iosolids management program & environmental...

John Carman, Water Director

Sebastian (Buster) Fichera, Assistant Water Director

Steven L. Nutter, Biosolids EMS Manager

Magan Lersch, Biosolids EMS Coordinator

BIOSOLIDS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM &

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

(EMS)

ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT

2015-2016

City of Fort Worth, Texas Water Department

Village Creek Water Reclamation Facility Biosolids Management Program and EMS Performance Report

Issue Date: October 03, 2016 of 26 Amended November 15, 2016

2015-2016

Table of Contents

Introduction ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3

Program Summary ___________________________________________________________________________________ 3

Beneficial Reuse and Disposal _______________________________________________________________________ 3

Goals and Objectives ______________________________________________________________________________ 3

Audits __________________________________________________________________________________________ 4

Pretreatment ____________________________________________________________________________________ 5

Public Outreach __________________________________________________________________________________ 6

Biosolids Management Program _______________________________________________________________________ 6

Biosolids Production_______________________________________________________________________________ 6

Beneficial Reuse Options and Management Practices ____________________________________________________ 6

Contractor Performance ___________________________________________________________________________ 8

City Oversight/Inspections __________________________________________________________________________ 8

Monitoring and Measurement ______________________________________________________________________ 8

Environmental Management System (EMS) Performance __________________________________________________ 11

Timeline _______________________________________________________________________________________ 11

Goals and Objectives _____________________________________________________________________________ 12

Corrective Action Notices (CANs) ___________________________________________________________________ 12

Legal Requirements _________________________________________________________________________________ 12

Spills, Emergency Actions, and Response _______________________________________________________________ 12

Public Outreach and Participation Program _____________________________________________________________ 13

Future Plans/Advances in Biosolids Technology __________________________________________________________ 14

Contact Information ________________________________________________________________________________ 16

Appendix A: Corrective Action Notices 2015-2016 _______________________________________________________ 17

Appendix B: Current Goals and Objectives ______________________________________________________________ 20



Issue Date: October 03, 2016 of 26

Amended: November 15, 2016

2015-2016

INTRODUCTION The City of Fort Worth’s biosolids program is a public/private partnership where the contractor, Renda

Environmental, Inc. (REI), is responsible for processing, dewatering, transporting and performing beneficial land

application of biosolids produced from the Village Creek Water Reclamation Facility (VCWRF). REI is under

contract to provide these services until March 31, 2020.

Annual Performance Report (APR)

This APR summarizes Fort Worth’s biosolids management program performance, biosolids production and reuse,

goals and objectives, EMS activities, public outreach, and the commitment towards continual improvement. This

report and other biosolids information on operations and activities are detailed on the City’s website.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

The following information summarizes the breadth of the biosolids program and its environmental management

system. The biosolids program, which consists of biosolids handling and beneficial use, utilizes 31% of the total

wastewater budget.

Beneficial Reuse and Disposal

During the past reporting year (August 1st, 2015-July 31st, 2016), the City of Fort Worth’s Biosolids Program

beneficially reused and recycled 80.35% (excluding lime) of its Class AB biosolids and landfilled 19.65%. This is a

great improvement over the last reporting year that saw 53.55% land applied and 46.45% landfilled. Last

reporting year, land application was halted and material diverted to landfills for the months of April, May, and

June due to dewaterablity and odor concerns. Since then, the continued use of ferric chloride as a post anaerobic

digestion coagulant and dewatering agent the biosolids material has increased in total percent solids. In addition,

the transition to Alternative 1 for Vector Attraction Reduction Requirements (which utilizes volatile solids

reduction from the digesters) from Alternative 6 (which utilized lime and pH requirements), means that biosolids

no longer have to be stored for 24 hours before being hauled for land application. This means that biosolids

material can be transported for land applications as soon as it is produced. This has helped mitigate any

potentially odor issues that were caused by holding biosolids at the dewatering facility for at least 24 hours

before application.

Goals and Objectives

Every quarter, goals and objectives for the biosolids program are updated for the biosolids program. This past

reporting year, five goals were completed and closed.

In 2013, a goal was established to examine a grit disposal alternative. This goal changed several times over the

course of three years, but the main objective was always to remove grit in order to increase digester capacity and

eliminate any grit that could be introduced into the sludge flow going to the dewatering facility. In the beginning

of 2015, grit was finally being collected and disposed of at the landfill. Troubleshooting and modifications of the

grit collection system continued throughout 2015 and in the first quarter of 2016, data was collected to

determine how much grit was collected on a monthly basis. The goal was to increase grit collected and removed

by 10,500 lbs/ day. After the compilation of data, it was calculated that an average of 52,680 lbs/ day were

actually being collected and removed. This is an approximately 400% increase from what was originally

predicted.





2015-2016

PROGRAM SUMMARY

In 2014, a goal devoted to utilizing scum screenings as an organic source for co-digestion that could potentially

increase gas production in the digesters was created. The scum system was installed in 2015, but due to

operational issues and excessive rains, determination of gas production attributable to the scum screenings was

delayed. Finally, in June 2016, it was determined that there were too many variables to accurately decide how

much production could be due to the scum screenings going to the co-digestion. In addition, scum flow is not

metered, so there was no way to know how much was being pumped to the co-digestion system. While it can be

implied that a very small increase in digester gas production can be attributed to scum introduced to the co-

digestion station, at this point there is no way to know exactly how much. Therefore, this goal was closed as all

the action items were completed.

In 2014, several goals were consolidated into one that addressed the odor issues the biosolids program was

facing at the time. Due to numerous odor complaints experience during the 2013-2014 reporting year, this goal

aimed to specially reduce the number of odor complaints. Odor studies, the introduction of Ferric Chloride for

dewatering purposes and changes to standard operating procedures did result in a minor decrease in odor

complaints for the 2014-2015 reporting year. Efforts to improve biosolids quality continued, however, and the

2015-2016 reporting year saw over a 50% reduction in odor complaints from the 2013-2014 reporting year. This

goal was closed in April 2016 as biosolids quality had improved and the number of odor complaints continued to

trend downward.

