Providing Process Control Technical Assistance to Small Mechanical WWTPs
Training Video
The first part of this webinar will discuss the Ammonia Removal Best Practices Excel-Based Tool. This tool provides a systematic approach for wastewater operators to guide their efforts when optimizing their system for Ammonia removal or attempting to return to compliance for Effluent Ammonia. The second part of the webinar will review a video series where Ohio EPA engineer, Jon VanDommelen, demonstrates the use of process control tools to help small wastewater treatment systems either return to compliance or maintain compliance. Jon walks through each treatment unit with the audience, identifies tools and equipment that can help operators diagnose operational problems, and then demonstrates how to use the tools in a troubleshooting exercise.
Date of Recording: October 20, 2022 (1-2:30 pm Eastern)
Presenters
- Mike Beck is an Environmental Scientist and Certified Wastewater Operator in Virginia and California with over 10 years of experience in water resources and wastewater management. Mr. Beck has actively worked in municipal contract operations, industrial waste management, NPDES Inspections and has provided technical assistance to small wastewater system operators in various EPA regions and states.
- Jon van Dommelen has worked for Ohio EPA for over 25 years. He spent the first 6 years reviewing detailed plans and issuing permits to install for new wastewater treatment plants and collections systems in the Division of Environmental and Financial Assistance (DEFA). He eventually transferred to the Division of Surface Water, joining the Compliance Assistance Unit (CAU). Four years ago, he returned to DEFA along with the CAU. He has worked in the CAU for about 20 years troubleshooting noncompliance at wastewater treatment plants ranging from 1500 gallon per day package plants up to 15 million gallon per day municipal systems.
In addition, Jon has trained operators of WWTPs in process control of activated sludge, microbiology, biological nutrient removal, among other topics related to wastewater treatment. He has also presented at WEFTEC (3 times), at many OTCO and OWEA workshops, as well as for other regional, state, and local organizations. He has published articles pertaining to topics of interest to operators in the Buckeye Bulletin, a publication of the Ohio Water Environment Association.
Jon graduated from Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and is a register Professional Engineer in the State of Ohio. His wife tells people that no one should have as much fun at their job as Jon does.