WATER POLLUTION CONTROL RESEARCH SERIES
ESTIMATING COSTS AND MANPOWER
REQUIREMENTS FOR CONVENTIONAL
WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY WATER QUALITY OFFICE
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WATER POLLUTION CONTROL RESEARCH SERIES
The Water Pollution Control Research Series describes the
results and progress in the control and abatement of pollution
in our Nation's waters. They provide a central source of
information on the research, development, and demonstration
activities in the water research program of the Environmental
Protection Agency, through inhouse research and grants and
contracts with Federal, State, and local agencies, research
institutions, and industrial organizations.
Inquiries pertaining to Water Pollution Control Research
Reports should be directed to the Chief, Publications Branch
(Water), Research Information Division, R&M, Environmental
Protection Agency, Washington, B.C. 20460.
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ESTIMATING COSTS AND MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS
FOR
CONVENTIONAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY®
by
W. L. Patterson
R. F. Banker
Black & Veatch
Consulting Engineers
1500 Meadow Lake Parkway
Kansas City, Missouri 64114
for the
Office of Research and Monitoring
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Project #17090 DAN
Contract #14-12-462
October 1971
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing OJIice, Washington, D.C
20402 - Price K
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EPA REVIEW NOTICE
This report has been reviewed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and approved for publication.
Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily
reflect the views and policies of the Environmental
Protection Agency, nor does mention of trade names or
commercial products constitute endorsement or
recommendation for use.
11
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ABSTRACT
Data for estimating average construction costs, operation and maintenan
costs, and manpower staffing requirements, are presented for convention
wastewater treatment plants ranging from 1 to 100 million gallons per da,
in capacity, and for stabilization ponds ranging from 0.1 to 10 million
gallons per day in capacity. Estimating data are included for 21 separfi-
components of conventional plants and 6 separate components of stabiliz
ponds. Examples of use of the data are given.
Estimated average construction costs and operation and maintenance cost
are related graphically to appropriate single parameters for respective
plant components. Occupation descriptions for 24 job titles related
to wastewater treatment, developed in accordance with standards of the
Dictionary of Occupational Titles, are included in the report.
The data presented provide means of estimating costzs and staffing
requirements for a variety of conventional wastewaler treatment
facilities on an average basis, but do not supplant the need for detail
study of local conditions or recognition of changing design requirement
in preparing estimates for specific application.
This report was submitted in fulfillment of Project Number 17090DAN,
Contract Number 14-12-462, under sponsorship of the Environmental
Protection Agency.
111
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CONTENTS
Section Page
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION'S 1
INTRODUCTION 3
PURPOSE 3
SCOPE 3
DATA DEVELOPMENT 5
PART ONE - CONSTRUCTION COSTS 7
I GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS 7
II ESTIMATES OF CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED COSTS 11
Raw Wastewater Pumping 11
Preliminary Treatment 12
Sedimentation 13
Trickling Filters 15
Aeration 16
Basin Structures 16
Diffused Air System 17
Mechanical Aerators 18
Recirculation or Intermediate Pumping 18
Chlorination 19
Feed Systems 19
Contact Basins 20
Primary Sludge Pumping 21
Sludge Holding Tanks 21
Sludge Digestion 22
Sludge Drying Beds 23
Sludge Lagoons 24
Vacuum Filtration 24
Centrifugation 25
Incineration 25
Administration and Laboratory Facilities 26
Garage and Shop Facilities 26
Yard Work 27
Engineering 27
Land 28
Legal, Fiscal and Administrative Costs 28
Interest During Construction 29
III APPLICATION OF INITIAL INVESTMENT COST ESTIMATING DATA 31
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CONTENTS (Cont'd)
Section Page
PART TWO - OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS 59
I GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS 59
II ESTIMATES OF OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS 65
Wastewater Pumping 66
Preliminary Treatment 67
Sedimentation 67
Trickling Filters 68
Aeration 68
Chlorination 69
Primary Sludge Pumping 70
Sludge Holding Tanks 70
Sludge Digestion 71
Sludge Drying Beds 71
Sludge Lagoons 72
Vacuum Filtration 72
Centrifugation 73
Incineration 73
Yardwork 74
Laboratory 74
Administration and General 75
Indirect Labor Costs 75
III APPLICATION OF OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COST ESTIMATING
DATA 77
PART THREE - MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS 119
I GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS 119
II OCCUPATION DESCRIPTIONS 120
III TOTAL MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS AND PLANT STAFFING 125
IV EXAMPLES OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT STAFFING 133
PART FOUR - WASTEWATER STABILIZATION PONDS 197
I GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS 197
II ESTIMATES OF CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED COSTS 201
Pond Construction Cost 201
Nonaerated Stabilization Ponds 201
Aerated Stabilization Ponds 202
VI
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CONTENTS (Cont'd)
Section Page
Aeration Equipment Cost 202
Embankment Protection Costs 203
Chlorination Facilities 203
Engineering 204
Land Requirements and Costs 205
Legal, Fiscal and Administrative Costs 205
Interest During Construction 205
Application of Initial Investment Cost Estimating Data 206
III ESTIMATES OF OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS 221
Labor Requirements 222
Nonaerated Stabilization Ponds 222
Aerated Stabilization Ponds 223
Chlorination 224
Administration and General 224
Indirect Labor Costs 224
Material and Supply Costs 225
Application of Operation and Maintenance Cost
Estimating Data 226
IV MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS 237
Occupation Descriptions 237
Total Manpower Requirements and Plant Staffing 238
Examples of Wastewater Stabilization Pond Staffing 240
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 249
GLOSSARY 251
VII
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OCCUPATION DESCRIPTIONS
Occupation Title Page
Conventional Wastewater Treatment Plants:
Superintendent 145
Assistant Superintendent 149
Clerk-Typist 151
Operations Supervisor 153
Shift Foreman 155
Operator II 159
Operator I 163
Automotive Equipment Operator 165
Maintenance Supervisor 167
Mechanical Maintenance Foreman 169
Maintenance Mechanic II 171
Maintenance Mechanic I 173
Electrician II 175
Electrician I 179
Maintenance Helper 181
Laborer 183
Painter 185
Storekeeper 187
Custodian 189
Chemist 191
Laboratory Technician 195
Wastewater Stabilization Ponds:
Superintendent 243
Operator 245
Laborer 247
viii
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FIGURES
No.
PART ONE - CONSTRUCTION COSTS
1 Raw Wastewater Pumping 34
2 Preliminary Treatment - Grit Removal and Flow Measurement 35
3 Preliminary Treatment - Screening, Grit Removal, and
Flow Measurement 36
4 Sedimentation 37
5 Trickling Filters 38
6 Aeration - Basin Structures 39
7 Aeration - Diffused Air System 40
8 Aeration - Mechanical Aerators 41
9 Recirculation or Intermediate Pumping 42
10 Chlorination - Feed Systems 43
11 Chlorination - Contact Basins 44
12 Primary Sludge Pumping 45
13 Sludge Holding Tanks 46
14 Sludge Digestion - Digesters and Control Buildings 47
15 Sludge Drying Beds 48
16 Sludge Lagoons 49
17 Vacuum Filtration 50
18 Centrifugation 51
19 Incineration - Multiple Hearth Incinerators 52
20 Administration and Laboratory Facilities 53
21 Garage and Shop Facilities 54
ix
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FIGURES (Cont'd)
No. Page
22 Engineering Costs 55
23 Land - Area Requirements 56
24 Legal, Fiscal and Administrative Costs 57
25 Interest During Construction 58
PART TWO - OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
26 Wastewater Pumping: Man-hour Requirements 83
27 Wastewater Pumping: Material and Supply Costs 84
28 Preliminary Treatment: Man-hour Requirements 85
29 Preliminary Treatment: Material and Supply Costs 86
30 Sedimentation: Man-hour Requirements 87
31 Sedimentation: Material and Supply Costs 88
32 Trickling Filters: Man-hour Requirements 89
33 Trickling Filters: Material and Supply Costs 90
34 Aeration - Diffused Air System: Man-hour Requirements 91
35 Aeration - Mechanical Aerators: Man-hour Requirements 92
36 Aeration: Material and Supply Costs 93
37 Chlorination: Man-hour Requirements 94
38 Chlorination: Material and Supply Costs 95
39 Primary Sludge Pumping: Man-hour Requirements 96
40 Primary Sludge Pumping: Material and Supply Costs 97
41 Sludge Holding Tanks: Man-hour Requirements 98
42 Sludge Holding Tanks: Material and Supply Costs 99
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FIGURES (Cont'd)
No. Page
43 Sludge Digestion: Man-hour Requirements 100
44 Sludge Digestion: Material and Supply Costs 101
45 Sludge Drying Beds: Man-hour Requirements 102
46 Sludge Drying Beds: Material and Supply Costs 103
47 Sludge Lagoons: Man-hour Requirements 104
48 Sludge Lagoons: Material and Supply Costs 105
49 Vacuum Filtration: Man-hour Requirements 106
50 Vacuum Filtration: Material and Supply Costs 107
51 Centrifugation: Man-hour Requirements 108
52 Centrifugation: Material and Supply Costs 109
53 Incineration: Man-hour Requirements 110
54 Incineration: Material and Supply Costs 111
55 Yardwork: Man-hour Requirements 112
56 Yardwork: Material and Supply Costs 113
57 Laboratory: Man-hour Requirements 114
58 Laboratory: Material and Supply Costs 115
59 Administration and General: Man-hour Requirements 116
60 Administration and General: General Expense 117
PART THREE - MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS
61 Organization Chart 123
XI
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FIGURES (Cont'd)
No. Page
PART FOUR - WASTEWATER STABILIZATION PONDS
CONSTRUCTION COSTS:
62 Nonaerated Ponds 210
63 Aerated Ponds 211
64 Surface Aerators 212
65 Concrete Slab Embankment Protection 213
66 Chlorination - Feed Systems 214
67 Chlorination - Contact Basins 215
68 Engineering Costs 216
69 Land - Area Requirements 217
70 Legal, Fiscal and Administrative Costs 218
71 Interest During Construction 219
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS:
72 Nonaerated Ponds: Operation Labor Man-hour Requirements 230
73 Nonaerated Ponds: Maintenance Labor Man-hour Requirements 231
74 Aerated Ponds: Operation and Maintenance Labor Man-hour
Requirements 232
75 Chlorination: Operation and Maintenance Labor Man-hour
Requirements 233
76 Nonaerated Ponds: Material and Supply Costs 234
77 Aerated Ponds: Material and Supply Costs 235
78 Chlorination: Material and Supply Costs 236
XII
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TABLES
No. Page
PART ONE - CONSTRUCTION COSTS
1 Estimated Initial Investment Cost (Blank Form) 32
1-A Estimated Initial Investment Cost (Example) 33
PART TWO - OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
2 Wastewater Treatment Plants Investigated 61
3 Estimated Annual Operation and Maintenance Cost (Blank Forms)
Part A - Labor Costs 79
Part B - Material and Supply Costs 80
3-A Estimated Annual Operation and Maintenance Cost (Example)
Part A - Labor Costs 81
Part B - Material and Supply Costs 82
PART THREE - MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS
4 Estimated Annual Payroll Man-hour Requirements (Blank Form) 127
4-A Estimated Annual Payroll Man-hour Requirements (Example) 128
5 Estimated Plant Staff Complement (Blank Form) 129
5-A Estimated Plant Staff Complement (Example) 131
6 Summary of Staff Complement Examples 134
Staff Complements for Wastewater Treatment Plants:
7 Example No. 1 136
8 Example No. 2 137
9 Example No. 3 138
10 Example No. 4 139
11 Example No. 5 140
12 Example No. 6 141
13 Example No. 7 142
14 Example No. 8 143
15 Example No. 9 144
xiii
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TABLES (Cont'd)
No.
PART FOUR - WASTEWATER STABILIZATION PONDS
16 Wastewater Stabilization Ponds Investigated 199
17 Estimated Initial Investment Cost (Blank Form) 208
17-A Estimated Initial Investment Cost (Example) 209
18 Estimated Annual Operation and Maintenance Cost (Blank Form) 228
18-A Estimated Annual Operation and Maintenance Cost (Example) 229
19 Estimated Wastewater Stabilization Pond Staffing Complement
(Blank Form) 239
19-A Estimated Wastewater Stabilization Pond Staffing Complement
(Example) 240
20 Staff Complements for Wastewater Stabilization Ponds 241
xiv
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CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Average data for estimating construction and operating costs and manpower
staffing requirements of conventional wastewater treatment facilities
presented in this report are applicable as bases for preliminary estimates
for planning requirements, general comparative studies of costs of
alternative wastewater treatment methods, and estimates of total costs
and manpower requirements to provide designated levels of treatment for
wastewater effluents in an entire area, state, region, or watershed.
These average estimating data, unadjusted for particular local conditions,
cannot be considered applicable for specific treatment plant estimates,
Current practice in the design and operation of wastewater treatment '
plants is changing due to technological advancement, requirements for
improved quality of plant effluents, and reliability. Estimates of
average costs and manpower requirements, which are based upon recent
practice, may need adjustment for recognition of changing requirements.
The limitations of average estimating data presented must be recognized
by the user. Estimates based upon such data should be considered only
of sufficient accuracy for use in reaching broad general conclusions.
When used with sound judgment by knowledgeable estimators, the data.are
considered valid for their limited intended purpose.
It is recommended that recognition be given to the fact that data for
estimating construction and operating costs, and manpower requirements,
of conventional wastewater treatment facilities should be revised from
time to time to reflect new design and operating practice required by
changing technology.
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INTRODUCTION
The Environmental Protection Agency, is charged with the responsibility
of administering the Federal Government program for reduction of
pollution of rivers, streams and lakes throughout the United States.
This responsibility includes enforcement of water pollution control
standards as well as the effort to assure that Federal grant-in-aid
funds are used most effectively in reducing water pollution.
To assist in evaluating both proposed water pollution control projects
and the effectiveness of existing facilities, the Environmental Protect:
Agency requested the preparation of this report on initial investment
costs, operation and maintenance costs, and manpower requirements for
conventional wastewater treatment plants.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is the presentation of data for estimating,
on a preliminary basis: (1) the costs of construction and other initia.
investment costs of individual major components of conventional
wastewater treatment plants; (2) the costs of operation and maintenance
of individual components of such plants; and (3) the manpower
requirements for staffing conventional treatment plants. Estimating
data presented are appropriate for average conditions and, when used
with judgment regarding specific local situations, should permit
development of adequate preliminary estimates for conventional
wastewater treatment facilities.
SCOPE
This report presents cost estimating data and manpower requirements for
major components of conventional wastewater treatment plants. Major
plant components included are typically raw wastewater pumping stations
sedimentation basins, trickling filters, digesters, sludge dewatering,
sludge incineration, and other facilities. Cost and manpower estimates
for each component are related to a single parameter for sizes of
individual facilities appropriate to treatment plants ranging in
capacity from 1 to 100 million gallons per day. Use of estimating
data shown in this report is dependent upon the design engineer
establishing, on the basis of appropriate design criteria, the overall
treatment process and sizes of components required for the particular
treatment plant with which he is concerned.
It is essential that the user of estimating data presented in this
report carefully review all introductory material, including the sectio
on "Data Development," so that he may more fully appreciate the breadth
of the estimating methods presented, and the limitations on accuracy
and applicability for any particular situation.
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It must be recognized that the estimating data and methods presented in
this report cannot in any way be used as a substitute for cost estimating
based on detailed knowledge of a particular wastewater treatment plant
situation. Thorough construction cost estimates must recognize not
only the particular plant design characteristics and complexity, but also
such items as current and projected labor costs, attitudes of proposed
contractors regarding their need for work at the time of construction
bidding, availability of materials, climate and seasonal factors, local^
site conditions, and many other variables which affect actual construction
costs.
Operation and maintenance cost estimates presented are believed to
be valid averages for sound operation of the plant components considered.
It must be recognized that many local factors, each of which may be
valid in a particular situation, can have a significant effect on
operation and maintenance costs, and on manpower requirements.
Therefore, the user of this report is urged to recognize its limitations,
and to use the data presented with care and judgment.
The report is presented in four parts as follows:
Part One - Construction Costs
Part Two - Operation and Maintenance Costs
Part Three - Manpower Requirements
Part Four - Wastewater Stabilization Ponds
Part One presents data for estimating construction costs of 21 plant
components as well as other initial investment costs such as engineering,
land, administration, financing, and interest during construction
for conventional plants. Proper application of the estimating data
should permit the development of total project costs, such as may be
required in preparing preliminary financing programs and grant-in-aid
applications. Estimating data are presented in graphical form relating
cost to an appropriate size parameter. An example application of the
estimating data included is shown at the end of Part One.
Part Two presents data for estimating operation and maintenance costs
of major components of conventional wastewater treatment facilities.
Applicability of these estimating data to any particular situation must
be carefully considered. An example of use of the operation and
maintenance cost data is shown in Part Two.
Part Three presents the estimated manpower requirements for both operation
and maintenance of given conventional plant components under average
conditions. Estimated staff complements for 9 examples of typical
wastewater treatment plants of conventional primary and secondary types
are presented. Each example indicates, for given average conditions,
the suggested number and types of personnel required to properly operate
and maintain the facilities. Personnel positions are identified by
appropriate occupation titles. Detailed occupation descriptions for
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the 21 categories of personnel which, in the judgment of the investigators,
may be required for staffing conventional treatment facilities are
shown. The occupation descriptions are developed in conformity with
the Dictionary of Occupational Titles published by the U. S. Department
of Labor.
Part Four presents, separately from the first three parts, initial
investment costs, and operation and maintenance costs for wastewater
stabilization ponds when used, not as a plant component, but as the
total treatment process. The cost and manpower estimating data
presented in this section are for stabilization ponds providing
treatment capacity up to 10 million gallons per day- Three additional
occupation descriptions applicable solely to wastewater stabilization
ponds are included in Part Four.
DATA DEVELOPMENT
Information for estimating costs and manpower requirements presented
in this report is intended to be applicable for average situations
throughout the coterminous United States. Any estimating methods
with such broad applicability must of necessity be regarded as suitable
only for preliminary estimates of average situations. Such data cannot
be considered to be specifically applicable to any particular situation.
Cost data and manpower requirements developed are based on the experience
of the investigators, together with judgment as to the applicability
of that experience to the particular matter for which costs and manpower
requirements are analyzed.
Construction cost data are developed on the basis of extensive experienced
data concerning design details and actual construction costs of a large
number of wastewater treatment plant projects constructed during the
period 1950 through 1968. Careful analysis of information of record,
as described in Part One of this report, provides a basis for evaluation
resulting in the graphical cost relationships presented. While costs
of specific projects are not individually represented by average estimates,
the graphical presentation may be considered suitable, under average
conditions, for the intended purpose.
Specific data regarding actual total operating costs and manpower
requirements for individual components of wastewater treatment plants
have been developed on the basis of extensive field investigations
at a number of operating wastewater treatment facilities throughout
a wide geographical area of the country. Field investigation included
on-site examination of facilities in operation, examination of operation
and maintenance cost records, and interviews with plant supervisory
personnel, the latter to obtain necessary breakdown estimates of employee
responsibilities and individual time allocation.
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Evaluation of field information is based not only on specific data
developed, but also recognizes, where applicable, general operating
conditions found at the individual plants investigated. Local
conditions recognized include physical condition of the plant, plant
load, stated personnel needs, possible misuse of and lack of personnel,
and other factors.
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PART ONE - CONSTRUCTION COSTS
SECTION I
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Part One of this report is concerned with estimating construction costs
and other initial investment costs of wastewater treatment plant
components. Relationships of estimated construction costs to appropriate
capacity parameters for each of the various major plant components
are presented. Estimates of initial investment costs of complete
wastewater treatment plants, or additions to existing plants, may
be developed on the basis of these relationships.
Actual costs of treatment facilities designed by Black & Veatch have
served as the principal basis for establishing the average construction
cost relationships presented. Due to the significant changes in the
design and costs of wastewater treatment facilities which have occurred
over the years, only projects constructed since about 1950 have been
considered in this study. Design and construction cost data for 76
separate projects have been studied in detail as a basis for establishing
average construction costs of respective wastewater treatment plant
components.
Experience data available for certain components, such as raw waste-
water pumping stations, sedimentation basins, and trickling filters,
which are common and are relatively standard in design, provide an
adequate basis for respective construction cost to capacity relationships
On the other hand, experience data available for components such as
sludge incinerators and centrifuges are so limited or are in such
form that respective cost relationships must be based almost entirely
upon estimated rather than experience costs. The basis of cost
relationships for most components includes some combination of experience
and estimated data.
Wastewater treatment projects used as bases of experience data regarding
construction cost cover a wide geographic area, and are, therefore,
representative of varied construction conditions which may be
encountered. In order to make the data comparable, actual costs of
projects have been trended to a common cost level. This is accomplished
by the use of the national average Water Quality Office - Sewage
Treatment Plant (WQO-STP) Cost Index, as of January 1971. The cost
index of that date had a value of 150.60.
Estimates of construction costs presented are representative of
national average price levels as of January 1971. If the estimating
data are to represent costs in a particular area at a different date,
they must be adjusted accordingly. The cost adjustment can be based
upon the WQO-STP index which permits comparison of price levels at
differing locations and dates. The adjustment should be made to reflect
price levels expected to prevail throughout the anticipated project
construction period.
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Experience construction costs require adjustment in certain cases to
insure comparability. For example, in the case of raw wastewater
pumping stations, some experience data included costs for electrical
work, and heating and ventilating, while other data excluded these
items. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a "basic" cost
relationship, exclusive of electrical, heating and ventilating costs,
with subsequent adjustment of the basic curve to obtain a suitable
"total" cost curve.
In order that resulting cost to capacity relationships may be as
representative of average conditions as possible, experience construction
costs have been adjusted to exclude costs of unusual construction
requirements such as foundation piling, rock excavation, or dewatering
in an effort to compare normal or average condition costs. Costs for
these items are not included in total cost curves in this report.
It is recognized that wastewater treatment plant design is in a period of
change resulting from developments incorporating features which meet more
stringent requirements regarding the quality of plant effluents, and
increased system reliability. Estimates of average construction costs
presented reflect design experience largely for the period from 1950
through 1968 and may not be fully representative of design for new
projects. Where warranted, estimates should be increased accordingly.
The magnitude of the possible increase in estimates would vary with the
complexity of the specific design under consideration, but may be on the
order of 10 per cent.
The determination of parameters to which construction costs of respective
plant components may be related is an important consideration in this
study. Parameters must be of a nature that are readily available
to the estimator on the basis of preliminary design, and must have
a logical and reasonable correlation with construction costs.
Estimated costs of engineering, legal, fiscal, and administrative
services, land and interest during construction, related to wastewater
treatment projects have been developed, and are presented, separately
from estimates of construction costs. Total project costs may be
estimated by combining estimates of construction with other related
costs.
The estimated relationships of construction costs to capacities
subsequently presented in this report are based in part upon graphical
analysis of both experience and estimated data. It should be
recognized, however, that it is impractical to recognize all variations
of design occurring among individual projects. Therefore, significant
judgment has been exercised in the establishment of curves used to
designate cost relationships. The resulting curves represent the
investigators' best judgment as to base construction costs to which the
costs of special construction conditions are generally additive.
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Based upon variations in experience construction costs, it is estimated
that costs of individual components for particular situations will often
vary as much as 40 per cent from the average costs represented by
graphical curves, and in particular cases the variation may be much
greater. The variations are due to differences of design, construction
site conditions, the economic climate at the time construction bids
are taken, and many other factors not readily subject to evaluation
on an average basis. The percentage variations of experience costs
of projects comprised of several components may be less than indicated
for individual components, due to the tendency for composite estimates
to vary less than individual components.
While actual costs may vary appreciably from estimated average costs,
data presented in this report should be of value, when used with judgment,
as basic indicators for preliminary cost estimates. The user should
recognize the inherent limitations of such estimates and should develop
applicable cost estimates as warranted by local circumstances.
In this report, data for estimating initial investment costs for
wastewater treatment facilities are presented in 25 principal parts. Of
these, 21 are related to construction costs of specific physical
components of plant facilities, and the remaining 4 are additional costs
related to the overall investment required.
The principal parts of initial investment cost estimates presented are
as follows:
1. Raw Wastewater Pumping
2. Preliminary Treatment
3. Sedimentation
4. Trickling Filters
5. Aeration - Basin Structures
6. Aeration - Diffused Air System
7. Aeration - Mechanical Aerators
8. Recirculation or Intermediate Pumping
9. Chlorination Feed Systems
10. Chlorination Contact Basins
11. Primary Sludge Pumping
12. Sludge Holding Tanks
13. Sludge Digestion
14. Sludge Drying Beds
15. Sludge Lagoons
16. Vacuum Filtration
17. Centrifugation
18. Incineration
19. Administration and Laboratory Facilities
20. Garage and Shop Facilities
21. Yard Work
22. Engineering
23. Land
24. Legal, Fiscal and Administrative
25. Interest During Construction
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The estimated construction costs shown for each of the major plant
components listed in the first 21 items include all elements of
construction cost a contract bidder would normally encounter in
completing the specific structure named. Such costs include building
materials, labor, equipment, electrical, heating and ventilating,
normal excavation and similar items for the particular structure or
group of structures described. The item of yard work covers elements
of construction cost not within the limits of the structures delineated,
such as general grading, piping, electrical work, driveways, fencing,
and other items outside of structures.
Estimates of construction costs do not include extraordinary costs
related to large amounts of rock excavation, site dewatering, and
piling. Such costs cannot reasonably be included in average cost
estimates. If such conditions are encountered, the estimator must
include an adequate allowance for the extraordinary expense involved.
The last 4 items listed are normally over and above construction
contract bid costs, but are valid and necessary parts of total initial
investment required to complete a wastewater treatment facility.
Provision is made herein for adding these costs to construction costs to
derive an estimate of total investment required.
Following the presentation of cost relationships for the 25 components
of conventional wastewater treatment plants, a calculation summary
form and example application are presented as illustrations of their use.
10
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SECTION II
ESTIMATES OF CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED COSTS
Estimates of construction and other initial investment costs for plant
components are delineated in this section of the report.
RAW WASTEWATER PUMPING
The location of wastewater treatment plants often requires that influent
raw wastewater be pumped to provide adequate head for gravity flow of
the wastewater through the various treatment facilities.
The construction cost of raw wastewater pumping stations may be
significantly affected by a number of factors including pumping capacity,
site conditions, influent sewer depth, pumping head, provision for
growth, degree of station automation, the number of pumps, and
architectural considerations. For the purposes of this study, initial
firm pumping capacity is the parameter to which construction costs
can best be related. Initial firm pumping capacity is defined as
the total capacity of the original installation with the largest pumping
unit out of service.
Common practice in the design of wastewater pumping stations is to
initially provide sufficient firm capacity to meet peak wastewater
flows anticipated in the short range future. Station structural design
is usually based upon providing ultimate capacity to meet anticipated
flows for a longer period, and often incorporates space and piping
connections for installation of any additional pumping units which
may be required.
Approximate ratios of initial total pumping capacity and ultimate firm
capacity to initial firm capacity, based upon analysis of these factors
for a number of actual stations are as follows:
Ratio of Initial Total Pumping Capacity
Initial Firm and Ultimate Firm Pumping Capacity
Pumping Capacity to Initial Firm Pumping Capacity
mgd %
Up to 5 150 - 200
5 to 25 133 - 150
25 to 400 125 - 133
As a means of protecting equipment, where practical, grit removal and
screening facilities are located ahead of the raw wastewater pumps.
Since screening equipment, either of the bar screen or comminutor type,
may be readily constructed in pumping station influent channels, such
equipment is normally included in the station design.
11
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Design and construction cost data for 39 raw wastewater pumping
stations have been analyzed as a basis of estimating the relationship
of construction cost to capacity. Figure 1, Page 34, shows the plotting
of basic construction cost against initial firm pumping capacity for
these stations. The basic construction cost in this case excludes
heating and ventilating, electrical work, rock excavation, site
dewatering, and foundation piling. The dashed curve drawn on the figure
represents the estimated average basic construction cost. Estimated
electrical costs based upon data for 15 stations, and heating and
ventilating costs based upon data for 24 stations, have been developed
and are included in estimates of total cost represented by the solid
curve on Figure 1.
The estimated total construction costs of raw wastewater pumping stations,
shown on Figure 1, include the costs of normal earth work, the pumping,
station structure, pumping equipment, controls, piping within the
structure limits, screening facilities, electrical, heating and
ventilating, and other auxiliary equipment such as hoists and elevators.
Costs of rock excavation, site dewatering, cofferdams and sheet piling
are not included in the estimates.
Due to wastewater pumping station location and structure depth
requirements, it is expected that either rock or wet conditions may
be encountered at some pumping station sites. If rock excavation,
dewatering, or piling is required at a particular location, it is
essential that the estimator provide for such extraordinary costs.
These costs will vary widely depending on local conditions. Costs
due to such conditions were incurred at 28 of the 39 pumping stations
studied. Based upon data for 14 locations where rock was encountered,
the excess cost of excavating rock over the cost of excavating similar
earth quantities added an average of about 4 per cent to the total
construction cost. Site dewatering, sheet piling, or cofferdams were
required for construction of 20 of the 39 pumping stations studied, with
the average cost being on the order of 7 per cent of total construction
costs. These costs are not included in the estimates in this report.
PRELIMINARY TREATMENT
Preliminary treatment, as used herein, refers to grit removal, screening,
and flow measurement. Grit removal and screening are provided principally
as a means of protecting subsequent"treatment facilities from excessive
wear and deposition of grit and large items carried by the raw wastewater.
Flow measurement facilities, particularly Parshall flumes, are structually
similar to grit and screen channels, and are often included with the
preliminary treatment complex.
At plant sites where the influent wastewater must be pumped, screening
facilities are normally located in the pumping station influent channels.
Estimated pumping station construction costs shown in Figure 1 .include
the costs of screening equipment.
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Costs of preliminary treatment facilities, including only grit removal
and flow measurement, exclusive of screening facilities, have been
estimated for use in estimating costs of treatment plants with raw
wastewater pumping. A second estimated cost relationship for grit
removal, flow measurement and screening, has been developed for use in
estimating costs of plants without influent pumping.
Maximum flow capacity is a principal factor affecting the construction
cost of preliminary treatment facilities and is used as the parameter to
which estimated construction costs are related .
Design and construction cost data for 40 preliminary treatment
installations have been reviewed as a basis for development of the
construction cost to capacity relationship. Sufficient data were
available for 8 of these installations to permit determination of
respective costs of grit removal and flow measurement facilities, as
indicated on Figure 2, Page 35.
Similarly, data available for 10 installations were sufficiently detailed
to permit the determination of costs of screening with grit removal and
flow measurement facilities. These experience cost data are shown on
Figure 3, Page 36.
Estimates of costs of preliminary treatment, based upon incomplete data
available for the remaining preliminary treatment installations studied,
and upon estimated installations, have been developed to supplement
experience cost data, and are also shown on Figures 2 and 3. The
estimated cost data, in this instance, have been developed and used
principally as a means of extending the data range to the smaller and
larger sizes of installations required. For example, in Figure 2, all ol
the estimates are above the total cost curve. However, they are not
permitted to overide the value of experience data but are of value in
establishing the shape of the curve and in extending the curve.
Curves shown on Figures 2 and 3, Pages 35 and 36, represent the
estimated total average construction costs of preliminary treatment
facilities excluding and including screening, respectively. The
estimated total costs include costs of flow channels and superstructures,
grit handling, screening, comminuting and flow measuring equipment,
electrical, heating, ventilating, and auxiliary equipment as required.
SEDIMENTATION
Sedimentation, the most universal of the wastewater treatment plant
components, provides the initial step in the separation of the raw
wastewater solids and liquid. The reduction of the wastewater flow
velocity in basins with relatively large cross-sectional area allows
solids with a specific gravity greater than the liquid to settle. At
the same time, solids of lesser density form a scum on the basin
surface. Collector mechanisms move the concentrated solids to wells
for withdrawal and further processing, while the clarified liquid flows
over weirs to subsequent treatment.
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Primary sedimentation basins are used basically to remove most of the
suspended solids from raw wastewater, while intermediate and final
basins are used to remove solids produced in secondary treatment
processes. While the three types of basins differ somewhat in design,
the differences are relatively minor, and construction costs of basins
of the same size are similar for each type.
Surface overflow rate and detention time are the factors having the
greatest effect upon sedimentation basin sizing, and hence construction
costs. Normal liquid depths of 7 to 12 feet, when combined with
appropriate overflow rates, will provide the necessary detention time.
Since the range of normal liquid depths is relatively small, basin
construction costs may be readily related to surface area.
The construction cost of sedimentation basins per unit of surface area
generally decreases as the basin size is increased. Circular sludge
collection equipment is available for basins up to at least 350 feet
in diameter. However, the reduction in construction cost per unit of
surface area is slight for basins larger than about 200 feet in diameter,
which is considered the maximum size applicable to most installations.
Square or rectangular basins may be arranged in large complexes to
use common wall construction. Individual square cells using circular
sludge collecting equipment normally would not be larger than about
200 feet in length or width. Individual rectangular cells with straight
line sludge equipment normally do not exceed about 300 feet in length
by 40 feet in width.
It is considered good design practice to provide total required basin
surface area in at least two basins or cells which can be operated
independently, even though the resulting basins may have less than
maximum practicable dimensions. This consideration provides for at
least partial sedimentation with one basin, or cell, out of service.
At larger treatment plants several basins may be provided to permit
greater flexibility in operation.