A goal devoted to increasing percent total solids of digested sludge, later changed to thickened sludge, was

developed in early 2014 and relied on the installation of an additional gravity belt thickener (GBT). After

evaluating information and data to determine if the 3rd

GBT was increasing the percent solids of thickened sludge,

it was determined that the goal was successful in terms of increasing the operational flexibility of the GBTs and

showing that GBTs are more effective at increasing percent total solids than dissolved air floatation thickeners

(DAFT). While data for percent total solids showed an increase of over 1% after the 3rd

GBT was installed, several

variables prohibited precise data being attributable to the 3rd

GBT alone. The goal was completed and removed

in April 2016.

In late 2014, a goal devoted to increasing total suspended solids removal in the primaries was developed. The

intention of the goal was to develop a Chemically Enhanced Primary Treatment (CEPT) technique to ensure a high

percent removal of total suspended solids. A small pilot study was conducted to determine whether to introduce

a new technology to the smaller primaries or rehabilitate them. The testing was successful, but inconclusive.

Therefore, it was decided to close this goal.

Audits

Personnel at VCWRF conducted an internal audit from July 20-27th. This audit resulted in 4 minor

nonconformances, all of which were addressed with Corrective Action Notices (CANs). These 4 CANs involve

documentation issues that were easily remedied. The internal audit also resulted in a positive observation which

recognized that corrective action notices and goals and objectives are continually utilized to address program

deficiencies and promote overall program improvement.





2015-2016

PROGRAM SUMMARY (CONTINUED)

The third-party EMS external audit that was held on August 8th-11th resulted in 4 minor nonconformances.

These have been addressed with CANs (for reporting year 2016-2017) as well and involve standard operating

procedures, emergency preparedness and response, and utilizing CANs for VCWRF operational issues. More

details regarding CANs for the 2015-2016 reporting year are found in Appendix A. The third-party EMS audit also

resulted in 4 positive observations that recognized new public outreach efforts and a continuation of the

commitment to the National Biosolids “Code of Good Practice” and maintaining a seamless relationship with the

biosolids contractor, Renda Environmental, Inc. In early September 2016, the City received news that it would

continue its Platinum Level Certification, the highest recognized by the National Biosolids Partnership, for its

Environmental Management System.

Pretreatment

Industrial facilities located within the City are required to be permitted to discharge wastewater into the City’s

collection system. This helps prevent the introduction of pollutants that could potentially interfere with the

VCWRF’s ability to effectively treat wastewater and beneficially reuse of biosolids. Pretreatment programs help

ensure that waters of the state are protected from potential pollutants and increase the opportunities to recycle

and reclaim municipal and industrial wastewaters and sludge’s. In addition, pretreatment programs usually work

in conjunction with pollution prevention initiatives to reduce or eliminate waste in an effort to protect natural

resources and the environment.

The City of Fort Worth’s Pretreatment Services Division recognizes those industries that have excelled in

pretreatment and pollution prevention practices at its annual Pretreatment Awards ceremony. This past year, 91

out of 131 (69.5%) of the City’s industrial facilities were 100% in compliance with pretreatment standards. Of the

91 industries, 43 have 1-2 years of 100% compliance, 41 have 3-10 years of 100% compliance and 7 have 11 or

more years of 100% compliance.

The Pretreatment Awards also recognized 5 industries that made significant strides in the use of materials,

processes or practices that reduced or eliminated wastes in an effort to protect the environment and natural

resources. Efforts included a waste to energy and zero waste to landfill project, chemical substitution in an effort

to reduce hazardous waste, storm water management from secondary containment to reduce volume and cost of

treating storm water, a metal band chopper project that eliminated 16,794 lbs of waste from the landfill, and

elimination of wastewater from a plating line that saves over 100,000 gallons of water per year.

The Pretreatment Services Division also has a FOG (fats, oil, and grease) Abatement Program that regulates Food

Service Establishments (FSE) and provides recommendations for grease trap sizes to adequately capture FOG so

that it does not enter the City’s wastewater collection system. This helps reduce the amount of sanitary sewer

overflows (SSOs) that occur. The FOG Abatement Program has been effectively reducing grease related SSOs over

the last 5 years by removing tons of grease content from grease traps, Over the last 5 years, there has been a

215% increase in the amount of tons of grease removed from FSE grease traps. This has led to a 63% reduction in

SSOs since 2010.





2015-2016

Public Outreach

Several public outreach and educational items were developed during the 2015-2016 reporting year. Two of the

four positive observations made during the third-party EMS audit concerned the increase in public outreach

efforts that have been made. For a more detailed description of the outreach items that were developed, see

pages 11 and 12.

BIOSOLIDS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Annual Biosolids Reporting Period: August 1st, 2015 to July 31st, 2016

Registration/Permit Number: TPDES #10494-013

Transporter No.: TCEQ--#21942 (Renda Environmental, Inc.)

TXDOT--#45267C (Renda Environmental, Inc.)

Amount of biosolids beneficially reused/recycled: 22,583.23 dry tons (without lime)/year

Amount of biosolids beneficially reused/recycled: 20,487.16 dry metric tons (without lime)/year

Percentage of biosolids beneficially reused/recycled: 80.35%

Type of biosolids produced: Class AB Biosolids Production

The City of Fort Worth produces biosolids at the City’s dewatering facility located

north of the Village Creek Water Reclamation Facility (VCWRF). During 2015-

2016, 28,105.08 dry tons (without lime) of biosolids were produced. Due to

improved dewaterability and minimal odor concerns, only 5,521.85 dry tons were

landfilled (19.65 % of total dry tons produced-with lime).

The biosolids that have been produced have been anaerobically digested and

dewatered by belt filter press to produce a cake product that is 17% to 19% solids.

