| Phoenix Water Staff Takes Home Multiple Awards at AZ Water Association Conference | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/water-services/2817 | Water Services | | 7/25/2023 7:25:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2817/Tech_Award_Photo_NR_Sized.jpg | | Phoenix Water Staff Takes Home Multiple Awards at AZ Water Association Conference | <div class="ExternalClassA15C4B962DE3465EB681D5AB368763D0"><html>
<div>Several Phoenix Water Dept. staff members and projects received special recognition at the AZ Water Association's annual conference held in May. AZ Water Association is a local non-profit with the mission to “advocate for Arizona’s water through bold leadership, connecting professionals, providing education, and inspiring environmental stewardship.”<br></div>
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<strong>SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM OF THE YEAR: CONSERVATION TEAM </strong>
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<div>The team, led by Dr. Max Wilson, consists of seven staff members. The highlights of the team’s work included the launch of several programs, including a Commercial Public/Private Cooling Tower Revolving Loan program, HOA and Business Efficiency Checkups, Water Waste Door Hangers, and Water Wrangler’s volunteers’ program that has inducted 18 volunteers into the program since Fall 2022. Other conservation efforts for the public include the future launch of high-efficiency toilet and smart controller rebates, off-the-shelf xeriscape plans, landscaper outreach, non-functional turf removal, and home water audits.</div>
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<div>In collaboration with the City of Phoenix Planning and Development Dept., the Water Conservation Team led the development of conservation related stipulations for two large developments in North Phoenix, including a commitment to certify 100% of homes to EPA WaterSense Homes standards. These stipulations have become the core of the City’s Sustainable Desert City Development Policy, which was unanimously adopted by the Phoenix City Council on June 13, 2023. This policy will develop standard water conservation related stipulations for all rezoning cases and direct staff to codify these water saving practices into City Code and Ordinances. </div>
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<div>Contact information: <a href="mailto:conservation@phoenix.gov" target="_blank"><strong>conservation@phoenix.gov</strong></a><strong> </strong></div>
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<strong>WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROJECT: 23RD AVE WWTP GRIT REPLACEMENT PROJECT </strong>
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<div>The 23rd Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant detritor grit system, located at the north area of the plant, was replaced by a new grit stacked tray vortex system during the period of 2021-2022. </div>
<div>Project Highlights Include:</div>
<div>• The new grit stacked tray vortex system only utilizes gravity to force grit the out of the process stream.</div>
<div>• The performance fro m the new system surpasses older technologies by achieving 95% removal of all grit large than 75 microns.<br></div>
<div>• The gravity-based process excels with lower power consumption.</div>
<div>• The high level of grit collection achieved by the stacked trays has a snowballing effect for processes downstream. Grit abrasiveness and grit accumulation are problematic. Maintenance due to grit related issues are expected to decrease.</div>
<div>• To provide City Programmers with full process flexibility, all process logic resides centrally in the plant’s SCADA system. <br></div>
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<strong>WASTEWATER SYSTEM PROJECT: NW MASTERPLAN</strong> </div>
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<div>The City of Phoenix Water Services Dept. began working with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) in late 2019. In 2020, the director of Water Services Dept. went to Taiwan and met with TSMC representatives. City of Phoenix staff have been in regular meetings with TSMC representatives, consultants and suppliers since September 2020.</div>
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<div>The Water Services Department has provided critical support to TSMC Development in the following areas:</div>
<div>• Plan, design, construct and operate $70 million in new wastewater infrastructure on an extremely short timeline in the Biscuit Flat area to support TSMC development, including a 40 Million Gallon per Day (MGD) Lift Station and over 12,000 ft (2.5 miles) of large diameter sewer mains.</div>
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<div>Some highlighted achievements include: </div>
<div>• Constructed two 108” tunnels underneath Interstate 17 (I-17) for water and sewer lines. The tunnels were constructed using a tunneling machine.</div>
<div>• Wastewater sewer line infrastructure was completed on time and within budget</div>
<div>• Wastewater lift station operational and undergoing modifications to allow for discharge to the south in addition to the lines to the east</div>
<div>• Incorporating wastewater treatment engineering considerations as well as federal and local regulations into Industrial Pretreatment Permit limits<br></div>
<div>• Reviewing and approving a new type and model of interim compliance sampling device</div>
<div>• Ensure appropriate legal authority is in place for the protection of the City’s Wastewater Collection and Treatment System given the unprecedented impact that TSMC could have with the large volume of discharge and pollutants of concern </div>
<div>• This is the largest discharger of wastewater that the City of Phoenix’s Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) has permitted to date </div>
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<strong>GIMMICKS AND GADGETS - RENEWABLE ENERGY: MIKE VEGA </strong>
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<div>Mike Vega, a senior water quality inspector, developed a solar charging station for auto-sampler batteries. The idea was for safety, not free power. The building is over 30 years old and does not have a room with proper ventilation for charging batteries safely. The solar charging unit provides safe and cost-free energy. The unit charges the batteries faster than the electrical charging stations and charge three batteries at the same time. The fabrication took eight hours, and the solar panels and metal framing were repurposed items and the only cost was the two solar charge controllers at $40 each. </div>
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<strong>ELECTRICIAN OF THE YEAR: ERIC DAVIS </strong>
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<div>Eric Davis received this year’s Electrician of the Year Award at the AZ Water Association Annual Conference. Eric has been with the City of Phoenix Water Services Dept. for seven years. During this time, he became the lead electrician at the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant, leading a crew of six electricians and an apprentice. Every day, Eric’s work ethic is evident and sets the pace for how the electricians respond to urgent calls, work orders, projects, and assignments. These are all handled promptly from start to completion with the highest regard for excellent customer service, safety, and minimal impact on plant processes. Eric constantly seeks growth opportunities for his teammates and contributes to tackling the ever-changing needs of working at one of the largest wastewater treatment plants in the Southwest region. His efforts have created a team mentality among his peers, who all work to support, assist, and care for each other. Eric supports the other electricians in their job assignments and is always available to answer any questions, give suggestions, and recognize where it is warranted and deserved. Congratulations, Eric!</div>
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<strong>LAB-CHEMIST TECHNICIAN: RUTH HALDEMAN </strong>
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<div>Ruth Haldeman, received this year’s Laboratory Analyst of the Year Award at the AZ Water Association Annual Conference. Ruth, chemist II at the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant, takes on many research projects and helps the operational staff optimize processes and solve treatment problems. Her ability to innovate and create solutions for technical issues is impressive, and she trains her staff to assess and tackle these assignments. Ruth has developed personal and professional relationships with operations staff and management at 91st Ave. This helps the lab and plant work together and build trust. Congratulations, Ruth!<br></div>
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<div>Media Contact: </div>
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<div>Angela Serda </div>
<div>Public Information Specialist </div>
<div>Cell: (623) 499-8919 (call or text) </div>
<div>Email: <a href="mailto:angela.serda@phoenix.gov" target="_blank"><strong>angela.serda@phoenix.gov</strong></a><strong> </strong> <br></div>
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</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservices | News | | water-services | Solar Charging Station for Auto-Sampler Batteries | Water Dept | | | | | | Michael Gertzman | | 602-534-1209 | | | michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/MediaContact/Attachments/96/Michael_Gertzman_2022_200_300.jpg | | | | | | | | PHXWater | Solar Charging Station for Auto-Sampler Batteries |