Design and construction cost data for primary or final sedimentation
basins for 62 actual wastewater treatment projects have been studied as
the basis for estimates of the relationship of construction cost to
basin surface area.
Figure 4, Page 37, shows experience costs plotted against surface area
for these projects. Costs of facilities normally located within the
structure limits are included, while costs of piping to and from the
basin and distribution structures are excluded. Costs of facilities
outside the structure are included in yard work. Experience costs are
separated into those for single basin installations, and those where
two basins were built.
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The total cost curve shown on Figure 4 represents estimated average
construction costs for sedimentation facilities based upon experience
data for both single and multiple basins, the relationship between the
two, and recognition of the characteristics of the particular locations
represented by the experience data.
Data from Figure 4 is applicable to either primary, intermediate, or
final sedimentation facilities. Costs of the basins may be estimated
by entering the curve at the surface area requirement for the installation
concerned. Estimating costs include all necessary excavation, backfill,
concrete, mechanical and electrical equipment, piping and other work
related to sedimentation basin construction.
TRICKLING FILTERS
Sizing of trickling filters is normally based on the organic loading
per unit of filter volume. Filter rock depth is normally limited to
the range of about 6 to 10 feet to assure adequate ventilation of the
media. Within this depth range, the hydraulic loading of the filter
surface area is usually within acceptable limits.
The cost of filter media, which is directly related to volume, may
represent approximately 30 per cent of total trickling filter
construction costs. Other costs, such as underdrain costs, are more
directly related to filter area but within the normal range of filter
depths, may also be related to the filter media volume.
Trickling filter construction cost per unit of media volume decreases
as the volume of individual filters is increased within practical
limits. However, unit cost reductions are slight for filters larger
than about 200 feet in diameter. As stated previously, filter depths
are normally limited to a maximum of about 10 feet. Based upon these
considerations, the maximum single filter volume would be about 300,000
cubic f eet.
Design and construction cost data for 30 trickling filter installations
have been reviewed for the development of an estimated relationship of
construction costs to filter rock volume. Experience construction
costs of the 30 filter installations are plotted against the media volume
on Figure 5, Page 38.
Construction costs of trickling filter installations 35, 70, 100, 150 and
200 feet in diameter, respectively, and 6 to 10 feet in depth have been
estimated to supplement experience cost data. These estimates are for
single and multiple trickling filters. Total filter requirements
for new wastewater treatment plants are often divided between two filters
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so that secondary treatment can continue to some degree if one filter is
out of service. The estimated data are used principally to confirm the
shape of the curve and to permit extension of estimates to sizes smaller
than experience data indicates.
The total cost curve shown on Figure 5 is for the construction of
trickling filters under normal conditions, including costs of earthwork,
structure, underdrain system, filter media, rotary distributor and other
items within the limits of the filter structure. Costs of piping to
and from the filter and distribution structures are included in yard
work. If significant amounts of rock excavation, dewatering or piling
are required, appropriate additions should be made to the estimate.
The curve assumes volume requirements will usually be divided into two
filters for total requirements up to about 600,000 cubic feet, and three
or more filters for larger volume requirements.
AERATION
The primary use of aeration in wastewater treatment is in the activated
sludge secondary treatment process. Other treatment elements using
aeration include preaeration, chemical mixing, and flocculation, the
latter two uses being largely for agitation purposes. Aeration
facilities for each of these processes are similar, and construction
cost to capacity relationships developed are applicable for estimating
costs of any of these functions.
Since the capacities of aeration basins and equipment are not directly
related, separate cost to capacity relationships are developed for these
major components.
Basin Structures.
The liquid volume of aeration basins is a parameter which can be
readily determined in design and to which construction costs are
suitably related.
Design and construction cost data for 7 rectangular and 3 circular
actual aeration basin installations have been analyzed as a basis for
estimating the relationship of construction cost to volume. Experience
construction costs of these basins are plotted against liquid volume on
Figure 6, Page 39- Construction costs of rectangular aeration basin
complexes with total volumes of 22,000, 105,000, 670,000 and 3,700,000
cubic feet and of multiple circular basins with individual volumes of
24,000 and 265,000 cubic feet, respectively, have been estimated to
supplement experience cost data and are also shown on Figure 6. Based
upon the available data, construction costs appear to be somewhat higher
for rectangular basins than for circular basins, but for purposes of
this report a single estimating curve is used.
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The estimated relationship of construction costs to the liquid volume
of aeration basins is shown by the curve of Figure 6. The indicated
costs include only the normal structure related costs, and exclude costs
of aeration equipment, air piping and diffusers.
Diffused Air System.
Construction costs of air blowers, piping and diffusers, and the blower
building are generally related to the air supply capacity. The quantity
of air required depends upon a number of factors, principally the
wastewater characteristics, and treatment process used.
The design of air supply installations normally provides for initial
firm blower capacity sufficient to meet requirements anticipated in
the short range future. Firm capacity is the capacity remaining with
the largest blower unit out of service. Air requirements anticipated in
the longer range future are often considered by allowing space and
piping connections so that additional blower units may be readily
installed. The firm blower capacity initially installed is the
parameter to which initial construction costs are most related.
Approximate ratios of initial total blower capacity and ultimate firm
capacity to initial firm capacity, based upon analysis of these factors
for a number of actual stations, are as follows:
Ratio of Initial Total Blower Capacity
Initial Firm and Ultimate Firm Blower Capacity
Blower Capacity to Initial Firm Blower Capacity
1000 cfm %
Up to 30 150 - 200
30 to 100 130 - 150
Over 100 120 - 130
Construction cost and design data for 5 actual diffused air system
building and equipment installations have been studied as a basis for
developing the construction cost to capacity relationship.
To supplement experience data, construction costs of aeration building
and equipment installations with firm capacities of 850, 4,000, 26,000
and 196,000 cubic feet per minute have been estimated. The experience
and estimated construction costs are plotted against the initial firm
blower capacity on Figure 7, Page 40 . The estimated cost data have
been developed and used in this instance principally as a means of
indicating the general shape of the cost curve and to extend the data
range to the larger sizes required. The curve shown represents the
estimated average construction costs of diffused air systems, including
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a building housing the blowers, blowers and associated electrical work,
air piping within the blower building and to the aeration basins, and
the air diffusers in the aeration basins.
Mechanical Aerators.
Mechanical aerators are used in lieu of diffused air systems in some
activated sludge secondary treatment installations, and include vertical
draft tube, paddle, or disc, and spray aerators. In the United States,
application of mechanical aeration for wastewater treatment is limited
principally to vertical draft tubes, and estimating data presented herein
are based upon this type of equipment.
Construction costs of vertical draft tube aerator installations are
most related to the total horsepower requirements. Total power
requirements of particular installations depend upon the quantity and
strength of wastewater to be treated and the degree of BOD removal
desired. The total horsepower requirements can be met by use of multiple
aerator units which are available in sizes up to at least 200 horsepower
each. Good design practice dictates that total requirements be divided
between two or more units so that at least partial treatment can be
accomplished at all times. In addition, a complete spare unit is often
provided for the replacement of units requiring significant maintenance.
The relationship of mechanical aeration equipment costs to total installed
horsepower shown on Figure 8, Page 41, is based entirely upon estimated
data. The position of the estimating curve in Figure 8 takes into account
the number of installed units likely to be required at a typical
installation and is only indirectly related to the data points shown.
The estimates include costs of the aerator motor, gearbox, impeller,
draft tube, supporting structure and applicable electrical work. An
allowance for a spare aerator unit is also provided in the cost estimates
for larger installations.
RECIRCULATION OR INTERMEDIATE PUMPING
The terrain and the design of particular wastewater treatment plants may
require that, after partial treatment, the wastewater must be pumped to
subsequent treatment processes, or to the receiving body of water.
Pumping may also be necessary for trickling filter, activated sludge,
or other recirculation service within the plant. Stations serving these
functions are usually less costly than raw wastewater pumping staions,
since they handle relatively clear water and do not require deep wet
wells.
Factors affecting intermediate pumping station construction costs are
similar to those applying to raw wastewater pumping stations, with
initial firm pumping capacity as the capacity parameter to which
construction costs can most suitably be related. The ratios of initial
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total, and ultimate firm, pumping capacities to initial firm pumping
capacities for raw wastewater pumping stations are also applicable to
recirculation or intermediate pumping stations.
Figure 9, Page 42, shows the experience basic construction cost of 10
actual recirculation pumping stations plotted against initial firm
capacity. Basic costs shown on the figure exclude electrical, heating
and ventilating costs. The estimated average basic construction costs,
based upon the available data, is shown by a dashed curve. The shape
and slope of the curve for larger capacities for which no experience
data were available has been guided by the similar curve for raw
wastewater pumping.
Estimates of electrical, heating and ventilating costs have been
developed and are included in estimates of total construction costs
represented by the solid curve on Figure 9. The total costs include
normal earthwork, structure, equipment, controls and other elements
essential to a complete pumping station.
CHLORINATION
Chlorine is used for a number of functions in wastewater treatment with
disinfection of the plant effluent wastewater prior to discharge to the
receiving waters being the principal use. Other uses include the
control of septicity, odors, trickling filter ponding, and activated
sludge bulking. While the chlorine dosages and points of application
vary among respective chlorination functions, chlorine feeding, handling
and storage facilities are similar for given daily requirements. However,
adequate chlorine contact periods may be provided in other treatment
facilities, such as primary basins or plant effluent conduits, or in
contact basins provided for that function only.
Feed Systems.
Construction costs of chlorination equipment, the chlorine feed building,
and chlorine storage building, are related to"average and peak chlorine
requirements. While chlorination equipment, and space therefor, is sized
on the basis of peak chlorine requirements, the capacity range of most
chlorination equipment is quite large, and the variation of equipment
cost with capacity is relatively small and may be related to average
chlorine use. Space requirements for storage of chlorine inventories,
a significant portion of the cost of chlorination installations, are
based upon average chlorine use. Therefore, the anticipated average
chlorine use at design flow conditions is the parameter to which
construction costs are most related.
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Because chlorine installations are often incorporated with other
facilities, the actual construction cost data available for use in these
studies is quite limited. Costs of 5 installations for which experience
data are available are plotted against respective average chlorine use
on Figure 10, Page 43. As a supplement to the limited experience
cost data, construction costs of other estimated chlorination
installations have been prepared and are also shown on Figure 10. The
estimated cost data have been developed and used principally as a means
of extending the data range to the smaller and larger sizes of
installations required. The estimated data are not permitted to
override the value of experience data but are of value in establishing
the shape and extending the curve. Estimated average construction costs
of the chlorination building and equipment, based upon the available data
is indicated by the curve on Figure 10.
Construction cost estimates shown on Figure 10 include the costs of
chlorine feeding and handling equipment, scales, evaporators where
required, structures housing the equipment, and chlorine storage space.
Cost estimates presented are based upon the purchase of chlorine in 150
or 2,000 pound cylinders. For chlorine uses exceeding about 2,000
pounds per day, it may be advantageous to purchase chlorine in tank
cars. However, the availability and costs of rail facilities are
unique to respective individual locations and development of average
cost estimates is impractical.
Contact Basins.
A contact time of not less than 15 minutes at maximum flow rates is
required for chlorination to be an effective disinfectant. Plants with
long, low velocity effluent lines may have ample contact time provided
in the effluent line, while plants with only short outfalls may require
separate contact basins.
The determination of contact basin volume required is based upon provision
of the required detention time, and, since construction costs are most
related to basin volume, this parameter is the most appropriate basis of
the construction cost to capacity relationship.
Figure 11, Page 44, shows experience costs of 6 contact basin
installations and costs "of 3 estimated basins plotted against the
respective liquid volumes of the basins. Estimated data points are
used solely as a guide to the shape of the curve and its extension
beyond the limits of experience data. Estimated data points are not
given as much weight in curve location as experience data. Estimates
of average contact basin construction costs are represented by the total
cost curve shown on Figure 11. In developing the estimated average
cost curve, the values shown in Figure 6 for aeration basin structures
have been recognized due to the similar natures of the structures.
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Figure 11 estimates include allowances for costs of the basin structure,
normal earthwork, and baffles to prevent short circuit flows. The
estimates do not include costs of sludge collection mechanisms which
may be required in basins receiving primary treatment effluent.
PRIMARY SLUDGE PUMPING
Sludge pumping stations are normally located adjacent to sedimentation
basins with the pumps taking suction from sludge hoppers in the basin
bottoms. Station substructures frequently have at least one wall in
common with the sedimentation basin.
As in the case of the raw wastewater and intermediate pumping stations,
firm pumping capacity is the parameter to which sludge pumping station
construction costs are most related. A common design includes a sludge
pumping station for each two sedimentation basins. Each station may
be equipped with three pumps, one sludge pump for ea*ch basin, and a
single scum pump for both basins. The three pumps are identical and
piping is so arranged that any pump can serve the normal function of
either of the other two pumps. Since sludge and scum withdrawals are
normally not continuous, this pump arrangement, by using individual
pumps for alternate service, provides required capacity even if one
pump is inoperative. With three pumps of equal capacity, total installed
capacity is 150 per cent of firm capacity. While space for future pump
installations is sometimes provided, this practice is less common in
sludge pumping stations than in raw sewage pumping stations.
Construction cost and design data for 11 actual sludge pumping stations
have been studied as a basis for developing the estimated construction
cost to capacity relationship. Costs of other stations have been
estimated to supplement experience data. The experience and estimated
basic construction costs are plotted against initial firm pumping
capacity on Figure 12, Page 45. Costs of installations having two and three
separate stations, also shown in the figure, are based upon estimated
station costs. All experience cost data are for installations with single
sludge pumping stations. Basic construction costs plotted on Figure 12
include the costs of normal earthwork, station structures, piping and
pumping equipment but exclude electrical, heating and ventilating costs.
The estimated basic cost, represented by the dashed curve on Figure 12,
is based upon the plotted data taking into account the number of
installed units likely to be required at a typical installation.
Estimates of electrical, heating and ventilating costs have been
developed and are included in the estimated total cost represented by
the solid curve on Figure 12.
SLUDGE HOLDING TANKS
Sludge holding tanks are often provided where raw sludge is to be
filtered, or following digestion, and prior to final sludge disposal.
The use of holding tanks serves to dampen fluctuation in the quantity
and quality of sludge flow to the filters, or to other disposal
21
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facilities. Holding tanks may also be used to concentrate sludge by
decanting liquids after stratification of sludge in the tank.
Construction costs are more related to the volume of the tank than to
other parameters which may be considered in the determination of the
tank size.
Cost and design data for 10 actual holding tanks have been analyzed as
the basis for the development of construction cost to capacity
relationships. Costs of these installations are plotted against
respective tank capacities on Figure 13, Page 46 . The designs of the
actual tanks are quite varied, ranging from simple open tanks with no
equipment and a minimum of piping to tanks with floating covers and
mechanical or aerated mixing equipment, or with mechanical sludge
collecting equipment similar to that used in sedimentation basins.
These design variations are considered typical of requirements for
particular applications, and normalization of costs to reflect a standard
design has not been attempted.
Construction costs of 4 additional sludge holding tanks have been
estimated as supplements to the available experience cost data and are
also shown on Figure 13. These costs are based upon a simple tank
design, and are considered to be about minimum for the respective tank
s iz es.
The curve shown on Figure 13 represents the estimated average
relationship of construction costs to sludge holding tank volume. The
curve is based principally upon the experience data, with the slope
influenced by estimated data. Figure 13 estimates are based upon average
site conditions.
SLUDGE DIGESTION
Digestion is the biological process of reducing organic matter present
in raw sludge to an inert state. The reduction may be by either aerobic
or anaerobic processes, the latter being the most frequently used for
wastewater treatment plants and the one to which cost estimates
presented herein are applicable.
Digestion tank volume requirements, to which construction costs are
related, depend upon a number of factors including the quantity and
characteristics of sludge, digester operating temperature, digested
sludge storage requirements, and the degree of digestion desired. A
control building enclosing sludge circulating, heating and control
facilities normally has walls in common with adjacent digesters. A
frequent configuration includes a control building located between a
pair of digesters.
Construction cost and design data for 32 digester and control building
installations have been analyzed as a basis for estimating the
construction cost to volume relationship. Construction costs of these
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installations are plqtted against respective sludge volumes on Figure 14,
Page 47. The volumes used are computed on the basis of the sidewater
depth only and exclude the freeboard and conical bottom volumes.
Construction costs have been estimated for digester installations
utilizing diameters of 50, 65, 85 and 100 feet, respectively, to
supplement experience cost data. The estimated costs of installations
consisting of one digester with control building, and two digesters
with control building, are shown on Figure 14. The curve shown on
Figure 14 is based upon the available data and represents estimated
normal construction costs of digesters and control buildings.
The construction cost per unit of digester volume decreases as total
volume increases up to the maximum volume of two digesters with a
control building. The largest volume practical in such an installation
is about 400,000 cubic feet, based upon two digesters with diameters of
100 feet and sidewater depths of about 25 feet. Construction cost
estimates shown on Figure 14 for volumes larger than 400,000 cubic feet
are based on the assumption that multiples of this arrangement would be
utilized without further reduction of cost per unit of digester volume.
The estimates of costs shown on Figure 14 include allowances for normal
digester and control building structures, sludge heating, circulating
and control equipment, and piping within the limits of the structures.
Cost of piping to and from the digesters is not included in these
estimates but is included in yard work.
SLUDGE DRYING BEDS
The drying of sludge on open sand beds is a frequently used method of
dewatering sludge, particularly at small plants. The use of drying beds
at very large plants is often impractical because of the large land area
required.
Construction costs of drying beds are most related to surface area
requirements which depend upon the quantity and quality of sludge to be
dewatered, local climatological conditions, and whether or not beds will
be covered.
As a basis for estimating the construction cost to surface area
relationship, construction cost and design data for 22 actual drying
bed installations have been reviewed. Construction costs of those beds,
all of which are uncovered, are shown on Figure 15, Page 48 .
Construction costs of 4 estimated uncovered drying bed installations have
been developed, and are also shown on the figure.
Estimated average construction costs of open sludge drying beds are shown
by the total cost curve on Figure 15. The estimates of costs, based upon
available data, include the costs of normal excavation, piping for sludge
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distribution, sand and gravel drainage beds and underlain collection
piping. The estimates do not include covering structures.
SLUDGE LAGOONS
Sludge lagoons may be used for storage or drying of wastewater sludge,
usually following digestion.
Lagoons are designed with capacity to store sludge accumulations for 3
to 5 years, from the time the sludge is placed until it is sufficiently
concentrated to permit removal, by mechanical methods, for final disposal.
Depths of storage lagoons range from 5 to 10 or more feet. Since drying
lagoons are designed to permit removal of sludge cake at more frequent
intervals of 3 to 5 months, sludge depths in such lagoons are limited to
about 18 inches.
Construction costs of sludge lagoons vary both with the lagoon volume
and surface area but, because of the significant depth range, are more
directly related to volume.
The estimated relationship of construction cost to the holding volume of
sludge lagoons, shown on Figure 16, Page 49, is based upon estimated
costs of lagoons with surface areas of 0.5, 4, 20, and 80 acres with
sludge depths of 1.5 and 10 feet, respectively. The estimated
construction costs include allowances for normal excavation, dike
construction, and sludge distribution piping.
VACUUM FILTRATION
The use of vacuum filters for dewatering sludge has increased rapidly in
recent years, particularly for medium and larger sized treatment plants
where the space requirements for drying beds made the beds impractical.
Construction costs of vacuum filters and associated equipment and
structures are most related to the filter surface area. Filter surface
area requirements are in turn related to the type, quantity and quality
of sludge to be dewatered, sludge conditioning processes used, and
average hours of filter operation.
As a basis for estimating the relationship of construction cost to
filter surface area, cost and design data for 15 actual vacuum filter
installations have been analyzed. Construction costs of these
installations are related to respective filter surface areas on Figure 17,
Page 50. The indicated basic construction costs are based upon
normal construction conditions exclusive of electrical, space heating,
and ventilating costs. The estimated basic costs are represented by
the dashed curve shown on Figure 17. Estimated total construction costs
include an allowance of 20 per cent for electrical, space heating and
ventilating costs, and are indicated by the solid total cost curve.
Figure 17 estimates include the normal costs of the vacuum filters,
auxilary equipment, piping and structures.
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CENTRIFUGATION
The use of centrifuges for dewatering wastewater sludge has increased
significantly in recent years as the use of sludge drying beds has
declined. While centrifuges are particularly applicable for use at plants
too small to justify initial investment and operating costs of vacuum
filtration, they also are applicable for use at some larger plants.
A number of variables, including sludge feed rate, solids characteristics,
temperature, and conditioning processes, influence the selection of
centrifugation equipment applicable to particular treatment plants. Of
these, sludge feed rate is the single parameter having the greatest
influence on the equipment selection, and hence on construction costs.
The estimated relationship of centrifugation construction costs to firm
capacity is shown on Figure 18, Page 51. Firm capacity, as used here,
is the total installed capacity with one centrifuge inoperative. The
Figure 18 total cost curve is based entirely upon costs for estimated
centrifuge installations. The cost estimates include allowances for
centrifugation equipment, sludge pumps and piping, sludge cake conveyors,
equipment hoists, electrical facilities and an enclosing structure.
INCINERATION
The disposal of wastewater sludge by incineration is of increasing
significance as the availability of land for drying beds and landfills
decreases. The problem of limited land available for these uses is
compounded as the quantity of sludge requiring disposal increases.
Several parameters, including quantity of sludge to be incinerated,
the anticipated schedule of incinerator operation, the moisture, volatile,
and inert contents of the sludge, and the heat value of the sludge are
considered in the determination of incinerator size. With the exception
of quantity and operation schedule, the ranges of these parameters
normally encountered in wastewater sludge are relatively limited and
can be represented by average values within the accuracy needed for this
study. Therefore, incinerator capacity requirements, which may be
estimated for particular installations on the basis of the quantity of
dry solids in pounds per hour, is the parameter to which construction
costs may be most suitably related.
The estimated relationship of multiple hearth incinerator costs to
respective capacities is shown on Figure 19, Page 52. The estimated
average construction costs, represented by the total cost curve, are
based partially upon limited experience data available, but principally
upon estimated installations, as indicated by the plotted data. The
total cost curve is based upon the assumption that a single incinerator
unit would suffice for the smaller capacity installations, while for the
larger installations it is anticipated that total capacity requirements
would be divided between two or more units.
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Figure 19 estimates include allowances for normal costs of multiple
hearth furnaces with auxiliary equipment and an enclosing structure.
Auxiliary equipment included consists of gas scrubber and exhaust, ash
handling, fuel systems, instrumentation, piping, and electrical facilities,
If incineration processes of types other than multiple hearth are
considered, the estimator must provide for appropriate adjustment in
construction cost estimates.
ADMINISTRATION AND LABORATORY FACILITIES
The effective operation and control of wastewater treatment plants
requires space and facilities for administrative functions such as
personnel supervision, records keeping, correspondence, a reception area
for plant visitors, and a well equipped laboratory for the determination
of chemical, biological and other controls of treatment processes. Other
space requirements include employee rooms, restrooms, and shower and
locker areas. In general, space for administration, laboratory, and
service functions tends to vary with average day plant capacity.
However, treatment complexity, the degree to which administrative
functions are located on the plant site, and other factors, also
significantly affect the amount of space provided at particular
treatment plants.
Administration and laboratory facilities may be provided in completely
separate structures, or may be incorporated within structures serving
other functions. The latter arrangement is the most common at plants
in the smaller capacity range, while either arrangement may be found at
the larger plants.
The estimated average construction costs of administration and laboratory
facilities for respective plant capacities are shown on Figure 20,
Page 53. The indicated construction cost to capacity relationship
based upon costs of estimated facilities. The cost estimates include
allowances for the normal costs of required facilities.
GARAGE AND SHOP FACILITIES
Garage and shop facilities range from limited space and tools for minor
repair work at small plants to substantial facilities incorporating
general repair shops and machine shops at the larger plants. The
extent of facilities to be provided at particular plants is dependent
upon the availability of nearby commercial or municipal garages and
machine shops, plant characteristics, and the number of vehicles to be
maintained by plant personnel, as well as plant capacity.
The estimated relationship of garage and shop construction costs to
plant average day capacity is shown on Figure 21, Page 54 . The
26
-------
costs are based upon estimated installations. Construction cost
estimates include costs of structures, equipment and tools, and
appurtenant facilities.
YARD WORK
Construction cost estimates presented for individual functional components
of wastewater treatment plants are based upon the costs of facilities
within the structural confines of the respective components. The total
costs of treatment plants also include costs of general site clearing
and grading, inter-component piping, valves, overhead and underground
electrical wiring, cable, lighting, control structures, manholes, tunnels
and conduits, parking, sidewalk and road paving, site landscaping, fencing,
and other items outside the structural confines of particular individual
plant components. The costs for these items, considered as a group, are
commonly referred to as yard work.
Based upon data available for 19 new wastewater treatment plant
construction projects, yard work costs range from about 9 to 18 per
cent of other construction costs, with the average being about 14 per
cent. The available data do not indicate significant variation,
with plant capacity, of yard work costs as a percentage of other
construction costs.
ENGINEERING
Engineering for wastewater treatment plant projects consists of the
two elements of basic services and special services. Basic services
include preliminary design reports, detailed design, and certain
office and field engineering services during construction of projects.
Special services include comprehensive improvement studies, resident
engineering, soils investigations, land surveys, preparation of
applications for government grants, operation and maintenance manuals,
and other miscellaneous services.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has published curves,
designated A and B, showing median compensation for basic engineering
services of varying complexity. These curves are periodically reviewed
and are subject to revision from time to time. The ASCE Curve A has
been used in developing estimates of basic engineering services costs.
Average costs of special engineering services are included with costs
of basic services in the estimates of total engineering costs indicated
by the total cost curve on Figure 22, Page 55.
27
-------
LAND
Due to continuing urbanization, the cost of land available for
wastewater treatment plant sites has increased substantially in
recent years, and can be a significant part of the initial plant cost.
The area required for the plant site depends upon plant capacity, type
of treatment, treatment components, site topography and requirements for
anticipated plant expansions. The area of land actually purchased may
also be influenced by the size of tracts available at the selected plant
location.
The area of land required for 17 actual treatment plants is plotted
against respective average day plant capacities on Figure 23, Page 56.
The indicated actual areas are considered minimum and do not include
space for plant expansion, or excess unused space, because of site
topography. The dashed curve drawn on the figure represents estimated
average minimum land requirements. It is estimated that actual land
acquisitions may amount to twice the minimum requirements as indicated
by the solid curve shown on Figure 23.
Since land costs may vary from a few hundred dollars per acre in
essentially rural areas to several thousand dollars per acre in urban
areas, average land costs have not been estimated. Total land cost
estimates may be derived on the basis of Figure 23 area requirements
and land costs applicable to particular locations.
Estimates of land requirements shown on Figure 23 are applicable to
treatment plants employing primary and trickling filter, or primary and
activated sludge treatment processes, and usual sludge disposal methods.
The indicated areas would not be adequate for sludge drying beds or
sludge lagoons at plants with capacities in the larger size ranges.
LEGAL, FISCAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS
Costs of legal and fiscal services, and of owner administration related
to planning and construction of wastewater treatment facilities can be
substantial. Legal documents must be prepared and the legality of bonds
must be certified by qualified bond attorneys. The costs of legal and
fiscal consulting services are related, to some degree, to the total amount
of debt financing, and hence to total construction, engineering, and land
costs. Legal assistance may also be required in other areas such as the
preparation of construction contracts and in the acquisition of land.
Even though consultants are used, the administration of the financing,
design, and construction of-wastewater treatment plants requires
substantial time on the part of owner personnel. These items of cost
may also be related to the project size as reflected by the total cost.
28
-------
Total costs of legal, fiscal, and administrative services may be
expected to vary widely from one situation to another. Average costs
may range from about 3.5 per cent of the costs of small projects to about
0.2 per cent of the costs of larger projects. Figure 24, Page 57,
shows estimated average legal, fiscal and administrative costs as
related to total construction, engineering, and land costs.
INTEREST DURING CONSTRUCTION
As used herein, interest during construction is the interest cost
accrued on funds from the time payment is made to the contractor to the
end of the construction period. Interest during construction is a real
cost, whether a project is financed through the issuance of debt
securities, from accrued earnings, or from other sources. It may be
assumed that the interest rate paid on borrowed funds is a valid measure
of this cost.
Municipalities frequently finance the construction of major wastewater
treatment projects from the sale of bonds prior to the start of
construction. Bond funds are then normally invested in short term
securities until needed for payments to the contractor, with interest
income approximately offsetting interest expense. Hence, the expense
for interest during construction may not begin until the actual payment
is made to the contractor.
The owner's cost of interest during construction depends upon current
interest rates, the length of the construction period, the pattern of
payments to the contractor, and the total project costs.
An analysis of monthly payments"to contractors for 8 wastewater treatment
projects indicates that, while there is considerable variation in the
size of monthly payments, the average period over which interest is
accrued amounts to one-half the total construction period. Similarly,
data for 62 projects indicates that the average total construction period
varies with the total cost as shown in the following tabulation.
Total Estimated Total
Construction Period of
Cost Construction
$1,000 months
100 6
500 15
1,000 18
5,000 26
10,000 30
50,000 38
The estimated average cost of interest during construction is related
to total other project costs on Figure 25, Page 58, for annual rates
29
-------
of interest of 4, 6, and 8 per cent, respectively. Cost estimates are
based upon construction periods shown and an average period of interest
equal to one-half the construction period. The estimated interest costs
may range from about one per cent of small project costs, to about 12
per cent of the costs of large projects.
30
-------
SECTION III
APPLICATION OF INITIAL INVESTMENT COST ESTIMATING DATA
Table 1, Page 32, presents a form prepared for the purpose of estimating
initial investment costs in any particular instance. It is assumed that
the estimator has determined from preliminary design the required capacity
of plant components and, based upon this premise, the total initial
investment cost may be estimated.
Table 1-A, Page 33, illustrates the use of the estimated construction
cost data developed in this report for estimating total initial
investment costs. The example is based upon a hypothetical wastewater
treatment plant of the activated sludge type with an average design
capacity of 10 million gallons per day. The example plant provides for
vacuum filtration and incineration of sludge.
The sizes and capacities of individual plant components shown for the
example are representative of average conditions which may be encountered
for the assumed plant. However, since variations in the relative sizes
of respective components may be significant, due to differences of
wastewater strengths and the overall plant design, the total cost
indicated in the example may not be representative for any particular
10 mgd activated sludge plant.
The limitations of cost estimates based upon average conditions are again
emphasized. Construction cost data presented herein are applicable as
a basis of preliminary estimates for planning requirements and methods,
and for general comparative studies of costs of alternative wastewater
treatment methods. These data may also be applicable for use by various
levels of governmental agencies in estimating the total costs of wastewatei
treatment facilities required to provide desired levels of treatment for
all wastewater effluents in an entire area, state, region or watershed.
Estimates of average construction costs presented reflect design experienci
largely for the period from 1950 through 1968 and may not be fully
representative of design for new projects. Where warranted, estimates
should be increased accordingly.
The data, unadjusted for particular local conditions, cannot be used
for specific plant initial cost estimates. If used unadjusted for
special local conditions, costs would tend to be understated. This
cost estimate source does not supplant the need for individual engineering
studies of project costs.
31
-------
Project
ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT COST
, Computed By
Cost Estimat t
Cose component
Raw Wastewater Pumping
Preliminary Treatment - Without Screening
Preliminary Treatment - With Screening
Sedimentation - Primary
Trickling Filters
Aeration-Basin Structures
Aeration-Diffused Air System
Aeration-Mechanical Aerators
Sediment at ion-Secondary
Recirculation or Intermediate Pumping
Chlorination - Feed Systems
Chlorination - Contact Basins
Primary Sludge Pumping
Sludge Holding Tanks
Sludge Digest ion
Sludge Drying Beds
Sludge Lagoons
Vacuum Filtrat ion
Centrifugation
Incinerat ion
Adminis tration and Laboratory Facilities
Garage and Shop Facilities
Reference
C omponen t^ Pa r ame t e r Figure No.
mgd initial firm pumping capacity 1
mgd maximum capacity 2
mgd maximum capacity 3
1000 square feet surface area 4
1000 cubic feet filter media volume 5
1000 cubic feet liquid volume 6
1000 cfm initial firm blower capacity 7
horsepower total installed capacity 3
1000 square feet surface area 4
mgd initial firm pumping capacity 9
pounds per day average chlorine use at design flow ^Q
1000 cubic feet liquid volume 11
gpm initial firm pumping capacity 12
1000 cubic feet sludge volume 13
1000 cubic feet sludge volume 14
lOOOsquarefeetsurfacearea 15
1000 cubic feet sludge volume 16
square feet filter surface area 17
gpm firm capacity 18
pounds per hour of dry solids incineration capacity 19
mgd plant average day capacity 20
mgd plant average day capacity 21
Subtotal
Yardwork
14% of Subtotal
Total Estimated Construction Cost at January, 1971 Cost Level
Trended Total Estimated Construction Cost 2 Trend Factor (See note below)
Engineering
Land
Sub total-Const ruction, Engineering & Land
Legal, Fiscal, & Administrative
Subtotal All Above
Interest During Construction
Total Initial Investment Cost
acres at $
(At % interest)
per acre
Total
Total
22
23
Subtotal
24
Subtotal
25
Total
Trend Factor
Lo c a l^WQO- S T P C o s C I n d ex r ep r e s en t a t i v e of the c o ns t ru c tl o n j) e r i o d
National Average WQO-STP Cost Index as of January, 1971
150.60
-------
ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT COST
Project Newton. Nebraska
Computed By
RUB
Date Sept. 197!
