EPA 907/9-74-004
INFORMATION PACKET
ON
MONITORING
FOR
DISCHARGE PERMIT COMPLIANCE
PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION VII
DIVISION
COMPLIANCE BRANCH
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
JULY, 1974
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PREPARED BY
RALPH L, FLOURNOY
AND
DAVID R, ALEXANDER
The Superintendent of Documents
Classification number is:
EP 1.8:
D63/2
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
\
s g REGION VII
%-^|t^-» 1735 BALTIMORE - ROOM 249
\imo^ KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI 64108
Dear Permit Holder:
The passage by Congress of Public Law 92-500, Federal
Water Pollution Control Act, Amendments of 1972, has resulted
in far-reaching changes in the requirements for wastewater
treatment by municipalities and industries. This means that
permit holders must sample and analyze their discharge to
determine the quantity and quality going to lakes, streams, and
rivers. To assist you in meeting permit requirements, my staff
has put together this packet of information. We suggest that
you read this material carefully. We wish to point out, however,
the ultimate guide is still your own permit -- consult it for
the exact requirements and conditions.
If any problems arise concerning compliance with your
permit, you may contact your State office or the Environmental
Protection Agency, Compliance Branch office at Kansas City.
Very truly yours,
/ Jerome H. Svore
Regional Administrator
Enclosure
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The use of brand names or specific commercial firms is
for illustrative purposes and does not constitute an
endorsement or recommendation by the Environmental
Protection Agency.
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CONTENTS
I. Introduction
A. What is NPDES Program
B. Brief discussion of permit and requirements
II. Sampling, Flow Measurement, Preservation
A. Sampling - Techniques and procedures for collecting fecal
coliform, 6005 and TSS samples
B. Flow measurement -
1. Estimating from water usage
2. V-notch weirs
3. Flow meters
4. Bucket and stopwatch
5. Bucket-orifice method
C. Preservation - Freezing to insure sample integrity
III. Sample Analysis and Equipment
A. BOD5 C. pH
B. TSS D. Fecal Coliform
IV. Alternative Monitoring Analysis Approaches
A. Hiring out tests and report preparation to chemical testing lab.
B. Combining with other communities to finance regional lab.
C. Contracting with major municipalities for analysis.
D. Contracting with large industries for analysis.
E. Contracting with local college and vocational-technical schools.
F. Regional labs
V. Reporting Requirements
A. Completed monitoring form (3320-1)
B. Schedules for reporting - sampling and reporting of results
C. Record keeping requirements
VI. Conversions and calculations - examples for computing Ibs/day
from mg/1, converting gpm to gal/day, etc.
VII. References - Reference books and telephone numbers of appropriate
state and federal contacts
VIII. Glossary
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I, INTRODUCTION
A. On October 18, 1972, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
Amendments were enacted. It provided for a broad and comprehensive
approach to water pollution control in this country. One major aspect
of this piece of legislation was the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit program under Section 402 of the Act.
In basic and general terms, it stated that all point source discharges
to waters of the United States must obtain a permit authorizing and
regulating the discharge contents. The NPDES program replaced the
Refuse Act Permit Program under the 1899 Refuse Act.
National mandates in the 1972 Amendments include:
1) Establish national effluent limitations and source
performance standards.
2) Require by July 1, 1977, "best practicable" control
technology for private industry and "secondary treat-
ment" for publicly owned treatment plants. Secondary
treatment is defined as an effluent with the following
characteristics:
Monthly Average Weekly Average
BOD5 30 mg/1 45 mg/1
TSS 30 mg/1 45 mg/1
Fecal Coliform 200/100 ml* 400/100 ml*
pH 6.0 - 9.0
* of sample
3) July 1, 1983, is to see the introduction of best avail-
able control technology for industries and the best
practicable control technolgy for municipally owned
treatment facilities.
B. PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
The permit issued to you requires that your discharge be limited
in the amounts of solids, oxygen demanding materials, and bacteria it
contains. It also requires that you have your discharge regularly
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sampled and tested to determine how well your system is operating and
whether it is within the limits imposed. In those instances where the
plant is not capable of meeting the final limitations, a schedule is
imposed. These schedules usually extend to July 1, 1977 - the latest
possible date for providing secondary treatment under the law as passed
by congress. The schedule is set up so that reporting dates are no
further apart than nine months. There are fourteen days from each
compliance date listed to report in writing to the appropriate state
agency and/or EPA, whether compliance was attained.
One important fact to remember is that this permit is a legal
document and is binding on the city. Read it carefully and keep it in
a safe and secure location. Consult the permit often to assure yourself
that all conditions are being met. The law provides stiff penalties for
failure to comply, so if any problems or questions arise, consult the
state.agency or EPA. Some other general requirements include:
1) Prohibition against discharging oil and grease or any toxic
materials (e.g. mercury, pesticides) should these materials
enter your system and discharge to a river, stream, creek,
lake or reservoir, call the spill number 816-374-3778.
2) Material removed by treatment processes (sludges, etc.) must
not be disposed of in such a manner that they might enter waters.
of the United States.
3) No bypassing of treatment facilities, except to prevent loss of
life or severe property damage. All bypassing events must be
reported in writing to the state pollution control agency or
EPA at once.
4) Major industrial dischargers (i.e. flow 50,000 gal/day or more than
5% of your plant's total flow or who discharge toxic materials) are
required to comply with certain regulations. Should a major dis-
charger request to hook-up to your system, these requirements would
go into effect. The city is responsible for gathering this information
and submitting it to EPA or the state.