Lime is added to the biosolids after dewatering to ensure compliance with the

pathogen requirements in the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

(TPDES) permit. The biosolids are then land applied by Renda Environmental, Inc.;

the City’s contractor.

Beneficial Reuse Options and Management Practices

Biosolids produced at VCWRF were properly processed, monitored,

and agronomically land applied to thousands of acres of farm and

pasture land in Hill, Johnson, Tarrant and Wise counties. The

biosolids serve as an excellent soil amendment and add to the

nutrient value to crops and grasses. The following map and graphics

show landowner participation by county in the biosolids program.

For the 2015-2016 reporting year, Wise, Tarrant, Johnson and Hill

counties received land application of biosolids (see map on next

page).





2015-2016

0.29%

15.46% 0.68%

30.33%

29.02%

5.13%

19.09%

Counties: Percent of Total Acreage

Denton Hill Hood Johnson Parker Tarrant Wise

BIOSOLIDS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (CONTINUED)

BIOSOLIDS APPLICATION: AMOUNTS BY COUNTY

Counties Landowners Noticed Sites Total Acreage (%) of Total

Acreage

Dry Tons Applied

(Includes lime)

Aug 2015-Jul 2016

Denton 1 1 125.00 0.3% -

Hill 8 20 6,600.00 15.5% 3,993

Hood 2 2 291.00 0.7% -

Johnson 15 29 12,950.00 30.3% 8,924

Parker 4 4 12,389.00 29.0% -

Tarrant 5 5 2,192.00 5.1% 4,804

Wise 10 13 8,151.00 19.1% 7,075

TOTAL 45 74 42,698.00 100% 24,796

WISE DENTON

PARKER TARRANT

JOHNSON

HILL

HOOD





2015-2016


Contractor Performance

Biosolids operations in Fort Worth are handled by Renda Environmental, Inc. (REI).

REI is responsible for:

Operation of the dewatering facility and further processing of the biosolids by belt-filter press dewatering;

Transportation of biosolids material;

Land application to beneficially reuse the biosolids produced at VCWRF;

Posting signage at land application sites that include contact information;

Daily odor monitoring at land application sites and

Performing necessary biosolids sampling for permit compliance.

REI operates and maintains the belt filter presses and all auxiliary equipment and continually monitors and tracks the amount of biosolids applied to each land application site.

City Oversight/Inspections

City personnel perform daily visits and inspections to

the dewatering facility and land application sites to

ensure that the contractor is following best

management practices concerning biosolids

dewatering, transportation and land application.

While a site is undergoing land application, City

personnel will perform a site inspection detailing

weather conditions, truck conditions, haul road

conditions, and overall site conditions. An

olfactometer is used to help quantify odors and establish an odor monitoring history at the land application sites.

When a land application site reaches completion, a final close-out visit is conducted by City personnel. This final

site visit is performed to ensure that all biosolids material has been properly applied and all equipment has been

removed.

From August 1, 2015 to July 31, 2016, city personnel performed 239 land application site visits. Site visits include

odor monitoring with an olfactometer.

Monitoring and Measurement

By City contract, REI uses an independent certified laboratory to analyze the biosolids produced at VCWRF.

Samples of biosolids are taken from the process areas and analyzed for fecal coliform, pathogens, metals,

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP), pH, percent solids, and vector

attraction reduction. Sampling frequency is established by the TPDES permit for VCWRF. By contract, Renda

must meet or exceed regulatory requirements detailed in the TPDES permit which can be found summarized in

the table on the next page.





2015-2016


TPDES CLASS AB BIOSOLIDS MONITORING METHODS AND FREQUENCY

Pathogen Control

30 TAC 312.82 (a) Alternative 4

Fecal Coliform Density <1000 MPN*

Enteric Virus Density <1 Plaque-forming unit per 4 gram total solids**

Viable Helminth Ova Density <1 per 4 grams total solids**

Vector Attraction Reduction

30 TAC 312.83 (b) (1-8) Alternative 1

Alternative 1: The mass of volatile solids in the sewage sludge shall be reduced by a minimum of 38%.

Monitored Item Frequency

Fecal Coliform Two (2) times per month

Pathogens Two (2) times per month

Metals Monthly

PCBs Monthly

TCLP Two (2) times per year

pH (Vector Attraction Reduction)

Operation Process-Daily;

Regulatory Compliance- Weekly (if using Alternative 6)

% Total Solids Daily

* Most Probable Number

** Dry Weight Basis





2015-2016


Biosolids samples are analyzed monthly for metals and PCBs. For 2015-2016, all metal concentrations were significantly below Table 1 ceiling concentration limits and Table 3 pollutant concentrations as required by 40 CFR 503 and 30 TAC 312, for the use or disposal of sewage sludge. The metals and PCB concentrations are shown in the following table.

In addition, the City and REI collect biosolids samples which undergo Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) analysis. Three TCLP samples were collected during the 2015-2016 reporting year. All samples were compliant with TCLP standards.

METAL AND PCB CONCENTRATION (REPORTED IN MG/KG DRY WEIGHT BASIS)

Year

2015-2016

As

mg/kg

Cd

mg/kg

Cr

mg/kg

Cu

mg/kg

Pb

mg/kg

Hg

mg/kg

Mo mg/kg

Ni mg/kg

Se mg/kg

Zn mg/kg

PCB mg/kg

NPDES Permit Limits

(Table 1)

75 85 3000 4300 840 57 75 420 100 7500 n/a

NPDES Permit Limits

(Table 3)