Cost Component
Raw Wastewater Pumping
Preliminary Treatment - Without Screening
Preliminary Treatment - With Screening
Sed imentat ion - Primary
•Trickling Filters
Aeration-Basin Struetures
Aeration-Diffused Air System
Aeration-Mechanical Aerators
Sed imentat ion-Secondary
Recirculation or Intermediate Pumping
Chlorination - Feed Systems
Chlorination - Contact Basins
Primary Sludge Pumping
Sludge Holding Tanks
Sludge Digestion
Sludge Drying Beds
Sludge Lagoons
Vacuum Filtration
Centrifugation
Incinerat ion
Administration and Laboratory Facilities
Garage and Shop Facilities
Cost Estimate
Component Parameter
20 mgd initial firm pumping capacity
20 mgd maximum capacity
mgd maximum capacity
/7 1000 square feet surface area
1000 cubic feet filter media volume
222
14
Ref erenc_e
Figure No.
1
2
3
4
5
1000 cubic feet liquid volume 6
1000 cfm initial firm blower capacity 7
horsepower total installed capacity 8
1000 square feet surface area 4
mgd initial firm pumping capacity 9
pounds per day average chlorine use at design flow 10
1000 cubic feet liquid volume 11
gpm initial firm pumping capacity 12
1000 cubic feet sludge volume 13
1000 cubic feet sludge volume 14
1000 square feet surface area 15
1000 cubic feet sludge volume 16
square feet filter surface area 17
gpro firm capaci ty 18
pounds per hour of dry solids incineration capacity 19
mgd piant average day capacity ^0
mgd plant average day capacity 21
450, OOP
82.000
210.000
220. OOP
390.OOP
245.OOP
120.000
62.000
43. OOP
55.000
79.000
515,000
33.000
Subtotal
Yardwork 14% of Subtotal
Total Estimated Construction Cost at January, 1971 Cost Level
Trended Total Estimated Construction Cost 122. I % Trend Factor (See note below)
Engineering
Land
Subtotal-Construction, Engineering & Land
Legal, Fiscal, & Administ rat ive
Subtotal All Above
Interest During Const ruction
Tut a] Initial Investment Cost
20 acres at $ /,OOP per acre
(At
6 % interest)
Total
Total
22
23
Subtotal
24
Subtotal
25
3.919.000
549.000
4.468.000
5.455.000
440. OOP
20.000
5.915.000
38.OOP
5.953.000
410 OOP
6.363.000
Trend Factor
Local WQO-STP Cost Index representative of the construction period
National Average WQO-STP Cost Index as of January, 1971
183 90
150.60
122
-------
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1971
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TOTAL OTHER PROJECT COSTS, $1,000
FIGURE 25
-------
PART TWO - OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
SECTION I
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Part Two of this report develops means of estimating operation and
maintenance costs of principal components of conventional wastewater
treatment plants. Major elements of operation and maintenance cost
considered include payroll man-hours for both operation and maintenance,
and cost of materials and supplies. Each of the major cost elements is
expressed in relation to appropriate sizing parameters for each of
the principal plant components of conventional wastewater treatment
plants.
Estimates of total operating expenses for various combinations of plant
components may be developed on the basis of the average cost information
presented. The cost estimating data are considered appropriate for
facilities built in recent years which are in sound structural and
operating condition. Estimates for new projects should recognize changing
design and operating practice.
Operation and maintenance cost data for the various cost components have
been developed by analyzing information obtained from existing operating
facilities. Where field information was not available or insufficient,
cost elements have been estimated. Cost estimating data generally
reflect an average of current operations but have been adjusted
where warranted to indicate sound operating conditions and procedures.
At the present time the average wastewater treatment facility is not
highly automated and operation and maintenance estimating data presented
reflect only the current type of operation. Automation will be more
prevalent in plants built in the future, possibly reducing the manpower
required to operate treatment facilities but, conversely, requiring
more technical maintenance manpower.
Cost estimating data are based principally on information obtained from
field investigation of actual operating wastewater systems. Plants
considered for field investigation included a list of about 150 municipal
facilities, compiled from current and previous experience of Black &
Veatch, together with an extensive selection of plants developed
through the cooperation of the regional offices of the Environmental
Protection Agency and state water pollution.control agencies.
Criteria for their consideration included their being well operated
with respect to the use of manpower, adequate cost records, efficiency
of treatment, and condition of physical facilities. Over 100 of these
cities, sanitary districts and sanitary authorities were contacted
59
-------
through correspondence for latest available operation and maintenance
costs and plant staffing data. While many of the data obtained through
correspondence were insufficient in detail for study purposes, they did
indicate the general type of records available.
A total of 23 wastewater treatment plants were selected for field
investigation, based upon consideration of the following characteristics:
1. Type of liquid and solids treatment facilities.
2. Adequacy of operation and maintenance cost records.
3. Design capacity.
4. Geographic location.
Plants investigated and their principal characteristics are identified
in Table 2.
Standard information forms were prepared for the collection of on-site
field investigation data at the plants visited. Data obtained regarding
physical facilities at each of the 23 plants investigated included the
size or capacity of component structures and major items of equipment,
character of plant component operation and maintenance, and special
comments about the facilities.
Manpower data obtained for each plant included the number of employees,
by job classification5used to operate and maintain the plant; the
allocation of each employee's time to plant components; the amount of
unproductive time the plant employees are paid for, including vacations,
sick leave, and holidays; and the annual salary or wage rate of each
employee. While not all of these data were specifically necessary for
preparing operation and maintenance cost estimates, they were obtained
to permit the development of manpower requirements.
A breakdown of annual labor costs was obtained to determine direct labor
costs and fringe benefits provided plant employees. Material and
supplies, including chemicals, and electric power or fuel costs were
related to the individual plant components, where possible.
In addition to data collected from field investigations, data were
also available for this study from annual operating reports of
wastewater utilities on file at the Robert A. Taft Water Research
Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Black &
Veatch files. Most of these reports did not present cost data in
sufficient detail to be of significant value to the study, although
many reports did present some plant staffing and/or fringe benefit
information.
Wastewater treatment plants investigated as a basis for operating cost
data experience cover a broad geographical area, and are representative
of varied operating conditions. Cost data have been adjusted to reflect
estimated cost levels as of January 1971.
60
-------
TABLE 2
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS INVESTIGATED
Type of Treatment
Location
of Plants
California:
Sacramento
San Jose
Florida:
Miami
Illinois :
Bloom Townshipc
Springfieldc
Indiana:
Shelbyville
Kansas :
Johnson County
Topeka
Wichita
Michigan:
Midland
Warren
Missouri:
Joplin
Kansas City
Monet t
St. Louis
Springfield
Ohio:
Wooster
Oklahoma:
Tulsa
Pennsylvania:
Allegheny Countyc
Rhode Island:
Providence
Name of Plant3
Main Plant
Virginia Key
Indian Creek
Plant Nos. 1 & 2
Shoal Creek
Turkey Creek
Eastside Complex
Coldwater
Northwest
Southwest
Northside
Southside
Design
Capacity'3
mgd
72
94
47
8.5
16
2.8
17.5
20
35
6.5
36
4
12
85
1
25
3
12
5.3
11
20
150
60
Secondary
Primary Trickling Activated
Only Filters Sludge
A
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
a - Identifies the plant investigated in locations where more than one
plant is operated by the city, district, or authority.
b - The capacity of the plants at the time the field investigations
were conducted.
c - Sanitary district or authority.
mgd - million gallons per day
-------
The estimated relationships of operation and maintenance cost items
to appropriate parameters presented are based principally upon graphical
analysis of experience data. It should be realized that it is not
possible to recognize all variations in operation and maintenance
procedures occurring among individual operating plants. Therefore,
significant judgment has been exercised by the investigators in the
establishment of curves designating cost relationships. The resulting
curves represent the investigators' judgment as to average cost data.
Based upon variations in experienced operating cost data, it is estimated
that specific data for individual components in particular situations
will vary widely, often 100 per cent or more from the average represented
by the curves. These variations can result from such factors as differences
in plant design, operating procedures, safety policies, training programs,
and flexibility in the use of personnel. The percentage variations
in operating costs at plants comprised of several components may be
less than indicated for individual components, due to the tendency
for composite estimates to vary less than individual components.
While actual costs may vary appreciably from estimated average costs,
data presented in this report should be of value, when used with
judgment, as basic indicators for preliminary cost estimates. The
user should recognize the inherent limitations of such estimates, and
should develop applicable operating cost estimates as warranted by
local circumstances.
Data for estimating operation and maintenance costs of each of the
major components of wastewater treatment plants include annual payroll
man-hours for operating labor, annual payroll man-hours for maintenance
labor, and annual costs of materials and supplies. The principal plant
components to which each of these items is related are as follows:
1. Wastewater Pumping
2. Preliminary Treatment
3. Sedimentation
4. Trickling Filters
5. Aeration - Diffused Air System
6. Aeration - Mechanical Aerators
7. Chlorination
8. Primary Sludge Pumping
9. Sludge Holding Tanks
10. Sludge Digestion
11. Sludge Drying Beds
12. Sludge Lagoons
13. Vacuum Filtration
14. Centrifugation
15. Incineration
16. Yard Work
17. Laboratory
18. Administration and General
62
-------
A basis is also provided for estimating indirect labor costs paid by
the utility, such as social security; contributions to pension, retirement
or welfare funds; and premiums paid for hospitalization, health, life
and workmen's compensation insurance.
Following the presentation of cost relationships for the 18 components
of conventional wastewater treatment plants, a calculation summary
form and example application are presented as illustrations of their
use.
63
-------
SECTION II
ESTIMATES OF OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
Data are presented in this section of the report to serve as a basis for
operation and maintenance cost estimates of components of conventional
wastewater treatment facilities.
To permit adaptation of estimating data to local conditions, labor
requirements for both operation and maintenance are presented in the
form of payroll man-hours required versus appropriate capacity or use
parameters, rather than direct dollar costs. This will permit
application of current local labor rates to the estimated man-hour
requirements in developing labor cost estimates for any particular
local situation.
Material and supply costs, including power, fuel, and chemicals,
in annual dollars required are presented as a direct relationship to
averages for cost levels as of January 1971. To reflect changes in
these costs in later periods, they may be trended to the applicable
date by using the "Wholesale Prices and Price Indexes" as published
by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U. S. Department of Labor. The
indexes for recent months are shown in that publication in the table
entitled "Wholesale Price Indexes for Major Commodity Groups", under
the heading "Industrial Commodities". The index for January 1971 is
112.2. In trending, if knowledge of a specific local situation indicates
a more appropriate trend, such information should be utilized.
The annual labor requirements, in payroll man-hours and material and
supply costs, including power, fuel, and chemicals are related, where
appropriate, to the same sizing parameters used for construction costs
in Part One of this report for respective plant components. In certain
instances a different parameter is more appropriate to operation and
maintenance cost relationships than the one used for construction
costs.
The annual payroll man-hours for operation and maintenance, respectively,
are indicative of the total requirement for personnel to adequately
operate and maintain the facility. Man-hour requirements are based on
a normal payroll year consisting of"52 weeks at 40 hours per week, or
a total of 2,080 hours per year. Effective working time is estimated
to be 90 per cent of the payroll man-hours, with the remaining 10 per
cent representing paid vacations, holidays, sick time and other paid
time away from the job. While normally full-time employees are
anticipated, the payroll man-hours may include a suitable combination
of part-time employees.
It must be recognized that the estimates of payroll man-hour
requirements shown are only representative of requirements. They
are a valid basis for the cost estimate only if the man-hours required
can be obtained efficiently, with any balance of an employee's time
65
-------
available to be used effectively elsewhere. Normally, several
component parts of a plant will be operated together, making
possible an efficient use of an individual employee's time.
Material and supply costs presented herein include allowances for
contract maintenance work. The degree to which such work is
accomplished by contractors rather than plant personnel will affect
requirements for both maintenance payroll man-hours and the
allowance for material and supply costs. Prevailing normal practice
in the degree of contract work is reflected in estimating data
presented.
In Part Three of this report a method of developing a practical
staff complement on the basis of estimated payroll man-hours is
provided.
WASTEWATER PUMPING
Operation and maintenance cost data, as presented herein, are applicable
to raw wastewater pumping, intermediate pumping, or recirculation
pumping.
Operation and maintenance labor requirements for wastewater pumping
stations can vary widely from one station to another, depending on the
type of pumping equipment installed, the degree of station automation,
and the amount of auxiliary equipment installed. While some differences
in labor requirements can also occur between raw wastewater, intermediate,
and recirculation pumping, for purposes of this report the estimated
requirements are considered to be similar.
Maximum flow capacity is a principal factor affecting labor costs for
pumping facilities and is used as the parameter to which pumping station
operation and maintenance labor is related. Figure 26, Page 83,
shows the estimated annual payroll man-hours required for operation labor
and maintenance labor, respectively, for wastewater pumping in relation
to the firm pumping capacity of the station. Annual payroll man-hours
for operation labor for a particular capacity pumping station are
indicative of the total number of personnel required to adequately operate
the facility. For example, for a pumping station with a firm pumping
capacity of 20 mgd, the estimated operation labor requirement is
approximately 800 man-hours per year, and the estimated maintenance labor
requirement is approximately 660 man-hours per year.
Material and supply costs, particularly electric power costs for
pumping, are principally related to the average quantity of wastewater
pumped. Figure 27, Page 84, shows estimated annual material and
supply costs related to the average quantity of wastewater pumped,
expressed in million gallons per day. Estimated electric power costs,
which have been separated from other material and supply costs, are
based on a total pumping head of 30 feet and unit power costs varying
from 1.5 cents per kWh for flows less than 4 mgd to 1.0 cent per kWh
66
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for flows greater than 4 mgd. If the total pumping head or unit power
cost in a specific situation varies significantly from these values, the
estimated power cost should be adjusted accordingly.
PRELIMINARY TREATMENT
Preliminary treatment, as described in Part One of this report, refers
to grit removal, screening, grinding and flow measurement. Operation
and maintenance costs can vary widely, from plants with facilities
relatively simple to operate and maintain, such as those having hand
cleaned bar screens and hand cleaned channel type grit chambers, to
plants with a considerable amount of mechanical equipment for screening,
grinding, and grit removal.
Operating labor requirements of these facilities will depend upon the
amount of grit to be removed from the grit chamber. Much more grit can
be expected at plants serving combined storm and sanitary sewer systems
than at plants serving only sanitary systems. The type of screening
equipment utilized will also affect operating costs.
Maintenance labor requirements of these facilities will depend
principally on the amount and kind of mechanical equipment installed
at the screening, grinding, and grit removal facilities. Maintenance
will also be greater if the grit chamber is aerated, due to maintenance
of the diffusers and air supply equipment.
Labor requirements and material and supply costs are principally
related to the quantity of wastewater entering the treatment plant.
Figure 28, Page 85 , shows the estimated annual payroll man-hours
required for operation labor and maintenance labor, respectively, for
preliminary treatment facilities, as related to the average plant
flow. Figure 29, Page 86 , shows the estimated annual material and
supply costs related to the average plant flow.
SEDIMENTATION
Labor requirements and material and supply costs related to
sedimentation basins are principally dependent upon the size and type
of sludge and scum collection equipment used. Equipment size is
essentially based on basin surface area. Therefore, surface area is
the most suitable single parameter for cost estimating.
Figure 30, Page 87, shows the estimated relationship of annual labor
requirements to the surface area of the basins.
The major items of material and supply costs for sedimentation
facilities generally are the material costs for repair of sludge
collection mechanisms, and for painting or coating metal surfaces,
including weirs. Figure 31, Page 88, shows estimated material
and supply costs for sedimentation facilities.
67
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The labor and cost requirements for both primary and secondary
sedimentation are sufficiently similar to permit use of Figures 30
and 31 in developing estimates for either type of facility.
TRICKLING FILTERS
Operation and maintenance labor for trickling filters is required to
check and maintain distributor equipment, prevent underdrain clogging,
and to clear the rock surface of foreign material. In severe winter
climates the distributor must be kept clear of ice accumulations.
The principal efforts required in operating and maintaining trickling
filters are related to the magnitude of filter surface. Therefore,
filter surface area is the most suitable cost parameter and is used in
this report for estimating labor requirements and material and supply
costs.
Figure 32, Page 89, shows the estimated labor requirements for operation
and maintenance of trickling filters. Figure 33, Page 90, shows
estimated material and supply costs for these facilities.
AERATION
Aeration facilities commonly used in current practice for the activated
sludge treatment process include diffused air systems, mechanical aerators,
or a combination of the two. Operation and maintenance labor requirements,
and material and supply costs, are developed for both types of aeration
facilities.
Considerable operating man-hours are required to properly operate
aeration facilities and obtain the high degree of treatment of which
this process is capable. The basic objectives in operating the
activated sludge process include the maintenance of an adequate
quantity of dissolved oxygen in the aeration basins to develop an
activated sludge which will readily separate from the treated
wastewater in final settling basins.
Maintenance labor is required to keep the equipment and structures in
good-operating condition. When a diffused air system is used this will
include care of blowers and drive units, air filters, blower building,
air supply piping, air diffusers, aeration basins, and electric control
equipment. When mechanical aerators are used, maintenance labor is
required to keep the equipment, consisting of the aerator units and
associated controls, and the aeration basins in proper operating
condition.
Figure 34, Page 91, shows the estimated operation and maintenance
labor requirements for diffused air systems related to firm blower
capacity. Figure 35, Page 92, shows the estimated labor requirements
for mechanical aerators.
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Material and supply cost estimates applicable to both diffused air
systems and mechanical aerators are shown on Figure 36, Page 93. The
electric power costs, separated from other material and supply costs
because of their relative magnitude, are based on unit power costs
varying from 1.3 cents per kWh for flows less than 4 mgd to 1.0 cent
per kWh for flows greater than 4 mgd. If the unit power cost in a
specific situation varies significantly from these values, the estimated
power cost should be adjusted accordingly.
Costs shown on Figure 36 are related to the average plant flow. The
quantity of recirculated waste should not be included in the use of
these estimating curves.
It is recognized that alternate sources of energy, such as internal
combustion engines, may be used for operation of aeration equipment,
but the electric power costs shown are considered representative of
power costs incurred in operating the equipment.
CHLORINATION
Chlorine is added to wastewater during the treatment process as an
aid to treatment and for disinfection. The annual consumption of
chlorine at wastewater treatment plants can vary greatly depending on
the quantity and quality of wastewater treated, whether the chlorine is
used during warm months only or on a year round basis, and the number of
locations where chlorine is added in the treatment process.
Operating labor for chlorination facilities provides for regular checks
on the rate of chlorine use and adjustments of the feed rate when
required. As larger quantities of chlorine are used, the need for
periodic checks becomes more important to avoid undue costs resulting
from excess feed rates and to assure adequate feed. Operating labor
also replaces empty chlorine tanks. Maintenance labor repairs and
maintains all chlorine handling equipment and contact basins, and
provides related maintenance work.
Figure 37, Page 94, shows the estimated annual operation and
maintenance labor requirements for chlorination systems, related to
chlorine use. Figure 38, Page 95, shows material and supply cost
estimates for chlorination based on use. The estimated cost of
chlorine is shown separately from'other material and supply costs.
The cost of chlorine varies with the quantity used and the distance
between the point of manufacture and the point of use. As of
January, 1971 the price of chlorine generally varied from about 14
cents per pound at plants using very small quantities and where
the shipping distance might be a maximum, to 3 cents per pound at
69
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plants using more than 800 tons per year and where chlorine is
shipped in tank cars. This range of costs is recognized in the
average chlorine cost figures shown in Figure 38.
Other material and supply costs include the materials and parts to
keep the chlorination facilities in proper operating condition. It
also includes the utility costs required to operate the feeders,
evaporators and pumps, and to heat the building in which the facilities
are located.
PRIMARY SLUDGE PUMPING
This plant component consists of the pumping equipment, controls,
and structure related to pumping sludge from the primary sedimentation
tanks to other plant components. Operating labor requirements vary
with the degree of automation of pump control and duration of pumping
cycle. Maintenance labor depends to some degree on the type of pumps
used, degree of automatic control, and physical arrangement of pumps
and associated equipment.
Figure 39, Page 96, shows estimated operation and maintenance labor
for primary sludge pumping as related to the firm pumping capacity of
the facility. Figure 40, Page 97, shows estimated material and
supply costs including repair parts, pumping power and other required
costs.
SLUDGE HOLDING TANKS
The labor required for operation and maintenance of sludge holding tanks
varies widely, depending principally on the complexity of equipment
installed. While some tanks are simply open storage basins, others
may be covered and be equipped with mixing and collecting equipment.
Operating labor is required at these facilities to periodically inspect
all mechanical equipment for proper operation. This equipment includes
the mixing or stirring mechanism, supernatant pumps, and transfer pumps
for moving sludge from the holding tanks to the sludge treatment
facilities. Maintenance labor is required to periodically clean the
tanks, lubricate the equipment, and maintain and repair the equipment
and structures.
Figure 41, Page 98, shows estimated relationship of operation and
maintenance man-hour requirements to the sludge volume or holding
capacity of the tanks. Material and supply costs, shown on Figure 42,
Page 99, are also related to sludge volume.
70
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SLUDGE DIGESTION
This plant component includes the digestion tanks, control building, and
equipment used in the digestion of sludge. The tanks are frequently
equipped with floating covers and mixers. The associated control
building usually has sludge heat exchangers, control facilities, and
often includes circulation pumping equipment.
Operation labor is required to monitor and control the sludge digestion
facilities. Various tests and measurements are made at these facilities
and the results recorded to indicate to the operator when adjustments or
changes should be made in the digestion process, including when to
remove digested sludge and supernatant from the digesters. Sludge is
added to digesters at frequent intervals and the proper temperature
maintained by circulating the digester contents through the sludge
heaters. This plant component requires proper and adequate operating
labor if these facilities are to be efficiently operated.
Maintenance labor is required at digesters to clean, maintain, and
repair the structures and equipment used in the sludge digestion
process. Items requiring the most maintenance include floating
digester covers, gas recirculation equipment, mechanical mixers, heat
exchanger, pumps, control equipment, and gauges.
Figure 43, Page 100, shows the estimated annual operation and
maintenance labor man-hours required for sludge digestion facilities
related to the sludge volume of the digestion tanks. Figure 44,
Page 101, shows estimated material and supply costs for material
and parts for maintenance of the structures and equipment; electric
power for pumps, blowers, and ventilation; and auxiliary fuel for heat
exchangers.
SLUDGE DRYING BEDS
The principal effort required in operating sludge drying beds is for
loading, hauling, and disposal of dried sludge. At smaller plants
laborers hand load trucks with forks and shovels, while at larger size
plants some form of mechanized equipment, such as an elevator or belt
loader, is frequently utilized for loading.
Maintenance labor required to keep•sludge beds in a proper operating
condition includes replacing sand in the beds as needed; maintaining
the sludge inlets, underdrains, cell dividers, and other structural
elements of the beds; and removing weeds or other vegetation from
the beds .
Figure 45, Page 102, shows the estimated labor requirements for
operation and maintenance of sludge drying beds. Estimated annual
man-hour requirements are related to the annual quantity of dry
solids in the sludge applied to the beds.
71
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Figure 46, Page 103, shows the estimated annual material and supply
costs for drying beds. The costs are principally related to replacement
of sand removed in the bed cleaning process.
SLUDGE LAGOONS
The principal factor affecting the annual labor requirements and
costs of operating and maintaining sludge lagoons is the quantity of
material handled during the year. The estimates presented herein are
based on a sludge sufficiently low in moisture content to permit the
use of mechanical excavators and landfill ing of excavated material.
While the work sometimes is performed in part by plant personnel,
these estimates are based on sludge removal by contract.
The most suitable parameter to which cost elements can be related for
purposes of preparing estimates is the annual quantity of dry solids
in the sludge applied to the lagoons. Operating labor is required to
check sludge condition, operate supernatant pumping facilities, and
perform other routine operating tasks. Maintenance labor at sludge
lagoons is required to mow the grass and maintain the roads around
and between the lagoon cells, maintain the earthwork enclosing the
lagoon cells, maintain pumps and pipelines used to pump supernatant
from the lagoons, and other maintenance tasks.
Figure 47, Page 104, shows the estimated annual operation and
maintenance labor in payroll man-hours required for sludge lagoons,
based on sludge removal by contract, related to the total dry solids
in the sludge applied in tons per year.
Figure 48, Page 105, shows the annual material and supply cost
estimates for sludge lagoons, also related to the dry solids in the
sludge applied. The principal cost involved is the contractual cost
of sludge removal. Other costs include power, maintenance, and
repair costs associated with the pumps and related facilities for
pumping the supernatant out of the lagoons; cost of gravel or other
surfacing used on the roads in the lagoon area; and the cost of
chemicals for odor and weed control.
VACUUM FILTRATION
Vacuum filtration facilities, as described in Part One of this report,
include the filters, auxiliary equipment, sludge conditioning chemical
facilities, and the enclosing structure.
Labor requirements for operating sludge filters are principally
related to size of filters and duration and frequency of filter runs,
which in turn are related to the amount of material filtered. For
this report the most suitable parameter for cost relationships is the
total dry solids filtered in tons per year.
72
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Operating; labor requirements include filter startup time, operation
of the filters, and cleanup after the filter run. Also included
are operation of sludge pumping and conditioning facilities prior to
treatment, conveyor operation and, where applicable, hauling of sludge
to a nearby landfill. Maintenance labor includes all labor related
to maintenance of sludge filters and associated facilities.
Figure 49, Page 106, shows the estimated annual operation and
maintenance labor required for sludge filtration and associated
facilities in relation to the tons of dry solids filtered. Operation
labor is shown by two curves, one for labor required where sludge is
hauled to a nearby landfill, and one for labor required where sludge is
conveyed to an adjacent sludge incinerator.
The single most significant supply cost for sludge filtration is for
chemicals for sludge conditioning prior to filtering. The amount of
chemicals can vary depending upon the type of sludge to be filtered and
the type of chemicals used. Estimates of average chemical costs have
been developed and are shown on Figure 50, Page 107. Other material
and supply costs, including power, filter media, repair parts, and
miscellaneous supplies, are also shown on Figure 50.
CENTRIFUGATION
The estimated labor requirements for operation and maintenance of
sludge centrifugation and associated facilities are shown on
Figure 51, Page 108, The estimated annual payroll man-hours are
related to the total annual dry solids in the sludge applied to the
centrifuge. Included are labor requirements directly related to the
centrifuge, sludge conditioning, and other associated facilities.
Operation labor is shown by two curves, one for labor required where
sludge is hauled to a nearby landfill, and one for labor required
where sludge is conveyed to an adjacent sludge incinerator.
Chemical costs for sludge conditioning can vary significantly,
depending on the type of sludge applied. However, the single, most
important cost parameter is the quantity of dry solids applied.
Figure 52, Page 109, shows the estimated average cost of chemicals for
sludge conditioning prior to centrifugation. Other material and supply
costs, also shown on Figure 52, include maintenance and repair parts,
electric power, and contractual services for periodic maintenance
where such work is normally not performed by staff personnel.
INCINERATION
Labor associated with incineration facilities provides for operation
and maintenance of incinerators and accessory facilities including
sludge conveyors, ash handling equipment, control center, and the
enclosing structures.
73
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Liinual operation and maintenance labor requirements for incineration
facilities are most nearly related to the quantity of dry solids
Incinerated. Figure 53, Page 110, shows estimated labor requirements
"or both operation and maintenance. Removal of ash from the incinerator
juilding is included in the estimates. Maintenance labor includes
lan-hours required for proper care and repair of the incinerator and
tccessory equipment. Also included is the periodic repair or
replacement of refractory material within the incinerator -
laterial and supply costs are shown on Figure 54, Page 111. Since
electric power and auxiliary fuel costs required for incinerator
operations to maintain adequate temperatures are a significant part
)f total material and supply costs, they are separated from other
:osts. Other material and supply costs include repair materials,
replacement of refractory, miscellaneous supplies, and contractual
:ost of ash removal from the plant site.
fARDWORK
Operation and maintenance of facilities included in yardwork includes
ill facilities at the treatment plant site outside the confines of
specific structures. Included are piping, overhead and underground
electrical wiring, cables, lighting, control structures, manholes,
;unnels and conduits, parking, sidewalk and road paving, site
Landscaping, fencing and other such facilities. As a practical
aatter care of lawns, shrubbery, and other vegetation comprises a
significant part of yard maintenance labor costs.
Vll labor related to these facilities is considered as maintenance
in this report, and for estimating purposes may be related to the
average day capacity of the plant. The man-hours required for
aaintenance of yard facilities is shown on Figure 55, Page 112.
Maintenance materials and supplies may also suitably be related to
plant average day capacity. Estimated annual costs for this item
are shown on Figure 56, Page 113.
.ABORATORY
The operating labor required for laboratory work depends not only on
plant size but also on the complexity of the treatment process. For
example, plants with activated sludge secondary treatment processes
require more laboratory control than is commonly required for primary
and trickling filter plants.
Figure 57, Page 114, shows the estimated operation and maintenance
Labor requirements for laboratory work at treatment plants in
payroll man-hours related to the plant average day capacity.
Operating labor requirements shown on Figure 57 are applicable to
74
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laboratory personnel and do not include man-hours associated with
collecting samples for laboratory analysis. Such samples are
normally collected by other plant operating personnel. On Figure 57
estimated operating labor requirements are shown separately for
activated sludge plants, and primary and trickling filter plants.
Material and supply costs related to the laboratory component include
chemicals and laboratory supplies, as well as utility and miscellaneous
costs associated with laboratory work. Figure 58, Page 115, shows
the estimated annual material and supply costs for this component.
ADMINISTRATION AND GENERAL
Labor requirements for plant administration include all on-site
personnel whose time and effort are devoted to the administration and
management of the treatment plant. At small plants this might be
limited to a portion of an operator's time while at large plants it
would probably include several people such as the superintendent,
assistant superintendent, operation and maintenance supervisors,
clerk typist, and storekeeper. Figure 59, Page 116, shows the estimated
payroll man-hour requirements for plant administration as related to
plant average day capacity. Also shown are the estimated maintenance
labor requirements. These requirements include custodial services
and maintenance of administration facilities, meeting rooms and locker
rooms.
General expense, other than for personnel associated with plant
administration, includes material, supply, and utility costs associated
with operating and maintaining administrative facilities, and other
expenses required for operation and maintenance of the treatment plant
which are not directly assignable to specific plant components. Such
expenses typically include office supplies, communications, dues and
subscriptions, office equipment repairs, travel expense, training
course expense, insurance other than that related to personnel,
auditing and legal services, employer furnished wearing apparel, and
custodial supplies. Administrative and general expenses not related to
the treatment plant function are excluded. Indirect labor costs of frinj
benefits sometimes considered a part of administrative and general expem
are considered separately in this report. Figure 60, Page 117, shows
the estimated general expense as related to plant average day capacity.
INDIRECT LABOR COSTS
The total annual labor costs of a wastewater utility consist of both
direct and indirect labor costs. The direct labor costs include the
salaries, wages, and other compensation actually earned by the
employees. Examples of direct labor costs include base salaries or
wages, overtime and premium pay, and cost of living adjustments. The
base salaries or wages applicable to payroll man-hours include pay for
75
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nonworked periods such as vacation, sick leave, holidays, excused
leave, and injury leave.
Indirect labor costs include those labor-related costs paid by the
utility other than salaries, wages and other direct compensation.
Examples of indirect labor costs include social security; contributions
to pension, retirement, or welfare funds; and premiums paid on hospital-
ization, health, life, and workmen's compensation insurance.
Wastewater utility labor cost data from 40 cities or sanitary districts
have been analyzed to determine the relationship of the indirect to the
direct labor costs. The; data analyzed included plants front 18 states
and reflected costs experienced during 1967, 1968, and 1969. The
indirect labor costs, expressed as a percentage of the direct labor
costs, were generally in the 5 to 20 per cent range, averaging 13.5
per cent. It is suggested that indirect labor costs be estimated •
at 15 per cent of direct labor costs unless particular knowledge of
a local situation indicates a more appropriate figure.
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SECTION III
APPLICATION OF OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COST ESTIMATING DATA
Table 3, Pages 79 and 80, presents a form prepared for the purpose of
estimating operation and maintenance costs in any particular instance.
It is assumed that the estimator has determined from preliminary design
the required capacity of plant components and quantities of wastes to
be treated. Based upon this premise, the total operation and maintenance
cost may be estimated.
Table 3-A, Pages 81 i and 82, illustrates the use of the cost data develo
in this report for estimating total operation and maintenance costs. The
example is based upon a hypothetical wastewater treatment plant of the
activated sludge type with an average design capacity of 10 million
gallons per day- The example plant provides for vacuum filtration and
incineration of sludge.
The size and capacity of individual plant components and waste
quantities shown for the example are representative of average conditions
which may be encountered for the assumed plant. However, since
variations in the relative sizes of respective components and quantities
of wastes may be significant, due to differences of wastewater strengths
and the overall plant design, the total cost indicated in the example
may not be representative for any particular 10 mgd activated sludge
plant.
The estimating form presented in Table 3 requires the application of
the average local labor rate to payroll man-hours to develop estimated
total direct labor costs. This labor rate may vary significantly
throughout the country, and is subject to inflationary influences.
