and the industrial partner produces 15 million liters of high-quality water for processing each day, which are used in the refinery cooling tower, boiler and hydrogen plant. Virus concentrations and infectivity were analysed using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and integrated cell culture (ICC) to identify infective human viruses. Seven viruses including Norovirus (NoV), Rotavirus (RV), Sapovirus (SaV), Astrovirus (AsV), Adenovirus (AdV), Enterovirus (EV) and JC virus (JCV) were detected in 16 primary effluent samples in which infective viruses were present. Different treatment steps showed various efficiencies in infective virus removal, with membrane filtration exhibiting the highest at 4.6–7.0 log reductions. 

  The overall treatment virus LRV ranged from 1.1 (RV) to 2.8 (EV) for UV-treated final effluent and from 4.6 (EV) to 7.0 (AdV) when membrane filtration and chlorination were applied. The LRV for the six viruses (except for EV) by membrane filtration were significantly greater than that obtained by UV. EV had the highest inactivation by UV but the lowest by membrane filtration.

  Learning Objectives:
  After the presentation, participants will be able to articulate the benefits and limitations of different viral testing methods and the potential value that coliphage testing might add.
  After the presentation, particpants will be able to compare the removal of viruses after various treatment steps.
  After the presentation, particpants will have more data to highlight the value and potential virus log removal credits that can be achieved by ultrafiltration (6–7 LRV)."

  
  

  

  Rasha Maal-Bared, PhD (she/her/hers)

  Principal Scientist

  CDM Smith

  Dr. Maal-Bared is the wastewater treatment specialist at EPCOR Water Canada. She completed her PhD in Environmental Microbiology at the University of British Columbia and her MSc degrees at the Harvard School of Public Health and Dalhousie University. She is the chair of the WEF Waterborne Infectious Disease Outbreak Control (WIDOC) subcommittee, which received the WEF 2020 Water Heroes award for their work on COVID-19. She also received the 2020 Empowering Women in Industry “Leadership in STEM/STEAM” award. When she’s not working, she enjoys playing Minecraft with her nine-year-old daughter.

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below)1.0  contact hours towards CWEA's Contact Hours. AWT

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the live webinar, please note the one (1) attention check code that will be displayed during the webinar in the top left or right corner of the presentation for approximately 90 seconds.  Please enter this code in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check code, you will be able to create and download an electronic "Certificate of Completion" under the "Contents" tab.

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  AC25 Anaerobic Digestion of Organics: Industry Drivers Overview of Two Case Studies for CHP and RNG

  Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/23/2025 Overview Speakers Contact Hour / CEU

  AC25 Conference and Expo; Waves of Change, Navigating The Future Of Water. April 22-25| Palm Springs

  

  CWEA Members: $35.00
  Non-Members $45.00
  CWEA Contact Hours: 1.0 contact hours towards CWEA Certifications: ECI 

  This presentation will discuss the diversion of organics, such as food waste and the co-digestion of these wastes with anaerobic digestion which generated biogas, a beneficial byproduct. Doing so allows reduction in landfill volumes and stabilization of the waste suitable for land application. The stabilization process, when accomplished with anaerobic digestion, generates biogas, a beneficial byproduct.

  The presentation will include an overview of industry trends, including regional trends in State of California for organics diversion requirements. Other industry drivers that will be covered will include greenhouse gas emissions reductions, state and federal financial incentives, and drivers for renewable energy production.

  When organic waste is diverted to a wastewater treatment facility, the organics can be co-mingled with municipally generated sludge in anaerobic digestion (i.e., co-digestion). This allows for existing infrastructure to be utilized for both wastewater treatment and landfill diversion while generating a biosolids product and digester gas. The produced biogas can be utilized as a fuel source for a process heating boiler or in a combined heat and power system or renewable natural gas.