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3
II. SAMPLING, FLOW MEASUREMENT, PRESERVATION
A. SAMPLING AND SAMPLE TAKING
Sampling and sample analysis is the only good means available for monitor-
ing the strength of a wastewater stream. The basis for reducing water pollution
stems from knowing the degree of pollution present, which is obtained by proper
sampling methods.
The following items are essential for good results in any sampling program:
1) Using proper sampling techniques.
2) Insuring that the sample taken is truly representative of the waste-
stream.
3) Protecting the samples until they are analyzed.
Samples should be taken at locations where the wastestream. is well mixed
so that it will be representative. A turbulent mixing zone with a liquid
greater than 1 fps (foot per second) will generally maintain all solids in
suspension and provide more uniform distribution. An effective location for
sampling should have easy access and be located at a point following the con-
fluence of all possible waste lines to one discharge point. (As indicated by
the asterisks in the figure below.)
INFLUENT.
TREATMENT PLANT
EFFLUENT
Where grab samples are required, large mouth, well cleaned and rinsed glass
or plastic jars should be, used. It is important that the sampling jars be used
for nothing else. The jars should be cleaned thoroughly with preparations
available for cleaning laboratory equipment. The containers should be rinsed
several times with the waste being sampled. Do not quite fill the sample jars
so they can be shaken before analysis. The fecal coliform test requires
sterilized jars since np_ background contamination can be present. Sterilized
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4
jars can be prepared by heating the container (lid off) in an oven at 350°F. for
two hours. The lid must be put back on tightly as soon as the jars are removed
from the oven after cooling. Do not touch the inside of the jar or lid, so as to
prevent contamination. If a chlorinated discharge is being sampled, sodium thio-
sulfate (0.1 ml of a 10% solution for each 125 ml) should be added immediately.
Mason jars can be used as a temporary fecal coliform sampler if sterilized. How-
ever, special wide mouth, ground glass stoppered bottles for bacterial sampling
can be bought for $2.00-$3.00 each and will last a longer time.
If composite samples* are required, then a volume of waste proportional to
the flow at the time of the sample should be combined with other samples propor-
tional to the flow at the times they are obtained. For example, a twenty-four
hour composite should contain at least 8 grab samples (about 1/2 pint) one taken
every three hours. Some permits may require another type composite sample. If
this is the case, refer to your regional EPA office for clarification. The
composite should be refrigerated or kept on ice the entire 24-hour period. This
should give a fairly accurate and representative composite for the day's waste.
A total of at least 1 to 2 quarts (1 quart is almost liter) should be taken
and properly preserved so that sufficient waste is available for all the tests.
.*
If the tests are not going to be performed immediately, then the samples must
be properly preserved or the analysis may be meaningless. Refrigeration has.
been the most effective method of preservation of BOD,- and TSS samples. pH should
be prepared and analyzed as soon as possible after obtaining the sample so as to
reduce significant deterioration. Fecal coliform samples can be retained (at
40 F or 4°C) for up to six hours and BOD,- samples for no more than twenty-four
hours from the time the first grab is taken.
*See glossary for further details.
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The exercise of care and common sense in the procurement of samples
can greatly improve the quality of results obtainable. After all, if we
expect to control water pollution we must be able to measure it accurately.
B. FLOW MEASUREMENT
One of the easiest and least expensive ways to monitor flow in the
sewage treatment plant is to estimate it using the water usage records.
This can be computed by taking the water use for an entire month, say
March, and dividing by 31 to get a daily average usage. Generally, it
can be assumed that 90 - 95 percent of this water reaches the sewer from
mid-October to May. During the summer water usage will increase notice-
ably due to car washing, lawn watering, and swimming - this water does
not reach the sewer system or the treatment plant. This will require
some adjustment of the water usage figures to obtain a correct figure
for the amount reaching the sewers. Consult your water usage for the
past three years by month, list this material in a table and keep this
for reference.
There are two things to keep in mind when estimating the flow by,
water usage. The first concerns infiltration. If the sewer system
is subject to infiltration and the reporting period (normally three
months) has been marked by heavy rain or melting snow the amount of
water in the sewer system will increase noticeably. This means that
(1) care should be exercised in using water usage as an estimation in
the spring (due to spring rains) even if the system has very little
problem with infiltration and (2) systems with infiltration problems
should consider another method of determining flow through the sewer
system.
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Second, some sewer systems may be subject to outflow (exfiltration)
from the pipes. This will tend to reduce the actual flow at the treatment
facility. Note some towns may have industries which export water in their
product, for example, soft drink manufacturers. Find out if your system
is one of these and subtract the exported quantity from the water use
figures.
The second method would be to construct a 90° V-notch weir for the
discharge point just as it leaves the plant, and before it enters a creek
or ditch. The next page shows the design (Fig. 1) and the dimensions (Table
1) for a typical V-notch weir box. Notice that two flow ranges are given so
that the box can conform to the flow from your plant.
The construction of the weir box should provide for the use of water
resistant (marine) wood and/or non-corrosive metal. The reading (H) on
the ruler (see sketch) can be converted to gals/day by referring to Table 2.
Notice the drawing of the V shows that it is beveled at a 45° angle to allow
smooth flow. The sketch below is a view from above showing direction of
bevel.
I
Flow
n/c J L
7 1/8V / X
Some rules of construction and maintenance are:
1) The weir plate should be of non-corrosive metal or water
resistant wood about 1/4 inch thick with a sharp right
angle on the upstream edge.
2) The downstream 1/8 inch should be beveled (tapered at an
angle) at a 45° angle away from the V-shaped opening. This
allows the flow to pass through easily. See Figure 1.
3) The V-notch must be cleaned periodically of any dirt or
algae growth.