41 39 1200 1500 300 17 *** 420 36 2800 n/a

August 9.10 1.00 43.20 368.00 20.40 0.22 11.10 17.10 3.90 456 0.00

September 17.10 0.82 69.80 627.00 30.80 0.25 0.00 33.30 5.20 647 0.00

October 15.10 1.20 70.10 510.00 23.30 0.32 19.40 34.80 4.70 633 0.00

November 12.70 0.86 42.60 408.00 26.20 0.32 13.00 27.60 4.90 516 0.00

December 13.20 1.40 48.40 546.00 30.80 0.46 0.00 32.40 6.00 703 0.00

January 12.50 0.73 41.90 416.00 27.80 0.29 11.90 43.50 2.70 496 0.00

February 5.30 0.76 38.50 441.00 18.20 ND 12.40 32.70 5.90 520 0.00

March ND 0.75 38.40 517.00 22.90 0.56 ND 26.10 5.20 549 0.00

April 6.10 0.72 35.00 513.00 20.20 0.82 10.00 21.50 5.00 552 0.00

May 6.30 0.97 36.20 430.00 21.10 0.27 10.20 21.30 4.80 526 0.00

June 6.50 ND 38.80 440.00 21.50 0.46 16.90 30.30 5.00 573 0.00

July 8.90 ND 39.00 485.00 26.00 0.24 17.60 26.30 3.70 583 0.00

Yearly Avg. Metals Conc.

9.10 0.92 45.16 475.08 24.10 0.38 11.14 28.91 4.75 563 ND

Highest Monthly Conc.

17.10 1.40 70.10 627.00 30.80 0.82 19.40 43.50 6.00 703 ND

***No limit established by federal regulations

Pathogen Requirement Achieved: Class AB

Pathogen Reduction Alternative Used: Alternative 4

Vector Attraction Reduction Alternative Used: Alternative 1





2015-2016

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (EMS) PERFORMANCE

The biosolids EMS is a systematic approach that helps the City to continually improve activities that are

associated with environmental performance. The National Biosolids Partnership (NBP) sets standards and

guidelines that the City’s EMS must achieve in order to receive and maintain NBP certification. A properly

implemented EMS assists the City’s Biosolids Program with the following:

Identifying the overall goals and objectives of the Biosolids Program

Creating a series of management practices to meet the goals and objectives

Managing biosolids and monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of the program

Taking corrective and preventative measures if the management practices are not operating correctly

Conducting audits of the Biosolids EMS Program

Requiring management involvement to make changes to the program as needed

National Biosolids Partnership (NBP)

The National Biosolids Partnership is a voluntary partnership between the National Association of Clean

Water Agencies (NACWA) and Water Environment Federation (WEF). NBP is committed to developing

and advancing environmentally sound and sustainable biosolids best management practices through

comprehensive management systems.

The mission of the NBP is to advance the understanding and adoption of effective practices in biosolids

management and offer:

Education and training;

Technical assistance;

An information clearinghouse; and

An EMS-based third-party certification program for biosolids management systems.

Timeline

The EMS manual was updated periodically throughout the reporting year. The following table indicates additional biosolids EMS activities conducted during the past year.

2015-2016 EMS Activities Date

EMS Internal Audit July 20-27, 2016

EMS External Third Party Audit August 8-11, 2016

EMS Performance Report September 30, 2016

EMS Management Review October 4, 2016





2015-2016

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (EMS) SYSTEM PERFORMANCE (CONTINUED) Goals and Objectives

The City has established goals and objectives to help improve selected biosolids management activities. These

goals are updated every quarter in order to track their progress and to establish new goals and objectives when

appropriate. The list of goals and objectives, which were updated on September 22, 2016, are included in

APPENDIX B: GOALS AND OBJECTIVES of this report. A summary of goals that were closed during the 2015-2016

are summarized on pages 2 and 3. During the third party audit, it was suggested to move goals to Corrective

Action Notices if they could not be measured quantitatively after all action items are completed. This will be the

procedure for future goals and objectives updates if necessary.

Corrective Action Notices (CANs)

As defined in EMS Element 14, Corrective Actions are “specific actions and steps taken to correct an

organization’s nonconformance(s) to environmental policies, procedures, and other requirements, and to

mitigate any residual impacts to the environment.” It is the policy of the Fort Worth Biosolids EMS Program to

create a CAN for any identified nonconformance as well as any identified opportunities for improvement, which

are those changes that are recommended but not required. The City has been diligent in developing CANs for

noncompliance issues as they relate directly to the biosolids program. During the third party audit, it was

suggested to utilize CANs for operational issues within VCWRF if they can potentially affect sludge quality and

ultimately the quality of the biosolids. See APPENDIX A: CORRECTIVE ACTION NOTICES 2015-2016 for a full listing

of the Corrective Action Notices for August 2015-July 2016.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS There were changes to legal requirements for the 2015-2016 reporting year. The third party audit resulted in an

opportunity for improvement for the biosolids contractor to include a requirement to notify the state in the event

of any noncompliance with the VCWRF’s TPDES permit in its Land Application SOP. A minor nonconformance

issued from the third party audit detailed that certain VCWRF SOPs need to have regulatory requirements

incorporated into the procedure. A CAN was developed for this issue a solution is in place to address it.

SPILLS, EMERGENCY ACTIONS, AND RESPONSE On February 17, 2016, a REI truck was en route to a land application site, when an estimated 5 gallons of

biosolids material fell off of the truck onto Meadowbrook Blvd. The quantity spilled was enough to case vehicles

to change lanes in order to avoid driving through the material. Renda dispatched personnel to the spill location

to remove the biosolids material from the roadway. A CAN was developed to address this incident.





2015-2016

PUBLIC OUTREACH AND PARTICIPATION PROGRAM

In response to the major nonconformance cited during the third-party audit in 2014, an additional Senior

Environmental Specialist was hired to focus on public outreach efforts and educational materials. Over the past

year several items were developed and are detailed below.

FAQ Sheet—This contains information and FAQs regarding common concerns with detailed answers

regarding the entire biosolids process. These have been distributed at land application sites via

infotubes attached to land application signs located at site entrances.

Trifold Biosolids Brochure—The new brochure details the process flow diagrams of solids in domestic

and commercial wastewater along with information regarding the introduction of inorganic materials in

the collection system and the negative impacts they can have on the wastewater treatment process.

These have been available to tour participants and for educational events.

