A significant number of wastewater treatment plants constructed with Federal monies have not met design or NPDES permit standards. The emphasis of this research study was to identify, quantify and rank the causes of this poor performance. Research objectives were accomplished by conducting comprehensive evaluations at thirty wastewater treatment facilities. The two highest ranking factors identified were inadequate operator application of concepts and testing to process control and sewage treatment understanding. Many operators were not trained as evidenced by a lack of sewage treatment understanding, but even trained operators did not apply concepts of operation to process control. The third highest ranking factor identified was improper technical guidance from authoritative sources. These sources have dramatically affected the capability of existing operations personnel. Also, six of the ten highest ranking factors were related to improper plant design. Existing correction programs which address specific performance limiting factors were found to be limited in their ability to achieve the desired performance from an individual facility. A supplemental program to improve facility performance was developed and demonstrated. The program has potential of reducing plant construction costs as well as improving plant effluent quality.

Contract no. 68-03-2224. June 1979. Includes bibliographical references.