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TABLE
Discharge
gallons /day
0 to 1,610,000
1,291,000 to
2,800,000
Depth
(max)
(H)
(ft.)
1.0
a. 25
(A)
(ft.)
6
6.5
(K)
(ft.)
2
3
1
(B)
(ft.)
5
6.5
(E)
(ft.)
3
3.25
(D)
(ft.)
1.5
1.5
(F)
(ft.)
4
5
(L)
(ft.)
3
3.5
(C)
(ft.)
1
1.5
FIGIPE
1
'-V
RULER
Cleanout
opening to be
provided with a
tight but
removable
cover.
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8
TABLE
II
Readings*
(H) in
Inches
2 00
2 25
2 50
2.75 . . .
3 00 ....
3 25
3 50 ...
3 75 ....
4 00
4.25 ....
4 50 ...
4 75
5.00 ....
5 25
5 50 ....
5 75 ...
6.00 ....
6.25 ....
6.50 . . . .
6.75 ....
7.00 ....
Flow
gals/day
. . 18,915
. . 25,331
. . 32,895
. . 41,667
. . 51,702
. . 63,054
. . 75,776
. . 89,917
. . 105,524
. . 122,645
. . 141,323
. . 161,601
. . 183,523
. 207,129
. . 232,458
. . 259,550
. . 288,443
. . 319,174
. . 351,779
. . 386,295
. . 422,755
Readings*
(H) in
Inches
7.25 ....
7.50 . . . .
7.75 ....
8.00 ....
8.25 ....
8.50 . . . .
8.75 ....
9.00 ....
9.25 ....
9.50 ....
9.75 ....
10.00 ....
10.25 ....
10.50 ....
10.75 ....
11.00 ....
11.25 ....
1 1 . 50 . . . .
11.75 ....
12.00 ....
1
Flow
gals/day
. . 461,194
. . 501,646
. . 544,143
. . 588,719
. . 635,405
. . 684,233
. . 735,233
. . 788,436
. . 843,872
. . 901,571
. . 961,560
. . 1,023,871
. . 1,088,530
. . 1,155,566
. . 1,225,006
. . 1,296,878
. . 1,371,208
. . 1,448,024
. . 1,527,354
. . 1,609,217
*Notes - Before taking reading remember these items:
1. For best accuracy the average of at least three or four readings
per day is best. These readings should ideally be made at
10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 12:00 midnight.
2. Be sure the V-notch weir plate is clean.
3. Clean the weir box weekly.
4. Readings (H) less than 2.5" become inaccurate.
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4) The ruler should be behind the V-notch at a distance at
least four times and not more than 10 times the average
head (H) measured.
5) Flows below 35.000 gals/day should not be measured using
this method.
A third flow measurement technique is to use a bucket and stopwatch.
Marking off a new five T ten gallon bucket in quarts and gallons and taking
three o»" four readings, while timing the stopwatch will give an excellent
measurement. Using this method, flows from 0 to 25 or 30,000 gals/day
can be measured.
Discharges from 14/00 to 230,400 gals/day can be measured using the
orifice bucket method. In this method a 125-pound grease drum is used.
The procedures for using this method are as follows:
1. The depth in the bucket is measured and marked off along the
side. The use of white tape (preferably 3 - 4" wide) or painting
a white stripe inside from top to bottom will work.
2. Nine one-inch holes (accuracy is important when drilling the holes)
are drilled in the bottom. The edges of the holes should be
smoothed to allow easy flow thru the holes.
3. The holes not in use are plugged with rubber stoppers.
4. A reading of the depth of water in the bucket is made after the
deoth has reached a steady level.
5. Using the graph in .-"igure 2 the depth of water is converted to
gals/minute. This figure taken from the graph is multiplied by
the number of holes not plugged. This is the flow at the time of
measurement.
6. Take 3-4 readings during the day, average these readings and
multiply by 1440 to gpt gallons/day.
The fourth flow measurement procedure concerns primarily non-gravity
flow situations, such as mechanical plants with lift stations. Here
operation may be on an intermittent basis as the pump will only start up
when it is needed. Therefore, if information on the capacity of the
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10
Water depth = Head
J/ l>- P -• O \
v S o o
o
125 Ib. grease drum
or equivalent
9-1" diameter holes - equally spaced
24
22
20
18
I 16
vC
o
c
14
0)
a
12
10
A
10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Flow through 1-inch orifice, gpm
Figure 2 - Rating curve for orifice bucket.
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11
pump is available then the volume of flow pumped can be determined. For
example, assume that the lift station pumping directly to the treatment
plant pumps at 100 gpm, therefore, volume flow would be found. by
substituting in the equation:
Time pump on x pump capacity x efficiency
The pump equipment manufacturer or most engineering firms should be able
to furnish information on rated pumo capacity and efficiency.
The fifth method of measurinr flow is to use a flow meter which
continuously records the flow on a strip chart or other recording device.
This approach is the most expensive, but also the most accurate. Infor-
mation on these can be obtained by writing to:
Inquiry Processing Department (American City Magazine)
P. 0. Box 13159
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19137
Subscriptions to the magazine are ^ee to interested city and county
officials. Requests for subscriptions should be directed to the American
City Magazine, Buttenheim Publishing Corporation, Bershire Common, Pitts-
field, Massachusetts 01201.
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C. PRESERVATION
All of the sample discussed in this section should be preserved
to insure that the change in quality is small. Samples for 8005, TSS,
pH and fecal coliform should be thoroughly iced down and kept in a
dark place, such as an ice cooler. Each sample should be labeled
(directly on the bottle or using a rubber band and tag) so that time
and date of sample, location and identity of sampler is listed.