The National Average Earning Rate published by the U. S. Department of
Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, for nonsupervisory employees in the
public utility industry, under "Water, Steam, and Sanitary Systems",
SIC Code 494-7-, as of January 1971 is $3.68 per hour. It is estimated
that inclusion of on-site supervisory personnel in the average would
raise the average hourly rate to approximately $3.85. Local conditions
and inflationary increases should be recognized in developing total
labor cost estimates. The $4.10 per man-hour direct labor cost shown
in Table 3-A is assumed applicable for the example plant.
The limitations of cost estimates based upon average conditions are
again emphasized. Operation and maintenance cost data presented herein
are applicable as a basis of preliminary estimates for planning
requirements and methods, and for general comparative cost studies of
alternative wastewater treatment methods. The data may also be
applicable for use by various levels of governmental agencies in
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estimating the total costs of wastewater treatment facilities required
to provide desired levels of treatment of all wastewater effluents in
an entire area, state, region or watershed.
These data, unadjusted for particular local conditions, cannot be
used for specific plant operation and maintenance cost estimates.
This cost estimate source does not supplant the need for individual
engineering studies of project costs.
78
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Proj ec t
TABLE 3
ESTIMATED ANNUAL OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COST
Part A - Labor Costs
; Computed By ; Date
Cos t Component
Raw Wastewater Pumping
Preliminary Treatment
Sedimentation - Primary
Trickling Filters
Aeration - Diffused Air System
Aeration - Mechanical Aerators
Sedimentation - Secondary
Recirculation or Intermediate Pumping
Chlorination
Primary Sludge Pumping
Sludge Holding Tanks
Sludge Digest ion
Sludge Drying Beds
Sludge Lagoons
Vacuum Filtration - Sludge to Landfill
Vacuum Filtration - Sludge to Incinerator
Centrifugation
Incineration
Yardwork
Laboratory
Administration and General
Estimated Annual Payroll Man-Hour
Coniponen tLJ?_a rame te r
mgd firm pumping capacity
mgd average plant flow
1000 square feet surface area
1000 square feet filter surface area
1000 cfm firm blower capacity
horsepower total ins tailed capacity
1000 square feet surface area
mgd firm pumping capacity
tons per year chlorine use
gpm firm pumping capacity
1000 cubic feet sludge volume
1000 cubic feet sludge volume
tons per year dry solids applied
tons per year dry solids applied
tons per year dry solids filtered
tons per year dry solids filtered
tons per year dry solids applied
tons per year dry solids incinerated
mgd plant average day capacity
mgd plant average day capacity
ragd plant average day capacity
Reference
Figure No .
26
28
30
32
34
35
30
26
37
39
41
43
45
47
49
49
51
53
55
57
59
Operation
man-hours
Maintenance
man-hours
Total
man-hours
Total Estimated Annual Payroll Man-Hour Requirements
Total Estimated Direct Payroll Labor Costs at $
Estimated Indirect Labor Costs at
per Man-Hour
of Direct Labor Cost
Total Estimated Labor Costs
-------
Project
TABLE 3 (Cont'd)
ESTIMATED ANNUAL OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COST
Part B - Material and Supply Costs
; Computed By ; Date
Estimated Material and Supply Costs
Cost Component
Raw Wastewater Pumping
Preliminary Treatment
Sedimentation - Primary
Trickling Filters
Aeration
Sedimentation - Secondary
Recirculation or Intermediate Pumping
Chlorination
Primary Sludge Pumping
Sludge Holding Tanks
Sludge Digestion
Sludge Drying Beds
Sludge Lagoons
Vacuum Filtration
Centrifugation
Incineration
Yardwork
Laboratory
Administration and General
Component Parameter
mgd average quantity of wastewater pumped
plant flow
mg average quany o wasewaer p
mgd average plant flow
1000 square feet surface area
1000 square feet filter surface area
mgd average plant flow
1000 square feet surface area
mgd average quantity of wastewater pumped
tons per year chlorine use
gpm firm pumping capacity
1000 cubic feet sludge volume
1000 cubic fael sludge vcluir.e
tons per year dry solids applied
tons per year dry solids applied
tons per year dry solids filtered
tons per year dry solids applied
tons per year dry solids incinerated
mgd plant average day capacity
mgd plant average day capacity
mgd plant average day capacity
Reference
Figure No.
27
29
31
33
36
31
27
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
52
54
56
58
60
Power & Fuel
or Chemicals
$/year
Total Estimated Material and Supply Costs at January, 1971 Cost Level
Trended Total Estimated Material and Supply Costs % Trend Factor (See note below)
Total Estimated Labor Costs (from Part A)
Total Estimated Current Operation and Maintenance Cost
Note:
Trend Factor Wholesale Price Index for Industrial Commodities as of Applicable Date
Wholesale Price Index for Industrial Commodities as of January, 1971
112.2
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TABLE 3-A
ESTIMATED ANNUAL OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COST
Part A - Labor Costs
Project Newton. Nebraska ; Computed By RUB ; Date Sept. 1971
OO
Cos t Componen t
Raw Wastewater Pumping
Preliminary Treatment
Sedimentation - Primary
Trickling Filters
Aeration - Diffused Air System
Aeration - Mechanical Aerators
Sedimentation - Secondary
Recirculation or Intermediate Pumping
Chlorination
Primary Sludge Pumping
Sludge Holding Tanks
Sludge Digestion
Sludge Drying Beds
Sludge Lagoons
Vacuum Filtration - Sludge to Landfill
Vacuum Filtration - Sludge to Incinerator
Centrifugation
Incineration
Yardwork
Laboratory
Adminis tration and General
Component Parameter
20 mgd firm pumping capacity
7 5 mgd average plant flow
17 1000 square feet surface area
1000 square feet filter surface area
1000 cfm firm blower capacity
14
horsepower total installed capacity
20 1000 square feet surface area
10 mgd firm pumping capacity
/15 tons per year chlorine use
180 gpm firm pumping capacity
30 1000 cubic feet sludge volume
1000 cubic feet sludge volume
tons per year dry solids applied
tons per year dry solids applied
tons per year dry solids filtered
3,450 tons per year dry solids filtered
tons per year dry solids applied
3 45Q tons per year dry solids incinerated
IQ mgd plant average day capacity
10 mgd plant average day capacity
10 mgd plant average day capacity
Estimated Annual Payroll Man-Hour Requirements
Reference Opera tion Maintenance Total
man-hours rnan-hours
Figure No.
26
28
30
32
34
35
30
26
37
39
41
43
45
47
49
49
51
53
55
57
59
800
1,500
1. 400
3.300
1.450
620
J_.25Q
1.250
730
4,600
3 300
3 600
2. 100
660
7 BO
310
2.050
860
530
210
540
350
800
1 500
1 900
460
man-hours
1.460
?. 280
2 210
5.350
2.310
I. 150
1.520
1.790
1 080
5.400
4 800
I 900
1 340
? 560
Total Estimated Annual Payroll Man-Hour Requirements
Total Estimated Direct Payroll Labor Costs at $ 4 10
per Man-Hour
Estimated Indirect Labor Costs at 15 % of Direct Labor Cost
Total Estimated Labor Costs
25,900
1 1,750
37,650
? 154 400
; 23.200
$ 177.600
-------
CO
Cost Component
Raw Wastewater Pumping
Preliminary Treatment
Sedimentation - Primary
Trickling Filters
Aeration
TABLE 3-A (Cont'd)
ESTIMATED ANNUAL OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COST
Part B - Material and Supply Costs
Project Newton, Nebraska ; Computed By RMB ; Date Sept. 1971
Componen t Par ame ter
7. 5 mgd average quantity of wastewater pumped
average plant flow
17. 1000 square feet surface area
1000 square feet filter surface area
_ 7' Jj nigd average plant flow
Sedimentation - Secondary
Recirculation or Intermediate Pumping
Chlorination
Primary Sludge Pumping
Sludge Holding Tanks
Sludge Digestion
Sludge Drying Beds
Sludge Lagoons
Vacuum Filtration
Centrifugation
Incineration
Yardwork
Laboratory
Administration and General
20
180
30
1000 square feet surface area
mgd average quantity of wastewater pumped
tons per year chlorine use
gpm firm pumping capacity
1000 cubic feet sludge volume
1000 cubic feet sludge volume
tons per year dry solids applied
tons per year dry solids applied
tons per year dry solids filtered
tons per year dry solids applied
3J_450_ tons per year dry solids incinerated
IQ mgd plant average day capacity
jjy mgd plant average day capacity
IQ ragd plant average day capacity
Total Estimated Material and Supply Costs at January, 1971 Cost Level
Trended Total Estimated Material and Supply Costs 102.5 % Trend Factor (See note below)
Total Estimated Labor Costs (from Part A)
Total Estimated Current Operation and Maintenance Cost
Note:
Trend Factor Wholesale Price Index for Industrial Commodities as of Applicable Date
Wholesale Price Index for Industrial Commodities as of January, 1971
Estimated Material and
Power & Fuel
Reference or Chemicals
Figure No. $/year
27 4.000
29
31
Supply Costs
Other Total
$/year S/year
1,200 5,200
2.350
2.450
33
36 25, 000
31
27 4,000
38 12.500
40
42
5.100 30.100
2,650
1.200 5.200
1.700 14.200
2.250
1 .600
44
46
48
50 ^7.500
52
54 6.600
56
58
60
15.000 A? 500
5 800 12.400
1 .800
1 .500
4.300
1 15.0 102.5 %
112.2
128,500
177 600
309. 300
-------
10.000
1,000
tn
ee
o
a:
100
10
MAIN TEN Ad CE
LAIIOI
10 100
FIRH PUMPING CAPACITY, MGD
4 5 e 11
1,000
WASTEWATER PUMPING
MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 26
83
-------
to
Of
•a.
o
o
CO
o
o
100,000
9
e
7
6
5
4
3
2
.10,000
9
e
7
6
5
4
3
2
i.ooq
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
100
0
2 3456
1
1
^
«*»
x
-•
*^
**•
!9
EL
( /
/
"<
^^^v
ECTR
,T 30
1C (
FEf
X
s*
— OT
2 ~i
1
X
x
1ER
<0\l
:T
i i |
ER
TO
!
^
A
X
MA
4
X
f
r
TE
(
T/
X
71
I
|
Si
t
-
x
,
Al
x
x
_
-
IE
^
-
A
i s 7 e 9
I
I
i
1
1
AD) \.
y
X
/
/
X
JD SUPPl
Y CO
L
/
/
\
V
STS
-
/
/
/
/
--
/
X
A
T
4 5 C 7 I »
10
AVERAGE QUANTITY OF WASTEWATER PUMPED, MGD
WASTEWATER PUMPING
MATERIAL AND SUPPLY COSTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 27
84
-------
o
on
'
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
10,000
9
7
6
i
j
i
2
1.000
9
8
6
100
G
.1
3 4
"
^*
^*
6 7
^
-*
^
8 9
.^*
"
^^^V
L
- - -
OP^RAT
^-^X'
^
. •
^^
-^*
•^
-MA
- -
Oh
X
•"*'
IN
i 4
L
X
x
'Eh
A
X
t
'
A
|
30R
i
X
1C
/
*
/"
E
/"
L
i 1789
3
"
/
V
/
ABOR
/
X
2
LO
z__
X
/
/
,
--
x1
X
-
/
f
/
,
3 4 5 « 7 • »
1
AVERAGE PLANT FLOW, MGO
PRELIMINARY TREATMENT
MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGEHCY
BLACK A VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 28
85
-------
100,000
1 ft AOfi
av,uvu
OO 9
_i .
O 5
i—
o
o
•a
1 nno
100
r
i
<
i
«»
^
«-
>
^^
^^
^^~
*^
!
^*-
1
^
^1
r
**
! •
X1
1
y
>^
i
y
y^
>
/
4
r
•
/
c
/
i
i
/
t
10
AVERAGE PLANT FLOW, MGD
100
PRELIMINARY TREATMENT
MATERIAL AND SUPPLY COSTS
OPERATION AND MAiNTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 29
86
-------
6
5
4
3
2
10 , 000
9
8
7
6
i
4
1
2
1.000
9
8
6
i
100
--
.
X"
X*
X
_s
X
)PE
X
X
4
RA
^
r
/
T
t
*
/
ON
s
s'
7 a
1
L
,'
..•^
tt
3
ABOR
/
S
x^
x^
^"
.0
X
x^
r
K
X
1
x
X
^
X
^
x
9 *
x
'
^
gX
«k
y
,x
•M.
*1
>
X
^x
X
HAINTEI
x
X
x'
ANCE
lo
LA
Wf
I
i «••'•,».
100
SURFACE AREA, 1,000 SQUARE FEET
SEDIMENTATION
MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
OPERATION AHD MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 30
87
-------
100,000
10, 000
C/J g
— 1
Ck
*-
-J *
«s
a=
«*i
4
100
5
X
L
y
S
S
yS
/^
X
X
-
'
1
1
X
X
0
X
/
x
4
'
X
<
) 1
X
' <
x
i
t
•
i
/
k^
i
00
X
a
7
I
t
1,
000
SURFACE AREA, 1,000 SQUARE FEET
SEDIMENTATION
MATERIAL AND SUPPLY COSTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 31
88
-------
10.000
1,000
100
10
OPERATI
)N
L/e
M/ I
si 7 a »
TEIJ.NCE LABJR
10 100
FILTER SURFACE AREA, 1,000 SQUARE FEET
6 7 « *
1.000
TRICKLING FILTERS
MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 32
89
-------
100,000
<^ 0
*
_1
Q
1—
o
0
•s
-------
7
6
5
4
3
2
10,000
9
' 8
e
3 7
9 6
E
E
X 4
E
J 3
J
3
i- 2
<
i.
J
a
f. ' !
« 7
6
100
^^
_^*^^
^
.s
*r
2
i
^
^*
^
/
/'
*
/
s
/
-
s
/
-
s
'
s
s
9
1
OPE
.^
' /
M
0
RATI'
)N L
/>
sS*\^
/
/
AINT
•NAN
AB
,J
^
CE
4
OR
S
/
L
s
^B
S
0
s
'
i t T t
v
^
'l
1
~ " f "
.-
'^ S
^S^
s^
—
- —
—
_._
-
-
-
"
-
L Z 3 45(71*
m i,
)00
FIRM BLOWER CAPACITY, 1,000 CFM
AERATION
DlFFUSED AlR SYSTEM
MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE
91
-------
100,000
100
100
36 7 a ii
1,000
5 e 7 • »
10,000
TOTAL INSTALLED CAPACITY, HORSEPOWER
AERATION
MECHANICAL AERATORS
MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 35
92
-------
o
o
o
tn
o
o
MECHANICAL AERATORS
0 1
1 10
AVERAGE PLANT FLOW, MGO
100
AERATION
MATERIAL AND SUPPLY COSTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 36
93
-------
10,000
1,000
e/5
ee.
o
cc
^
10
OPERATION
5 6 789
^!
4+
MA
NTENANCE LA1JOR
10 100
CHLORINE USE, TONS PER YEAR
~z
5 e r > »
1,000
CHLORINATION
MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK 4 VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 37
94
-------
100.000
9
10,000
o
o
l.OOC
8
100
CHLORINE
CO
5T-
OTHE.R
SUPPLY
HATERI
COSTS
10 100
CHLORINE USE, TONS PER YEAR
AL
AND
4 9 « T « 1
1,001
CHLORINATION
MATERIAL AND SUPPLY COSTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 38
95
-------
iOO.OOOh-
9 -
10,000
CO
ce.
i
s:
«a
•Ł.
i.ooa
100
100
6789
1,000
FIRM PUMPING CAPACITY, GPM
PRIMARY SLUDGE PUMPING
MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK 4 VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
6 7 I »
10,000
FIGURE 39
96
-------
100,000
9
10,000
c/5
o
o
1,000
100
10
100
FIRM PUMPING CAPACITY, GPM
PRIMARY SLUDGE PUMPING
MATERIAL AND SUPPLY COSTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
4 5 6 7 I »
10,000
FIGURE 40
97
-------
10
10 100
SLUDGE VOLUME, 1,000 CUBIC FEET
000
SLUDGE HOLDING TANKS
MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
OPERATION AMD MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
EMVIRONMEHTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK A VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 41
98
-------
100 OOOr
2
10,000
V) 9
•< 7
_l
_l 6
O 5
o
1-
CO 3
0
o
| 2
•a.
=>
•<
Innn
100
^^
1
^^
t
X
1
^
•^
x
x
V
3
jf
^
LO
X
z
3 '
.X
x^
1
5
'
5
/•
^
X
s
'
\
/
00
X
X
!
S
S
X
>
t (
S
r i
i (
1
i
.(
100
SLUDGE VOLUME, 1,000 CUBIC FEET
SLUDGE HOLDING TANKS
MATERIAL AND SUPPLY COSTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE
99
-------
100
100
10
100
S 7 8 »
1.000
SLUDGE VOLUME, 1,000 CUBIC FEET
SLUDGE DIGESTION
MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
EBVIRO«NENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE
100
-------
10 000
I 7
» 5
a
fl ,
3
J
J 2
a
3
E
c
a
mr
.0
— -•
f
---
4
— '
^*^
x*
6
S
?
^
'
9
1
X
s
00
X
X
X
4
X
/'
}
1
x
7
g
1
/
t
.(.
/
iQO
X
!
X
I •
V
/•
1
X
! 1
1
,
r i
1
i i
0
•
.(
)00
SLUDGE VOLUME, 1,000 CUBIC FEET
SLUDGE DIGESTION
MATERIAL AND SUPPLY COSTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE
101
-------
1UU, WUU
9
e
7
6
5
4
3
2
10,000
9
8
01 7
CX. 6
0 5
3:
I 4
z
-
100
ABO
s
/
^
? —
* ,
4 9
-^*-
/
f
- I
*•—
/
f
A
•^^.
U
"*,
/
-\
/
<
El
• 7 a 9
1.0
/
/
/
/
/
ANCE LA
00
y
/
/
^
/
BOR
/
/
/
/
f
/
A
/
3 4 5 e 7 I *
10. (
109
DRY SOLIDS APPLIED, TONS PER YEAR
SLUDGE DRYING BEDS
MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 15
102
-------
100 000
t
QC g
O
°
H-
00 s
O
O
— * 2
-< *
, uuu
*
3
10
t
1
6
/
9
1
/
/
00
/
/
/
/
\ t
/
1
/
•
/
7
'
9
.,
/
/
000
y
!
y
/
5 '
>^
1
/
\
t
r
°
I
11
i
),
000
DRY SOLIDS APPLIED, TONS PER YEAR
SLUDGE DRYING BEDS
MATERIAL AND SUPPLY COSTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE
103
-------
10,000
9
o
a:
i
«a
z
10
100
1,000
DRY SOLIDS APPLIED, TONS PER YEAR
5 e 7 • *
100,000
SLUDGE LAGOONS
MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
EMVI RONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK 4 VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE H7
104
-------
o
o
CO
o
A, WUW
5
4
3
2
100
9
8
7
6
1
4
3
2
1C
a
6
i
1
10
X
X
0
X
X
X
4
/
^
4
X
S 7
9
l.
/
,x
000
h
x
E
T
5 « 7 8 »
10
s
/
\/r
S COST 0
REMOVAL
RACT
X
V
F
,000
X
-
J 4 5 C 7 • »
100
,000
DRY SOLIDS APPLIED, TONS PER YEAR
SLUDGE LAGOONS
MATERIAL AND SUPPLY COSTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE
105
-------
100,000
10,000
c/5
OŁ.
=3
o
1,000
100
OPERATION .ABOR
100
HAUL SLUDGE
TO LANHFILL
6 789
1,000
HAIIITE)
ANCE
LA3CR
10,000
DRY SOLIDS FILTERED, TONS PER YEAR
C3N/EYi:C
INCINERATOI?
4 5 6 7 I »
100,000
VACUUM FILTRATION
MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE
106
-------
JL.UUV
5
j
100
> e
3 6
»•
9 3
9
J
«
3
f
E
4
m
1
1
X
^
90
x
x
jS
/
'
/
x
•
c
x
^f
\
\
IB
X
X
s
1
j
•1IC
X
^
x
1
Al. COST —
x >x
^r
X
,000
1
X
X
-~^
X
X
3 <
x
1
^
.
• —
/
x
x
x
c
1
J
T
iN
.0
/
H
D
•
,
s^
S
/
x
X
x
IR HATER
SUPPLY
)00
X
y
U-
IAL
COST
/
X
1
3 -
X
/
1
s
— r
i
r
1
i
0
0
000
DRY SOLIDS FILTERED. TONS PER YEAR
VACUUM FILTRATION
MATERIAL AND SUPPLY COSTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 50
107
-------
100,000
10,000
tn
ee.
o
oe
1,000
100
100
1.000
4 5 « 7 •
100.000
DRY SOLIDS APPLIED, TONS PER YEAR
CENTRIFUGATION
MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
OPERATION AND MAINTEKANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 51
108
-------
1,000
100
o
o
o
CO
O
o
10
100
4 3 6 7 S 9
1,000
CHEMICA
COS
H
NO
El!
1ATERIAI
UPPLY CO!
ITS
67891 2~~
10,000
: 6 7 a 9
100,000
DRY SOLIDS APPLIED, TONS PER YEAR
CENTRIFUGATION
MATERIAL AND SUPPLY COSTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 52
109
-------
100
100
. e 7 e s
1,000 10,000
DRY SOLIDS INCINERATED, TONS PER YEAR
! 6 7 » »
100,00ft
INCINERATION
MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK 4 VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 53
110
-------
100,UUU
9
a
7
6
5
4
10.000
-------
100, wuU
10 000
CO 7
o ,
s
i 4
s ,
>-
_J
100
J
^.^.l •— "^
L
*^
****^
t 2
X
1 <
X
'
t
/•
<
1
X
X
0
r
xS
s
! <
^
MA
/•
IN
) <
f
•*
TE
t
N
' i
U
/
C
1
10
E LABOR
0
4
5
C
T
1
9
1
C
100
PLANT AVERAGE DAY CAPACITY, MGD
YARDWORK
MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK A VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 55
112
-------
100,000,
9
10,000
GO 9
CO
o
o
1,000
100
10 100
PLANT AVERAGE DAY CAPACITY, MOD
4 8 I T I
i
1.000
YARDWORK
MATERIAL AND SUPPLY COSTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE
113
-------
100,000
10.000
Cfl
OŁ
3
o
o
oe
1,000
100
10 100
PLANT AVERAGE DAY CAPACITY, MGD
LABORATORY
MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK 4 VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 57
114
-------
lOO.OOOr
9
a
7
6
5
4
10.000
eo 9
DC 8
O
o
CO
o
O
l.OOC
100
X
L/
10 100
PLANT AVERAGE DAY CAPACITY, MGD
1,000
LABORATORY
MATERIAL AND SUPPLY COSTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 58
115
-------
lOO.OOGr
100
PLANT AVERAGE DAY CAPACITY, MGD
ADMINISTRATION AND GENERAL
MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK 4 VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
4 5 6 7 « »
1,000
FIGURE 59
116
-------
100,000
10,000
o
o
CO
o
o
1,000
100
__|
4-
ttT
„ i
t—t
iz-j-HJJ
llTi
r-4- T
H-
-t—t~
10 100
PLANT AVERAGE DAY CAPACITY, MGD
1.000
ADMINISTRATION AND GENERAL
GENERAL EXPENSE
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 60
117
-------
PART THREE - MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS
SECTION I
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Part Three of this report presents a basis and method for estimating
total manpower requirements and plant staffing for conventional wastewater
treatment facilities. Also included are occupation descriptions
applicable to personnel commonly required for operation and maintenance
of conventional facilities.
The information presented is to assist those seeking to project future
wastewater treatment plant staffing requirements as a basis for planning
of manpower training programs. The report can also be utilized as a
guide to staffing requirements of individual conventional treatment
plants, providing recognition is given to the "average" nature of the
estimating data presented, and judgment is applied regarding specific
local circumstances.
The principal bases for preparation of the information presented are
field investigations of 23 operating wastewater treatment plants of
various types and sizes throughout the country, and the experience and
judgment of the investigators.
Background information regarding field investigations and the use of
estimating data developed is presented in Part Two of the report,
Operation and Maintenance Costs, Section I, on Pages 59-63. Reference
is subsequently made to additional sections of Part Two.
119
-------
SECTION II
OCCUPATION DESCRIPTIONS
For wastewater treatment plant staffing requirement estimating procedures
to be meaningful to a broad group of engineers, administrators, and
others, it is necessary to have relatively standard definitions of staff
positions. Occupation descriptions for 21 types of personnel commonly
employed to operate and maintain conventional wastewater treatment
plant facilities have been prepared.
A significant part of the background data used in preparing occupation
descriptions was obtained in conjunction with field investigations of
treatment plants previously referred to. During the course of field
investigations, plant operations were closely observed and discussed
with supervisory personnel. Written job descriptions, where available}
were studied and compared with actual tasks being performed. A three
page occupational analysis form, recognizing job analysis specifications
shown in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, published by United
States Department of Labor, was completed for each separate type of job.
These analyses included a detailed job description; a code describing
the relationship of each job to data, people, and things; a description
of educational development, interests, and temperaments either required
or desirable for each job; and a description of physical demands and
working conditions.
On the basis of evaluation of field investigation data, occupation
descriptions were developed conforming to categories and standards
published in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles. Field information
identified 119 separate job titles and categories. Analysis and
comparison of actual duties permitted reduction of the list to 21
occupation descriptions. These descriptions include all major job
duties commonly involved in the operation and maintenance of conventional
wastewater treatment plants ranging in size from 1 to 100 million gallons
per day, although there may well be exceptions and additions to the
basic list in specific plants due to special circumstances. The occupation
descriptions conform to the format and terminology of the Dictionary
of Occupational Titles. They have been reviewed with analysts of the
Occupational Analysis Field Center of the Department of Labor in St.
Louis, Missouri as well as by other agencies of the Federal Government.
Detailed occupation descriptions for the following 21 types of personnel
commonly employed for operation and maintenance of the conventional
wastewater treatment plants are shown on Pages 145 through 196 of this
report.
121
-------
Occupation Description Page
1. Superintendent 145
2. Assistant Superintendent 149
3. Clerk-Typist 151
4. Operations Supervisor 153
5. Shift Foreman 155
6. Operator II 159
7. Operator I 163
8. Automotive Equipment Operator 165
9. Maintenance Supervisor 167
10. Mechanical Maintenance Foreman 169
11. Maintenance Mechanic II 171
12. Maintenance Mechanic I 173
13. Electrician II 175
14. Electrician I 179
15. Maintenance Helper 181
16. Laborer 183
17. Painter 185
18. Storekeeper 187
19. Custodian 189
20. Chemist 191
21. Laboratory Technician 195
Figure 61 is an organization chart for a hypothetical wastewater
treatment plant utilizing all 21 occupation categories. The chart is
shown simply to illustrate the relative positions of personnel of
differing responsibilities described in the 21 categories.
Separate occupation descriptions are shown where there appear to be
significant differences in duties to be performed, or degree of
responsibility assigned. However, separate descriptions are not shown
for positions to be filled at plants of varying sizes or complexity. The
descriptions are believed to be sufficiently broad in scope to permit
application to varying requirements on a judgment basis. It must be
recognized that in many instances, particularly at smaller plants,
certain types of personnel must be sufficiently versatile to fullfill
multiple functions.
Separate descriptions are not included for jobs whose functions are a
specialized portion of another job description. For example, separate
descriptions are shown for Operator II and Operator I because an
Operator II performs more complicated duties and assumes greater
responsibility than does an Operator I. Specialized titles, such as Pump
Station Operator II, are not described separately, because their duties
are included in the job description for Operator II.
122
-------
OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR
SHIFT FOREMAN
OPERATOR I I
OPERATOR I
LABORER
SUPERINTENDENT
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT
CLERK-TYPIST
AUTO. EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
MAINTENANCE
MT.CH. MAINTENANCE FOREMAN
r- '
I MAINTENANCE MECHANIC I I
MAINTENANCE MECHANIC I
MAINTENANCE HELPER
LABORER
LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
o
c=
3D
ORGANIZATION CHART
CONVENTIONAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
WATER QUALITY OFF!CE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK A VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
-------
SECTION III
TOTAL MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS AND PLANT STAFFING
The total manpower requirement for a particular wastewater treatment
plant covered herein is for all on-site personnel required for operation
and maintenance of the facilities.
A means of estimating total annual payroll man-hour requirements for
individual treatment plant components, and for total treatment facilities,
is developed in Part Two of this report. Graphical relationships of
total annual operation man-hours, and total annual maintenance man-hours,
to sizing parameters of each of the following plant components are
shown in Par t Two:
1. Wastewater Pumping
2. Preliminary Treatment
3. Sedimentation
4. Trickling Filters
5. Aeration - Diffused Air System
6. Aeration - Mechanical Aerators
7. Chlorination
8. Primary Sludge Pumping
9. Sludge Holding Tanks
10. Sludge Digestion
11. Sludge Drying Beds
12. Sludge Lagoons
13. Vacuum Filtration
14. Centrifugation
15. Incineration
16. Yard Work
17. Laboratory
18. Administration and General
The annual payroll man-hours for operation and maintenance, respectively,
are indicative of the total requirement for personnel to adequately
operate and maintain the facility. Man-hour requirements are based on a
normal payroll year consisting of 52 weeks at 40 hours per week, or a
total of 2,080 hours per year. Effective working time is estimated to
be 90 per cent of the payroll man-hours, with the remaining 10 per cent
representing paid vacations, holidays, sick time, and other paid time
away from the job. While normally full-time employees are anticipated,
the payroll man-hours can be made up of a suitable combination of
part-time employees.
It must be recognized that the estimates of payroll man-hour requirements
shown are only representative of requirements, and are a valid basis of
staffing only if the man-hours can be obtained efficiently, with any
balance of an employee's time available to be used effectively elsewhere.
Normally, several component parts of a plant will be operated together,
making possible an efficient use of an individual employee's time.
125
-------
Table 3, Part A, on Page 79, presents a form for summarizing estimated
annual payroll man-hour requirements and labor costs for any particular
conventional treatment plant project. The form is shown on Table 4,
modified to show only a summary of estimated operation and maintenance
payroll man-hour requirements.
In using Table 4, reference is made to figures in Part Two showing
estimated man-hour requirements. It is assumed that the estimator has
determined from preliminary design the required capacity of plant
components and quantities of wastes to be treated and, based upon this
premise, the total operation and maintenance payroll man-hour requirements
may be estimated.
Table 4-A illustrates the use of operation and maintenance labor
requirements for estimating total payroll man-hour requirements. The
example is the same as that used in Parts One and Two of this report,
that is, a hypothetical wastewater treatment plant of the activated
sludge type with an average design capacity of 10 million gallons per
day.
In estimating staffing requirements for a particular treatment plant,
payroll man-hour requirements may be summarized as to operation labor
and maintenance labor, separating administrative and general and laboratory
requirements. Staffing requirements by occupation titles can be developed
from the labor summary. Table 5 provides a form for such a summary
and development of a staff complement. In using the table, payroll
man-hour requirements for the major categories of Administration &
General, Operation Labor, Maintenance Labor, and Laboratory, may be
obtained from the labor requirement summary in Table 4-. The total
number of full-time employees required may be estimated by dividing
total payroll man-hours by 2,080, the number of hours in the normal
payroll year.
Upon determination of the approximate number of employees in each
major category, the suggested staffing is developed on a judgment basis.
The division of the number of employees in the suggested staffing
between operation labor and maintenance labor may not necessarily
agree with the division of payroll man-hours. The difference would
result from practical considerations and the fact that operating
personnel frequently perform a certain amount of maintenance tasks and
may conduct laboratory sampling and testing, particularly in small
plants.
Other factors requiring consideration in developing a suggested staff
complement include the fact that for each position which must be filled
24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it is necessary to have almost 5 employees
on the payroll. Also, during certain intermittent operations, such
as vacuum filtration and incineration, an above average number of
employees must be on duty.
126
-------
TABLE 4
ESTIMATED ANNUAL PAYROLL MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
Project
_; Computed By
Date
to
Cost Component
Raw Wastewater Pumping
Preliminary Treatment
Sedimentation - Primary
Trickling Filters
Aeration - Diffused Air System
Aeration - Mechanical Aerators
Sedimentation - Secondary
Recirculation or Intermediate Pumping
Chlorinat ion
Primary Sludge Pumping
Sl..Jge Holding Tanks
Sludge Digestion
Sludge Drying Beds
Sludge I.agoons
Vacuum Filtration - Sludge to Landfill
Vacuum Filtration - Sludge to Incinerator
Centrifugation
Inc ine ration
Yardwork
Laboratory
Administration and General
Component Parameter
mgd firm pumping capacity
mgd average plant flow
1000 square feet surface area
1000 square feet filter surface area
1000 cfm firm blower capacity
horsepower total installed capacity
1000 square feet surface area
mgd firm pumping capacity
tons per year chlorine use
gpm firm pumping capacity
1000 cubic feet sludge volume
1000 cubic feet sludge volume
tons per year dry solids applied
tons per year dry solids applied
tons per year dry solids filtered
tons per year dry solids filtered
tons per year dry solids applied
tons per year dry solids incinerated
mgd plant average day capacity
mgd plant average day capacity
mgd plant average day capacitv
Estimated Annual Payroll Man-Hour Requirements
Reference Operation Maintenance Total
Figure No. man-hours man-hours man-hours
26
28
30
32
34 . ______
35 _____
30
26
37 _______
39
41
43
45
47 ________
49 ______ _______
49
51
53
55 _______ ______ _______
57
59
Total F.stimated Annual Payroll Man-Hour Requirements
-------
TABLE A-A
00
ESTIMATED ANNUAL PAYROLL MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
Project Heuton, Nebraska . Computed By
Date Sept., 1971
Estimated Annual Pay rol 1
Cost Component
Raw Was te water Pumping
Preliminary Treatment
Sedimentation - Primary
Trickling Filters
Aeration - Diffused Air System
Aera t ion - Mechanical Aerators
Sedimentation - Secondary
Recirculation or Intermediate
Chlorination
Primary Sludge Pumping
Sludge Holding Tanks
Sludge Digestion
Sludge Drying Beds
Sludge Lagoons
Vacuum Filtration - Sludge to
Vacuum Filtration - Sludge to
Centrif ugation
Incineration
Yardwork
Labo ratory
Admin is tration and General
Component Parameter Reference
20
17
14
Pumping 10
~~lo~
Landfill
Incinerator 3, 450
3.450
10
10
10
Figure No.
mgd firm pumping capacity 26
mgd average plant flow 28
1000 square feet surface area 30
1000 square feet filter surface area 32
1000 cfm firm blower capacity 34
horsepower total installed capacity 35
1000 square feet surface area 30
mgd firm pumping capacity 26
tons per year chlorine use 37
gpm firm pumping capacity 39
1000 cubic feet sludge volume 41
1000 cubic feet sludge volume 43
tons per year dry solids applied 45
tons per year dry solids applied 47
tons per year dry solids filtered 49
tons per year dry solids filtered 49
tons per year dry solids applied 51
tons per year dry solids incinerated 53
mgd plant average day capacity 55
mgd plant average day capacity 57
mgd plant average day capacity 59
Operation
man-hours
800
1 .500
1 400
3.300
1 .450
620
1 250
1 .250
730
4.600
3.300
_
3.600
2 100
Man-Hour Requirements
Maintenance
man-hours
660
780
810
2.050
860
530
270
540
350
800
1.500
1 .900
24O
460
Total
man-hou rs
1,460
2.