Fact Sheet—For the general public, this document contains supplemental information on biosolids that

was not included in the FAQ Sheet and brochure. It will hopefully be made available via the City’s

website in the future.

Reference List—This is a list of scientific journal articles that support the benefits and safety of beneficial

reuse of biosolids. It will potentially be available on the City’s website in the future, but is also available

via email request.

Tour Survey— The tour survey was developed to elicit more comments and concerns regarding biosolids

from tour participants. Since it has been implemented, more comments have been obtained as well as

demographic information that has been used to illustrate the general public’s knowledge and opinion of

biosolids before and after the tours. Since November 2015, 257 surveys have been administered during

tours. Of the 257 tour participants, 34% were familiar with biosolids prior to the tour. After the tours,

positive opinion regarding biosolids generally increased. The continued use of the survey will allow for

the accumulation of more data that will better illustrate any change in public opinion regarding

biosolids.

From August 2015 to July 2016, 60 tours were conducted at VCWRF. In all, 1632 individuals visited and toured

the Village Creek facilities. This is a 36% increase in the number of tours compared to the last reporting year and

a 31% increase in the number of tour participants.

The city continues to update the biosolids pages on the City’s website when necessary as well as notify county commissioners when land application is occurring in their respective precincts.

In the near future, the City’s Water Department social media accounts will be used to provide the general public with biosolids information as well as elicit potential feedback or concerns that may be incorporated in future biosolids goals and objectives.





2015-2016

FUTURE PLANS/ADVANCES IN BIOSOLIDS TECHNOLOGY Chlorine Dioxide: During the months of March, April and May of 2016, a pilot project involving the addition of

Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) to digested sludge began in order to assess its effectiveness at minimizing odors as well as

providing pathogen control. The ClO2 solution was added to one of the liquid sludge holding tanks at the

dewatering facility. The sludge was then processed as usual to produce the biosolids cake. Tests were conducted

examining different dosages of Cl02 in combination with different dosages of Ferric Chloride to determine the

most effective dose at which odors were minimized and pathogen requirements were met. ClO2 was found to be

most effective at eliminating pathogens and reducing odors at 100ppm. Currently, VCWRF personnel are working

with the City’s purchasing department to complete bid specifications for the long term usage of ClO2. Once ClO2

is being used regularly, the amount of lime added to biosolids to currently meet pathogen requirements may be

reduced as the ClO2 would be working in this capacity instead.

Dewatering Facility Upgrades: In May 2016, construction began on a 6th

belt press, new lime mixing system and new polymer system. These upgrades will help improve biosolids production and quality.

Lime Mixing System: A new control panel was installed that allows for automation of lime mixing and provides

digital displays of the amount of lime being added and mixed. This is an improvement to the old control panel

that did not have information readily available on the amount of lime that was being mixed at a given time. The

lime feed system from the storage silo was also upgraded. This new feed system, along with the new mixing

augers, allow for more consistent mixing, which is important for meeting the Alternative 4 Pathogen Control

Requirements.





2015-2016

FUTURE PLANS/ADVANCES IN BIOSOLIDS TECHNOLOGY (CONTINUED)

Polymer System: After a 5th

belt press was installed in 2010, the existing polymer system was never upgraded to accommodate its operation and capacity. The installation of a 6

th belt press required the installation

of a new polymer system. This polymer system will accommodate both the 5

th and 6

th belt presses. The

new system will allow for better polymer optimization at the 5

th and 6

th belt presses. It will also reduce the

shearing effect on the polymer due to the decreased distance and few 90 degree angles the polymer will have to travel to the two presses.

6th

Belt Press: The 6th

belt press is a different type of

press than the existing 5 located in the dewatering

facility. This press has a lower profile, which saves

space, and allows for higher throughput. This will

allow for more biosolids to be produced during a given

amount of time. This press also runs on electric

instead of hydraulics or pneumatics. Renda

Environmental and Andrtiz will work in conjunction

with one another during the initial setup and

operation in order to optimize the biosolids production

from this press. It currently has 8 rollers, but will be

increased to 12 to determine which amount optimizes

quality and production. This press will hopefully

produce higher percent of total solids for the biosolids cake which will be determined once enough data has been

collected and evaluated.





2015-2016

CONTACT INFORMATION If you have comments on this report or any other biosolids related items please call or email.

Village Creek Water Reclamation Facility 817-392-4960

Biosolids EMS Manager 817-392-4965

Biosolids Program Email [email protected]

To find out more information about the City of Fort Worth Biosolids Beneficial Reuse/Recycling program and the EMS visit our website: http://fortworthtexas.gov/water/info/default.aspx?id=6094&ekmensel=73b29971_1308_2386_6094_2

To find out more information on biosolids in general, biosolids facts, regulation requirements, and about the national Biosolids Partnership EMS program, visit the website: http://www.biosolids.org

http://fortworthtexas.gov/water/info/default.aspx?id=6094&ekmensel=73b29971_1308_2386_6094_2

http://www.biosolids.org/





2015-2016

APPENDIX A: CORRECTIVE ACTION NOTICES 2015-2016





2015-2016

CORRECTIVE ACTION NOTICES AUGUST 2015-JULY 2016

CAN # Date Non-Conformance Issue Scheduled

Completion Date

Actual Completion

Date

Close-Out Date

2015-01 08/17/15

Requirement 10.1-Develop and implement standard operating procedures, work management practices or other appropriate methods at all critical control points throughout the biosolids value chain to effectively manage potential environmental impacts.

08/17/15 08/17/15 08/18/15

2015-02 08/18/15

Requirement 10.1- Develop and implement standard operating procedures, work management practices or other appropriate methods at all critical control points throughout the biosolids value chain to effectively manage potential environmental impacts. Requirement 13.1- Establish and maintain regular monitoring and measurement procedures and practices for all biosolids management activities to assure compliance with applicable legal and other requirements, measure biosolids program performance at critical control points, and track progress toward achieving program goals and objectives.