III. SAMPLE ANALYSIS AND EQUIPMENT
Section 304(g) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments
of 1972 specify sampling and test methods acceptable to EPA. At present
all testing must conform to the latest edition of the following references:
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastes, A.S.T.M. Standards,
and Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes. If an alternate
test method to those specified above is desired then the permittee must
submit a written request for variance to the Regional Administrator along
with sufficient data on accuracy and precision to support the request.
If EPA then determines that the alternate test method achieves results
equivalent to the accepted methods the Regional Administrator may then
accept it for use.
BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) is defined in the EPA glossary as
"A measure of the amount of oxygen consumed in the biological process
that breaks down organic matter in water. Large amounts of organic wastes
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13
use up large amounts of dissolved oxygen, thus the greater the degree
of pollution, the greater the BOD." Therefore, BODs is that quantity
of dissolved oxygen consumed in a five-day period for the stabilization
of organic matter.
Since the 6005 test is actually a bioassay the following conditions
must be met:
1) The samples must be protected from contact with air
2) Toxic compounds and interferences must be absent or
protected against
3) All necessary nutrients must be present for the micro-
organisms
4) The samples must be incubated at a constant temperature
of 20°C
The BOD5 test essentially measures the amount of oxygen used by
bacteria and other microorganisms over a five-day period as measured
from the baseline value. For each BODs sample it is normally best to
prepare the following test; three BOD test bottles covering a high,
low and expected range, along with one bottle to be used as a blank.
The three dilutions can be obtained from Table III. For example,
where a final effluent 6005 of 30 mg/1 is expected the bottles would be
prepared by direct 'pipetting 20 ml of final effluent into the median
range bottle, 50 ml into low range, and 10 ml into the high range. This
should allow for experimental and human error to give reliable test
results. Then stop up the BOD bottles with prepared aeration water along
with the blank BOD bottle (filled completely with aeration water). After
filling and sealing the bottles with stoppers, they should be placed in
a stable .temperature environment (20°C) for five days. Each day put some
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14
TABLE III
1. Percent Dilution Method
2. Direct Pipetting Method
% Mixture
0.01
0.02
0.05
0.1
0.2
0.5
1.0
2.0
5.0
10.0
20.0
50.0
100.0
Range
20,000 -
10,000 -
4,000 -
2,000 -
1,000 -
400 -
200 -
100 -
40 -
20 -
10 -
4 -
0 -
of BOD
70,000
35,000
14,000
7,000
3,500
1,400
700
350
140
70
35
14
7
. ml
0.02
0.05
0.10
0,20
0.50
1.0
2.0
5.0
10.0
2Q.O
50.0
100.0
300.0
Range
30,000 -
12,000 -
6,000 -
3,000 -
1,200 -
600 -
300 -
120 -
60 -
30 -
12 -
6 -
0 -
of BOD
105,000
42,000
21 ,000
10,500
4,200
2,100
1,050
420
210
105
42
21
7
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15
distilled water around the bottle stopcock to prevent air from getting
in.
Some words of caution are in 01 Jer concerning the 8005 test. For
best results the instructions in accepted references should be followed
as closely as possible by competent personnel. Each test result must
show an oxygen depletion of at least 2 mg/1 from the blank value and
must have a least 0.5 mg/1 residual DO. If more than one bottle falls
in this range then normally the lowest dissolved oxygen value will give
the most reliable BOD5 value.
The Total Suspended Solids (TSS) test along with BODs are the major
parameters used in water quality determinations on waste water treatment
facilities. The total suspended solids test attempts to determine the
quantity of suspended material in a known volume of sample removable by
filtration through a glass fiber filter under vacuum. When following
Standard Methods there are a number of important items that can introduce
significant errors if not corrected.
1) Sample size should be as large as possible and still filter
without great difficulty.
2) The filter should be dried at T03 - 105°C prior to weighing and
filtration.
3) The filters must always be allowed to cool to room temperature
in a desiccator before weighing.
4) Do not handle the filter by hand (use tweezers) as body oils
and grease will affect the weight.
5) A test is not valid unless the filter shows a positive increase
in weight after filtration and drying at 103° - 105°C.
£H^ is a term that represents the concentration of acidity or alka-
linity in a solution. To protect biological waste treatment processes
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TABLE IV
EQUIPMENT LIST
BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND
Description Quantity
Balance, Analytical, Mettler H31_ 1
Beaker, 250 ml 4
Bottle, BOD, 300 ml 12
Bottle, Polyethylene, 8 oz. 4
Bottle, Weighing, 30 ml 2
Buret, 25 ml 2
Cylinder, Graduated, 10 ml 2
Cylinder, Graduated, 100 ml 2
Cylinder, Graduated, 1000 ml 2
Flask, Volumetric, 1000 ml 2
Incubator, BOD 1
Oven, Drying 1
Pi pet, Measuring, 1 ml 2
Pipet, Volumetric, 5 ml 2
Stirring Rods, Glass 12
Support, Double Buret 1
Tygon Tubing, 1/4" x 1/16" 10 ft.
Reagents
Calcium Chloride Soln, 2.75% 32 oz.
Dextrose Reag 1 Ib.
Ferric Chloride Soln, 0.025% 32 oz.
Glutamic Acid 100 gm
Magnesium Sulfate Soln, 2.25% 32 oz.
Phosphate Buffer Soln, pH 7.2 32 oz.
Potassium Iodide Soln, 10% 32 oz.
Sodium Hydroxide Soln, IN 32 oz.
Sodium Sulfite Reag 1 Ib.
