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Wastewater Initiatives
Wastewater Initiatives
| SCADA System |  |
| The division is nearing the completion of totally replacing all of its aged pump station electronic monitoring systems with the new (SCADA) Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems. The systems are utilized for monitoring and measuring operating conditions in pump stations. Unlike in-plant process control systems, our SCADA system includes a remote telecommunications link. The realtime measurements and controls at our pump stations are transmitted over the telecommunications link to our dispatcher which is located a great distance away. Our computers acquire the data measurements from all of the stations and present a complete dynamic profile of the entire process. A multitude of reports can be generated based on this information. The acquired readings are displayed and recorded in graphic and text formats and control commands can be transmitted back to the remote sites, either automatically or initiated by the dispatcher or maintenance supervisor to effect changes in the process. |
The equipment installed at the pump stations are called RTUs, or Remote Terminal Units. These units measure voltages, current, pressures, temperatures, device positions, equipment alarms and compute flow rates, volumes etc. The measurements and calculations are performed at very high speeds to high degrees of accuracy under all conditions of the rugged environment in which they are installed. The RTUs are intelligent, normally containing multiple microprocessors with sophisticated realtime software programs. They are configured to fit the specific needs of each individual station and flexibly designed to be applicable to a variety of differing station requirements. |
| Performance Improvement Initiative |
| In order to further improve the quality of customer service to the City of Newport News residents and accountability for expenditure of funds the division has enacted performance measures/quality assurance reviews of the Service Requests that the division receives on a daily basis. These reviews will eventually expand to all operational areas of the division's field operations that support and maintain an efficient and safe Sanitary Sewer system. |
| Pump Station Service Area Analysis Program |
| In 2005 the division redesigned its system analysis process to establish an improved program that will analyze the City of Newport News Sanitary Sewer (SS) System, pump station service area by pump station service area. This will be done with Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras analyzing the SS mainlines and lateral systems to also include the manholes. In addition all of these lateral line locations will also be documented with GPS/GIS data equipment to ensure the accurate and complete location and specifications for all lateral lines is saved within the City of Newport News database systems. In addition all found problems would be repaired or replaced by Wastewater work crews or be programmed to be replaced with the city's Capital Improvement Program (CIP). |
| Sanitary Sewer Mapping and Database Management Program |
| Now in its third phase of work completion approx. 50% of the City of Newport News SS system will have been digitally mapped and recorded upon completion of this phase of the project. This program is designed to use the latest in sewer mapping technology through Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) systems and enhanced data based management. Contractors are used to completely map sewer service areas, identify potential mainline problems, and populate our information database. This ongoing program will result in a more efficient use of our resources and personnel to maintain and upgrade the City of Newport News SS system. |
| Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Initative |
| Establishment of an initial inspection and analysis program amongst the City of Newport News food establishments and multi-family dwellings with the intent of significantly reducing the amount of grease that is deposited into the sanitary sewer system is being currently developed. The largest contributor to all SSO incidents within not only the City of Newport News, but all Hampton Roads is the ongoing grease (FOG) buildups within the Sanitary Sewer (SS) lines. Significant reduction of FOGs to the SS system will greatly reduce the number and severity of SSO' s and improve the health and safety of the residents of the City of Newport News. |
How to Prevent Fats, Oils and Greases from Damaging your Restaurant, Building or Home (pdf) |
How to Dispose of Fats, Oils and Greases (food service industry) - English/Spanish (pdf) |
How to Dispose of Fats, Oils and Greases (food service industry) - Chinese (pdf) |