08/19/15 08/19/15 08/19/15

2015-03 08/31/15

Requirement 16.1- Establish and maintain an internal audit program to periodically analyze the BMP and determine whether it is effectively meeting its biosolids management policy, program requirements and biosolids program goals and objectives. The internal BMP audit program shall definite the scope, frequency, and methodology of the audits, assign responsibility for conducting the audits and communicating their findings, and designate individual to whom these findings are to be conveyed. The internal audit shall also evaluate the organization’s performance relative to established biosolids program goals, objectives and performance measures. The internal BMP audit program shall cover all the organization’s biosolids management program activities including those performed by contractors.

09/04/15 09/11/15 09/24/15

2015-04 09/08/15

Requirement 4.1-Establish a procedure for identifying and tracing legal (federal, state, and local) and other requirements applicable to its biosolids management activities.

09/30/15 10/30/15 11/02/15





2015-2016

CORRECTIVE ACTION NOTICES AUGUST 2015-JULY 2016 (CONTINUED)

CAN # Date Non-Conformance Issue Scheduled

Completion Date

Actual Completion

Date

Close-Out Date

2015-05 11/18/15

The annual third party audit was not completed by October 20th, which is the deadline recognized by Planning Schedule in the Environmental Management System (EMS) manual for the biosolids program.

04/01/16 06/16/16 06/16/16

2016-01 02/17/16

On the morning of February 17, 2016, the Contractor was en route to a land application site, when an estimated 5 gallons of biosolids material fell off of the truck onto Meadowbrook Blvd (See Photographs on Page 2). The spill was large enough that vehicles were changing lanes to avoid driving through the material.

03/01/16 06/16/16 06/16/16

2016-02 05/25/16 Land application inside buffer zone. 05/25/16 06/16/16 06/16/16

2016-03 05/25/16 On 05-24-16, a miscommunication at Renda, led to three loads of unlimed biosolids being sent to land application site JCJS1.

05/27/16 06/15/16 06/15/16

2016-04 07/20/16 The land application schedule for June 2016 was not submitted to TCEQ by the required timeframe.

07/20/16 07/20/16 07/26/16

2016-05 07/26/16 Procedures regarding how complaints are documented have not been followed in their entirety.

07/26/16 07/26/16 07/26/16

2016-06 07/28/16 From 2014-2016, several CANs were not updated in a timely manner.

07/29/16 07/29/16 08/01/16





2015-2016

APPENDIX B: CURRENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES



Biosolids Goals & Objectives Summary-EMS Element 5.0 Issue Date September 22, 2016


2015-2016

GOAL: Increase digested feed sludge to 5%

Objective: Increase digested feed sludge to 5%

ACTION PLAN: RESPONSIBLE PARTY

MILESTONE COMPLETION DATE

STATUS KEY OUTCOMES Thickener Process Study

1. Hire consultant for Design Work Ana Pena – Engineering Manager

June 15, 2015 Complete

(June 15, 2015)

Environmental

Performance

Improve Biosolids Management Practices

2. Finalize Scope of Work Ana Pena – Engineering Manager

July 15, 2015 Complete

(July 15, 2015)

3. Finish Conceptual design Ana Pena – Engineering Manager

December 31, 2017 Not complete

4. Final design phase Ana Pena – Engineering Manager

August 28, 2017 Not complete

5. Begin construction Ana Pena – Engineering Manager

January 31, 2018 Not complete

Notes/Comments:

The purpose it to look into a new thickening technology that will replace the DAFTs.

March 2016: No changes.

June 2016: Conceptual design date moved forward as it has not been completed.

September 2016: Conceptual design date moved forward as it has not been completed.





2015-2016

GOAL: Increase percent solids of biosolids (prior to lime addition) by 3%

Objective: Increase percent solids of biosolids (prior to lime addition) by 3%


MILESTONE COMPLETION

DATE STATUS KEY OUTCOMES

Dewatering Facility Upgrades

6. Hire consultant Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager

April 18, 2014 Complete

(April 18, 2014)

Environmental Performance

Regulatory Compliance


7. Electrical System Evaluation Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager


(August 27, 2014)

8. Final Design Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager

September 30, 2014 Complete

(August 29, 2014)

9. Funding approved by City Council Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager

October 16, 2015 Complete

(October 16, 2015)

10. Start construction on 6th belt press, polymer, and lime systems.

Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager

August 1, 2016 Complete

(May 2, 2016)

11. Finish construction of 6th belt press, new polymer and lime systems.


January 1, 2017 Not complete

ACTION PLAN: COMPLETED RESPONSIBLE PARTY


DATE STATUS

Increase dewaterablity at the belt presses

1. Corroborate presence of struvite (collect samples) Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager Ana Pena-Engineering Manager


(July 7, 2014)

2. Install ferric sulfate addition station Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager Ana Pena-Engineering Manager

August 18, 2014 Complete

(August 18, 2014)

3. Install ferric chloride addition station* Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager Ana Pena-Engineering Manager

November 25, 2014 Complete

(November 24, 2014)

4. Installation of Total Solids and Total Suspended Solids meters

Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager Ana Pena-Engineering Manager


(April 30, 2015)

5. Optimize dosage of ferric chloride Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager Ana Pena-Engineering Manager


(June 10, 2016)

Notes/Comments:

After ferric sulfate was added, it was determined that the dosage and the chemical itself were not as effective as needed. Therefore a switch was made to ferric chloride, which resulted in a different feed station being built to accommodate the volume necessary to achieve an effective dosage. The addition of ferric chloride should result in the added benefits of minimizing struvite buildup at the dewatering facility and reducing odors.

Dosage optimization was supposed to be complete by May, but because the HRC was in use (which adds Ferric sulfate), an increase in percent solids could not be attributed to the ferric chloride alone therefore the milestone complete date was changed.

The TSS meter was relocated in August 2015. As of September 2015, the ferric chloride contract is being extended through the end of the year. Ferric Chloride dose optimization is still being determined.