Starch Soln f 16 oz.
Sulfuric Acid Reag, cone 9 Ib.
Sulfuric Acid Soln, IN 32 oz.
pH VALUE
Description Quantity
pH Meter, Corning Model 7 1
16
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TABLE IV cont.
TOTAL SUSPENDED MATTER (NONFILTRABLE RESIDUE)
Description Quantity Description Quantity
Balance, Analytical Mettler H31 1 Flask, Filtering, 500 ml 2
Bottle. Wash, 250 ml 1 Forceps 1
Cylinder, Graduated, 100ml 2 Funnel, Buchner, Plate
Desiccator 250 mm 1 Diameter, 56 mm 1
Filter Discs, Glass Fiber, Oven, Drying 1
55 mm 1 bx Rubber Stopper, 1-Hole, No. 7 4
Filter Pump 1 Rubber Tubing, 1/4" x 3/16" 4 ft.
Reagents
Silica Gel, Indicating 1% Ib.
FECAL COLICORM MEMBRANE FILTER PROCEDURE
Description Quantity
Autoclave 1
Autoclave Pressure Control ' 1
Balance, Triple Beam 1
Bottle, Water Sample, 125 ml 8
Burner, Tirrill 1
Cylinder, Graduated, 100 ml 2
Cylinder, Graduated, 500 ml 2
Dishes, Petri, 60 x 15 mm. 500/case 1 case
Distillation Apoaratus, Glass or water
demineralizer with cartridge 1
Filter Funnel Assembly 1
Filter Pump . 1
Flask, Erlenmeyer, 125 ml, w/screw cap 8
Flask, Erlenmeyer, 500 ml, w/screw cap 4
Flask, Filtering, 1000 ml 2
Forceps 2
Hot Plate 1
Membrane Filters, 47 mm dia, 0.45 Micron Pore Size 1 bx.
Paper, Weighing 1 pkg..
Pipet, Serological, 2ml 2
Refrigerator 1
Rubber Stopper, 1-Hole, No. 8 4
Rubber Tubing, 1/4" x 1/16" 4 ft.
Rubber Tubing, 1/4" x 3/16" 4 ft.
Spatula, 8" 1
Sterilizer, Hot Air (Optional) 1
Water Bath (+0.2°C) 1
Water Bath Gable Cover V
M-FC Broth 1/4 Ib.
17
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and water quality the pH should fall in the 6.0 - 9.0 range. Values
between 0-7 represent the acid scale with 0 very acid and 7 neutral.
Therefore, it is obvious that 7-14 is alkaline and 14 would be highly
alkaline (basic). The standard for measuring pH is the hydrogen ion
electrode, otherwise known as the pH meter. The meter is available in
tremendously varied qualities and price ranges from numerous reputable
dealers, such as Beckman, Fisher Scientific, Hach, Analytical Measurements,
Inc., Bausch and Lomb, etc. The electrode method is the only acceptable
pH measurement under 304(g). Unfortunately, since pH is so drastically
affected by innumberable conditions it must be measured immediately to
be of any value. Even a few minutes delay may invalidate a pH test.
The Fecal Coliform test has been adopted as a water quality and
effluent parameter to indicate the degree of contamination of the waste-
water effluent by potentially harmful bacteria. Both the membrane filter
and most probable number (mpn) are acceptable as test procedures. If
the sample is not prepared onsite, it should be refrigerated at 4°C and
then prepared within six hours.
Table IV on the next page is an itemized list of equipment and .
chemicals necessary to run the tests previously mentioned.
After an initial review of the equipment market, we have established
some rough price listings for the equipment in Table IV. The lump sum
minimum for the equipment in Table IV is approximately $4800 at present
market value. This figure is expected to increase by 20 percent in the
next year. Additional annual costs would include the following:
18
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1. For monthly sampling chemical cost would be $60/year and
for weekly sampling the cost would be $200/year.
2. Replacement of broken glassware or equipment and disposable
supplies can amount to as much as $200/year.
3. The cost of labor for monthly sampling and analysis would
amount to $1200/year assuming labor cost of $5/hour and the
need to spend 20 hours/month 'on sample collection and analysis.
The cost goes up to $4800/year for weekly sampling and analysis.
4. Assessing a cost for lab space is almost totally dependent upon
what space a community is forced to utilize.
Because of the excessive costs that would be entailed for each
community to purchase its own laboratory equipment, we strongly
urge all smaller communities to pursue other arrangements as
discussed under "Alternative Monitoring Approaches."
Many of the pieces of equipment can be made through conversion of
commonly obtainable pieces of equipment. For example, it is possible to
convert an old refrigerator into an incubator by the addition of a thermo-
static control conversion kit. Other modifications can be found in various
professional journals in the sanitary-environmental field.
A competent operating staff is a key consideration in meeting the
performance requirements of your permit. The competence of your staff
should be determined, any need for training should be made known to your
State water pollution control agency, your State Division of Vocational
Education, and the Manpower and Training Branch of the EPA Regional Office.
IV. ALTERNATIVE MONITORING ANALYSIS APPROACHES
For most small communities the monitoring program required under the
NPDES program may seem rather expensive at first. Although, this may be
true, really effective water pollution control will require significant
expenditures. However, we have attempted to develop a number of alternative
approaches to the purchase and establishment of individual laboratory
facilities.
19
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20
A) Consulting engineering firms, environmental testing labs, and
other testing laboratories hire out sampling and test for a
fee. We have found that the prices for analysis of BODr, TSS,
Fecal Coliform, and pH generally run between $25 - $45, for
one sample with all four tests. An additional charge would be
assessed if the sample is to be obtained by the testing laboratory.