2.
5.
2.
1 .
1
1 .
1
5
4
1
3
2
280
210
350
110
150
5?0
7W
080
400
800
900
MO
560
Total Estimated Annual Payroll
Man-Hour Requirements
25.900
1 1 .750
37.
650
-------
TABLE 5
ESTIMATED PLANT STAFFING COMPLEMENT
Project ; Computed By ; Date
Estimated Annual Suggested
Staff Position Payroll Requirements Staffing
Man-Hours(a)Number of Number of
Employees(") Employees
Administration & General:
Superintendent
Assistant Superintendent
Clerk Typist ~
Storekeeper
Subtotal (°)
Operation Labor:
Operations Supervisor
Shift Foreman
Operator II
Operator I
Automotive Equipment Operator
Subtotal
Maintenance Labor :
Maintenance Supervisor
Mechanical Maintenance Foreman
Maintenance Mechanic II
Maintenance Mechanic I
Electrician II
Electrician I
Painter
Maintenance Helper
Laborer
Custodian
Subtotal
Laboratory:
Chemist
Laboratory Technician
Subtotal
Total Labor Requirements
Notes:
(a) From Table 4
(b) Man-hours divided by 2,080 hours per year
(c) Operation man-hours only
(d) All operation man-hours except Administration & General
and Laboratory
(e) All maintenance man-hours
129
-------
The suggested staffing could include part-time personnel if local
circumstances so indicated. This would most likely be the case at
smaller plants and would be dependent on availability of part-time
employees.
Table 5-A illustrates the use of the estimated annual payroll require-
ment data in developing a suggested plant staff complement. The
example is based on a 10 million gallon per day activated sludge plant
as used in previous examples in this report.
130
-------
Project
TABLE 5-A
ESTIMATED PLANT STAFFING COMPLEMENT
Newton, Nebraska ; Computed By RWB ; Date Sept., 1971
Staff Position
Administration & General:
Superintendent
Assistant Superintendent
Clerk Typist
Storekeeper
Subtotal
Operation Labor:
Operations Supervisor
Shift Foreman
Operator II
Operator I
Automotive Equipment Operator
Subtotal
Maintenance Labor:
Maintenance Supervisor
Mechanical Maintenance Foreman
Maintenance Mechanic II
Maintenance Mechanic I
Electrician II
Electrician I
Painter
Maintenance Helper
Laborer
Custodian
Subtotal
Laboratory:
Chemist
Laboratory Technician
Subtotal
Total Labor Requirements
Estimated Annual
Payroll Requirements
Man-Hours (a) Number of
Employees
2100
(c)
20, 200
(d)
3.600
37,650
(c)
1.0
9.7
11,750 (e) 5.7
1.7
IB. I
Suggested
Staffing
Number of
Employees
.5
18
Notes:
(a) From Table 4
(b) Man-hours divided by 2,080 hours per year
(c) Operation man-hours only
(d) All operation man-hours except Administration & General
and Laboratory
(e) All maintenance man-hours
131
-------
SECTION IV
EXAMPLES OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT STAFFING
This section of the report presents examples of wastewater treatment
plant staff complements developed in accord with the procedures
previously set forth. Examples shown represent 9 differing types
of conventional treatment. Each example shows estimated staff complements
for 10 plant sizes, ranging from 1 to 100 mgd average day capacity.
The 9 examples illustrate typical estimated staff complements for
each of 3 basic types of conventional wastewater treatment plants:
primary treatment; primary plus trickling filter secondary treatment;
and primary plus activated sludge secondary treatment. For each of the
3 basic types of plants, 3 examples are included, according to the
method of sludge treatment employed: digestion followed by sludge
drying beds or lagoons; digestion followed by sludge dewatering with
land disposal of sludge cake; and sludge dewatering with incineration
of sludge cake. Table 6 shows a summary of the 9 examples by type of
treatment and identifies the subsequent tables on which estimated
staff complements by occupation description are shown.
Each of the estimated staff complements for plants represented in
Tables 7 through 15, Pages 136 through 144, was developed using methods
and data set forth in this report. The typical plant components in each
example are shown in the notes for respective tables. The magnitude of
the parameter used in estimating payroll man-hours for each plant
component was estimated on the basis of average design criteria. It
must be recognized that any specific plant may not have all components
sized in accord with average criteria and the examples are not specifically
applicable to any particular situation.
The staff complements shown in the examples are established as general
guidelines for typical average plants. They are not in any way intended
to be considered as organizations which may or should be rigidly adhered
to. Rather, the complements shown represent estimates of workable
staffing for various types and sizes of typical conventional wastewater
treatment plants, and should be considered sufficiently flexible for
adaptation to particular situations at specific plants. Complements
shown are based on the assumption that staff members are employed on
a full-time basis, except where requirements indicate that a half-time
employee in a particular occupation description would be sufficient. It
is also assumed that personnel are flexible in their capabilities and
willingness to perform a variety of tasks. This is particularly essential
at the smaller plants.
In the examples shown, allowances for trainees are minimal. If the
local labor supply cannot provide adequately qualified personnel, it
may be necessary to include a substantial allowance for trainee
133
-------
OJ
-p-
Note:
TABLE 6
SUMMARY OF STAFF COMPLEMENT EXAMPLES
Liquid Treatment
Sludge Handling Facilities
Example
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Table
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Digestion Digestion
Trickling Activated and Beds and Sludge
Primary Filters Sludge or Lagoons Dewatering
X X
X X
X
XX X
XX X
X X
X XX
XX X
X X
Dewatering
and
Incineration
X
X
X
Example tables are shown on Pages 136 through 144.
-------
personnel, in which case the staff would need to be increased accordingly.
Conversely, if unusually well qualified employees are available, the
total estimated staff might be reduced.
It should also be recognized that complexity of plant processes,
equipment, and treatment problems can affect personnel requirements.
Each plant will have unique circumstances requiring knowledge of the
situation and sound judgment to develop the optimum staff.
The 9 examples presented in Tables 7 through 15 represent a practical
guideline for estimating overall treatment plant staff requirements on
a national average basis, and may be considered sufficiently
representative for that purpose. The example staff complements should not
be considered as fixed criteria for judging the adequacy of staff
complements determined in special studies for specific local situations.
135
-------
TABLE 7
STAFF COMPLEMENTS FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS
Example No. 1(a)
Occupation Title
Superintendent
Assistant Superintendent
Clerk Typist
Operations Supervisor
Shift Foreman
Operator II
Operator I
Auto. Equipment Operator
Maintenance Supervisor
Mech. Maintenance Foreman
Maintenance Mechanic II
Maintenance Mechanic I
Electrician II
Electrician I
Maintenance Helper
Laborer
Painter
Storekeeper
Custodian
Chemist
Laboratory Technician
Total Staff Complement
Plant Average Day Capacity, mgd ]
1 | 3
5
10
20
35
50
65
80
100)
Estimated Number of Personnel
1
3
4
1
4
.5
5.5
.5
1
5
1
7.5
1
1
4
.5
1
1
1
9.5
1
1
2
4
1
1
.5
1
2
1
14.5
1
1
1
3
5
1
1
1
1
1
4
2
22
1
1
1.5
6
6
1
1
1
1
.5
2
4
1
2
29
1
1
2
1
6
6
1
1
2
1
1
.5
2
5
1
1
2
34.5
1
1
2
1
7
8
2
1
2
2
1
1
3
5
1
1
.5
2
41.5
1
1
2
1
1
8
8
2
1
1
2
2
-j
1
4
7
.5
1
1
.5
2
48
Notes:
(a) Plant components included in this example are:
Liquid Treatment
Raw wastewater pumping
Preliminary treatment
Primary sedimentation
Chlorination
Sludge Treatment
Primary sludge pumping
Sludge digestion
Sludge drying beds(b)
(1, 3 and 5 mgd plants)
Sludge lagoons(c)
(10 mgd and larger plants)
Other Plant Components
Yardwork
Laboratory
Administration and general
(b) Sludge removed from plant site by plant personnel.
(c) Sludge removed from plant site under contract.
136
-------
TABLE 8
STAFF COMPLEMENTS FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS
Example No. 2(a)
Occupation Title
Superintendent
Assistant Superintendent
Clerk Typist
Operations Supervisor
Shift Foreman
Operator II
Operator I
Auto. Equipment Operator
Maintenance Supervisor
Mech. Maintenance Foreman
Maintenance Mechanic II
Maintenance Mechanic I
Electrician II
Electrician I
Maintenance Helper
Laborer
Painter
Storekeeper
Custodian
Chemist
Laboratory Technician
Total Staff Complement
Plant Average Day Capacity, mgd
1
3
5
10
20
35
50
65
80
100
Estimated Number of Personnel
1
3
4
.5
1
3
1
.5
6
.5
2
3
1
1
7.5
1
2
3.
1
.5
1
2
1
11.5
1
1
3
5
1
1
1
.5
1
2
1
17.5
1
1
1
5
6
2
1
1
1
1
4
2
26
1
1
1.5
1
6
8
2
1
2
1
1
.5
2
4
1
2
35
1
1
2
1
7
8
4
1
2
1
1
.5
3
5
1
1
2
41.5
1
1
2
1'
1
9
10
4
1
2
2
1
1
3
5
.5
1
1
.5
2
49
1
1
2
1
2
10
11
4
1
1
2
2
2
1
4
7
.5
1
1
.5
2
57
Notes:
(a) Plant components included in this example are:
Liquid Treatment
Raw wastewater pumping
Preliminary treatment
Primary sedimentation
Chlorination
Sludge Treatment
Primary sludge pumping
Sludge digestion
Sludge holding tanks
Vacuum filtration(b)
Other Plant Components
Yardwork
Laboratory
Administration and general
(b) Filter cake hauled from plant site by plant personnel.
137
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TABLE 9
STAFF COMPLEMENTS FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS
Example No. 3(a)
Occupation Title
Superintendent
Assistant Superintendent
Clerk Typist
Operations Supervisor
Shift Foreman
Operator II
Operator I
Auto. Equipment Operator
Maintenance Supervisor
Mech. Maintenance Foreman
Maintenance Mechanic II
Maintenance Mechanic I'
Electrician II
Electrician I
Maintenance Helper
Laborer
Painter
Storekeeper
Custodian
Chemist
Laboratory Technician
Total Staff Complement
Plant Average Day Capacity, mgd
1
3
5
10
20
35
50
65
80
100
Estimated Number of Personnel
1
3
4
s
1
4
.5
6
,S
2
4
1
.5
8
1
2
4
1
1
1
1
11
1
1
3
6
1
1
.5
1
2
1
17,5
1
1
1
5
7
1
1
1
1
1
4
2
26
1
1
1.5
1
6
8
1
1
2
1
1
.5
2
3
1
2
33
1
1
2
1
7
11
1
1
2
1
1
1
2
5
1
1
2
41
1
1
2
1
1
9
12
2
1
2
2
1
1
3
5
.5
1
•i
.5
2
49
1
1
2
1
2
10
13
2
1
1
2
2
2
1
4
7
.5
1
1
.5
2
57
Notes:
(a) Plant components included in this example are:
Liquid Treatment
Raw wastewater pumping
Preliminary treatment
Primary sedimentation
Chlorination
Sludge Treatment
Primary sludge pumping
Sludge holding tanks
Vacuum filtration
Incineration(b)
Other Plant Components
Yardwork
Laboratory
Administration and general
(b) Ashes removed from plant site under contract.
138
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TABLE 10
STAFF COMPLEMENTS FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS
Example No.
Occupation Title
Superintendent
Assistant Superintendent
Clerk Typist
Operations Supervisor
Shift Foreman
Operator II
Operator I
Auto. Equipment Operator
Maintenance Supervisor
Mech. Maintenance Foreman
Maintenance Mechanic II
Maintenance Mechanic I'
Electrician II
Electrician I
Maintenance Helper
Laborer
Painter
Storekeeper
Custodian
Chemist
Laboratory Technician
Total Staff Complement
Plant Average Day Capacity, mgd
1
3
5
10
20
35
50
65
80
100
Estimated Number of Personnel
1
4
5
.5
2
4
1
7.5
.5
2
5
1
1
.5
10
1
3
4
I
1
1
1
12
1
1
5
5
1
1
.5
1
3
1
19.5
1
1
1
5
7
1
1
2
1
1
2
4
2
29
1
1
2
1
7
8
1
1
2
1
1
1
3
4
1
2
37
1
1
2
1
10
10
1
1
2
2
1
1
4
5
1
1
2
46
1
1
2
1
2
10
11
2
1
2
2
2
1
1
4
6
.5
1
1
.5
2
54
1
1
3
1
3
10
14
2
1
2
2
2
2
1
5
8
1
1
1
.5
2
63.5
Notes:
(a) Plant components included in this example are:
Liquid Treatment
Raw wastewater pumping
Preliminary treatment
Primary sedimentation
Trickling filters
Final sedimentation
Recirculation pumping
Chlorination
Sludge Treatment
Primary sludge pumping
Sludge digestion
Sludge drying
(1, 3 and 5 mgd plants)
Sludge lagoons(°)
(10 mgd and larger plants)
Other Plant Components
Yardwork
Laboratory
Administration and general
(b) Sludge removed from plant site by plant personnel.
(c) Sludge removed from plant site under contract.
139
-------
TABLE 11
STAFF COMPLEMENTS FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS
Example No. 5^a)
Occupation Title
Superintendent
Assistant Superintendent
Clerk Typist
Operations Supervisor
Shift Foreman
Operator II
Operator I
Auto. Equipment Operator
Maintenance Supervisor
Mech. Maintenance Foreman
Maintenance Mechanic II
Maintenance Mechanic I
Electrician II
Electrician I
Maintenance Helper
Laborer
Painter
Storekeeper
Custodian
Chemist
Laboratory Technician
Total Staff Complement
Plant Average Day Capacity, mgd
1
3
5
10
20
35
50
65
80
100
Estimated Number of Personnel
2
3
5
.5
2
4
1
.5
8
.5
;2
4
1
1
1
.5
10
1
3
5
1
1
1
2
1
15'
1
1
5
6
3
1
1
1
1
3
1
24
1
1
1
1
6
10
3
1
2
1
1
2
4
2
36
1
1
2
2
8
10
4
1
2
2
1
1
3
4
1
2
45
1
1 '
2
1
2
10
13
4
1
1
2
2
1
1
4
5
.5
1
1
2
55.5
1
1
2
1
3
11
15
6
1
2
2
2
2
1
4
6
1
1
1
.5
2
65.5
1
1
3
1
3
14
18
6
1
2
2
3
2
2
5
8
1
1
1
.5
2
77.5
Notes:
(a) Plant components included in this example are:
Liquid Treatment
Raw wastewater pumping
Preliminary treatment'
Primary sedimentation
Trickling filters
Final sedimentation
Recirculation pumping
Chlorination
Sludge Treatment
Primary sludge pumping
Sludge digestion
Sludge holding tanks
Vacuum filtration("'
Other Plant Components
Yardwork
Laboratory
Administration and general
(b) Filter cake hauled fi^om plant site by plant personnel.
140
-------
TABLE 12
STAFF COMPLEMENTS FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS
Example No. 6^a^
Occupation Title
Superintendent
Assistant Superintendent
Clerk Typist
Operations Supervisor
Shift Foreman
Operator II
Operator I
Auto. Equipment Operator
Maintenance Supervisor
Mech. Maintenance Foreman
Maintenance Mechanic II
Maintenance Mechanic I'
Electrician II
Electrician I
Maintenance Helper
Laborer
Painter
Storekeeper
Custodian
Chemist
Laboratory Technician
Total Staff Complement
Plant Average Day Capacity, mgd
1
3
5
10
20
35
50
65
80
100
Estimated Number of Personnel
2
3
.b
5.5
.5
3
4
.b
8
.5
3
4
1
1
1
10.5
1
3
6
1
1
2
1
15
1
1
5
8
2
1
1
1
3
1
24
1
1
1
1
7
10
1
1
2
2
1
2
4
2
36
1
1
2
1
2
9
13
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
3
4
1
2
48
1
1
2
1
3
11
14
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
4
5
.5
1
1
2
55.5
1
1
2
1
3
14
19
2
1
2
2
2
2
1
4
6
1
1
1
.5
2
68,5
1
1
3
1
4
17
22
2
1
2
2
3
2
2
5
8
1
1
1
.5
2
81,5
Notes:
(a) Plant components included in this example are:
Liquid Treatment
Raw wastewater pumping
Preliminary treatment
Primary sedimentation
Trickling filters
Final sedimentation
Recirculation pumping
Chlorination
Sludge Treatment
Primary sludge pumping
Sludge holding tanks
Vacuum filtration
Incineration(b)
Other Plant Components
Yardwork
Laboratory
Administration and general
(b) Ashes removed from plant site under contract.
141
-------
TABLE 13
STAFF COMPLEMENTS FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS
Example No. ?(a)
Occupation Title
Superintendent
Assistant Superintendent
Clerk Typist
Operations Supervisor
Shift Foreman
Operator II
Operator I
Auto. Equipment Operator
Maintenance Supervisor
Mech. Maintenance Foreman
Maintenance Mechanic II
Maintenance Mechanic I
Electrician II
Electrician I
Maintenance Helper
Laborer
Painter
Storekeeper
Custodian
Chemist
Laboratory Technician
Total Staff Complement
Plant Average Day Capacity ^ mgd
1
3
5
10
20
35
50
65
80
100
Estimated Number of Personnel
1
4
.5
1
6.5
,5
2
5
I
1
9.5
,5
3
6
1
1
1
12.5
1
4
5
1
.5
1
2
1.5
16
1
1
5
7
1
1
1
2
3
2
24
1
1
1
1
5
10
1
1
2
1
1
1
3
4
2
35
1
1
2
1
1
8
10
1
1
2
2
1
1
4
5
1
3
45
1
1
2
1
2
10
11
2
1
1
2
2
2
1
4
6
.5
1
1
3
Ł4.5
1
1
3
1
3
10
14
2
1
2
2
2
2
1
5 j
7
1
1
1
.5
3
63.5
1
1
4
1
4
12
15
2
1
3
3
2
2
1
6
8
1
1
1
1
3
73
Notes:
(a) Plant components included in this example are:
Liquid Treatment
Raw wastewater pumping
Preliminary treatment
Primary sedimentation
Aeration
Final sedimentation
Recirculation pumping
Chlorination
Sludge Treatment
Primary sludge pumping
Sludge digestion
Sludge drying
(1, 3 and 5 mgd plants)
Sludge lagoons(°)
(10 mgd and larger plants)
Other Plant Components
Yardwork
Laboratory
Administration and general
(b) Sludge removed from plant site by plant personnel
(c) Sludge removed from plant site under contract.
142
-------
TABLE 14
STAFF COMPLEMENTS FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS
Example No. 8^a)
Occupation Title
Superintendent
Assistant Superintendent
Clerk Typist
Operations Supervisor
Shift Foreman
Operator II
Operator I
Auto. Equipment Operator
Maintenance Supervisor
Mech. Maintenance Foreman
Maintenance Mechanic II
Maintenance Mechanic I
Electrician II
Electrician I
Maintenance Helper
Laborer
Painter
Storekeeper
Custodian
Chemist
Laboratory Technician
Total Staff Complement
Plant Average Day Capacity, mgd
1
3
5
10
20
35
50
65
80
100
Estimated Number of Personnel
2
3
1
1
7
.5
3
4
1
.5
1
10
.5
3
5
1
1
1
1
12.5
1
4
6
1
1
1
.5
1
2
1.5
19
1
1
5
9
3 •
1
1
1
2
3
2
29
1
1
1
1
7
11
4
1
2
2
1
1
3
4
2
42
1
1
2
1
2
10
12
4
1
2
2
1
1
4
5
1
3
53
1
1
2
1
2
12
17
5
1
2
2
2
2
1
4
6
.5
1
1
3
66.5
1
1
3
1
3
13
18
6
1
3
2
2
2
1
5
7
1
1
1
.5
3
75.5
1
1
4
1
5
16
20
6
1
3
3
2
2
2
6
8
1
1
1
1
3
88
Notes:
(a) Plant components included in this example are:
Liquid Treatment
Raw wastewater pumping
Preliminary treatment
Primary sedimentation
Aeration
Final sedimentation
Recirculation pumping
Chlorination
Sludge Treatment
Primary sludge pumping
Sludge digestion
Sludge holding tanks
Vacuum filtration(b)
Other Plant Components
Yardwork
Laboratory
Administration and general
(b) Filter cake hauled from plant site by pl_:r,t personnel.
143
-------
TABLE 15
STAFF COMPLEMENTS FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS
Example No. 9
(a)
Occupation Title
Superintendent
Assistant Superintendent
Clerk Typist
Operations Supervisor
Shift Foreman
Operator II
Operator I
Auto. Equipment Operator
Maintenance Supervisor
Mech. Maintenance Foreman
Maintenance Mechanic II
Maintenance Mechanic I'
Electrician II
Electrician I
Maintenance Helper
Laborer
Painter
Storekeeper
Custodian
Chemist
Laboratory Technician
Total Staff Complement
Plant Average Day Capacity, mgd
1
3
5
10
20
35
50
65
80
100
Estimated Number of Personnel
2
4
1
7
,5
3
5
.5
1
10
.5
4
6
1
1
12.5
1
4
6
1
1
.5
1
.2
1.5
18
1
1
5
9
2
1
1
2
3
2
27
1
1
1
1
8
12
1
1
2
2
1
1
3
4
2
41
1
1
2
1
2
11
14
1
1
2
2
1
1
4
5
1
3
53
1
1
2
1
3
12
17
2
1
2
2
2
2
1
4
6
.5
1
1
3
64.5
1
1
3
1
3
15
19
2
1
3
2
2
2
1
5
7
1
1
1
.5
3
74.5
1
1
4
1
5
17
25
2
1
3
3
2
2
2
6
8
1
1
1
1
3
90
Notes:
(a) Plant components included in this example are:
Liquid Treatment
Raw wastewater pumping
Preliminary treatment
Primary sedimentation
Aeration
Final sedimentation
Recirculation pumping
Chlorination
Sludge Treatment
Primary sludge pumping
Sludge holding tanks
Vacuum filtration
Incineration(°'
Other Plant Components
Yardwork
Laboratory
Administration and general
(b) Ashes hauled from plant site under contract.
144
-------
OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: SUPERINTENDENT, WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Responsible for administration, operation, and maintenance of
entire plant. Exercises direct authority over all plant functions
and personnel, in accordance with approved policies and procedures.
Inspects plant regularly. Analyzes and evaluates operation and
maintenance functions; initiates or recommends new or improved
practices. Develops plans and procedures to insure efficient
plant operation. Recommends plant improvements and additions.
Coordinates data and prepares or reviews and approves operation
reports and budget requests. Controls expenditure of budgeted
funds and requests approval for major expenditures, if required.
Recommends specifications for major equipment and material
purchases. Organizes and directs activities of plant personnel,
including training programs. Maintains effective communications
and working relationships with employees, government officials,
and general public.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
1. Formal Education
College degree in sanitary, civil, chemical, or mechanical
engineering highly desirable. Minimum high school
graduate or equivalent, plus 5 to 7 years practical
experience in treatment plant operations, depending upon
size and complexity of plant.
2. General Requirements
a. Knowledge of processes and equipment involved in waste-
water treatment, including basic chemical, bacteriological,
and biological processes.
b. Understanding of managerial, administrative, and accounting
practices and procedures involved in successful plant
operation.
c. Knowledge of industrial wastes and their effects on treat-
ment processes and equipment.
d. Ability to prepare or supervise preparation of clear,
concise reports and budget recommendations.
e. Ability to plan, direct, and evaluate plant operation and
maintenance functions.
f. Ability to establish and maintain effective communication
and working relationships.
145
-------
Title: SUPERINTENDENT (Cont'd)
3. General Educational Development
a. Reasoning
(1) Apply principles of logic to define problems, collect
and analyze data, and draw valid conclusions. Deal
with a variety of concrete and abstract variables.
(2) Interpret a wide variety of technical instructions,
in book, manual, and mathematical or diagrammatic
form.
b. Mathematical
Perform ordinary arithmetical, algebraic, and geometric
procedures in standard, practical applications.
c. Language
(1) Write and edit operation reports.
(2) Evaluate and interpret engineering and other technical
data.
(3) Interview applicants and employees.
(4) Establish and maintain communications with employees,
government officals, and the public.
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
a. Completion of operator training course or equivalent
training and experience.
b. Five to 7 years experience in wastewater treatment
plant operation, depending upon size and complexity of
plant and educational background. Minimum of one year
supervisory experience.
5. Aptitudes-Relative to General Working Population
a. Intelligence ) Highest third excluding
b. Verbal ) top 10 per cent
c. Numerical )
d. Form Perception )
e. Spatial )
f. Clerical Perception )
g. Motor Coordination ) Middle third
h. Finger Dexterity )
i. Manual Dexterity )
j. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination )
k. Color Discrimination )
6. Interests
Prefer working with people in situations involving
organization and supervision of varied activities.
7. Temperament
Prefer situations involving the direction, control, and
planning of an entire activity or the activity of others.
146
-------
Title: SUPERINTENDENT (Cont'd)
8. Physical Demands
Sedentary work, except for regular plant inspection trips.
9. Working Conditions
Largely inside. Occasional exposure to weather, fumes,
odors, dust, and risk of bodily injury. Possible exposure
to toxic conditions.
ENTRY SOURCES: Assistant Superintendent, Operations Supervisor, Shift
Foreman, or Chief Chemist; depending on individual
qualifications and size and complexity of plant.
PROGRESSION TO: Similar position in larger or more complex plant.
147
-------
OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Assists in administrative and supervisory duties, under general
direction of superintendent. Serves as superintendent in his
absence. Aids in analyzing and evaluating operating and
maintenance procedures, and in developing new or improved practices,
Participates in maintenance of operating records, compilation of
data, and report preparation. Assists in employee training.
Inspects plant. Assists in planning special maintenance work and
minor plant alterations.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
1. Formal Education
College degree in sanitary, civil, chemical, or mechanical
engineering highly desirable. Minimum high school graduate
or equivalent, plus 3 to 5 years practical experience in
wastewater treatment plant operations, depending upon size
and complexity of plant.
2. General Requirements
a. Knowledge of processes and equipment involved in wastewater
treatment.
b. Ability to plan, direct, and evaluate plant operation and
maintenance functions.
c. Ability to prepare reports and budget recommendations.
d. Ability to establish and maintain effective communication
and working relationships.
3. General Educational Development
a. Reasoning
(1) Apply principles of logic to define problems, collect
and analyze data, and draw valid conclusions.
(2) Interpret a variety of technical instructions in book,
manual, mathematical or diagrammatic form.
b. Mathematical
Perform ordinary arithmetical, algebraic, and geometric
procedures in standard, practical applications.
c. Language
(1) Write or assist in preparation of operation reports.
(2) Evaluate and interpret engineering and other
technical data.
149
-------
Title: ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT (Cont'd)
(3) Interview applicants and employees.
(4) Establish and maintain communications with employees
and the public.
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
a. Completion of operator training course or equivalent
training and experience.
b. Three to 5 years experience in wastewater treatment plant
operation, depending upon size and complexity of plant and
educational background.
5. Aptitudes-Relative to General Working Population
a. Intelligence ) Highest third excluding
b. Verbal ) top 10 per cent
c. Numerical )
d. Spatial )
e. Form Perception )
f. Clerical Perception )
g. Motor Coordination ) Middle third
h. Finger Dexterity )
i. Manual Dexterity )
j. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination )
k. Color Discrimination )
6. Interests
Prefer working with people in situations involving
organization and supervision of varied activities.
7- Temperament
Prefer situations involving the direction, control, and
planning of an entire activity or the activity of others.
8. Physical Demands
Light or sedentary work. Involves plant inspections and
occasional medium work in emergency situations.
9. Working Conditions
Indoor and outdoor. Exposure to weather, fumes, odors,
dust and risk of bodily injury. Possible exposure to
toxic conditions.
ENTRY SOURCES: Operations Supervisor, Shift Foreman, Chief Chemist,
or Superintendent of considerably smaller plant.
PROGRESSION TO: Superintendent
150
-------
OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: CLERK TYPIST, WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Performs any combination of following tasks and/or other clerical
duties: Operates typewriter and other standard office machines
and equipment; including adding machine, calculator, and duplicating
machine. Serves as secretary to superintendent. Acts as
receptionist. Responsible for personal work determination in
accordance with established precedent or policy. Sets up simple
office routines and filing systems. Minor supervisory
responsibilities. Composes routine correspondence. Answers
telephone and handles routine inquiries from public. Typing
includes tables, reports, requisitions, forms, and other material
from copy, draft, or dictating machines; frequently involving
judgment regarding format or information to be included. Clerical
duties include maintaining financial records not requiring
technical bookkeeping skills. Duties ordinarily include posting,
filing, sorting, and other routine clerical functions.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
1. Formal Education
High school graduate or equivalent, including or supple-
mented by courses in typing and other commercial subjects.
2. General Requirements
a. Considerable knowledge of modern office methods and
procedure.
b. Knowledge of business English, spelling and arithmetic.
c. Ability to operate standard office equipment and type
minimum of 40 words per minute.
d. Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
e. Ability to deal effectively with public by telephone
and in person.
f. Ability to exercise independent judgment.
3. General Educational Development
a. Reasoning
Apply common sense understanding to carry out general
instructions.
b. Mathematical
Make arithmetical calculations involving percentages
and decimals.
151
-------
Title: CLERK TYPIST (Cont'd)
c. Language
Ability to transcribe dictation, make appointments
and handle routine correspondence.
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
a. Commercial courses in high school or business school.
b. Minimum one year progressively responsible general
office experience, including typing and operation of
office equipment.
5. Aptitudes - Relative to General Working Population
a. Intelligence )
b. Verbal )
c. Numerical ) Middle third
d. Spatial )
e. Form Perception )
f. Clerical Perception )
g. Motor Coordination ) Upper third excluding
h. Finger Dexterity ) top 10 per cent
i. Manual Dexterity )
j. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination )
k. Color Discrimination ) Middle third
6. Interests
Prefer activities of a concrete, organized nature
involving business contact with people.
7. Temperament
Worker must adjust to situations involving a variety of
duties characterized by frequent change.
8. Physical Demands
Sedentary work.
9. Working Conditions
Inside work. No adverse condition's except possible
exposure to odors.
ENTRY SOURCES: Employment agencies, general public.
PROGRESSION TO: Progress in grade only.
152
-------
OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR, WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Supervises and coordinates activities of plant operators, laborers,
custodians, and other plant personnel. Prepares work schedules,
subject to approval of superintendent or assistant superintendent.
Analyzes recording instrument readings and laboratory test
results; adjusts various plant processes accordingly. Prepares
reports and maintains records. Inspects plant to determine
efficiency of operation, cleanliness, and maintenance requirements.
Determines remedial action in emergencies. Conducts training
program. Requisitions chemicals and supplies. Performs duties of
assistant superintendent in his absence.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
1. Formal Education
High school graduate or equivalent. College courses in
engineering or chemistry highly desirable.
2. General Requirements
a. Knowledge of processes and equipment involved in waste-
water treatment.
b. Ability to direct and evaluate operation of plant.
c. Ability to handle emergencies.
d. Ability to train and supervise plant operators.
e. Ability to prepare routine operation reports and
maintain records.
3. General Educational Development
a. Reasoning
(1) Apply principles of wastewater treatment to solve
practical operational problems.
(2) Interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral,
diagrammatic, or schedule form.
b. Ma themat ic a1
Perform ordinary arithmethical, algebraic, and
geometric procedures in standard, practical
applications.
c. Language
(1) Write or assist in preparation of operation reports.
(2) Establish and maintain communications with
employees and superiors.
153
-------
Title: OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR (Cont'd)
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
a. Completion of operator training course or equivalent in
training and experience.
b. One to 5 years experience in wastewater treatment plant
operation, depending upon size and complexity of plant.
