United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
RESEARCH PROJECT
National Risk Management Research Laboratory
Water Supply and Water Resources Division
Immediate Office
Nutrient Control Seminars
IMPACT STATEMENT
These Nutrient Control Seminars will present an extensive
state-of-the-technology review of the engineering design
and operation of nitrogen and phosphorous control
technologies and techniques applied at municipal
wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). These seminars
will present up to date technical guidance on the selection,
design and operation these technologies to a wide range of
technical professionals involved in the regulation and
control of nutrients discharged from WWTPs. Other
current nutrient control issues such as emerging and
innovative technologies and nutrient recovery and reuse
will also be discussed at these seminars. The U.S.
B Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for
developing technical guidance and informing wastewater
professionals on the most effective and cost-efficient methods for improving nutrient removal at WWTPs.
BACKGROUND:
In 2007, EPA initiated a new program, the Aging Water Infrastructure (AWI) Research Program, to evaluate and
rehabilitate the nation's aging water infrastructure. As a part of this initiative, the Office of Research and Development
(ORD) is publishing updated design guidance for technologies that remove phosphorous and nitrogen from domestic
wastewater. EPA is responsible for developing technical guidance and informing wastewater professionals on the most
effective and cost-efficient methods for improving nutrient removal at WWTPs.
The harmful effects of eutrophication due to excessive nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the aquatic and
marine environments have been well documented. Algae and phytoplankton growth can be accelerated by high
concentrations of phosphorous and nitrogen. Other aquatic life can be affected by these sudden "blooms" of algae and
phytoplankton which use up the nutrients in the water. Also, as the bacteria, that decompose the algae and
phytoplankton when they die off, start to consume large amounts of dissolved oxygen, aquatic life in the area can be
harmed or will die due to hypoxia or anoxia. These extreme eutrophic conditions can lead to "dead zones," which can
support only minimal aquatic life.
DESCRIPTION:
ORD's National Risk Management Research Laboratory has funded this research project in support of its AWI Research
Program. These Nutrient Control Seminars will result in an extensive state-of-the-technology review of the engineering
design and operation of nitrogen and phosphorous control technologies and techniques applied at municipal WWTPs.
The seminars will present up to date technical guidance on the selection, design and operation of these technologies to
a wide range of technical professionals involved in the regulation and control of nutrients discharged from WWTPs.
Other current nutrient control issues such as emerging and innovative technologies and nutrient recovery and reuse will
also be discussed at these seminars.
National Risk Management Research Laboratory
Water Supply and Water Resources Division
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This project will present updated engineering design guidance for the treatment of nitrogen and phosphorus at
municipal wastewater treatment plants. The content for these seminars will be based on EPA's updated Nutrient Control
Design Manual, which will be finalized in the autumn of 2009. This manual presents up to date technical guidance which
reflects technology advancements over the past two decades.
The updated Nutrient Control Design Manual and these Nutrient Control Seminars will update previous design guidance
published in 1987 (phosphorous control) and 1993 (nitrogen removal) by ORD. The design guidance presented at these
seminars will be instrumental in supporting the implementation of new nutrient water quality standards being
developed by the states. These seminars will be presented in Regions 1, 5, and 10 by the end of FYlO.The updated
Nutrient Control Design Manual and these Nutrient Control Seminars will update previous design guidance published in
1987 (phosphorous control) and 1993 (nitrogen removal) by ORD. The design guidance presented at these seminars will
be instrumental in supporting the implementation of new nutrient water quality standards being developed by the
states. These seminars will be presented in Regions 1, 5, and 10 by the end of FY10.
EPA GOAL: Goal #2 -Clean & Safe Water; Objective 2.1.1- Water Safe to Drink
ORD MULTI YEAR PLAN: Water Quality (WQ), Long Term Goal - WQ-3 Source Control
RESEARCH PARTNERS :
Collaborators: EPA Office of Water/Office of Wastewater Management; EPA Regions 1, 5, 10
Contractors: The Camdus Group, Inc.
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EXPECTED OUTCOMES AND IMPACTS:
It is expected that engineering design professionals and regulators will apply what they learn from these seminars to
increase the effectiveness of nutrient removal at WWTPs across the nation which will result in significant reductions in
nitrogen and phosphorus levels in receiving waters. These reductions will result in measurable water quality
improvements and healthier aquatic and marine ecosystems.
OUTPUTS:
The Nutrient Control Seminars will act as an extension of the updated Nutrient Control Design Manual, and will update
wastewater treatment professionals on recent advancements in nutrient removal technologies. Current and expected
project outputs include Seminars in EPA Regions 1, 5 and 10 (Fall 2009-Spring 2010).
RESOURCES:
Aging Water Infrastructure Research Program: http://www.epa.gov/awi/
EPA Technology Transfer Seminars- Nutrient Control at Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants:
http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/events/nutrient seminars.htm
EPA (2009). "Nutrient Control Design Manual: State of Technology Review Report" (EPA/600/R-09/012)
http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/pubs/600r09012/600r09012.pdf
CONTACTS:
Dan Murray, Principal Investigator - (513) 569-7522 ormurray.dan@epa.gov
Steven Doub, Media Relations - (513) 569-7503 ordoub.steven@epa.gov
Michelle Latham, Communications - (513) 569-7601 or latham.michelle@epa.gov
National Risk Management Research Laboratory
Water Supply and Water Resources Division
www.epa.gov/nrmrl
EPA/600/F-09/035
October 2009
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