This would run the total cost up to $100.00 or more for taking the
sample and analyzing it. These firms are listed in the Yellow Pages
under Laboratories-Testing.
B) A number of small communities in the same area can combine resources
to equip one lab and train one crew to take the samples and run the
four tests. This has the particluar advantage of drastically re-
ducing the cost assessed to each town and make the data much more
consistent because one crew runs all the tests.
C) Large cities often have well equipped 1aboratories and trained
personnel. A number of smaller communities have found it
effective to contract with these larger cities to run tests.
D) Some industries have been known to hire out their personnel and
lab facilities on the side to handle this kind of testing work.
E) Local colleges and junior colleges can furnish competent students
trained in the testing of water and waste water. They may receive
credit and/or other acknowledgement from the school as well as
a small salary from the community.
F) Some states have or may soon explore the possibility of establishing
regional laboratories equipped to run most common wastewater analysis.
You should contact your state environmental control agency for infor-
mation regarding possible regional laboratories. Sufficient interest
may encourage the states to follow through more rapidly.
We strongly urge all small communities who desire to reduce costs to
examine the alternative proposals as given or to develop others as need arises.
If you develop any interesting or novel ideas, please let us know at EPA, as we
want to work with you all we can. While developing your own monitoring system
try to keep in mind the following points:
1) Conserve fuel - the use of one man to deliver the samples from five
or six towns would help here as well as cutting costs.
2) Reduce wasted effort.
3) Maintain high quality effluent and good data quality - inspect the
plant often and deal with problems, however small, at. once.
4) Minimize cost - the use of city personnel to take samples and deliver
them can cut cost by 50 - 60%.
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21
V. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
A. The completed reporting form (Fig. 3) is an example of how
the form should be filled out. The permit conditions entered are
those for a plant in compliance with the secondary standards. The
permit issued to you has the conditions that apply to your situation.
Consult this before completing the form. The method of calculating
Ibs/day from mg/1 using the flow is shown on the form. The figure 8.34
is a constant conversion factor. To obtain kg/day divide the Ibs/day
by 2.2.
The permit for most municipalities requires:
a) Monthly samples for the five parameters listed on the
sample form (consult your permit for others, e.g., in
Missouri, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and alkalinity
are required in many permits.
b) The results of these samples are generally reported four
times per year. These periods generally end on the last
day of March, June, September, and December. There are
twenty-eight days to complete the report and submit it
after the end of the period.
c) Records must be kept for a period of three years, longer
if requested by EPA or the State. Records such as method
of analysis, date, and time samples were taken and by
whom, must be kept together for inspection, but should •
not be submitted with the monitoring report.
d) Review.section III of the permit for definitions and state
reporting requirements. In Iowa it is requested that the
state monitoring form be filled out and sent to the state
office only.
d) If monthly or quarterly sampling is required, submit a
quarterly summary for each discharge point (001, 002...).
If daily, weekly, or bimonthly sampling is required, sub-
mit three monthly summaries for each discharge point every
quarter. For the first quarter this would require a Jan.,
Feb., and March summary for 001 to be submitted by April 28.
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NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM
DISCHARGE MONITORING REPORT
Nfft
STREET
CITY, STATE ZIP CODE
EXMPLE CALOJLATIQNS
Form Approved
OMB NO. 15S-ROO73
(LBS/DAY) = 27 MG/L x .02 MILLION GALLONS/DAY x 8.34 = 4.5 LBS/DAY
TSS (IBS/DAY) = 25 MG/L x .02 MILLION GALLCNS/DAY x 8.34 = 4.16 LBS/DAY
INSTRUCTIONS
L DISCHARGE
(2-3) I4-I«> (17-19) J
X 0001396
( 5T PERMIT NUMBER
§SHRI '
E S twtm
PARAMETER
(PARAMETER CODE)
BOD5
(00310) •
TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS
(70299)
(00403)
»rai
"
D15
120-2)1 (22-23)
7 4 Ol6
YEAR MO
NUMDE
495?
SIC
(24-251
3 in
DAY
•
(3 card only)
138-451
MINIMUM
..**.
*****
.*...
*****
6.5
6.0
*****
*****
10.000
»«-»*»
86
85
!cn
^
<4C
E FOR SEWAGE SYSTEMS J
LATITUDE
TO
1 26-271
1 fl
YEAR
LONGITUDE
28-29) 130-31) ^ nnf'JT
n q 3lo REPORT
MO DAY in/73/
QUANTITY
S3) I 34-6 1) {62-631
AVERAGE
4,
5,
4.
5,
5
0
16
0
*****
*****
*****
20,000
20,000
87
*****
MAXIMUM
7
7
7
7
8
9
0
9
18
.9
.0
.0
*****
*****
21,000
*****
90
*.,..
TITL-E OF THE OFFICER
SEMffiE
EPAF°raJ"°-I(IOCa PRINT IWE HERE
PLANT
ru*T|
• OR
TL-f
ERATOR
UNITS
LBS/EAY
LBS/DAY
S.U.
******
GALS/DAY
i
DATE
71/4 i IQ 1 14 S
YEAR MO DAY
DATE OF SIGNATURE
FIGURE 3
NO.
EX
O
U
0
0
*
0
0
1. Provide dates for period covered by this report in spaces marked "REPORTING PERIOD".
2. Enter reported minimum, average and maximum values under "QUANTITY" and "CONCENTRATION
in the units specified for each parameter as appropriate. Do not enter values in boxes containin
asterisks. "AVERAGE" is average computed over actual time discharge is operating. "MAXIMUM*
and "MINIMUM" are extreme values observed during the reporting period.