  Finally, the presentation will include case study overviews of two functioning wastewater treatment facilities with anaerobic digestion, both which are receiving significant quantities of organic wastes to generate biogas from co-digestion. One facility is utilizing biogas produced in a combined heat & power (CHP) for use at the facility and has achieved net zero operations beginning in 2022. The second facility facility has a very large high strength waste program with over 19,000 loads received annually. The biogas from this facility is processing the biogas into renewable natural gas (RNG) for pipeline injection which generates over $6M annually.
  Learning Objectives:
  1. Gain understanding of the industry drivers for organics diversion and resource recovery programs.
  2. Learn about two functioning full-scale wastewater treatment facilities with anaerobic digestion, both which are receiving significant quantities of organic wastes to generate biogas from co-digestion.
  3. Define the concept the organics diversion, such as food waste and the co-digestion of these wastes with anaerobic digestion which generated biogas and potential value of this renewable fuel."

  
  

  

  Dustin Craig, PE (he/him/his)

  Environmental Engineer

  CDM Smith

  Mr. Craig is an environmental engineer experienced with the design of wastewater infrastructure with an emphasis in solids handling processes and bioenergy utilization processes. His experience includes performing wastewater treatment biological process calculations, biogas energy utilization studies, and design, and wastewater thickening and dewatering improvements, and biosolids master planning. Mr. Craig has extensive experience in the study, design, and construction of solids handling improvements including sludge pumping, primary and secondary sludge thickening, sludge dewatering and cake conveyance improvements, and anaerobic digestion facility improvements.

  

  Ryan M. Sellman (he/him/his)

  Vice President

  Carollo Engineers

  Ryan Sellman is a Vice President and Project Manager for Carollo Engineers. He has been with Carollo for 18 years, working in wastewater and infrastructure projects in California. Ryan also serves as the office manager for Carollo’s Fresno office. Ryan has worked on planning, design, and construction in wastewater.

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below)1.0  contact hours towards CWEA's Contact Hours. ECI

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the live webinar, please note the one (1) attention check code that will be displayed during the webinar in the top left or right corner of the presentation for approximately 90 seconds.  Please enter this code in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check code, you will be able to create and download an electronic "Certificate of Completion" under the "Contents" tab.

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  AC25 Advancing Solids Thickening Through Suspended Air Application

  Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/23/2025 Overview Speakers Contact Hour / CEU

  AC25 Conference and Expo; Waves of Change, Navigating The Future Of Water. April 22-25| Palm Springs

  

  CWEA Members: $35.00
  Non-Members $45.00
  CWEA Contact Hours: 1.0 contact hours towards CWEA Certifications: ECI 

  Presentation Description: In a recent project funded by California Energy Commission (CEC), an innovative thickening process -Suspended Air Flotation (SAF®)- was selected to be tested at demonstration scale. SAF® process presents a compelling alternative to traditional thickening methods considering its potential to reduce energy consumption and to separate emerging contaminants such as Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
  
  The SAF technique employs a suspension of micron-sized air bubbles, ranging from 7 to 50 µm, in water to attain a volumetric air content of 40 to 50%. These bubbles are coated with a thin layer of soap film derived from an electrically charged anionic or cationic surfactant. The charged bubbles offer a substantial interfacial area for the adsorption of oppositely charged flocculated wastewater solids. In practice, suspensions of charged bubbles are introduced into the flotation tank to interact with wastewater solids. The solids then ascend to the surface and are skimmed off. The clarified effluent is recirculated to the headworks.
  
  SAF enhances traditional thickening methods like Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) by eliminating the need for dissolved air, thus obviating the requirement for pressurization systems, recirculation pumps, compressors, and airlines, leading to considerable energy savings. SAF's capability to manage high solids loads also results in substantial footprint and power savings, high solids recovery (up to 99%), and a high solids loading rate (up to 40 lb/ft2/hr). Moreover, no polymer is needed to thicken sludge to 4% solids. Owing to these benefits, adopting SAF technology can lead to an energy savings of up to 90% compared to its conventional counterparts, such as DAF.
  This presentation will assess this novel technology, its performance, present results from case studies, and elaborate on the potential of this technology for PFAS separation.
  