Supervisory experience highly desirable.
5. Aptitudes - Relative to General Working Population
a. Intelligence )
b. Verbal )
c. Numerical )
d. Spatial )
e. Form Perception )
f. Clerical Perception ) Middle third
g. Motor Coordination )
h. Finger Dexterity )
i. Manual Dexterity )
j. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination )
k. Color Discrimination )
6. Interests
Prefer activities involving supervision of varied
activities of a routine, concrete, organized nature.
7. Temperament
Worker must adjust to situations involving the direction
and planning of activities of others.
8. Physical Demands
Light work. May occasionally engage in medium work during
emergencies.
9. Working Conditions
Both inside and outside. Exposed to weather, fumes,
odors, dust, and risk of bodily injury. May be exposed
to toxic conditions.
ENTRY SOURCES: Shift Foreman or Operator II, depending on size and
complexity of plant.
PROGRESSION TO: Assistant Superintendent or Superintendent.
154
-------
OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: SHIFT FOREMAN, WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Supervises operation of plant, under general direction of
superiors. Performs duties of operations or maintenance
supervisor in their absence. Supervises, instructs, and assigns
specific duties to shift workers. Reviews and evaluates work
performance. Participates in training programs. Inspects plant
equipment and processes regularly. Analyzes instrument readings
and laboratory test results. Determines site and causes of any
malfunctions. Orders, supervises, or participates in required
adjustments or repairs. Maintains and evaluates operating
records. Replaces operator or maintenance worker during emergency
situations. Communicates with other shift foremen regarding plant
conditions.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
1. Formal Education
High school graduate or equivalent training and experience
Chemistry, science, and mechanical subjects highly
desirable.
2. General Requirements
a. Knowledge of processes and equipment involved in waste-
water treatment.
b. Ability to direct and evaluate operation of plant.
c. Ability to supervise and train shift workers.
d. Ability to react promptly and efficiently to emergencies.
e. Ability to maintain and evaluate records.
f. Ability to perform operation and maintenance duties if
required.
3. General Educational Development
a. Reasoning
(1) Apply knowledge of wastewater treatment to solve
practical problems.
(2) Interpret a variety of written and oral instructions.
b. Mathematical
Perform ordinary arithmetical, algebraic, and
geometric procedures in standard, practical
applications.
155
-------
Title: SHIFT FOREMAN (Cont'd)
c. Language
(1) Establish and maintain communications with superiors
and employees, including training and operating
instructions.
(2) Prepare or assist in preparation of various operating
reports, as required.
(3) Interpret technical manuals, drawings, specifications,
blueprints and layouts.
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
a. Completion of operator training course or equivalent
training and experience.
b. State operator certification, if applicable.
c. One to 3 years experience in wastewater treatment plant
operation depending upon size and complexity of plant and
worker's experience and training.
5. Aptitudes - Relative to General Working Population
a. Intelligence )
b. Verbal )
c. Numerical )
d. Spatial )
e. Form Perception )
f. Clerical Perception ) Middle third
g. Motor Coordination )
h. Finger Dexterity )
i. Manual Dexterity )
j. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination )
k. Color Discrimination )
6. Interest
Prefer activities involving supervision of varied
activities of a routine, concrete, organized nature.
7- Temperaments
Worker must adjust to situations involving the direction
and planning of activities of others.
8. Physical Demands
Light work. May occasionally be required to engage in
medium work involving climbing, balancing, reaching and
handling.
9. Working Conditions
Both inside and outside. Exposed to weather, fumes, odors,
dust, and risk of bodily injury. May be exposed to toxic
conditions.
156
-------
Title: SHIFT FOREMAN (Cont'd)
ENTRY SOURCES: Operator II with sufficient experience. Other smaller
plants.
PROGRESSION TO: Operations Supervisor, Assistant Superintendent, or
Superintendent depending on size of plant.
157
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OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: OPERATOR II, WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Performs any combination of following tasks pertinent to control-
ling operation of plant: Operates treatment facilities to control
flow and processing of wastewater, sludge, and effluent. Monitors
gages, meters, and control panels. Observes variations in
operating conditions and interprets meter and gage readings and
test results to determine processing requirements. Operates
valves and gates either manually or by remote control; starts
and stops pumps, engines and generators to control and adjust flow
and treatment processes. Maintains shift log and records meter
and gage readings. Extracts samples and performs routine
laboratory tests and analyses. Performs routine maintenance
functions and custodial duties. Operates and maintains power
generating equipment and incinerators. Classified by titles such
as Pumping Station Operator or Digester Operator when performing
specialized activities only. Makes operating decisions in absence
of supervisory personnel.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
1. Formal Education
High school graduate or equivalent training and experience.
2. General Requirements
a. Knowledge of processes and equipment involved in waste-
water treatment.
b. Ability to maintain and evaluate records.
c. Ability to perform all required duties.
d. Ability to maintain working relationship with other shift
workers.
3. General Educational Development
a. Reasoning
(1) Apply knowledge of wastewater treatment to solve
practical problems.
(2) Interpret a variety of written and oral instructions.
b. Mathematical
Perform ordinary arithmetical and algebraic procedures
in standard, practical applications.
159
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Title: OPERATOR II (Cont'd)
c. Language
(1) Establish and maintain communications with superiors
and co-workers.
(2) Ability to comprehend oral and written instructions,
record information, and request supplies and work
materials orally or in writing.
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
a. Completion of operator training course or equivalent
training and experience.
b. State operator certification, if applicable.
c. Three to 12 months experience in wastewater treatment
plant, depending upon formal training and prior experience,
5. Aptitudes - Relative to General Working Population
a. Intelligence )
b. Verbal )
c. Numerical )
d. Spatial )
e. Form Perception )
f. Clerical Perception ) Middle third
g. Motor Coordination )
h. Finger Dexterity )
i. Manual Dexterity )
j. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination )
k. Color Discrimination )
6. Interests
Prefer activities of a routine, concrete, organized
nature; dealing with things and objects.
7. Temperament
Worker must adjust to situations involving a variety of
duties, including evaluation of information against
measurable criteria and precise attainment of set limits
or standards.
8. Physical Demands
Medium work; involving climbing, balancing, stooping,
kneeling, crouching, reaching, handling, fingering,
talking, hearing, visual acuity, depth perception, and
color vision.
9. Working Conditions
Both inside and outside. Exposed to weather, fumes,
odors, and dust. May be exposed to toxic conditions.
Definite risk of bodily injury.
160
-------
Title: OPERATOR II (Cont'd)
ENTRY SOURCES: Operator I.
PROGRESSION TO: Shift Foreman or Operations Supervisor,
161
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OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: OPERATOR I, WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Assists Operator II in performance of any cotttbination of following
tasks pertinent to controlling operation of plant or performs
various tasks as directed: Operates treatment facilities to
control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge, and
effluent. Monitors gages, meters, and control panels. Observes
variations in operating conditions and interprets meter and
gage readings and test results to determine processing requirements,
Operates valves and gates either manually or by remote control;
starts and stops pumps, engines, and generators to control and
adjust flow and treatment processes. Maintains shift log and
records meter and gage readings. Extracts samples and performs
routine laboratory tests and analyses. Performs routine
maintenance functions and custodial duties. Operates and
maintains power generating equipment and incinerators. Classified
by title such as Pumping Station Operator I or Digester Operator I
when performing specialized activities only.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
1. Formal Education
High school graduate or equivalent training and experience.
2. General Requirements
a. Ability to learn operation of plant processes and
equipment.
b. Ability to maintain and evaluate simple records.
c. Ability to maintain working relationship with other
shift workers.
3. General Educational Development
a. Reasoning
Apply common sense understanding to carry out written,
oral, or diagrammatic instructions. Deal with
problems involving concrete variables in or from
standardized situations.
b. Mathematical
Perform ordinary arithmetical calculations.
c. Language
Ability to comprehend oral and written instructions,
record information, and request supplies and work
materials orally or in writing.
163
-------
Title: OPERATOR I (Cont'd)
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
On-the-job training from date of employment. Completion
of an operator training course highly desirable. Previous
experience as laborer or equipment operator in waste-
water treatment plant also desirable.
5. Aptitudes - Relative to General Working Population
a. Intelligence )
b. Verbal )
c. Numerical )
d. Spatial ) Lowest third excluding
e. Form Perception ) bottom 10 per cent
f. Clerical Perception )
g. Motor Coordination )
h. Finger Dexterity )
i. Manual Dexterity ) Middle third
j. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination ) Lowest third excluding
bottom 10 per cent
k. Color Discrimination ) Middle third
6. Interests
Preference for activities of a routine, concrete, organized
nature; dealing with things and objects.
7. Temperament
Worker must adjust to situations involving a variety of
duties and evaluation of information against.measurable
criteria.
8. Physical Demands
Medium work; involving climbing, balancing, stooping,
kneeling, crouching, reaching, handling, fingering,
talking, hearing, visual acuity, depth perception, and
color vision.
9. Working Conditions
Both inside and outside. Exposed to weather, fumes,
odors, and dust. May be exposed to toxic conditions.
Definite risk of bodily injury.
ENTRY SOURCES: Graduates of operator training courses, treatment plant
laborers or equipment operators, general public.
PROGRESSION TO: Operator II.
164
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OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT OPERATOR, WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Operates automotive equipment such as dump truck, tank truck, fork
lift, or tractor to perform any combination of tasks such as
following: Loads or assists in loading grit, sludge, or other
disposable material. Hauls material from plant to disposal area.
Unloads material at destination. Operates tractor to cut grass or
weeds, bulldoze soil, or remove snow. Performs maintenance on
vehicles.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
1. Formal Education
Elementary school graduate or equivalent. Mechanical
courses at high school or trade school level desirable.
2. General Requirements
a. Valid operator's license for equipment to be operated.
b. Ability to perform routine maintenance on vehicles.
c. Ability to follow simple oral or written instructions.
3. General Educational Development
a. Reasoning
Apply common sense understanding to carry out simple
one or two-step instructions. Deal with standardized
situations with occasional variables in or from these
situations encountered on the job.
b. Mathematical
Perform simple addition and subtraction, reading and
copying of figures, or counting and recording.
c. Language
Ability to learn job duties from oral and written
instructions or demonstration, and to request
supplies or work materials orally or in writing.
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
Short demonstration and directions only. (Proper
operators license prerequisite).
165
-------
Title: AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (Cont'd)
5. Aptitudes - Relative to General Working Population
a. Intelligence )
b. Verbal )
c. Numerical ) Lowest third excluding
d. Spatial ) bottom 10 per cent
e. Form perception )
f. Clerical Perception )
g. Motor Coordination ) Middle third
h. Finger Dexterity ) Lowest third excluding
bottom 10 per cent
i. Manual Dexterity ) Middle third
j. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination )
k. Color Discrimination ) Lowest third excluding
bottom 10 per cent
6. Interests
Preference for activities of a routine, concrete, organized
nature; dealing with things and objects.
7. Temperament
Worker must adjust to situations involving doing things
only under specific instruction; working alone and apart
in physical isolation from others although the activity
may be integrated,with that of others.
8. Physical Demands
Light and medium work primarily limited to reaching,
handling, visual acuity and depth perception.
9. Working Conditions
Both inside and outside. Exposed to weather, fumes,
odors, and dust. May be exposed to toxic conditions.
ENTRY SOURCES: Laborer or general public.
PROGRESSION TO: Operator I.
166
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OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR, WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Supervises all preventive and corrective maintenance on plant and
equipment. Plans, schedules, and directs maintenance of wide
variety of. specialized mechanical and electrical equipment plus
buildings, structures, and grounds. Inspects plant frequently to
ensure proper maintenance procedures are followed. Determines
the necessity for and establishes long-range maintenance programs.
Decides remedial action in emergency situations. Supervises and
instructs maintenance personnel. Supervises installation and
testing of new or rebuilt equipment. Supervises inspection of
contracted maintenance work. Submits maintenance budget requests.
Supervises maintenance records. Performs related work as required.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
1. Formal Education
High school or trade school graduate or equivalent in
training and experience. College level engineering courses
highly desirable.
2. General Requirements
a. Ability and knowledge necessary to supervise maintenance
and repair of plant equipment, buildings, structures and
grounds.
b. Ability to implement and initiate preventive maintenance
programs.
c. Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
3. General Educational Development
a. Reasoning
Apply principles of logical thinking to define
problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw
valid conclusions. Interpret an extensive variety of
technical instructions, in books, manuals, and
mathematical or diagrammatic form. Deal with several
abstract and concrete variables.
b. Mathematical
Perform ordinary arithmetical, algebraic, and
geometric procedures in standard, practical
applications.
c. Language
Interpret technical manuals as well as drawings and
and specifications, such as layouts, blueprints, and
schematic.
167
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Title: MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR, WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT (Cont?d)
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
a. Three to 8 years experience in the maintenance and repair
of mechanical and electrical equipment, depending on
education and size and complexity of plant.
b. Minimum one year supervisory experience.
5. Aptitudes - Relative to General Working Population
a. Intelligence )
b. Verbal )
c. Numerical ) Middle third
d. Spatial )
e. Form Perception )
f. Clerical Perception )
g. Motor Coordination )
h. Finger Dexterity ) Highest third excluding
i. Manual Dexterity ) top 10 per cent
j. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination )
k. Color Discrimination ) Middle third
6. Interests
Preference for sientific and technical activities,
concerned with people and the communication of ideas.
7. Temperament
Worker must adjust to situations involving direction,
control, and planning of an entire activity or the
activities of others.
8. Physical Demands
Sedentary or light work, requiring walking and standing.
Occasional heavy lifting possible in emergencies.
9. Working Conditions
Inside. Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions
Frequently encounters wet environment, definite risk of
bodily injury, fumes, odors, and toxic conditions.
ENTRY SOURCES: Mechanical Maintenance Foreman
PROGRESSION TO: Assistant Superintendent
168
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OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE FOREMAN, WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Supervises mechanical maintenance crew in performance of a wide
variety of maintenance and repair tasks on machinery, equipment,
buildings, structures, and grounds. Duties include any combination
of tasks such as following: Assigns tasks to maintenance crew.
Directs and/or participates in maintenance and repair tasks as
required. Supervises and instructs maintenance personnel on
routine and emergency tasks. Consults superiors regarding
preventive maintenance program. Establishes and operates
preventive program. Inspects plant and mechanical equipment for
malfunctions and needed repairs. Determines repair methods.
Consults with superior and/or manufacturer's representative on
difficult or complicated repairs. Keeps maintenance records.
Works with contractors.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
1. Formal Education
High school or trade school education or equivalent
training and experience. Shop courses highly desirable.
2. General Requirements
a. Ability and knowledge necessary to supervise and
participate in maintenance of mechanical and electro-
mechanical equipment, buildings, structures, and
grounds.
b. Ability to initiate and operate preventive maintenance
programs.
c. Ability to keep records.
3. General Educational Development
a. Reasoning
Apply principles of rational systems to solve
practical problems and deal with a variety of
concrete variables in situations where only limited
standardization exists. Interpret a variety of
instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic,
or schedule form.
b. Mathematical
Perform ordinary arithmetical, algebraic, and
geometric procedures in standard, practical
applications.
169
-------
Title: MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE FOREMAN (Cont'd)
c. Language
Ability to interpret technical manuals, drawings and
specifications, including layouts, blueprints, and
schematics.
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
a. Two to 5 years experience in the maintenance and repair of
mechanical equipment and structures, depending on size and
complexity of plant.
5. Aptitudes - Relative to General Working Population
a. Intelligence )
b. Verbal )
c. Numerical ) Middle third
d. Spatial )
e. Form Perception )
f. Clerical Perception )
g. Motor Coordination )
h. Finger Dexterity ) Highest third excluding
i. Manual Dexterity ) top 10 per cent
j. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination )
k. Color Discrimination ) Lowest third excluding
bottom 10 per cent
6. Interests
Preference for scientific and technical activities
concerned with people and the communication of ideas.
7. Temperament
Worker must adjust to a variety of duties involving
the direction, control, and planning of the activities of
others.
8. Physical Demands
Light to medium work. Involves walking, standing,
climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching,
reaching, handling, and feeling. May occasionally require
heavy lifting.
9. Working Conditions
Both inside and outside. Exposed to weather, dampness,
noise and vibration, fumes, odors, toxic conditions, dust,
and risk of bodily injury.
ENTRY SOURCES: Maintenance Mechanic II
PROGRESSION TO: Maintenance Supervisor
170
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OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: MAINTENANCE MECHANIC II, WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Performs preventive maintenance and repairs on mechanical and
electromechanical machinery and equipment, under general direction
of superior. Maintains buildings structures and grounds.
Duties include any combination of tasks such as following:
Lubricates equipment and checks for malfunctions. Replaces
packing in pumps or valves. Replaces bearings in motors, pumps,
and other equipment. Adjusts and cleans bar screens, comminutors,
and weir plates. Cleans out pipes and performs other plumbing
and pipefitting tasks as required. Uses gas and/or arc welding
equipment to heat, cut, braze, or weld. Performs duties of
electrician and/or painter in their absence. Installs and sets
up new equipment. Assists in keeping maintenance records.
Supervises, instructs, and inspects work of Mechanic I,
Maintenance Helper, or Laborer to ensure proper performance of
maintenance work or repairs. Performs general maintenance and
repair tasks on buildings, structures, and grounds.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
1. Formal Education
High school or trade school graduate or equivalent
training and experience.
2. General Requirements
a. Thorough knowledge of wastewater treatment machinery and
equipment, plus ability to perform necessary maintenance
and repairs.
b. Ability to handle variety of duties without close
supervision.
3. General Educational Development
a. Reasoning
Apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions
furnished in oral, written, or diagrammatic form.
b. Mathematical
Make arithmetical calculations involving fractions,
decimals and percentages.
c. Language
Ability to interpret technical manuals, drawings and
specifications, including layouts, blueprints and
schematics.
171
-------
Title: MAINTENANCE MECHANIC II (Cont'd)
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
a. Vocational or technical school shop courses or equivalent
in-plant or on-the-job training.
b. Minimum 3 years experience in mechanical maintenance work.
5. Aptitudes - Relative to General Working Population
a. Intelligence )
b. Verbal )
c. Numerical ) Middle third
d. Spatial )
e. Form Perception )
f. Clerical Perception ) Lowest third excluding
bottom 10 per cent
g. Motor Coordination )
h. Finger Dexterity ) Highest third excluding
i. Manual Dexterity ) top 10 per cent
j. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination ) Middle third
k. Color Discrimination )
6. Interests
Preference for scientific and technical activities dealing
with things and objects.
7. Temperament
Worker must adjust to a variety of duties, involving
working alone and apart in physical isolation from others.
8. Physical Demands
Medium work. Involves climbing, balancing, stooping,
kneeling, crouching, reaching, handling, fingering, arid
feeling. Occasional heavy lifting possible in emergencies.
9. Working Conditions
Both inside and outside. Exposed to weather, dampness,
fumes, odors, dust, toxic conditions, and definite risk
of bodily injury.
ENTRY SOURCES: Maintenance Mechanic I
PROGRESSION TO: Maintenance Foreman
172
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OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: MAINTENANCE MECHANIC I, WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Performs or assists in performance of preventive maintenance and
repairs on mechanical and electromechanical machinery and equip-
ment, under direction of Mechanic II, Foreman, or Supervisor.
Maintains buildings, structures, and grounds. Duties include
any combination of tasks such as following: Lubricates motors
and equipment and checks for malfunction. Replaces packing in
pumps and valves. Replaces bearings in motors, pumps, and other
equipment. Adjusts and cleans bar screens, comminutors, and weir
plates. Installs and sets up new equipment. Cleans out pipes and
performs other plumbing and pipefitting tasks as required. Uses
gas and/or arc welding equipment to heat, cut, braze, or weld.
Performs duties of electrician and/or painter in their absence.
Assists Mechanic II and/or Foreman on difficult or highly
complicated maintenance or repair tasks. Performs general
maintenance and repair tasks on buildings, structures and grounds,
including limited laboring and custodial tasks. Assists in
keeping maintenance records.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
1. Formal Education
High school or trade school graduate or equivalent training
and experience.
2. General Requirements
a. General knowledge of wastewater treatment machinery and
equipment, plus the ability to perform wide variety of
maintenance and repair tasks.
b. Ability to follow detailed and reasonably complicated
instructions.
3. General Education Development
a. Reasoning
Apply common sense understanding to carry out
instructions furnished in oral, written, and/or
diagrammatic form.
b. Mathematical
Make arithmetic calculations involving fractions,
decimals and percentages.
c. Language
Ability to interpret technical manuals, drawings and
specifications, including layouts, blueprints and
schematics.
173
-------
Title: MAINTENANCE MECHANIC I (Cont'd)
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
a. Vocational or technical school shop courses or equivalent
in-plant or on-the-job training.
b. Minimum 6 months experience in mechanical maintenance
work.
5. Aptitudes - Relative to General Working Population
a. Intelligence )
b. Verbal )
c. Numerical ) Middle third
d. Spatial )
e. Form Perception )
f. Clerical Perception ) Lowest third excluding
bottom 10 per cent
g. Motor Coordination )
h. Finger Dexterity ) Highest third excluding
i. Manual Dexterity ) top 10 per cent
j. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination )
k. Color Discrimination ) Middle third
6. Interests
Preference for technical activities dealing with things
and objects.
7. Temperatment
Worker must adjust to a variety of duties, involving
working alone and apart in physical isolation from others.
8. Physical Demands
Medium to heavy work. Involves lifting, climbing,
balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching,
handling, fingering, and feeling.
9. Working Conditions
Both inside and outside. Exposed to weather, dampness,
fumes, odors, dust, toxic conditions, and definite
risk of bodily injury.
ENTRY SOURCES: Trade school graduates. General public.
PROGRESSION TO: Maintenance Mechanic II.
174
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OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: ELECTRICIAN II, WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Inspects, repairs, and maintains electrical and/or electronic
operating and control systems, equipment, and fixtures; including
instrumentation and heating and cooling systems. Exercises
independent judgment in solving normal work problems under general
supervision of maintenance supervisor or assistant superintendent,
using standard and special electrical tools and equipment, such as
volt-meters, ammeters, and synchroscopes. Duties include any
combination of tasks such as following: Inspects, maintains and
repairs wiring and lighting systems, electrical control equipment,
meters, outlets, and panels. Installs new equipment. Interprets
oral and written instructions, specifications, wiring diagrams and
codes. Supervises Electrician I, Maintenance Helper, and/or
Laborer. Establishes and operates scheduled maintenance program
for plant equipment. Repairs electrical and electronic instruments.
Keeps maintenance records. Prepares labor and material estimates.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
1. Formal Education
High school or electrical trade school graduate or
equivalent training and experience. Engineering and
electronics courses highly desirable.
2. General Requirements
a. Thorough knowledge of electrical systems, equipment, and
fixtures.
b. Thorough knowledge of approved methods, practices, code
requirements, and safety standards.
c. Ability to perform limited supervisory duties and maintain
satisfactory working relations with other employees.
3. General Education Development
a. Reasoning
(1) Apply principles of rational systems to solve
practical problems and deal with a variety of
concrete variables in situations where only limited
standardization exists.
(2) Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in
written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.
b. Mathematical
Perform ordinary arithmetical and algebraic procedures
in standard, practical applications.
175
-------
Title: ELECTRICIAN II (Cont'd)
c. Language
Comprehension and expression of a level to interpret
technical manuals, including drawings and
specifications, layouts, blueprints, and schematics.
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
a. Qualification equivalent to journeyman electrician, plus
minimum 3 years practical experience, including maintenance
and repair of equipment and systems found in wastewater
treatment plant.
b. Completion of courses in electronic equipment maintenance
or equivalent training and experience. Applies only to
plants where electronic equipment is installed.
5. Aptitudes - Relative to General Working Population
a. Intelligence )
b. Verbal )
c. Numerical ) Middle third
d. Spatial )
e. Form Perception )
f. Clerical Perception )
g. Motor Coordination )
h. Finger Dexterity ) Highest third excluding
i. Manual Dexterity ) top 10 per cent
j. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination )
k. Color Distrimination ) Middle third
6. Interests
Perference for technical activities carried on in relation
to processes, machines, and techniques.
7. Temperament
Worker must adjust to situations involving a variety of
duties, precise attainment of set limits, tolerances, or
standards, and direction of the activities of others.
8. Physical Demands
Medium work. Involves climbing, balancing, stooping,
kneeling, crouching and crawling, reaching, handling,
fingering and feeling.
9. Working Conditions
Both inside and outside. Exposed to weather, noise and
vibration, fumes, odors, toxic conditions, dust, poor
ventilation, and definite risk of bodily injury.
176
-------
Title: ELECTRICIAN II (Cont'd)
ENTRY SOURCES: Electrician I.
PROGRESSION TO: Maintenance Supervisor or Assistant Superintendent,
177
-------
OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: ELECTRICIAN I, WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Participates in installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical
systems, equipment, and fixtures. Assists Electrician II in
particularly difficult or complicated tasks. Work is frequently
performed independently, subject to inspection by superiors.
Follows oral and written instructions including specifications,
wiring diagrams, and codes. Duties include any combination of
tasks such as following: Inspects, maintains, and repairs wiring
and lighting systems, electrical control equipment, meters, outlets,
and panels. Installs new equipment. Supervises maintenance
helper and/or laborer. Repairs electrical instruments. Keeps
maintenance records.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
1. Formal Education
High school or electrical trade school graduate or
equivalent training and experience. Electronic courses
desirable.
2. General Requirements
a. Sound working knowledge of electrical systems, equipment,
and fixtures.
b. Thorough knowledge of approved methods, practices, code
requirements, and safety standards.
3. General Educational Development
a. Reasoning
(1) Apply principles of rational systems to solve
practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete
variables in situations where only limited
standardization exists.
(2) Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in
written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.
b. Mathematical
Perform ordinary arithmetical and algebraic procedures
in standard, practical applications.
c. Language
Comprehension and expression of a level to interpret
technical manuals as well as drawings and
specifications such as layouts, blueprints, and
schematics.
179
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Title: ELECTRICIAN I (Cont'd)
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
Qualification equivalent to journeyman electrician.
5. Aptitudes - Relative to General Working Population
a. Intelligence )
b. Verbal )
c. Numerical ) Middle third
d. Spatial )
e. Form Perception )
f. Clerical Perception )
g. Motor Coordination )
h. Finger Dexterity ) Highest third exclusive of
i. Manual Dexterity ) the top 10 per cent
j. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination )
k. Color Discrimination ) Middle third
6. Interests
Preference for technical activities carried on in relation
to processes, machines, and techniques.
7. Temperament
Worker must adjust to situations involving a variety of
duties characterized by frequent change, and requiring
precise attainment of set limits, tolerances, or standards.
8. Physical Demands
Medium work. Involves climbing, balancing, stooping,
kneeling, crouching and crawling, reaching, handling,
fingering, feeling, and seeing.
9. Working Conditions
Both inside and outside. Exposed to weather conditions,
noise and vibration, fumes, odors, toxic conditions, dust,
poor ventilation, and definite risk of bodily injury.
ENTRY SOURCES: Trade school and electrical apprentice program
graduates. Qualified electricians.
PROGRESSION TO: ELECTRICIAN II.
180
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OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: MAINTENANCE HELPER, WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Assists maintenance mechanics in maintaining and repairing equipment,
machinery, buildings, and grounds. Duties include any combination
of tasks such as following: Cleans and lubricates pumps, motors,
and related equipment. Assists in removing, repairing, and
replacing equipment as directed. Performs routine building
maintenance work. Performs simple repairs and adjustments to
equipment. Keeps simple records. Carries or holds materials,
supplies, or tools to assist mechanics, electricians, or painters.
Performs laborer tasks as required.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
1. Formal Education
High school or trade school graduate or equivalent training
and experience highly desirable.
2. General Requirements
a. Basic mechanical aptitude.
b. Ability to use a variety of hand and power tools and
equipment.
3. General Educational Development
a. Reasoning
Apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed
but uninvolved written or oral instructions.
b. Mathematical
Make arithmetical calculations involving fractions,
decimals, and percentages.
c. Language
Ability to understand oral and written instructions.
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
Vocational or high school shop courses or equivalent
on-the-job training.
5. Aptitudes - Relative to General Working Population
a. Intelligence )
b. Verbal )
c. Numerical ) Lowest third excluding
d. Spatial ) bottom 10 per cent
e. Form Perception )
f. Clerical Perception )
181
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Title: MAINTENANCE HELPER (Cont'd)
g. Motor Coordination )
h. Finger Dexterity )
i. Manual Dexterity ) Middle third
j. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination )
k. Color Discrimination )
6. Interests
Preference for activities dealing with things
and objects.
7. Temperament
Worker must adjust to situations involving doing things
only under specific instruction, allowing little or no
room for independent action or judgment in working out job
problems.
8. Physical Demands
Heavy to very heavy work. Involves lifting heavy objects,
climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching,
crawling, reaching, and handling.
9. Working Conditions
Both inside and outside work. Exposed to weather.
Subject to noise and vibration, fumes, odors, toxic
conditions, dust, poor ventilation, and definite
risk of bodily injury.
ENTRY SOUR.CES: Laborers. High school or vocational school graduates.
General public.
PROGRESSION TO: Mechanic I.
182
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OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: LABORER, WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Performs any combination of tasks such as following: Cleans
equipment such as bar screens, comminutors, and weirs.
Lubricates machinery. Drives, loads and unloads trucks; spreads
sand, gravel, and dirt. Paints (rough) and performs other minor
maintenance. Digs and refills ditches. Cleans drains, ditches,
and culverts. Cuts grass, weeds, and brush; trims trees and
bushes; rakes grass, leaves, and trash; seeds and cares for lawn
and ornamental plantings. Removes snow and ice from walkways,
driveways, and equipment. Collects and disposes of trash. Washes
and cleans vehicles, tools, and equipment. Carries or holds
material, supplies, or tools to assist operating and/or maintenance
personnel.
QUALIFICATIONS
1. Formal Education
Elementary school education desirable. Must be able to
speak, read, and write English.
2. General Requirements
a. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written
instructions.
b. Ability to perform strenuous manual labor under adverse
weather conditions.
c. Ability to use a variety of hand and power tools and
equipment.
d. Valid vehicle operator's license, if required.
3. General Educational Development
a. Reasoning
Apply common sense understanding to carry out simple
instructions.
b. Mathematical
Perform simple addition and subtraction for counting
and recording purposes.
c. Language
Ability to learn job duties from oral instructions or
demonstrations and request supplies and materials
orally or in writing.
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
On-the-job training or previous experience as a laborer.
183
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Title: LABORER (Cont'd)
5. Aptitudes - Relative to General Working Population
a. Intelligence )
b. Verbal )
c. Numerical ) Lowest third excluding
d. Spatial ) bottom 10 per cent
e. Form Perception )
f. Clerical Perception )
g. Motor Coordination )
h. Finger Dexterity )
i. Manual Dexterity ) Middle third
j. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination )
k. Color Discrimination )
6. Interests
Preference for activities dealing with things and objects.
7. Temperament
Worker must adjust to situations involving working only
under specific instruction, allowing little or no room
for independent action or judgment in working out job
problems.
8. Physical Demands
Heavy to very heavy work. Involves lifting heavy
objects, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling,
crouching, crawling, reaching, and handling.
9. Working Conditions
Primarily outside. No protection from weather. Subject
to noise and vibration, hazards, fumes, odors, and toxic
conditions.
ENTRY SOURCES: Unskilled labor market.
PROGRESSION TO: Equipment Operator or Operator I.
184
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OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: PAINTER, WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Performs all types of painting work, including any combination of
tasks such as following, under general supervision of Maintenance
Foreman or Shift Foreman: Prepares various surfaces for painting
by washing, scraping, burning, sanding, sand-blasting or other
means as necessary. Mixes, matches, and blends various paints,
enamels, lacquers, varnishes, stains and special protective
coatings to achieve desired color, consistency, and drying
properties. Caulks, putties, cements, or plasters holes and
cracks. Cuts and replaces glass in windows and doors. Erects and
uses ladders, scaffolding, and swinging stage equipment as required.
Paints buildings, structures, equipment, and furniture using brush,
roller, spray gun or other applicator. Prepares wall and hangs
paper or other wall covering material. Performs simple sign-
painting, using stencils. Requisitions material and equipment.
Cleans and stores tools and equipment. Cleans work site or
arranges for laborer to clean.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
1. Formal Education
Elementary school education desirable. Must be able to
read, write, and understand basic arithmetic.
2. General Requirements
a. Knowledge of standard practices, materials, tools, and
techniques of painting trade.
b. Ability to use and experience in using painting tools.
c. Ability to mix, match, and blend paint to desired color,
consistency, and drying properties.
d. Ability to estimate materials and time required to complete
various tasks.
3. General Educational Development
a. Reasoning
Apply common sense understanding to carry out simple
instructions.
b. Mathematical
Perform simple addition and subtraction for counting,
measuring, and recording purposes.
c. Language
Ability to learn job duties from oral instructions or
demonstration and request supplies and materials
orally or in writing.
185
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Title: PAINTER (Cont'd)
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
a. Completion of apprentice painter program or equivalent in
training and experience.
b. Minimum one year experience at level equivalent to
journeyman painter on similar plant work.
5. Aptitudes - Relative to General Working Population
a. Intelligence )
b. Verbal )
c. Numerical ) Middle third
d. Spatial )
e. Form Perception )
f. Clerical Perception ) Lowest third excluding
bottom 10 per cent
g. Motor Coordination ) Highest third excluding
top 10 per cent
h. Finger Dexterity ) Middle third
i. Manual Dexterity )
j . Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination ) Highest third excluding
k. Color Discrimination ) top 10 per cent
6. Interests
Preference for activities dealing with things and objects.