3. Specify the number of analyzed samples that exceed the maximum (and/or minimum aa appropriate)
permit conditions in the columns labeled "No. Ex." If none, enter "O".
4. Specify frequency of analysis for each parameter as No. analyses/No, days, (e.g., "3/7" is equiva
-— tent to 3 analyses performed every 7 days.) If continuous enter "CONT. "
%*— Center f'NA".
6. Appropriate signature is required on bottom of this fotra.
., 7. Remove carbon and retain copy for your records.
N[ 8. Fold along dotted lines, staple and mail Original to office specified in permit.
TE OFF ^" <64-68) l«9-70)
(4 card on
( 38-45)
** CONCENTRATION
( 4C-33) 154-81)
MINIMUM
.....
*****
*****
*****
*****
mimm
100
*****
«****
««.
*****
/ certify that I
report and that
nation is true,
AVERAGE
27
30
25
30
*****
*****
140
200
*****
«HHHH,
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VI. CONVERSIONS AND CALCULATIONS
Multiply
Cubic feet/second
Cubic feet/second
Grams/liter
Liters
Milligrams/liter
Million gals/day
Parts/million (ppm)
(Temp °C + 17.78)
(Temp °F - 32)
1 Kilogram
1 Pound
1 Gallon
1 Cubic foot/sec.
1 Cfs
1,000,000 gals/day
1,000,000 gals/day
1 Pound/million gals
By_
448.831
0.646317
1000
1.057
1
1.54723
8.345
1.8
5/9
= 2.205 pounds
= 453.6 grams
= 3.785 liters
= 646,300 gals/day
= 449 gals/min.
= 1.547 cfs
= 694 gals/min.
To obtain
Gallons/minute
Million gallons/day
Parts/million
Quarts
Parts/million (ppm)
Cubic feet/second
1 bs/minion gals.
Temp °F
Temp C
= 0.1199 ppm
Milligrams per liter x 8.34 x flow in million
page 22 for examples
REPORTING OF LABORATORY RESULTS
Parameter . Range
gallons/day = Ibs/day refer to
PH
BOD 5
TSS
0 - 49
1 - 100
Report to nearest
0.1 units
1.0 mg/1
1.0 mg/1
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24
VII References
Reference Books
1. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.
13th Edition, 1971 American Public Health Association, 1015
Eighteenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, $22.50
This is the generally accepted reference for procedures'for
the analysis of samples. It is updated about every five years.
2. Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes, 1971
Environmental Protection Agency, Water Quality Office, Analytical
Quality Control Laboratory, 1014 Broadway, Cincinnati, Ohio
45202 (for sale from Superintendent of Documerits U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. Stock number 5501-0067, $3)
This is the EPA testing manual with practical hints and guidance.
3. Chemistry for Sanitary Engineers, 2nd Edition 1967, Clair N.
Sawyer and Perry L. McCarthy, McGraw - Hill Book Company.
A book detailing the chemistry of water and wastewater treatment.
4. Laboratory Procedures - Analysis for Wastewater Treatment Plant
Operators, David Vietti, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
1735 Baltimore, Kansas City, Missouri 64108.
A practical guide for wastewater operators involved in analysis
of samples.
5. Water Measurement Manual, 1967, U.S. Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Reclamation, for sale by the Superintendent of Documents,
U.S. Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, $2.50.
EPA Address: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region VII
1735 Baltimore - Room 249
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
Phone Numbers:
a. Spill reporting number 816-374-3778
b. Inquiries about permit, sampling, etc. 816-374-2576
c. Inquiries about municipal grant funding 816-374-5593
d. Inquiries about public notices, etc. 816-374-5955
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25
2. State addressed:
IOWA
Mr. Kenneth M. Karen, Chief
Environmental Engineering Services
Department of Environmental Quality
3920 Delaware
Des Moines, Iowa 50316
515-281-3045
Mr. Jerry Rattenberg Region I
209 N. Franklin
Manchester, Iowa 52057
319-927-2640
Mr. F. R. Pfeiffer Region II
1450 Federal
P. 0. Box 1443
Mason City, Iowa 50402
515-424-4073
Mr. John LeFevbre Region III
P. 0. Box 270
401 Grand Avenue, Suite 23
Spencer, Iowa 51301
712-262-4177
Mr. Richard W. Grote Region IV
532 First Avenue
Suite 304
Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501
712-328-3194
Mr. Jack Clemens Region V
Iowa Dept. of Environmental Quality
3920 Delaware
Des Moines, Iowa 50316
515-265-8]34
Mr. Mike Herman Region VI
P. 0. Box 65
Journal Building
111% N. Marion
Washington, Iowa 52353
319-653-3442
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26
KANSAS
Mr. Melville W. Gray
Chief Engineer and Director
Division of Environmental Health
Kansas State Department of Health
Forbes Air Force Base, Bldg. 740
Topeka, Kansas 66620
FTS 8-913-296-3821
Mr. Richard D. Buchanan Southwest Area Office
Engineering Technician Dodge City
300 W. Highway 56
Dodge City, Kansas 67801
Mr. William T. Towery Southeast Area Office
Engineering Technician Chanute
11 S. Lincoln, Box 566
Chanute, Kansas 66720
Mr. Elmer Zerr, Engineer Northeast Area Office
Forbes Air Force Base Topeka
Building 740
Topeka, Kansas 66620
Mr. Dean L. Strowig, Engineer North Central Area Office
719 East Crawford Salina
Salina, Kansas 67401
Mr. Gerald Grant, Engineer Northwest Area Office
1014 Cody Avenue Hays
Hays, Kansas 67601
MISSOURI
Mr. James L. Wilson, Director
Department of Natural Resources
State Office Building
Jeffersor.City, Missouri 65101
314-751-4422
Mr. Charles S. Decker, Regional Engineer (Macon)
Missouri Clean Water Commission
P. 0. Box 154
231 N. Rollins
Macon, Missouri
816-385-2129
Mr. Joe Fitzpatrick, Regional Engineer
Missouri Clean Water Commission
State Office Building
615. East 13th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
816-274-6675
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27
MISSOURI (Cont.)