  Learning Objectives:
  Define the suspended air flotation technology (SAF) and difference between dissolved air flotation (DAF) technology
  Demonstrate the advancements of SAF technology for various case studies including thickening of Advanced primary treatment solids and secondary solids
  List the important criteria for the design and operational challenges of the SAF technology

  
  

  

  Derya Dursun

  Vice President

  Caliskaner WaterTechnologies (CWT)

  Dr. Derya Dursun works as a Senior Associate for Hazen and Sawyer in San Diego office. She has around 15 years of experience as an environmental engineer. Her area of expertise spans from wastewater treatment to biosolids management. She has over 30 peer reviewed publications, including journal papers, conference proceedings, and a PhD thesis. She is also a coauthor for WEF MOP and EPA Process Design Manual for Sludge Treatment and Disposal. She also serves for WEF - Residuals and Biosolids Committee

  

  Onder T. Caliskaner (he/him/his)

  President & CEO

  Caliskaner Water Technologies, Inc.

  Dr. Caliskaner has 30 years of experience in technology research and development and providing project management, process engineering, planning, and design services to public agencies and private industries. He has conducted research on wastewater filtration and process modeling during his Ph.D. study at the University of California at Davis and has an M.S. degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Onder is the president of Caliskaner Water Technologies and his main engineering and research interests are: carbon diversion, primary filtration, advanced primary treatment, tertiary filtration, process modeling, optimization of treatment processes, water reuse, and advanced treatment. He is a registered civil engineer in California.

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below)1.0  contact hours towards CWEA's Contact Hours. ECI

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the live webinar, please note the one (1) attention check code that will be displayed during the webinar in the top left or right corner of the presentation for approximately 90 seconds.  Please enter this code in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check code, you will be able to create and download an electronic "Certificate of Completion" under the "Contents" tab.

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  AC24 Implementing Supercritical Water Oxidation to Overcome Biosolids Challenges

  Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/12/2024 Overview Speakers Contact Hour / CEU

  AC24 Conference and Expo; Mission: Possible - A Sustainable Water Future Against All Odds. April 9-12, Sacramento

  CWEA Members: $20.00
  Non-Members $30.00
  CWEA Contact Hours: 1.0 contact hours towards CWEA Certifications: LAB, AWTO
  

  Growing concerns associated with contaminants of emerging concerns (CECs) (especially PFAS), greenhouse gas emissions, and regulations have begun to limit the end-use alternatives for biosolids. In response to these pressures, biosolids producers are considering new and innovative treatment options that require a new perspective to the historical understanding of biosolids treatment and end-use. Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) has embarked to seek a new technology, Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) to diversify their end products from water reclamation facilities (WRRFs). OC San teamed with 374Water that is collaborated Hazen and Sawyer, and Merrell Brothers to demonstrate this technology at their site. SCWO is a promising technology that converts organic material (biosolids) to inert gases, minerals and water. Water above 374°C and 22.1 MPa becomes supercritical, a special state where organic solubility increases, and oxidation processes are accelerated.

  SCWO has been recently shown to destroy hazardous substances such as halogenated compounds including poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Studies showed a greater than 99% reduction of the total PFAS identified in a targeted compound analysis, including perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) (Krause et al, 2022). As a destructive technology, SCWO is proposed as an alternative to incineration and other combustion processes and could be a permanent solution for PFAS-laden biosolids or solid matrices. However, additional investigation of reaction byproducts: water, solids and air emissions need to be conducted for a complete assessment of SCWO’s potential as a safe and effective technology.
  
  OC San is located in South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and an air permit is required for this demonstration project. The research team, including OC San (a Utility), 374Water (a private firm-technology provider), Hazen and Sawyer (a consulting firm), Yorke Engineering (permitting support), Alliance Testing (a source testing firm) worked together to develop a rigorous test plan and granted a research permit to implement SCWO at Plant 1. This presentation will focus on the technology and design details, and provide the steps taken to implement this technology at OC San. The information will benefit utilities that seeks sustainable solution for their biosolids management considering recent end-use restrictions."
  

  Learning Objectives:
  Define supercritical water oxidation process and list the advantages/disadvantages of this innovative technology
  Describe the steps to take to implement SCWO
  Identify the testing necessary to permit SCWO facility."