As of December 2015, the ferric chloride contract has been extended through the end of January.

March 2016: Ferric chloride has not been optimized yet due to the fact that VCWRF operations are getting ready to start feeding ferric sulfate in the primaries. This will alter the post digestion treatment with ferric chloride.

June 2016: During the spring of 2016 ferric sulfate was fed into primary clarifiers 1-6. During this time period VC personnel were collecting data to evaluate effectiveness of the chemical treatment activities. On June 10th, 2016 Tech Services presented the data to senior management at VC. Based on this information the decision was made to perform post digestion treatment with ferric chloride at a concentration of 2 gallons ferric chloride per 1,000 gallons of liquid sludge. If ferric sulfate treatment in the primary area is expanded or reduced then post digestion treatment activities will be reevaluated.

September 2016: Installation of 6th belt press, lime mixing system, and polymer system has been completed. However, not all of the supporting equipment (pumps, etc) have arrived onsite, and electrical and instrumentation work continues.





2015-2016

GOAL: Increase biosolids production and storage capacity by 100%

Objective: Increase biosolids production and storage capacity by 100%




Belt Press Facility Expansion

1. Hire Consultant for Design Work Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager

Ana Pena-Engineering Manager

May 20, 2015 Complete

(May 20, 2015)



2. Finalize Scope of Work Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager


February 29, 2016 Complete

(November 24, 2015)

3. City Council Approval Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager



(June 7, 2016)

4. Finish Conceptual design Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager


November 30, 2016 Not complete

5. Final design phase Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager


October 31, 2017 Not complete

6. Begin construction Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager


June 1, 2018 Not complete

7. Finish construction Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager


December 1, 2019 Not Complete



DATE STATUS

Install liquid sludge storage tanks

1. Hire Consultant for Design Work Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager


(April 20, 2015)

2. Finalize Scope of Work Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager


(July 10, 2015)

3. City Council Approval Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager

March 31, 2016 Completed

(March 29, 2016)

4. Finish Conceptual design Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager

September 14, 2016 Not complete

5. Final design phase Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager


6. Begin construction Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager

August 31, 2017 Not complete

7. Finish construction Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager

October 31, 2018 Not complete

Notes/Comments:

March 2016: Completion dates have been moved forward.

June 2016: The sixth belt press has been put in place, but is not fully installed/online. September 2016: Liquid sludge storage tank project has completed preliminary design phase (conceptual design completed).





2015-2016

GOAL: Identify four public concerns regarding biosolids

Objective: Identify four public concerns regarding biosolids

ACTION PLAN: A RESPONSIBLE PARTY



Determine concerns based on feedback received from interested parties.

1. Identify four (4) public/third party concerns VCWRF Biosolids personnel September 15, 2015 Complete

(September 23, 2015)

Improve Public Relations

Concern #1= “The City of Fort Worth biosolids webpages are out of date.”

Concern #2= “The EPA and TCEQ standards are not strict enough.”

Concern #3= “Too much about biosolids are unknown.”

Concern #4= “Are there pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in biosolids?”

2. For each concern, either contact three (3) interested parties or conduct presentation with one (1) interested party*

VCWRF Biosolids personnel January 31, 2016

Concern #1 -Complete (January 13, 2016)

Concern #2 -Not complete

Concern #3-Complete (November 10, 2015)

Concern #4-Complete (November 10, 2015)

ACTION PLAN: B RESPONSIBLE PARTY

MILESTONE COMPLETION DATE

STATUS Improve ability to identify concerns via mail outs FAQs placed in information tubes at land application sites

1. Contact the communication and outreach division to determine if mail outs (surveys, fact sheets, etc.) are feasible

VCWRF Biosolids personnel July 31, 2015 Complete

(June 12, 2015)

2. Determine if GIS department can acquire mailing addresses for residents around land sites VCWRF Biosolids personnel August 7, 2015

Complete


3. Develop information FAQ to be mailed to interested parties VCWRF Biosolids personnel October 15, 2015

Complete

(December 21, 2015)

4. Determine if addresses can be purchased to mail out FAQ VCWRF Biosolids personnel October 31, 2015

Complete

(December 21, 2015)

5. Determine if FAQ can be mailed to addresses surrounding land application sites VCWRF Biosolids personnel October 31, 2015

Complete

(December 21, 2015)

6. Begin placing FAQ in information tubes attached to site notification signs at land application site entrances

VCWRF Biosolids personnel March 25, 2016 Complete

(March 25, 2016)

7. Evaluate the effectiveness of the information tubes by tracking the amount of FAQ taken VCWRF Biosolids personnel November 30, 2016 Not complete

ACTION PLAN: C RESPONSIBLE PARTY MILESTONE

COMPLETION DATE STATUS

Improve ability to identify concerns using the Water Department’s social media accounts

1. Contact the Communication and Outreach division to determine what content can be posted to the Water Department’s social media accounts (Facebook & Twitter)

VCWRF Biosolids personnel July 31, 2015 Complete

(June 12, 2015)

2. Begin posting biosolids information to Water Department’s Facebook account VCWRF Biosolids personnel January 31, 2017 Not complete





2015-2016

ACTION PLAN: D

RESPONSIBLE PARTY MILESTONE

COMPLETION DATE STATUS KEY OUTCOMES Improve ability to address public concerns by updating

Biosolids webpage

1a.

Update grammar and typographical errors VCWRF Biosolids personnel August 31, 2015 Complete

(August 17, 2015)

Improve Public Relations

1b.

Remove outdated information VCWRF Biosolids personnel August 31, 2015

Complete


1c.

Update tables on webpages VCWRF Biosolids personnel August 31, 2015 Complete

(January 13, 2016)

2a.

Add additional webpage for biosolids brochure VCWRF Biosolids personnel January 31, 2017 Not complete

2b.

Add additional webpage for FAQ (developed from 2nd action plan above)

VCWRF Biosolids personnel January 31, 2017 Not complete

2c.