7. Temperament
Worker must adjust to working only under specific
instruction.
8. Physical Demands
Medium work. Requires climbing, balancing, stooping,
kneeling, crouching, reaching, handling, and good color
vision.
9. Working Conditions
Both inside and outside. Subject to fumes, odors, toxic
conditions, dust, and poor ventilation. Definite risk of
bodily injury.
ENTRY SOURCES: Qualified painters.
PROGRESSION TO: Progress in grade only.
186
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OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: STOREKEEPER, WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Requisitions, receives, stores, and issues materials, supplies,
tools, and equipment. Maintains inventory records and controls.
Duties include any combination of tasks such as following: Inspects
incoming stock to verify quantity, quality, and adherence to
specifications. Identifies and stores material. Fills orders and
issues supplies from stock. Prepares periodic or perpetual
inventory. Requisitions replacement quantities of stock items as
necessary. Compiles records and reports of material used, spoilage
or other loss, inventory adjustments, and refusal of shipments.
Recommends changes in established procedures. Determines methods
of storage, identification, and location of stock. Divides
stock quantities into portions to fill orders.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
1. Formal Education
High school education or equivalent in training and
experience.
2. General Requirements
a. Knowledge of procedures used in the receipt, storage,
handling, and control of merchandise.
b. Ability to maintain inventory and stock control records.
3. General Educational Development
a. Reasoning
Apply common sense understanding to carry out oral,
written, or diagrammatic instructions. Deal with
problems involving several concrete variables in or
from standardized situations.
b. Mathematical
Make arithmetical calculations involving fractions,
decimals, and percentages.
c. Language
Ability to maintain adequate incoming stock, handling,
storage, and inventory records.
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
Six months to one year experience in storekeeping or
similar work.
187
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Title: STOREKEEPER (Cont'd)
5. Aptitudes - Relative to General Working Population
a. Intelligence )
b. Verbal )
c. Numerical )
d. Spatial ) Middle third
e. Form Perception )
f. Clerical Perception )
g. Motor Coordination )
h. Finger Dexterity ) Lowest third, excluding
i. Manual Dexterity ) bottom 10 per cent
j. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination )
k. Color Discrimination )
6. Interests
Prefer routine, concrete, organized activities.
7. Temperament
Worker must adjust to working alone and in physical
isolation from others, although the activity may be
integrated with that of others.
8. Physical Demands
Medium work. Involves frequent lifting, stooping,
reaching, and handling.
9. Working Conditions
Inside.
ENTRY SOURCES: Experienced stock clerks, receiving clerks, or
storekeepers.
PROGRESSION TO: Progress in grade only.
188
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OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: CUSTODIAN, WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Cleans all or designated portions of wastewater treatment plant
and grounds. Performs any combination of tasks such as following,
in accordance with established procedures, subject to inspection
for adherence to required standards of cleanliness and compliance
with instructions: Sweeps, mops, waxes, and polishes floors;
washes walls and woodwork; dusts furniture, piping, valves, etc.
Washes and polishes windows and metal surfaces. Cleans restrooms
and maintains supplies. Empties wastecans and ashtrays. Performs
general custodial duties on grounds, including picking up litter
and sweeping walks. May shovel snow and cut grass. Adjusts heat
and ventilating controls. Reports any repairs or adjustments
required. Acts as watchman. Washes and polishes cars and trucks.
QUALIFICATIONS
1. Formal Education
Elementary school education desirable. Must be able to
speak, read, and write English and understand basic
arithmetic.
2. General Requirements
a. Knowledge of cleaning materials, equipment, methods and
procedures.
b. Ability to use and maintain a variety of cleaning equipment,
c. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written
instructions.
3. General Educational Development
a. Reasoning
Apply common sense understanding to carry out simple
instructions.
b. Mathematical
Perform simple addition and subtraction for counting
and recording purposes.
c. Language
Ability to learn job duties from oral instructions or
demonstrations and request supplies and materials
orally or in writing.
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
On-the-job training or previous experience in custodial
work.
189
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Title: CUSTODIAN (Cont'd)
5. Aptitudes - Relative to General Working Population
a. Intelligence )
b. Verbal )
c. Numerical )
d. Spatial )
e. Form Perception ) Lowest third, excluding
f. Clerical Perception ) bottom 10 per cent
g. Motor Coordination )
h. Finger Dexterity )
i. Manual Dexterity )
j. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination )
k. Color Discrimination )
6. Interests
Prefer dealing with things and objects.
7. Temperament
Worker must adjust to repetitive operations carried out
according to set procedures.
8. Physical Demands
Medium work; involving climbing, balancing, stooping,
kneeling, crouching, and reaching.
9. Working Conditions
Both inside and outside. Exposed to weather, fumes, odors,
toxic conditions, and risk of bodily injury.
ENTRY SOURCES: General public.
PROGRESSION TO: Equipment Operator or Operator I.
190
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OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: CHEMIST, WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Supervises and performs specialized and complex chemical,
bacteriological and physical tests and analyses of raw, partially
treated, and treated wastewater and byproducts to determine
efficiency of plant processes and insure that plant effluent meets
local, state, and federal requirements. Conducts or supervises
less complex routine tests. Supervises collection of laboratory
samples. When laboratory technicians are present, supervises
technicians and provides routine procedures to be followed.
Evaluates and interprets test results, establishes test priorities,
and prepares reports. Assembles data, maintains records, and
prepares periodic reports. Sets up pilot processes when conducting
research on improved procedures. Provides direct or indirect
instructions to operating personnel regarding chemical requirements
and adjustments, changes, or additions to various treatment
processes.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
1. Formal Education
College degree in chemistry or high school graduate plus
college-level courses in chemistry, biology, and
bacteriology.
2. General Requirements
a. Thorough knowledge of wastewater treatment processes and
chemical, biological, or bacteriological action involved
in each process.
b. Thorough knowledge of pertinent local, state, and federal
regulations and requirements.
c. Ability to work on own initiative and establish proper
testing procedures.
d. Ability to organize and interpret data and transmit
instructions.
3. General Educational Development
a. Reasoning
Apply principles of chemistry, biology, and
bacteriology to solve problems related to wastewater
treatment and deal with a variety of concrete
variables; interpret a variety of written, oral, and
diagrammatic instructions.
191
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Title: CHEMIST (Cont'd)
b. Mathematical
Perform ordinary arithmetical and algebraic procedures
in standard, practical applications may require
knowledge of higher mathematics.
c. Language
Ability to evaluate and interpret technical data,
prepare reports, and maintain communications with
supervisory personnel and co-workers.
d. Science
Understand chemical, biological, and bacteriological
processes pertinent to wastewater treatment, and
possess sound knowledge of problems and processes
involved.
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
Laboratory experience in a position of responsibility.
Six to 18 months on-the-job training or prior experience
in wastewater treatment plant operations, depending upon
education, size of plant, and complexity of treatment.
5. Aptitudes - Relative to General Working Population
a. Intelligence )
b. Verbal ) Highest third excluding
c. Numerical ) top 10 per cent
d. Form Perception ) Middle third
e. Clerical Perception ) Highest third excluding
top 10 per cent
f. Motor Coordination )
g. Finger Dexterity ) Middle third
h. Manual Dexterity )
i. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination )
j. Color Discrimination ) Highest third excluding
top 10 per cent
6. Interest
Prefer scientific and technical activities.
7. Temperament
Worker must adjust to situations involving evaluation of
information against measurable criteria.
8. Physical Demands
Sedentary or light work. May require considerable
standing.
9. Working Conditions
Inside. May be subject to fumes, odors, and toxic
conditions.
192
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Title: CHEMIST (Cont'd)
ENTRY SOURCES: Laboratory technicians with proper qualifications.
Chemists in smaller or less complex plants. Other
qualified chemists.
PROGRESSION TO: Assistant Superintendent or Superintendent.
193
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OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: LABORATORY TECHNICIAN, WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Performs any combination of routine laboratory tasks such as
following: Collects samples of plant influent, partially
treated wastewater, sludge, effluent, and other byproducts.
Assembles instruments and equipment for analytical or
research work. Prepares chemical and bacteriological media,
stains, reagents, and test solutions routinely used in
laboratory. Operates equipment and conducts tests as directed.
Maintains test result records, prepares data sheets. Prepares or
assists in preparation of reports. Cleans, maintains, and stores
instruments and equipment. Maintains inventory and orders supplies,
Performs custodial duties in laboratory. Operates laboratory in
small primary treatment or trickling filter plant in absence of
chemist.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
1. Formal Education
High school graduate or equivalent. Courses in chemistry
and biology highly desirable.
2. General Requirements
a. Knowledge of basic principles of chemical, physical, and
bacteriological examination and treatment of wastewater,
sludge, effluent, and by-products.
b. Knowledge of standard laboratory principles, technology,
and equipment.
c. Ability to follow prescribed methods and processes and
maintain proper records.
3. General Educational Development
a. Reasoning
Apply common sense understanding to carry out
instructions in written, oral, or diagrammatic form
and deal with problems involving a few concrete
variables in or from standardized situations.
b. Mathematics
Make arithmetical calculations involving fractions,
decimals, and percentages.
c. Language
Ability to learn job duties from oral instructions
or demonstration, fill in report forms and
accurately record data.
195
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Title: LABORATORY TECHNICIAN (Cont'd)
d. Science
Understand basic chemical, bacteriological, and
biological processes; standard laboratory principles,
methods, and equipment.
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
One to 3 months on-the-job training or experience in
laboratory work of a similar nature.
5. Aptitudes - Relative to General Working Population
a. Intelligence )
b. Verbal )
c. Numerical )
d. Spatial ) Middle third
e. Form Perception )
f. Clerical Perception )
g. Motor Coordination )
h. Finger Dexterity ) Highest third excluding top
i. Manual Dexterity ) 10 per cent
j. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination ) Middle third
k. Color Discrimination ) Highest third exlcuding top
10 per cent
6. Interests
Prefer scientific and technical activities of a routine,
concrete, organized nature; dealing with things and objects.
7. Temperatment
Worker must adjust to situations involving evaluation of
information against measurable criteria and repetitive
operations carried out according to set procedures or
sequences.
8. Physical Demands
Light work. Requires walking and standing to a significant
degree, and frequent lifting of objects weighing up to
10 pounds.
9. Working Conditions
Inside work. Subject to fumes, odors, and toxic conditions,
ENTRY SOURCES: High school graduates. General public.
PROGRESSION TO: Chemist.
196
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PART FOUR - WASTEMATER STABILIZATION PONDS
SECTION I
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Part Four presents a basis and method for estimating the initial
investment cost, and the operation and maintenance cost, for wastewater
stabilization ponds used as the only process to treat wastewater.
Relationships of estimated construction costs and operation and
maintenance costs to appropriate capacity parameters are presented for
stabilization ponds having a treatment capacity up to 10 million gallons
per day. A basis and method for estimating total manpower requirements
and staffing is included. Occupation descriptions applicable to
personnel commonly required for operation and maintenance of wastewater
stabilization ponds are also included.
A stabilization pond, as referred to in this report, is defined as a
type of oxidation pond in which biological oxidation of organic matter
is effected by natural or artificially accelerated transfer of oxygen
from air to the wastewater.
The estimating data for stabilization ponds should be considered as
applying to average situations in the coterminus United States.
Judgment must be carefully exercised by the estimator in determining
the applicability of this data to any particular location. The estimating
data and methods presented cannot be used as a substitute for cost
estimating based on detailed knowledge of conditions applicable to
a specific location.
Estimates of construction costs are developed on the basis of data
available from actual costs of projects in the experience of Black &
Veatch, and costs of facilities investigated in the field in the course
of this study.
The experience data used as a basis for developing construction cost
curves cover a wide geographic area and include projects of varied
construction conditions. The actual costs of projects have been trended
to a common cost level, using the national average Water Quality Office -
Sewage Treatment Plant (WQO^STP) Cost Index, as of January, 1971.
The cost index was 150.60 at that time.
Estimates of construction costs presented are representative of
national.average price levels as of January 1971. If the estimating
data are to represent costs in a particular area at a different date,
they must be adjusted accordingly. The cost adjustment can be based
upon the WQO-STP index which permits comparison of price levels at
differing locations and dates. The adjustment should be made to reflect
price levels expected to prevail throughout the anticipated project
construction period.
197
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Operation and maintenance cost data, and manpower requirements associated
with stabilization ponds, are developed on the basis of data collected
during field investigation of stabilization ponds. A total of 38
stabilization ponds, located in 27 communities, were investigated to
obtain background data on operating experience for this report. The
geographic location of the communities"visited, and the type of
stabilization ponds from which data were collected, are identified
in Table 16. The ponds investigated vary in size from 7 to 280 acres.
198
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TABLE 16
WASTEWATER STABILIZATION PONDS INVESTIGATED
Location
of Ponds
Arizona:
Chandler
Kearney
Safford
Arkansas:
Clarksville
El Dorado
Georgia:
Carrollton
Monroe
Savannah
Kansas:
lola
Paola
Louisiana:
Jonesboro
Minden
Missouri:
Webb City
North Dakota:
Bismarck
Carrington
Jamestown
Manden
New Rockford
Oklahoma:
Pauls Valley
Pawhuska
South Dakota:
Beresford
Ft. Pierre
Huron
Salem
Virginia:
Ashland
Emporia
South Hill
Totals
Number
of Ponds
Investigated
1
1
1
1
5
1
3
2
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
38
Type of Stabilization Pond
Wholly or
Nonaerated Partly Aerated
1
1
1
1
5
1
1 2
2
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
J2
27
Water
Surface
Area
Acres
36
7
9
75
15,15,21,31,65
35
8,20,49
10,14
101
66
11,14,24
23
19,26
23
200
10
23
39
68
16
16
282
13
19
22
10,10
11
199
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SECTION II
ESTIMATES OF CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED COSTS
Estimates of construction and other initial investment costs for waste-
water stabilization ponds are presented in this section. These include
the construction cost of the pond, and aeration equipment if used; the
cost of land for the pond site; engineering costs; legal, fiscal and
administrative costs; and interest during construction.
POND CONSTRUCTION COST
Estimates of construction costs have been developed for both aerated
and nonaerated stabilization ponds. The great majority of existing
ponds are nonaerated, depending solely on algae and wind action to
supply the oxygen necessary to oxidize the organic matter. In the past
several years there has been an increasing number of aerated
stabilization ponds constructed. These ponds characteristically have
greater water depth than nonaerated ponds and have mechanical equipment
to provide accelerated aeration in all, or a portion of, the pond.
Nonaerated Stabilization Ponds.
Nonaerated stabilization ponds have been used extensively in smaller
communities because of the relatively low initial cost, operation and
maintenance cost, and manpower requirements, when compared with other
types of wastewater treatment facilities. Nonaerated stabilization
ponds normally have a liquid depth on the order of 3 to 5 feet. Smaller
ponds generally have only one cell while larger size ponds are generally
divided into two or more cells, with the influent piping arranged
to permit the cells to be operated in parallel, or in series.
Such ponds are most often sized on the basis of organic load per unit
of surface area. In this report pond construction costs are related
to the total water surface area at the normal operating water depth.
Figure 62, Page 210, shows the plotting of experience construction costs
of nonaerated ponds against the respective water surface area of the
ponds. The curve shown on Figure 62 represents the estimated average
construction costs of nonaerated stabilization ponds of the sizes
indicated. The estimated average costs include construction at the
pond site for an access road, outfall sewer, fencing, seeding of
embankments, and other construction work, with the exception of pumping
stations and embankment protection other than seeding. Costs of pumping
stations, if required, may be estimated on the basis of data shown
in Part One of this report. Data for estimating costs of more extensive
embankment protection are provided separately in this section of the
report.
201
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It must be recognized that the costs of constructing a wastewater
stabilization pond in any particular location can vary widely from the
average cost due to such factors as terrain, soil characteristics,
amount of vegetation, length of outfall sewer, and proximity of access
road.
Aerated Stabilization Ponds.
The practice of accelerating the aeration process in stabilization ponds
through mechanical means permits the use of deeper and much smaller
size ponds to treat a given quantity of wastewater than is required
for nonaerated ponds.
Construction costs of aerated stabilization ponds shown in this report
are based on estimates since experience cost data has not been available
for such facilities. Estimates of construction costs for aerated
ponds, excluding embankment protection and mechanical aeration equipment,
are shown graphically on Figure 63, Page 211. The cost curves shown
on Figure 63 are for ponds with 10 and 15 foot water depths.
The estimated average costs shown include construction within the pond
site for an access road, outfall sewer, fencing, seeding, and other
construction work. Data for estimating the added costs of embankment
protection and mechanical aeration equipment are provided for separately.
AERATION EQUIPMENT COST
The construction costs of aeration equipment for wastewater stabilization
ponds vary widely, depending upon the type and size of equipment used.
The most common types of equipment include surface aerators, mounted on
either stationary or floating platforms, and various types of air tubing
and diffusion systems. Since the type and cost of equipment to be used
is highly dependent upon local conditions, the estimates shown in this
report are limited to surface aerators, which have had a wide range of
application in recent years.
The costs which may be applicable to the various types of aeration
equipment differ, but for surface aerators the horsepower installed is
considered the most suitable single parameter. Estimated costs for both
large impeller and small impeller aerator installations have been
developed. The large impeller aerator has a relatively high mixing
capability per motor horsepower compared with the small impeller
aerator. Estimates of large impeller installations provide for
stationary platforms and walkways. The small impeller installations
are estimated on the basis of floating platforms.
Figure 64, Page 212, shows graphically the estimated construction costs
in average cost curves for both types of installations. The estimating
curves on Figure 64 include allowances for necessary mechanical and
202
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electrical equipment including controls, one spare mixer unit, and
supporting structures and connecting walkways for stationary platform
installations.
EMBANKMENT PROTECTION COSTS
The necessity for extensive erosion protection of embankments forming
stabilization ponds varies with the local situation. Seeding of
embankments is normal and such costs are included in estimates shown on
Figures 62 and 63. The potential for damage of embankments due to wave
action are highest in ponds having a large open expanse of water surface
subject to wind action. Embankments forming aerated ponds of all sizes
are also subject to damage from agitated water.
While embankment protection consisting of dumped rip rap may be suitable
in some instances, concrete slab protection is often warranted. Other
types of protection, such as various fabrics, also may be considered.
For purposes of this report the estimated costs of concrete slab bank
protection as related to the surface area of the pond, have been developed
and are shown on Figure 65, Page 213. The average cost estimates provide
an allowance for slab surfacing on the interior of the embankment
for the full perimeter of the pond cells. The estimator should include
these costs in construction cost estimates only to the extent deemed
necessary under local circumstances.
CHLORINATION FACILITIES
Chlorination of the effluent from stabilization ponds generally is
not required at the present time. This is probably due to the fact
that most stabilization ponds are designed and constructed to provide
for a detention time of 30 days or more, which normally produces a
satisfactory reduction of pathogenic organisms. Because of the fact that
the detention time in aerated ponds is usually of a shorter duration,
disinfection may be expected to become more common in the future.
The construction costs of chlorination feed systems are related to the
average rate of chlorine use at design flow conditions. The capacity
range of chlorination equipment is quite large, and the cost of the
equipment is relatively unaffected by the rate of chlorine use. The
building cost is more directly related to the quantity of chlorine
used because of the need to provide space to store chlorine containers
between delivery dates.
The estimated costs to construct chlorination feed systems are related
to average rate of chlorine use, and are shown on Figure 66, Page 214.
Cost estimates shown are similar to those on Figure 10, Page 43 , in
Part One. Experience data in the range required for waste stabilization
203
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ponds are limited. As a supplement to the limited experience cost data,
estimates of construction costs of other chlorination installations have
been prepared and are also shown on Figure 66. The estimated cost data
have been developed and used principally as a means of extending the data
range to the smaller sizes of installations required. The curve shown
on Figure 66 reflects the cost of equipment and a building adequate
in size to provide space for the installation of chlorine feed and
accessory equipment, and to provide space to store an adequate number
of chlorine containers.
For chlorination to be effective as a disinfectant, a contact time of
30 minutes at the design average day flow rate or 15 minutes at the
maximum flow rate, whichever requirement is greater, is commonly
allowed at wastewater treatment facilities. Unless the outfall sewer
from the pond is of a length adequate to provide a proper chlorine
contact period, a contact basin is required. Figure 67, Page 215, shows
experience costs of 6 contact basin installations and costs of 3 estimated
basins, plotted against the respective liquid volumes of the basins.
Estimated data points are used solely as a guide to the shape of the
curve and its extension beyond the limits of experience data. Estimates
of average contact basin construction costs are represented by the
curve shown on Figure 67 and include allowances for costs o'f the basin
structure, normal excavation, baffles to prevent short circuiting of flow
through the basin, valves, and bypass piping.
ENGINEERING
Engineering for wastewater stabilization pond projects consists of the
two elements of basic services and special services. Basic services
include preliminary design reports, detailed design, and certain office
and field engineering services during construction of projects. Special
services include comprehensive improvement studies, resident engineering,
soils investigations, land surveys, preparation of applications for
government grants, operation and maintenance manuals, and other
miscellaneous services.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has published curves,
designated A and B, showing median compensation for basic engineering
services of varying complexity. These curves are periodically reviewed
and are subject to revision from time to time. The ASCE curves have
been used in developing estimates of basic engineering services costs.
Average costs of special engineering services are included with costs
of basic services in the estimates of total engineering costs indicated
by the total cost curve on Figure 68, Page 216• '
204
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LAND REQUIREMENTS AND COSTS
The amount of land required for construction of wastewater stabilization
ponds varies with a number of factors including water surface area,
pond depth, terrain, possible allowances for expansion, and whether
the area is open or wooded. The area of land actually purchased may
also be influenced by the size of tracts available at the selected
location.
Figure 69, Page 217, shows the estimated land requirements for average
stabilization ponds related to water surface area. No allowance is
included for irregular terrain or future expansion. Since land costs
may vary from a few hundred dollars per acre in essentially rural
areas to over one thousand dollars per acre in urban areas, average land
costs have not been estimated.
LEGAL, FISCAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS
Costs of legal and fiscal services, and of owner administration related
to planning and construction of wastewater stabilization pond facilities
can be substantial. Legal documents must be prepared and the legality
of bonds must be certified by qualified bond attorneys. The costs of
legal and fiscal consulting services are related to some degree to the
total amount of debt financing, and hence to total construction,
engineering, and land costs. Legal assistance may also be required in
other areas such as the preparation of construction contracts, and in
the acquisition of land.
Even though consultants are used, the administration of the financing,
design, and construction of wastewater treatment plants may require
substantial time on the part of owner personnel. These items of cost
may also be related to the project size as indicated by the total cost.
Total costs of legal, fiscal, and administrative services may be
expected to vary widely from one situation to another. Average costs
may range from about 5 per cent of'the costs of small projects to
about 1 per cent of the costs of larger projects. Figure 70, Page 218,
shows estimated average legal, fiscal and administrative costs related
to total construction, engineering, and land costs.
INTEREST DURING CONSTRUCTION
As used .herein, interest during construction is the interest cost
accrued on funds from the time that payment is made to the contractor
until the end of the construction period. Interest during construction
is a real cost, whether a project is financed through the issuance
of debt securities, from accrued earnings, or from other sources.
It may be assumed that the interest rate paid on borrowed funds is a
valid measure of this cost.
205
-------
Municipalities frequently finance the construction of wastewater treatment
projects from the sale of bonds prior to construction. Bond funds
are normally invested in short term securities until needed for payments
to the contractor, with short term interest income acting as an offset
to long term interest expense. Hence, the net expense for interest
during construction may not begin until the actual payment is made
to the contractor.
The owner's cost of interest during construction depends upon current
interest rates, the length of the construction period, the pattern of
payments to the contractor, and the total project costs.
An analysis of monthly payments to contractors for a number of projects
indicates that, while there is considerable variation in the size of
monthly payments, the average period over which interest is accrued
amounts to approximately one-half the total construction period. Similarly,
the total construction period varies with the construction cost, and
is estimated to be as shown in the following tabulation.
Total Estimated Total
Construction Construction
Cost Period
months
30,000 2
40,000 2
60,000 3
80,000 3
100,000 4
500,000 8
1,000,000 10
2,000,000 12
The estimated average cost of interest during construction is related
to total other project costs on Figure 71, Page 219, for annual rates
of interest of 4, 6, and 8 per cent, respectively. Cost estimates
are based upon construction periods shown and an average period of
interest equal to one-half the construction period. The estimated
interest costs may range from a lower limit of about 0.5 per cent of
small project costs to about 5 per cent of the costs of large projects.
APPLICATION OF INITIAL INVESTMENT COST ESTIMATING DATA
Table 17, Page 208, presents a form prepared for the purpose of
estimating initial investment costs for wastewater stabilization pond
projects. It is assumed that the estimator will have determined from
preliminary design the required size of the cost component parameters.
Based upon this premise, the total initial investment cost may be
estimated.
206
-------
Table 17-A, Page 209, illustrates the use of the estimated construction
cost data developed in this part of the report for estimating the total
initial investment cost for a wastewater stabilization pond. The
example is based upon a hypothetical nonaerated stabilization pond
with an average design capacity of 1.0 million gallons per day which,
in this instance, is assumed to require a water surface area of 57 acres.
The sizes of individual cost components shown for the example are
representative of average conditions which may be encountered for
the assumed facility. However, since variations in the sizes of
respective components may be significant, due to differences in local
conditions, the total cost indicated in the example cannot be considered
representative for any particular 1.0 mgd installation.
The limitations of cost estimates based upon average conditions is
again emphasized. Construction cost data presented herein are
applicable as a basis of preliminary estimates for planning requirements
and methods, and for general comparative studies of costs. These data,
unadjusted for particular local"conditions, should not be used for cost
estimates in specific locations. This cost estimate source does not
supplant the need for individual engineering studies of project costs.
207
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TABLE 17
Project
ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT COST
; Computed By
; Date
O
00
Cost Component
Pond Construction:
Nonaerated Pond
Aerated Pond
Water depth of 10 feet
Water depth of 15 feet
Aeration Equipment
Large Impeller
Small Impeller
Embankment Protection
Chlorination - Feed System
Chlorination - Contact Basin
Component Parameter
acres water surface area
acres water surface area
acres water surface area
horsepower total installed capacity
horsepower total installed capacity
acres water surface area
pounds per day average chlorine use at design flow
1000 cubic feet liquid volume
Cost Estimate
Reference Cost
Figure No. $
62
63
63
64
64
65
66
67
Total Estimated Construction Cost at January,
Trended Total Estimated Construction Cost
Engineering
Land
Subtotal-Construction, Engineering & Land
Legal, Fiscal, & Administrative
Subtotal All Above
Interest During Construction
Total Initial Investment Cost
Note:
1971 Cost Level
% Trend Factor (See note below)
acres at $ per acre
(At 7. interest)
Total
Total
68
69
Subtotal
70
Subtotal
71
Total
Trend Factor _ Local WQO-STP Cost Index representative of the construction period %
National Average WQO-STP Cost Index as of January 1, 1971
150.60
-------
TABLE 17-A
ho
O
Cost Component
Pond Construction:
Nonaerated Pond
Aerated Pond
Water depth of 10 feet
Water depth of 15 feet
Aeration Equipment
Large Impeller
Small Impeller
Embankment Protection
Chlorination - Feed System
Chlorination - Contact Basin
ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT COST
Project Hiqhville, Kansas ; Computed By RUB
Date Sept 1971
Component Parameter
57 acres water surface area
acres water surface area
acres water surface area
horsepower total installed capacity
horsepower total installed capacity
57 acres water surface area
pounds per day average chlorine use at design flow
1000 cubic feet liquid volume
Total Estimated Construction Cost at January, 1971 Cost Level
122, I % Trend Factor (See note below)
76 acres at $ 500
per acre
Trended Total Estimated Construction Cost
Engineering
Land
Subtotal-Construction, Engineering & Land
Legal, Fiscal, & Administrative
Subtotal All Above
Interest During Construction
Total Initial Investment Cost
Note:
Trend Factor „ Local WQO-SIP Cost Index representative of the construction period
National Average WQO-STP Cost Index as of January 1 1971
(At
6% interest)
Cost Estimate
Reference
Figure No.
62
63
63
64
64
65
66
67
Total
Total
68
69
Subtotal
70
Subtotal
71
Total
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150.60
122. I %
Cost
270. OOP
35,000ia)
305, OOP
372, OOP
44 OOP
38. OOP
454. OOP
9. POO
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9.000
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219
-------
SECTION III
ESTIMATES OF OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
This section of the report develops means of estimating operation and
maintenance costs of principal components of wastewater stabilization
ponds. Major elements of cost considered include payroll man-hours
for both operation and maintenance, and cost of material and supplies.
Each of the major cost elements is expressed in relation to appropriate
sizing parameters for each of the principal pond components.
Estimates of total operating expenses may be developed on the basis of
the average cost information presented. The cost estimating data are
considered appropriate for stabilization ponds built in recent years which
are in sound structural and operating condition. The data are intended
to reflect average operating conditions and procedures.
Estimates of operation and maintenance costs are based principally on
information obtained from field investigation of 38 actual operating
wastewater stabilization ponds located in 27 communities. The geographic
locations and types of ponds investigated for which data were collected
are listed in Table 16, Page 199. Cost elements have been estimated
where field information was not available or insufficient.
Data obtained during the field investigations included the pond size and
construction features, condition of the pond, operation and maintenance
requirements of the pond during the various seasons of the year,
manpower used to operate and maintain the pond, direct and indirect
labor costs associated with pond operation, and laboratory test data
when it was available. The relationships of operation and maintenance
cost components to appropriate parameters are based upon graphical
analysis of experience data when such data was available. It should
be realized that it is not possible to recognize all variations in
operation and maintenance practices occurring among individual
stabilization ponds. Therefore, judgment has been exercised by the
investigators in the establishment of curves designating cost relationships
The resulting curves represent the investigators' judgment as to average
cost data.
Based upon variations in experienced operating cost data, it may be
expected that actual data for individual stabilization ponds will
vary widely, often 100 per cent or more, from the average represented
by the curves. These variations can result from such factors as
differences in pond design, operating procedures, and flexibility in
the use of personnel. While actual costs may vary appreciably from
the estimated averages, data presented should be of value, when used
with judgment, as basic indicators for preliminary cost estimates.
221
-------
The user should recognize the inherent limitations of such estimates
and should base operating cost estimates on more detailed study to the
extent warranted by local circumstances.
Data for estimating operation and maintenance cost of each of the cost
components of wastewater stabilization ponds include annual payroll
man-hours for operation, maintenance, and administrative and general
labor, and annual cost of material and supplies. A basis is provided
for estimating indirect labor costs such as social security; contributions
to pension, retirement or welfare funds; and premiums paid for
hospitalization, health, life and workmen's compensation insurance
which may be incurred by the owner of the pond.
Following the presentation of cost relationships for the various cost
components of wastewater stabilization ponds, a calculation summary
form and example application are presented as illustrations of their
use.
LABOR REQUIREMENTS
To permit adaptation of estimating data to local conditions, operation
and maintenance labor requirements are presented in the form of payroll
man-hours required related to appropriate capacity or use parameters,
rather than direct dollar cost. This will permit application of current
local labor rates to estimated man-hour requirements in developing
labor cost estimates for any particular local situation.
The annual payroll man-hours for operation and maintenance, respectively,
are indicative of the total requirement for personnel to adequately
operate and maintain the facility. Man-hour requirements are based on
a normal payroll year consisting of 52 weeks at 40 hours per week, or
a total of 2,080 hours per year. Effective working time is estimated
to be 90 per cent of the payroll man-hours, with the remaining 10 per
cent representing paid vacations, holidays, sick time and other paid
time away from the job.
The estimates of labor requirements for operation and maintenance
of stabilization ponds reflect the use of"employees on a part-time
basis where the time of employees devoting full efforts to this work
cannot be effectively utilized. It must•be recognized that the estimates
of payroll man-hours shown are only representative of requirements.
They are a valid basis for estimating the labor costs only if the
man-hours required can be obtained efficiently, with any balance
of an employee's time available to be used effectively elsewhere.
Nonaera ted Stabilization Ponds.
The estimated annual man-hour requirements to operate nonaerated
stabilization ponds are shown on Figure 72, Page 230- Annual operating
222
-------
labor estimates include allowances for the time required for inspection
of the physical facilities, including embankments, fence and gate,
and outfall sewer. Other operating tasks include adjustment of the
division of influent flow and of the level of water in the various
cells. Operating labor estimates also include allowances for maintaining
operating records, collecting wastewater samples, and making necessary
qualitative analyses.
The frequency of inspection of physical facilities can cause a
significant variation in total annual operating man-hours required. In
the warmer climates of the Unites States the necessity of watching
closely for development of objectionable algal blooms requires more
frequent pond inspections. Figure 72 shows two curves for estimating
operating labor payroll man-hours in relation to the water surface area
of the pond. One curve is for localities having warm climates where
conditions are favorable for algal blooms. The second curve is for
localities having cooler climates where algal blooms are not expected.