  
  

  

  Mohammad Abu-Orf

  Vice President & Residuals Group Practice Leader

  Hazen and Sawyer

  

  Sudhakar Viswanathan

  Vice President

  374Water

  Sudhakar (Sunny) Viswanathan is Vice President at 374Water, a global cleantech, social impact company based in Durham, NC. He has a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in environmental engineering, he is a Syracuse University alumnus with nearly 25 years of industry experience including leadership positions at Suez and Veolia; He has authored over 35 technical papers and currently spearheads the commercialization and business development of the Supercritical Water Oxidation technology.

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below)1.0  contact hours towards CWEA's Contact Hours. LAB,  AWTO

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the live webinar, please note the one (1) attention check code that will be displayed during the webinar in the top left or right corner of the presentation for approximately 90 seconds.  Please enter this code in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check code, you will be able to create and download an electronic "Certificate of Completion" under the "Contents" tab.

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• AC24 Diversifying Biosolids Management with Thermal Drying

  Contains 4 Component(s) Recorded On: 04/12/2024 Overview Speakers Contact Hour / CEU

  AC24 Conference and Expo; Mission: Possible - A Sustainable Water Future Against All Odds. April 9-12, Sacramento

  Cost: Complimentary 
  No Contact Hours Offered

  In California WRRFs are facing uncertainty with their current land application programs related to anticipated PFAS regulations. In addition, with the diversion of organics from landfills by SB 1383 the main strategy is co-digestion followed by composting to produce a Class A biosolids for beneficial use. However, with the emerging challenges related to PFAS, the composting part of this strategy may be impacted as it does not provide any PFAS treatment. On the other hand, drying produces Class A biosolids and is required upstream of advanced thermal processes for PFAS treatment including pyrolysis and gasification. Drying the dewatered digestate rather than composting provides an opportunity to limit the impacts of anticipated PFAS biosolids regulations.
  
  

  This presentation will cover three thermal drying case studies that will benefit utility managers, operation and maintenance practitioners, and engineers by providing:
  • a highlight of the thermal drying sizing, technology selection, and dried product characteristics,
  • system integration with existing WRRFs including sludge conditioning,
  • the lessons learned including equipment procurement, staffing, and challenges in operation from previous thermal drying designs., and
  • integration insights for future pyrolysis/gasification PFAS treatment.

  Attendee Takeaways:

  Conduct thermal drying sizing, technology selection, and describe the dried product characteristics.
  Understand system integration with existing and future solids treatment.
  Define project delivery and operations based upon lessons learned from thermal drying case studies."

  
  

  

  Anthony Tartaglione

  Senior Assiocate

  Hazen and Sawyer

  Anthony is a Senior Associate with Hazen and Sawyer and has 23 years of experience in water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) planning, design, and services during construction. This experience includes project management, design engineering management, and lead process / mechanical engineering of the expansion, rehabilitation and repair, upgrades, and improvements for WRRFs throughout the country. He received a BS in Environmental Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a MS in Chemical Engineering from Colorado State University. His area of expertise is in solids treatment from preliminary treatment through digestion including screening, grit removal, thickening, anaerobic digestion, and dewatering. He is a contributing author to Water Environmental Federation publications including 1) Design of Water Resource Recovery Facilities. Manual of Practice No. 8, 6th Ed., Water Environmental Federation Publication, 2017; 2) Energy in Water Resource Recovery Facilities, Manual of Practice No. 32, 2nd Ed., Water Environmental Federation Publication, 2021 and 3) Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals III, 1st Ed., Water Environmental Federation Publication, 2022. He is registered Professional Engineer the states of California (Civil & Chemical Engineering), Florida, Idaho (Civil & Chemical Engineering), Maryland, North Dakota, New York, Oregon (Civil & Chemical Engineering), and Texas.

  NO CONTACT HOURS OFFERED FOR THIS WEBINAR

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the live webinar, please note the one (1) attention check code that will be displayed during the webinar in the top left or right corner of the presentation for approximately 90 seconds.  Please enter this code in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check code, you will be able to create and download an electronic "Certificate of Completion" under the "Contents" tab.