Mr. Kirk Stevens, Regional Engineer
(Jefferson City)
Missouri Clean Water Commission
P. 0. Box 154
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
314-751-3241
Mr. Earl Holtgraewe, Regional Engineer
Missouri Clean Water Commission
8460 Watson Road, Suite 217
St. Louis, Missouri 63119
314-849-1313
Mr. James A. Burn's, Regional Engineer
Missouri Clean Water Commission
1155 East Cherokee
Springfield, Missouri 65804
417-883-4033
Mr. Thomas Jones, REgional Engineer
Missouri Clean Water Commission
946 Lester Street
Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901
314-785-9460
NEBRASKA
Mr. George Ludwig
Acting Director
Department of Environmental Control
Box 94653, State House Station
Lincoln, Nebraska 68509
402-471-2186
Mr. John Knapp
503*s North Jeffers
North Platte, Nebraska 69101
308-532-1995
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28
VIII. GLOSSARY
Biochemical Oxygen Demand - (1) The quantity of oxygen used in the
biochemical oxidation of organic matter in a specified time
(BOD§ - five day), at a specified temperature, and under specified
conditions. (2) A standard test used in assessing wastewater
strength.
Composite Wastewater Sample - A combination of individual samples of
water or wastewater taken at selected intervals, generally hourly
for some specified period, to minimize the effect of the variability
of the individual sample. Individual samples may have equal volume
or may be roughly proportioned to the flow at the time of sampling.
Data - Records of observations and measurements of physical facts,
occurrences, and conditions, reduced to written, graphical, or
tabular form.
Grab Sample - A single sample of wastewater taken at neither set time nor
flow.
Industrial wastes - The liquid wastes from industrial processes, as distinct
from domestic or sanitary wastes.
Lagoon - A pond containing raw or partially treated wastewater in which
aerobic or anaerobic stabilization occurs.
Monitoring - The measurement, sometimes continuous, of water quality.
Most Probable Number (MPN) - That number of organisms per unit volume that,
in accordance with statistical theory, would be more likely than ariy
other number to yield the observed test result with the greatest
frequency. Expressed as density of organisms per 100 ml. Results
are computed from the number of positive findings of coliform-group
organisms resulting from multiple-portion decimal dilution plantings'.
Organic Matter - Chemical substances of animal or vegetable origin, or more
correctly, of basically carbon structure, comprising compounds consisting
of hydrocarbons and their derivatives.
Oxidation Pond - A basin used for retention of wastewater before final disposal
in which biological oxidation of organic material is effected by natural
or artificially accelerated transfer of oxygen to the water from air.
Primary Treatment - (1) The first major (sometimes the only) treatment in a
wastewater treatment works-, usually sedimentation. (2) The removal of
a substantial amount of suspended matter, but little or no colloidal
and dissolved matter.
-------
29
Sampler - A device used with or without flow measurement to obtain an aliquot
portion of water or waste for analytical purposes. May be designed for
taking a single sample (grab), composite sample, continuous sample, or
periodic sample.
Sanitary Sewer - A sewer that carries liquid and water-carried wastes from
residences, commercial buildings, industrial plants, and institutions,
together with minor quantities of-ground-storm, and surface waters
that are not admitted intentionally.
Secondary Wastewater Treatment - The treatment of wastewater by biological
methods after primary treatment by sedimentation.
Stabilization Lagoon - A shallow pond for storage of wastewater before
discharge. Such lagoons may serve only to detain and equalizes
wastewater composition before regulated discharge to a stream, but
often they are used for biological oxidation.
Stabilization Pond - A tyoe of oxidation pond in which biological oxidation
of organic matter is effected by natural or artificially accelerated
transfer of oxygen to the water from air.
Suspended Solids - (1) Solids that either float on the surface of, or are
in suspension in water, wastewater, or other liquids, and which are
largely removable by laboratory filtering. (2) The quantity of material
removed from wastewater in a laboratory test, as prescribed in "Standard
Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater" and referred to as
nonfilterable residue.
Total Solids - The sum of dissolved and undissolved constituents in water or
wastewater, usually stated in milligrams' per liter.
Wastewater Survey - An investigation of the quality and characteristics of
each waste stream, as in an industrial plant or municipality.
Weir - (1) A diversion dam. (2) A device that has a crest and some side con-
tainment of known geometric shape, such as a V, trapezoid, or rectangle,
and is used to measure flow of liquid. The liquid surface is exposed to
the atmosphere. Flow is related to upstream height of water above the
crest, to position of crest with respect to downstream water surface, and
to geometry of the weir opening.
Composites proportional to flow - The method of making each part or grab of the
composite proportional to the flow at that particular time requires that
the flow be estimated or calculated and a certain volume collected for
each unit. For example, a 100 ml or 1/2 pint sample could be taken for
each 100 or 200 gallons/minute recorded then. For larger plants, the
basis may be for each 1000 gallons/minute. Thus a flow of 150 gpm at
2:00 PM would mean a sample of 150 ml or 3/4 pints, and a flow of 200 gpm
would mean 200 ml or 1 pint.
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