The estimated annual man-hour requirements to maintain nonaerated ponds
are shown on Figure 73, Page 231- The annual maintenance labor requirements
associated with a properly operated nonaerated stabilization pond vary
not only with the size of the pond but also with the climate at the
pond location. Maintenance work required to achieve the maximum
efficiency and life of a stabilization pond includes mowing of grass
on the pond site; dispersal of floating algae mats; removal of floating
scum, grease, and debris; removal of submerged vegetative growth;
insect control; and maintenance of dikes, fences, structures, and
roads. In warmer climates having•longer growing seasons, grass cutting
is required more frequently during the year than in areas having
shorter growing seasons. A more significant element of cost is the
frequency with which floating algae mats, resulting from algal blooms,
must be dispersed. In some locations, where the floating algae mat
covers a large area of the pond, boats with outboard motors are used
to agitate the water and break up the mat, thereby releasing the
entrained gases and permitting the algae to settle to the bottom of the
pond .
Figure 73, Page 231> shows two curves for estimating the annual man-hour
requirements for maintenance labor related to the water surface area.
One curve is designated as appropriate for areas having warm climates
and the other is for areas having cooler climates.
Aerated Stabilization Ponds.
Estimates of the annual labor required to properly operate and maintain
aerated stabilization ponds are shown on Figure 74, Page 232. The annual
labor requirements associated with an aerated stabilization pond
reflect the need to maintain a close surveillance of the pond operation,
including aeration equipment-
223
-------
The requirements for operating labor are similar to those of nonaerated
ponds except for increased frequency of inspection due to the operation
of mechanical equipment. Maintenance labor requirements for aerated
ponds do not have to deal with algae problems as in nonaerated lagoons,
but mechanical aerator equipment must be cared for- The operation and
maintenance labor curves shown on Figure 74 reflect these added
responsibili t ies.
Chlorination.
Operating labor for chlorination facilities provides for regular checks
on the rate of chlorine use and adjustments of the feed rate when
required. As larger quantities of chlorine are used, the need for
periodic checks becomes more important to avoid undue costs resulting
from excess feed rates and to assure adequate feed. Operating labor
also replaces empty chlorine tanks. Maintenance labor repairs and
maintains all chlorine handling equipment and contact basins, and
provides related maintenance work.
Figure 75, Page 233. shows the estimated annual operation and
maintenance labor requirements for chlorination systems related to
chlorine use.
Administration and General.
The annual payroll man-hour requirements for administration and general
personnel, including necessary superintendence and clerical efforts, are
estimated to total 10 per cent of'the total other operation and maintenance
man-hour requirements. The time required to perform these duties is
minimal and personnel assigned would logically occupy some other
administration position of a public works nature, depending on the size
of the community where the pond is located.
INDIRECT LABOR COSTS
The total annual labor cost of a wastewater utility consists of both
direct and indirect labor costs. The direct labor costs include the
salaries, wages, and other compensation actually earned by the
employees. Examples of direct labor costs include base salaries or
wages, overtime and premium pay, and cost of living adjustments. The
base salaries or wages applicable to payroll man-hours include pay for
nonworked periods such as vacation, sick leave, holidays, excused
leave, and injury leave.
Indirect labor costs include those labor-related costs paid by the
utility other than salaries, wages and other direct compensation.
Examples of indirect labor costs include social security; contributions
to pension, retirement, or welfare funds; and premiums paid on
hospitalization, health, life, and workmen's compensation insurance.
224
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Wastewater utility labor cost data from 40 cities or sanitary districts
have been analyzed to determine the relationship of indirect to direct
labor costs. The data analyzed included costs from plants located in
18 states and reflect costs experienced during 1967, 1968, and 1969.
The indirect labor costs, expressed as a percentage of the direct
labor costs, were generally in the 5 to 20 per cent range and averaged
13.5 per cent. It is suggested that indirect labor costs be estimated
at 15 per cent of direct labor costs unless particular knowledge of
a local situation indicates a more appropriate figure.
MATERIAL AND SUPPLY COSTS
Material and supply costs for wastewater stabilization ponds include
power, fuel, chemicals, gravel, repair parts and equipment rental require-
for proper operation and maintenance of the facilities. Annual dollars
required are presented as a direct relationship to respective parameters,
based upon average conditions and on cost levels as of January 1971.
To reflect changes in these costs in later periods, they may be trended
to the date of the estimate by using figures available in "Wholesale
Prices and Price Indexes" published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
U. S. Department of Labor. The indexes for recent months are shown
in this publication in the table entitled "Wholesale Prices Indexes
for Major Commodity Groups", under the heading "Industrial Commodities".
The index for January 1971 is 112.2. If knowledge of the specific
local situation indicates a more appropriate trend, such information
should be utilized.
The estimated annual material and supply costs, related to the water
surface area of the pond, appropriate for nonaerated stabilization
ponds are shown on Figure 76, Page 234. Two cost curves are shown
on Figure 76 to indicate the magnitude of these costs depending upon
the climatological conditions of the pond location. These curves do
not include the cost of chlorine which is estimated separately below.
The estimated annual material and supply costs associated with the
operation and maintenance of aerated stabilization ponds are
presented on Figure 77, Page 235. The annual material and supply costs
estimated for aerated stabilization ponds are divided into two elements,
electric power cost and other material and supply costs. Both are
related to total horsepower of equipment installed in the pond. Electric
power cost estimates are based on average unit power costs of 2.0 cents
per kWh at 15 horsepower, 1.5 cents per kWh at 40 horsepower, 1.25 cents
per kWh at 100 horsepower, and 1.0 cents per kWh for 200 or more horsepower.
An operating load averaging 100 per cent of the installed horsepower is
also assumed. If the estimator concludes that the unit power cost or
operating load applicable to a specific situation will vary significantly
from these values, the estimated power cost should be adjusted accordingly.
225
-------
Figure 78, Page 236, shows material and supply cost estimates for
chlorination based on annual chlorine use. The estimated cost of
chlorine is shown separately from other material and supply costs.
Other material and supply costs include the materials and parts to
keep the chlorination facilities in proper operating condition. It
also includes the utility costs required to operate the feeders and
associated equipment, and to heat the building in which the facilities
are located.
APPLICATION OF OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COST ESTIMATING DATA
Table 18, Page 228, presents a form prepared for the purpose of
estimating operation and maintenance costs of a wastewater stabilization
pond. It is assumed that the estimator will have determined from
preliminary design the required parameters of the cost components and,
based upon this premise, the total operation and maintenance cost may
be estimated.
Table 18-A, Page 229, illustrates the use of the cost data developed
in this report for estimating total operation and maintenance cost
of a wastewater stabilization pond. The example is based upon a
hypothetical nonaerated stabilization pond with an average design capacity
of 1.0 million gallons per day. The sizes of individual cost components
and quantities shown for the example are representative of average
conditions which may be encountered for the assumed facility. However,
since variations in the sizes of respective components and quantities
may be significant, due to differences in local conditions, the total
cost indicated in the example may not be representative for any
particular 1.0 mgd installation.
The estimating form presented in Table 18 requires the application of
the average local labor rate to payroll man-hours to develop estimated
total direct labor costs. This labor rate may vary significantly
throughout the country, and is subject to inflationary influences.
The National Average Earning Rate published by the U. S. Department of
Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, for nonsupervisory employees in the
public utility industry, under "Water, Steam, and Sanitary Systems",
SIC Code 494-7, as of January 1971 is'$3.68 per hour. It is estimated
that inclusion of supervisory personnel in the average would raise the
average hourly rate to approximately $3.85. Local conditions and
inflationary increases should be recognized in developing total labor
cost estimates. The $4.10 per man-hour direct labor cost shown in
Table 18-A is assumed applicable for the example stabilization pond.
226
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The limitations of cost estimates based upon average conditions are
again emphasized. Operation and maintenance cost data presented herein
are applicable as a basis of preliminary estimates for planning
requirements and methods, and for general comparative cost studies of
alternative wastewater treatment methods. These data, unadjusted for
particular local conditions, cannot be used for operation and
maintenance cost estimates at specific locations. This cost
estimate source does not supplant the need for individual engineering
studies of project costs.
227
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Project
TABLE 18
ESTIMATED ANNUAL OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COST
; Computed By ; Date
Cost Component
Operation and Maintenance Labor:
Nonaerated Stabilization Pond
Aerated Stabilization Pond
Chlorination
PART A - LABOR COSTS
Component Parameter
acres water surface area
acres water surface area
tons per year chlorine use
Estimated Annual Payroll Man-Hour Requirements
Reference Operation Maintenance Total
Figure No. man-hours man-hours
man-hours
72 (.
74
75
73
r-o
ro
oo
Total Operation and Maintenance Labor
Administration and General Labor
10% of Total Operation and Maintenance Labor
Total Estimated Annual Payroll Man-Hour Requirements
Total Estimated Direct Payroll Labor Costs at $ per Man-Hour
Estimated Indirect Labor Costs at
of Direct Labor Costs
Total Estimated Labor Costs
PART B - MATERIAL AND SUPPLY COSTS
Nonaerated Stabilization Pond
Aerated Stabilization Pond
Chlorination
acres water surface area
horsepower total installed capacity
tons per year chlorine use
Total Estimated Material and Supply Costs at January, 1971 Cost Level
Trended Total Estimated Material and Supply Costs 7. Trend Factor (See note below)
PART C - TOTAL ANNUAL COSTS
Total Estimated Labor Costs (from Part A)
Trended Total Estimated Material and Supply Costs (from Part B)
Total Estimated Operation and Maintenance Cost
Note:
Trend Factor _ Wholesale Price Index for Industrial Commodities as of Applicable Date
Wholesale Price Index for Industrial Commodities as of January, 1971
Estimated Material and Supply Costs
Reference
Figure No.
76
77
78
Power or
Chemicals
$/year
Other
TTyear
112.2
-------
TABLE 18-A
ESTIMATED ANNUAL OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COST
Project Highvi I le, Kansas ; Computed By RUB ; Date Sept. 1971
_Cg_s_t_ Conrgpnent
Operation and Maintenance Labor:
Nonaerated Stabilization Pond
Aerated Stabilization Pond
Chlorinatiuu
PART A - LABOR COSTS
Component Parameter
_5_7___ acres water surface area
acres water surface area
tons per year chlorine use
Est_lpiated_
Rec^ul remen ts
Reference
Figure No.
72 4 73
74
75
Operation
man-hours
550
Maintenance
man-hours
430
Total
man-hours
980
Total Operation and Maintenance Labor
Administration and General Labor
10% of Total•Operation and Maintenance Labor
Total Estimated Annual Payroll Man-Hour Requirements
Total Estimated Direct Payroll Labor Costs at $ 4. jp per Man-Hour
Estimated Indirect Labor Costs at
of Direct Labor Costs
Total Estimated Labor Costs
PART B - MATERIAL AND SUPPLY COSTS
Nonaerated Stabilization Pond
Aerated Stabilization Pond
Chlorination
acres water surface area
horsepower total installed capacity
tons per year chlorine use
Total Estimated Material and Supply Costs at January, 1971 Cose Level
Trended Total Estimated Material and Supply Costs 102. 5 % Trend Factor (See note below)
PART C - TOTAL ANNUAL COSTS
Total Estimated Labor Costs (from Part A)
Trended Total Estimated .Material and Supply Costs (from Part B)
Total Estimated Operation and Maintenance Cost
Note:
Trend Factor „ Wholesale Price Index for Industrial Commodities as of Applicable Date
Wholesale Price Index for Industrial Commodities as of January, 1971
550
430
5.090
Estimated Material and Supply Costs
Reference
Power or
Chemicals
Figure No. $/year
76
77
78
Other
$/year
/, 200
1.200
1.200
1.230
5.090
I ?30
6.320
112.2
-------
10,000
10 100
WATER SURFACE AREA, ACRES
3 « T 8 9
1,000
WASTEWATER STABILIZATION PONDS
NONAERATED PONDS
OPERATION LABOR
MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK 4 VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 72
230
-------
10,000
1,000
o
Q*
100
10 100
WATER SURFACE AREA, ACRES
5 ft 7 0 »
1,000
WASTEWATER STABILIZATION PONDS
NONAERATED PONDS
MAINTENANCE LABOR
MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK 4 VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 73
231
-------
10,000
10
0.1
1.0 10
WATER SURFACE AREA, ACRES
WASTEWATER STABILIZATION PONDS
AERATED PONDS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE LABOR
MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE
232
-------
10.
000,
09 1.000
ce »
=> 8
s
I 6
5 S
a:
4
100
10
(IP
6789
TION LAiOR
5 8789
MAINTENANCE LABOR
10 100
CHLORINE USE, TONS PER YEAR
45 7 > »
1,000
WASTEWATER STABILIZATION PONDS
CHLORINATION
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE LABOR
MAN-HOUR REQUIREMENTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 75
233
-------
10.00^
1,000
100
10
4 t 6 78
WAR*
CLIMATES
(OOL
CLIMATES
4 B €789
10 100
WATER SURFACE AREA, ACRES
« 5 e r
1.000
WASTEWATER STABILIZATION PONDS
NONAERATED PONDS
MATERIAL AND SUPPLY COSTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 76
234
-------
100.
10,000
oo
o
o
z 1,000
•< 9
8
100
10
•OTHER
-MAT-EW-A
ECT?IC I'OWER CO
S • 7 «
t-H,
ST
Y COSTS
100 1,000
TOTAL INSTALLED CAPACITY, HORSEPOWER
>,000
WASTEWATER STABILIZATION PONDS
AERATED PONDS
MATERIAL AND SUPPLY COSTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK & VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 77
235
-------
100.000
100
10 100
CHLORINE USE, TONS PER YEAR
WASTEWATER STABILIZATION PONDS
CHLORI NATION
MATERIAL AND SUPPLY COSTS
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
BLACK 4 VEATCH
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1971
FIGURE 78
236
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SECTION IV
MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS
This section presents a basis and method for estimating total manpower
requirements and plant staffing for wastewater stabilization ponds
when used as the only treatment process. Also included are occupation
descriptions applicable to personnel commonly required for operation
and maintenance of such facilities.
The information presented is to assist those seeking to project future
wastewater treatment plant staffing requirements as a basis for
planning of manpower training programs. The report can also be
utilized as a guide to staffing requirements of individual wastewater
stabilization pond installations, providing recognition is given to
the average nature of the estimating data presented, and judgment
is applied regarding specific local circumstances.
The principal bases for preparation of the information presented are
field investigations of 38 operating wastewater stabilization ponds of
various types and sizes located in 27 communities throughout the
country, and the experience and judgment of the investigators.
Background information regarding field investigations and the use of
estimating data developed is presented in Part Four, Section III of the
report, on Pages 221 and 222.
OCCUPATION DESCRIPTIONS
For procedures of estimating wastewater stabilization pond staffing
requirements to be meaningful to a broad group of engineers, administrators,
and others, it is necessary to have'relatively standard definitions of
staff positions. Occupation descriptions for three types of personnel
commonly employed to operate and maintain such facilities have been
prepared .
Occupation descriptions developed for all major job titles commonly
involved in the operation and maintenance"of conventional wastewater
treatment plants ranging in size from 1 to 100 million gallons per day,
are presented on Pages 145 through 196 of Part Three of this report. The
background of the development of these descriptions is presented on
Pages 121 and 122. Additional occupation descriptions have been
developed for job titles applicable to personnel required for operation
and maintenance of wastewater stabilization ponds. The job titles of
Superintendent, Operator, and Laborer, are described on Pages 243
through 248 of this report.
Because of the nominal time required of employees in each of the
respective job classifications to operate and maintain wastewater
stabilization ponds, it is not believed warranted to employ or train
237
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personnel to specifically fill these positions. Rather, the occupation
descriptions may be best utilized as guides in selecting or assigning
employees from an existing work force to perform the tasks necessary
to properly operate and maintain such facilities.
TOTAL MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS AND PLANT STAFFING
The total manpower requirement for a particular wastewater stabilization
pond covered herein is for all personnel required for adequate operation
and maintenance of the facility. A means of estimating total annual
payroll man-hour requirements for individual ponds is developed in Part
Four, Section III of this report. Graphical relationships of total
annual man-hour requirements, for both operation and maintenance duties,
to appropriate sizing parameters are presented for nonaerated ponds,
aerated ponds, chlorination, and administration and general.
The estimates of average annual payroll man-hours for operation and
maintenance, respectively, are indicative of the total requirement for
personnel to operate and maintain the facility. Man-hour requirements
are based on a normal payroll year consisting of 52 weeks at 40 hours
per week, or a total of 2,080 hours per year. Effective working time
is estimated to be 90 per cent of the payroll man-hours, with the
remaining 10 per cent representing paid vacations, holidays, sick time,
and other paid time away from the job.
The estimates of labor requirements for operation and maintenance of
wastewater stabilization ponds reflect the use of employees on a
part-time basis where the time of employees devoting full efforts to
this work cannot be effectively utilized. It must be recognized that
the estimates of payroll man-hour requirements shown are only
representative of requirements, and are a valid basis of staffing
only if the man-hours can be obtained efficiently, with any balance
of an employee's time available to be used effectively elsewhere.
Table 18 on Page 228, presents a form for summarizing estimated
annual payroll man-hour requirements, and labor costs, for individual
wastewater stabilization pond projects. Estimates of total man-hour
requirements, developed as indicated by Table 18, may be summarized
and used as guides to staffing of such facilities. Table 19, on the
following page, provides a form for this purpose. As indicated on the
table, the total number of full-time employees required may be estimated
by dividing total payroll man-hours by 2,080, the number of hours in the
normal payroll year.
238
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TABLE 19
ESTIMATED WASTEWATER STABILIZATION POND
STAFFING COMPLEMENT
Project ; Computed By ; Date
Estimated Annual Suggested
Staff Position Payroll Requirements Staffing
Number of Number of
Man-Hours^3' Employees^ ' Employees
Superintendent (c)
Operator
Laborer
Subtotal (d)
Total Labor Requirements
Notes:
(a) From Table 18
(b) Man-hours divided by 2,080 hours per year
(c) Administration and general man-hours
(d) Operation and maintenance man-hours
Upon determination of the approximate number of employees in each
category, the suggested staffing is developed on a judgment basis. The
division of the number of employees in the suggested staffing among
staff positions may not necessarily agree with the division of payroll
man-hours. The difference would result from practical considerations
and the fact that an operator may perform all or part of the maintenance
tasks or, conversely a laborer may be responsible, under a superintendent
for the pond operations, depending upon the size of the facility.
The suggested staffing will usually include part-time personnel and
be dependent on availability of part-time employees.
Table 19-A illustrates the use of the estimated annual payroll
requirement data in developing a suggested plant staff complement. The
example is based on a nonaerated wastewater stabilization pond having a
1.0 million gallon per day design capacity, as used in previous examples
in Part Four of this report.
239
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TABLE 19-A
ESTIMATED WASTEWATER STABILIZATION POND
STAFFING COMPLEMENT
Project Bighville, Kansas . Computed By MB . Date Sept. 1971
Estimated Annual Suggested
Staff Position Payroll Requirements Staffing
Number of Number of
Man-Hours(a) Employees^b^ Employees
Superintendent 100 (c) 0.1 0.1
Operator 0- 3
Laborer 0-2
Subtotal 980 (d) 0.5
Total Labor Requirements 1°80 0.6 0.6
Notes:
(a) From Table 18-A
(b) Man-hours divided by 2,080 hours per year
(c) Administration and general man-hours
(d) Operation and maintenance man-hours
EXAMPLES OF WASTEWATER STABILIZATION POND STAFFING
Examples of wastewater stabilization pond staff complements, developed in
accord with the procedures previously set forth, are shown in Table 20 for
6 differing pond situations. Complements for ponds ranging from 0.1 to
10.0 mgd average capacity are included as guidelines for estimating
staff requirements on a national average basis.
The magnitude of the parameter used in estimating payroll man-hours
for each component was estimated on the bases of average design criteria.
It must be recognized that a specific pond may not have all components
sized in accord with these averages, and the examples may not be
applicable to any particular situation.
The staff complements shown are based on the assumption that employees
will be utilized for stabilization pond functions on a part-time basis,
and are flexible in their capabilities and willingness to perform a
variety of tasks. A single employee may perform a majority of the needed
operation and maintenance functions for the smaller installations.
240
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TABLE 20
STAFF COMPLEMENTS FOR WASTEWATER STABILIZATION PONDS
Occupation Title
Nonaerated ponds without chlorination
Cool Climate:
Superintendent
Operator
Laborer
Total
Warm Climate:
Superintendent
Operator
Laborer
Total
Nonaerated ponds with chlorination
Cool Climate:
Superintendent
Operator
Laborer
Total
Warm Climate:
Superintendent
Operator
Laborer
Total
Aerated ponds without chlorination
Superintendent
Operator
Laborer
Total
Aerated ponds with chlorination
Superintendent
Operator
Laborer
Total
Pond Average Day Capacity, mgd
0.1 0.5 1.0 5.0 10.Q
Estimated Number of Personnel
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.2
0.1
0.1
0.2
0.1
0.4
0.1
0.2
0.2 0.3
0.1
0.3
0.4
0.1
0.3
0.4
0,
0.
0.2
0.6
0.1
0.5
0.3
0.9
0.1
1.0
0.3
1.4
0.1
0.3
-
0.4
0.1
0.5
-
0.6
0.1
0.5
0.2
0.8
0.1
1.0
0.2
1.3
0.1
0.5
0.2
0.8
0,
0.
0.4
1.0
0.2
1.0
0.8
2.0
0.1
1.0
0.4
1.5
0.2
1.0
1.1
2.3
0.1
-
0.3
0.4
0.1
0.3
0.2
0.6
0.1
1.0
0.4
1.5
0.2
1.0
1.3
2.5
0.1
-
0.2
0.3
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.5
0.1
0.5
0.2
0.8
0.2
1.0
0.8
2.0
0.3
1.0
2.0
3.3
0.2
1.0
0.7
1.9
0.3
1.0
1.5
2.8
241
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OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: SUPERINTENDENT, STABILIZATION POND
JOB DESCRIPTION
Responsible for administration, operation, and maintenance of pond.
Organizes and directs activities of personnel. Periodically
inspects pond, structures, and equipment. Analyzes and evaluates
operation and maintenance functions, initiates or recommends new
or improved practices. Develops plans and procedures to insure
efficient operation of pond and provide for future requirements.
Recommends improvements and additions. Review data and prepares or
reviews and approves operation reports and budget requests.
Recommends specifications for major purchases. Maintains effective
communications and working relationships with employees, government
officials, and general public.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
1. Formal Education
High school graduate or equivalent. College level business
or engineering courses desirable.
2. General Requirements
a. Understanding of managerial, administrative, and accounting
practice and procedures.
b. Ability to prepare or supervise preparation of clear,
concise reports and budget recommendations.
c. Ability to plan, direct, and evaluate pond operation and
maintenance functions.
d. Ability to establish and maintain effective communication
and working relationships.
e. Ability to perform and instruct others in performance of
simple laboratory tests.
f. General knowledge of processes involved and equipment
used in pond operation.
3. General Educational Development
a. Reasoning
Apply principles of logic to define problems, collect
and analyze data, and draw valid conclusions. Deal
with a variety of concrete and abstract variables.
b. Mathematical
Perform ordinary arithmetical procedures in standard,
practical applications.
243
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Title: SUPERINTENDENT (Cont!d)
c. Language
(1) Write and edit operations reports.
(2) Interview applicants and employees.
(3) Establish and maintain communications with employees,
government officials, and the public.
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
One to 3 years administrative experience depending on
educational background and size of operation. Supervisory
experience highly desirable.
5. Aptitudes - Relative to General Working Population,
a. Intelligence )
b. Verbal )
c. Numerical )
d. Form Perception
e. Spatial
f. Clerical Perception )
g. Motor Coordination
h. Finger Dexterity
i. .Manual Dexterity
j. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination
k. Color Discrimination
Middle third
) Lowest third excluding
) bottom 10 per cent
Middle third
)
) Lowest third excluding
) bottom 10 per cent
Interests
Prefer working with people in situations.involving
organization and supervision of varied activities.
Temperament
Prefer situations involving the direction, control, and
planning of an entire activity or the activity of others.
Physical Demands
Sedentary work, except for regular pond inspections.
Working Conditions
Largely inside. Occasional exposure to weather and odors
and risk of bodily injury. Possible exposure to toxic
conditions.
ENTRY SOURCES:
Job will usually be part-time duty of Water and/or
Sewer Superintendent, City Engineer, or Director of
Public Works. Qualified Operator may act as
Superintendent. Full time Pond Superintendents are not
anticipated.
244
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OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: OPERATOR, STABILIZATION POND
JOB DESCRIPTION
Performs any combination of tasks such as following, under general
direction of Superintendent: Inspects condition of pond, dikes,
fence, and gates. Inspects influent, transfer, and effluent
structures and equipment. Adjusts water level in cells. Adjusts
flow to cells, if pond has multiple cells. Operates aeration
equipment, if used. Checks temperature of pond contents and
flow rate of effluent (in larger ponds). Collects samples for
testing. Performs simple chemical and physical tests. Fills out
report forms including comments on condition of pond. Performs
laborer tasks in absence of laborer.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
1. Formal Education
Ability to read and to prepare simple written reports.
Understand sufficient arithmetic to perform simple
tests and accurately record results. High school courses
desirable.
2. General Requirements
a. Ability to learn proper methods for operating pond and
equipment.
b. Ability to perform simple tests, evaluate results, and
maintain records and reports.
3. General Educational Development
a. Reasoning
Apply common sense understanding to carry out written,
oral, or diagrammatic instructions. Deal with
problems involving concrete variables in standardized
situations.
b. Mathematical
Perform ordinary arithmetic calculations.
c. Language
Ability to comprehend oral and written instructions,
record information, prepare reports, and request
supplies and work materials orally or in writing.
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
On-the-job training from date of employment. Previous
experience as laborer or automotive equipment operator
desirable. Valid vehicle operator's license a
prerequisite, if required.
245
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Title: OPERATOR (Cont'd)
5. Aptitudes - Relative to General Working Population
a. Intelligence )
b. Verbal )
c. Numerical )
d. Spatial ) Lowest third, excluding
e. Form Perception ) bottom 10 per cent
f. Clerical Perception )
g. Motor Coordination )
h. Finger Dexterity )
i. Manual Dexterity )
j. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination ) Middle third
k. Color Discrimination )
6. Interests
Prefer routine, concrete, organized activities dealing with
things and objects.
7. Temperament
Worker must adjust to a variety of duties, including
evaluation of information against measurable criteria.
8. Physical Demands
Medium work; involving balancing, stooping, kneeling,
crouching, reaching, handling, fingering, hearing,
visual acuity, depth perception, and color vision.
9. Working Conditions
Primarily outside. Exposed to weather and odors.
May be exposed to toxic conditions. Possible risk of
bodily injury.
ENTRY SOURCES: Job will usually be part-time duty of employee of the
Water, Sewage, or Public Works Departments. Operator
may also act as Superintendent or Laborer. Full-time
Pond Operators are not anticipated.
PROGRESSION TO: Superintendent, Stabilization Pond.
246
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OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
Title: LABORER, STABILIZATION POND
JOB DESCRIPTION
Performs any combination of following tasks, as directed by
Superintendent or Operator: Mows grass and removes cut grass
from water and dike at water line. Removes scum, floating grease
balls, or debris from pond and hauls to disposal site. Repairs
dike erosion. Paints and repairs structures, fences, gates, and
equipment. Operates motor boat to disperse floating algae mats
or scum. Removes sludge from end of influent line(s). Drives
equipment used at the pond such as a pickup, dump truck, tractor,
and mower. Helps perform minor maintenance on equipment used at
pond. Assists in duties of Operator and acts as a relief
operator.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
1. Formal Education
Ability to speak, read, and write English. Elementary
school education desirable.
2. General Requirements
a. Ability to follow instructions and read directions.
b. Ability to perform routine tasks without constant direct
supervision.
3. General Educational Development
a. Reasoning
Apply common sense understanding to carry out simple
instructions.
b. Mathematical
Perform simple addition and subtraction.
c. Language
Ability to understand oral or written instructions
and request supplies and materials orally or in
writing.
4. Specific Vocational Preparation
On-the-job training or previous experience as a laborer.
Valid vehicle operator's license a prerequisite, if
required.
247
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Title: LABORER (Cont'd)
5. Aptitudes - Relative to General Working Population
a. Intelligence )
b. Verbal )
c. Numerical ) Lowest third excluding
d. Spatial ) bottom 10 per cent
e. Form Perception )
f. Clerical Perception )
g. Motor Coordination )
h. Finger Dexterity )
i. Manual Dexterity ) Middle third
j. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination )
k. Color Discrimination )
6. Interests
Preference for activities dealing with things and objects.
7. Temperament
Worker must adjust to situations involving doing things
only under specific instruction, allowing little or no
room for independent action or judgment in working out
job problems.
8. Physical Demands
Medium to heavy work. Involves lifting heavy objects,
climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling,crouching,
crawling, reaching, and handling.
9. Working Conditions
Primarily outside. No protection from weather. Subject
to noise and vibration hazards, odors, and toxic
conditions.
ENTRY SOURCES: Job will usually be part-time duty of employee of the
Water, Sewage, or Public Works Departments. Qualified
laborer may also act as Operator. Full-time Pond
Laborers are not anticipated.
PROGRESSION TO: Operator, Stabilization Pond.
248
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This opportunity is taken to express appreciation for the excellent
cooperation of the many organizations and individuals providing
information essential to this study. Regional offices of the
Environmental Protection Agency and agencies responsible for water
pollution control in each of the various states were most helpful
in arranging for field investigations. Department heads, managers,
superintendents, and operating personnel in each of the cities where
field investigations of wastewater treatment facilities were undertaken
are extended particular acknowledgment for their cooperation and effort.
Representatives of various manufacturers of wastewater treatment
equipment furnished considerable information that was valuable in
estimating equipment capabilities, purchase cost, and operation and
maintenance requirements.
The continued assistance and cooperation throughout the study of Mr. Walter
McMichael, Project Officer, Environmental Protection Agency, Cinncinati,
Ohio has been very much appreciated.
249
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GLOSSARY
A number of terms used in the preceding discussions have meanings
specifically applicable to this report. To obviate misunderstanding,
definitions applicable are those presented in the "Glossary - Water
and Wastewater Control Engineering", prepared in 1969 by the Joint
Editorial Board representing the American Public Health Association,
American Society of Civil Engineers, American Water Works Association,
and Water Pollution Control Federation. '< Definitions of additional
terms used in this report are as follows:
Average plant flow - The annual volume of wastewater treated, usually
expressed in terms of million gallons per day.
Conventional wastewater treatment plant - Those facilities commonly
used to provide primary and/or secondary treatment of wastewater.
Debt securities - General obligation or revenue bonds.
Occupation description - A description of job duties, responsibilities,
and pre-requisite qualifications related to a specific occupation
title, and developed in conformance with the Dictionary of
Occupational Titles, published by the United States Department of
Labor.
Occupation title - The title denoting a specific occupation description.
Plant component - A major individual treatment facility which singly, or
in combination, constitute a wastewater treatment plant.
Sludge heat value - The heat of combustion of wastewater sludge.
Sludge stratification - Separation of solids and supernatant in sludge
holding tank.
Staff complement - The on-site employees required to properly operate
and maintain a wastewater treatment plant.
Total labor cost - Direct salary and wage costs plus indirect labor
delated costs such as social security, pension fund contributions,
and insurance premiums.
Trickling filter ponding - A condition occurring when voids in filter
media become clogged with excessive growth of organisms, which
prevents the free flow of the wastewater.
Wastewater strength - The concentration of pollutants in wastewater,
usually expressed in terms of milligrams per liter.
251
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SELECTED WATER
RESOURCES ABSTRACTS
INPUT TRANSACTION FORM
1. Report No.
4. Title
ESTIMATING COSTS AND MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS FOR
CONVENTIONAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES,
3. Accession No.
7. Authors) Patterson, W. L. , and
Banker, R. F.
9. Organization
Black & Veatch, Consulting Engineers
1500 Meadow Lake Parkway
Kansas City, Missouri 64114
12. Sponsoring Organization
15. Supplementary Notes
Final Report, 250 pages, 78 figures, 2O tables
5. Report Date
6.
8. Performing Organization
Report No.
10. Project No.
17090 DAN
11. Contract/Grant No.
14-12-462
13. Type of Report and
Period Covered
16. Abstract
Data for estimating average construction costs, operation and maintenance costs, and
manpower staffing requirements, are presented for conventional wastewater treatment
plants ranging from 1 to 100 mgd in capacity, and for stabilization ponds ranging from
0.1 to 10 mgd in capacity. Estimating data are included for 21 separate components of
conventional plants and 6 separate components of stabilization ponds. Examples of use
of the data are given.
Estimated average construction costs and operation and maintenance costs are related
graphically to appropriate single parameters for respective plant components.
Occupation descriptions for 24 job titles related to wastewater treatment, developed
in accordance with standards of the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, are included
in the report.
The data presented provide means of estimating costs and staffing requirements for a
variety of conventional wastewater treatment facilities on an average basis, but do not
supplant the need for detailed study of local conditions or recognition of changing
design requirements in preparing estimates for specific application.
This report was submitted in fulfillment of Project Number 17090DAN, Contract Number
14-12-462, under sponsorship of the Environmental Protection Agency.
17a. Descriptors
^Construction Costs, ^Operating Costs, *Maintenance Costs, *Wastewater
Treatment, Capital Costs, Manpower
17b. Identifiers
^Occupation Descriptions, *Process Costs, Staffing Requirements
17c.COWRR Field & Group 05 D
18. Availability
19. Security Class.
(Report)
20. Security Class.
(Page)
21. No. of
Pages
22. Price
Send To:
WATER RESOURCES SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION CENTER
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WASHINGTON. D. C. 20240
Abstractor
I Institution
WRSIC 102 (REV. JUNE 1971)
GP 0 9 13.261
4U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTl'NQ OFFICE: 1972 484-486/272 1-3
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