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  AC24 Impact of PFAS on Biosolids Management in New England

  Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/12/2024 Overview Speakers Contact Hour / CEU

  AC24 Conference and Expo; Mission: Possible - A Sustainable Water Future Against All Odds. April 9-12, Sacramento

  CWEA Members: $20.00
  Non-Members $30.00
  CWEA Contact Hours: 1.0 contact hours towards CWEA Certifications: LAB, AWTO
  

  This presentation will review the cost to manage biosolids in various New England states, and the impact that PFAS has had on utilities’ operating budgets and operations for biosolids management. Maine’s land application moratorium, signed by the governor, will be discussed, including its short- and long-term impacts. The reactions of nearby states such as New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts’s to EPA’s PFAS roadmap; Maine’s moratorium; and growing negative public perception will be reviewed such that California agencies can learn from New England utilities’ experiences. We will also review successes in these states, where progress has been made working with regulators, communities, activist groups, and local legislative bodies.

  EPA currently has not set any policies on PFAS in NPDES permitting, nor PFAS in biosolids. However, CERCLA has recently proposed designation of PFOS and PFOA as hazardous materials, which could impact water reclamation facilities and potential liabilities. States are taking matters into their own hands, ranging from a “do-nothing” approach to instituting a statewide ban on the land application of biosolids (Maine) which has severely disrupted biosolids management . Many states are moving toward “report only” requirements in NPDES permits for influent, effluent, and biosolids to increase the database of PFAS in the environment.

  What should California do? To date, most states have not imposed PFAS standards in NPDES permits or biosolids, but Michigan’s EGLE has done precedent-setting work on PFAS in WW and mitigating sources. Utilities and consultants need to be prepared to educate communities, the legislature, regulators, and other stakeholders on the direct and indirect impacts of regulations and legislation around PFAS and water reclamation facilities. Industries discharging to WRFs need to participate in the conversation and become part of the solution through source control. In parallel, the science needs to continue to be developed and expanded, to better understand the true health and environmental implications of these compounds. This presentation aims to continue the conversation and information sharing so measured and thoughtful actions can be taken to address this issue in a fiscally and environmentally responsible manner, and so Californians can benefit from and implement the best practices.

  Attendee Takeaways: 
  Understand the value of biosoli.
  Understand the value of biosolids to our communities and impact of PFAS regulations.
  Success ways to communicate with regulators, legislature and other key stakeholders.
  Understand the state of the science and current understanding of PFAS in Biosolids.ds to our communities and impact of PFAS regulations."

  
  

  

  Eric Spargimino (he/him/his)

  Principal

  CDM Smith

  

  Kenneth Hui (he/him/his)

  Environmental Engineer

  CDM Smith, WA

  Kennneth Hui, PE, P Eng, M Eng, BCEE, PMP is an environmental engineer with CDM Smith. He has 28 years of progressive experience in planning, evaluation and design of water and wastewater treatment facilities. His experience includes leading multi-disciplinary teams to successfully complete a $400 million portfolio of wastewater treatment and water treatment facilities expansion projects through design and construction, to operation in North America.

  
  

  

  Samir Mathur

  Water Reclamation Practice Leader

  CDM Smith

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below)1.0  contact hours towards CWEA's Contact Hours. LAB,  AWTO

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the live webinar, please note the one (1) attention check code that will be displayed during the webinar in the top left or right corner of the presentation for approximately 90 seconds.  Please enter this code in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check code, you will be able to create and download an electronic "Certificate of Completion" under the "Contents" tab.

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  AC24 Mainstream Anammox: New Frontiers in Superefficient Biological Nitrogen Removal from PN/A to PdN/A

  Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 04/11/2024 Overview Speakers Contact Hour / CEU

  AC24 Conference and Expo; Mission: Possible - A Sustainable Water Future Against All Odds. April 9-12, Sacramento

  CWEA Members: $20.00
  Non-Members $30.00
  CWEA Contact Hours: 1.0 contact hours towards CWEA Certifications: ECI,LAB, AWTO
  

  As more WRRFs in California implement potable reuse schemes, and the impact of nutrients on coastal waters is recognized, biological nitrogen removal is expected to expand dramatically along the coast. Upgrading to nitrogen removal can significantly increase the cost, energy use, operational complexity, footprint requirement and climate impact of these facilities, and so determining the most efficient and sustainable treatment strategy is critical. Anammox is a unique biology that has been widely implemented in sidestream treatment to reduce costs and improve sustainability and efficiency, but this technology has not yet been implemented widely in mainstream secondary trains. This presentation will review two new technological developments that promise to bring the benefits of Anammox biology to mainstream secondary treatment.