Add additional webpage for facts not listed in the FAQ VCWRF Biosolids personnel January 31, 2017 Not complete

ACTION PLAN: E -Completed


COMPLETION DATE STATUS Improve ability to address or identify concerns via tour

survey

1. Develop survey to gage the public’s general knowledge/feelings about biosolids VCWRF Biosolids personnel December 31, 2015

Complete

(October 29, 2015)

2. Preliminary implementation of survey to determine what metrics can be obtained and used for quantifying public outreach responses

VCWRF Biosolids personnel December 31, 2015

Complete

(November 15, 2015 )

3. Begin using survey on a regular basis during tours when possible VCWRF Biosolids personnel December 31, 2015

Complete

(November 15, 2015)

4. Evaluate metrics and plot data to determine effectiveness of survey and tour presentations VCWRF Biosolids personnel July 31, 2016

Complete

(July 13, 2016)

Notes/Comments:

•*Contact may involve providing literature or documentation regarding the City’s biosolids program or inviting interested parties for tours of the Village Creek Water Reclamation Facility and Dewatering Facility.

•Additional steps may be added to the action plans once feasibility of the outreach activity has been determined.

Action Plan A

The FAQ addresses Concerns #1 and # 3 and will be available to the public via tours or information tubes attached to land application signs at site entrances.

March 2016: Concern #1 has been completed but the date is not known. When details can be acquired, the date will be inserted.

July 2016: Concern #2 will be addressed in a presentation to be developed by the end of 2016 that will be specific to the biosolids program that can be used for special tour groups or interested parties. Concern #4 was addressed in a brochure that was completed in November, but not printed until April 2016.

September 2016: Concern #2 will be addressed in a presentation to be developed by the end of 2016 that will be specific to the biosolids program that can be used for special tour groups or interested parties.

Action Plan B

The GIS department was contacted on August 7th regarding whether they were able to gather mailing addresses for residents surrounding land application sites. On September 14, 2015 the GIS department notified biosolids personnel that they were unable to acquire the addresses.

On December 21, 2015, it was determined that mailing fact sheets is not a viable option for the biosolids program. Instead, fact sheets will be placed in an information tube and attached to the site notification signs located at site entrances. Placing a certain amount of fact sheets in the tubes and counting them during inspections will allow us to keep track of how many are taken introducing a potential metric with which to measure this outreach effort.

March 2016: Information tubes were attached to site notification signs on 03-25-16 and a certain number of factsheets Frequently Asked Questions were placed inside. This information will be tracked to determine how effective the Information tubes are. Two more steps were added to reflect the change to this action plan.

July 2016: Since Infotubes with FAQs have been posted on land application signs; approximately 34% of them have been taken. Sign/Infotube visibility, site entrance location, and number of FAQ taken per person are all variables that can affect the percent of FAQ taken at land application sites. Data collection for FAQs will be ongoing even after the action plan is completed.

September 2016: No changes.

Action Plan C

When lime is removed and it can be confirmed that the biosolids odors have improved for the long term, information will begin being posted to the Water





2015-2016

Department’s Facebook page (where application is occurring, general information about the biosolids program, etc.)

March 2016: Completion date has been moved forward for social media postings.

July 2016: Currently waiting for Chlorine dioxide to be approved for long-term biosolids treatment before posting information to social media regarding biosolids program and biosolids quality.

September 2016: No changes.

Action Plan D

Due to changes to the City’s website policies the Water Department’s Communication and Outreach division informed biosolids personnel that posting PDF documents to the City’s webpages should be avoided as much as possible to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Therefore, new information will be added as additional webpages if possible. See Action Plan: Add additional biosolids webpages.

March 2016: Completion dates have been moved forward due to complications in posting information to the City’s website. Step 1c has been completed but the date is not known. When details can be acquired, the date will be inserted.

July 2016: Reference material that was used to develop facts not listed in the FAQ is being acquired to be made available to the public when new biosolids webpages can be posted.

September 2016: No Changes.

Action Plan E

It is anticipated that possible metrics stemming from the responses gathered from the survey will include: how familiar people are with the term “biosolids,’ what people’s general attitude is towards biosolids, and if their general attitude changes after seeing a presentation on wastewater treatment and biosolids.

March 2016: The completion date has been moved forward in order to accumulate more tour data.

July 2016: Since surveys began being distributed during Village Creek tours in November, 103 comments have been elicited from tour participants. Past tours that did not include a biosolids survey, rarely garnered any feedback about biosolids. Surveys have been an effective tool at eliciting comments and questions and different metrics have been gathered based on the survey responses. This action plan is complete, but tour data will continue to be collected. Additional notes available upon request.

GOAL: Reduce the amount of lime (tons) used per month by 50%

Objective: Reduce the amount of lime (tons) used per month by 50%

ACTION PLAN:


COMPLETION DATE

STATUS KEY OUTCOMES Add chlorine dioxide to biosolids to meet pathogen requirements

1. Obtain approval for pilot project Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager

December 31, 2015 Complete

(December 1, 2015)



2. Begin pilot project Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager

March 1, 2016 Complete

(March 15, 2016)

3. Conduct pathogen sampling Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager


(May 10, 2016)

4. Evaluate effectiveness Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager


(June 16, 2016)

5. Award contract for long term usage Steven L. Nutter-Biosolids EMS Manager


6. Determine whether lime usage has decreased after ClO2 has been online


April 30, 2017 Not complete

Notes/Comments:

July 2016: In order to reduce odors, which are primarily caused by lime, Chlorine dioxide was found to be a feasible option for improving biosolids quality. Chlorine dioxide can also be utilized for pathogen reduction, which would allow for a reduction in lime usage. Currently, the City is waiting for a long term contract to be put in place in order to feed chlorine dioxide to SOL storage tank #1. Chlorine dioxide was found to be most effective at eliminating pathogens and reducing odors at 100ppm.

September 2016: Working with Purchasing Department to complete bid specifications.

iosolids management program & environmental...

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