  First, we will describe the challenge of adapting the partial-nitration/Anammox process (PN/A) from hot, concentrated centrate treatment to dilute, cool secondary treatment. This strategy boasts the highest potential reductions in aeration energy, carbon requirements and sludge production, but is also the most challenging to operate and maintain. Challenges associated with NOB inhibition will be discussed, and a novel strategy, developed by Tomorrow Water and demonstrated with Black & Veatch at the Hyperion Water Recovery Plant in LA, will be described. We will share data from lab and pilot-scale facilities, highlighting the newest developments in process design and the relationship of critical control variables (inhibition frequency, temperature, nitrogen species ratio, etc.) We will also discuss the knowledge gaps that remain in order to bring this novel strategy into wide implementation.

  Secondly, we will describe an alternative strategy for mainstream Anammox implementation: partial denitrification/Anammox (PdN/A). This strategy was developed in plants in the mid-Atlantic, and is now being commercialized for deployment in California (and worldwide). The process uses the same Anammox biology, but in concert with different supporting organisms (heterotrophic denitrifiers instead of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria.) This presentation will compare PN/A and PdN/A strategies, explaining the differences in process design, control, and achievable efficiency gains between the two different strategies. Participants will be provided with hypothetical plant scenarios and polled to determine which of the two strategies would be more applicable in a given context

  Learning Objectives:
  Quantify the benefits of the mainstream anammox process in terms of energy, carbon requirements, sludge production and plant intensification.
  Differentiate between the two distinct implementation strategies of mainstream anammox (PN/A vs PdN/A) and understand their comparative advantages and challenges
  Describe a novel PN/A strategy piloted at Hyperion WRP, and how this strategy fits in to the larger industry effort to commercialize mainstream PN/A for improved plant efficiency and sustainability

  
  

  

  Jon Liberzon

  Emerging Markets Process Engineering Lead

  Black & Veatch

  Jon Liberzon is Vice President at Tomorrow Water, a California-based subsidiary of BKT, where he spearheads a portfolio of new treatment processes including high-rate bio-filtration for wet weather flows, Proteus advanced primary treatment, AMX shortcut nitrogen removal and Draco thermal hydrolysis. Before joining Tomorrow Water, Jon consulted for a range of industrial and multinational clients including the World Bank, Technoserve and DFAT. From 2012-2017, he was director of water technologies at Algal Scientific, which developed high-rate nutrient recovery processes for food and beverage factories. Jon also helped develop algae-based photosynthetic aeration systems and worked on drinking water and agricultural development projects in several least developed countries, including Haiti and Vanuatu. Jon holds a Masters from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, and a Bachelors degree from the University of Michigan.

  

  Victory F. Dsane

  Process Engineer

  Tomorrow Water (BKT)

  

  Eric Redmond

  Engineer

  Black & Veatch

  

  Shahrouzeh Saneie

  Senior Environmental Engineer

  LA Sanitation

  Registrants who view the live webinar to see the slides and hear the audio and then enter the correct attention check code (directions below)1.0  contact hours towards CWEA's Contact Hours. ECI,LAB,  AWTO

  To receive your contact hours for viewing the live webinar, please note the one (1) attention check code that will be displayed during the webinar in the top left or right corner of the presentation for approximately 90 seconds.  Please enter this code in the Attention Check Code component under the "Contents" tab.  

  Please note, all user activity of CWEA certification holders on the Online Wastewater Education Network is subject to the CWEA Code of Ethics standards for professional conduct and ethics. Certification holders should receive credit for a training only once within the same contact hour period. Any attempt to undermine the certification process may be subject to ethics procedures and possible sanctions. It is not possible to receive contact hours for both attending the live webinar and viewing the recording.  

  Once you have entered the correct attendance check code, you will be able to create and download an electronic "Certificate of Completion" under the "Contents" tab.

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