Helena Joyce
The Suffield Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) is a department within the Town of Suffield, Connecticut. The WPCA is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the town's Treatment Facility, sewer lines, pumping stations, and low-pressure sewer systems. The WPCA staff consists of 10 people, most of whom hold professional wastewater certifications. The team ensures that the treatment facility adheres to the parameters set by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) to control the effluent discharged into the Connecticut River. The Town of Suffield is committed to environmental sustainability and has initiatives in place to promote environmentally conscious practices and educate the community on sustainable behaviours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Staff | 10 people: Superintendent, Business Administrator, Assistant Business Administrator, Process Control Operator, Maintainer, and five Operators |
| Staff certifications | All employees, except the Business Administrator and assistant, hold professional wastewater certifications |
| Responsibilities | Operation and maintenance of the Treatment Facility, over 80 miles of sewer line, 19 pumping stations, and three low-pressure sewer systems |
| Treatment capacity | 2.02 million gallons of wastewater per day |
| Treatment facility operations | The plant operates under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) which provides parameters for the effluent discharged to the Connecticut River |
| Environmental initiatives | Sustainable Suffield, a community volunteer group that works with town leadership to promote environmentally conscious practices and educate the community on sustainable behaviors |
| Recycling program | Townwide food scrap collection program with specific guidelines for electronics recycling |
What You'll Learn
The Suffield Water Pollution Control Authority's staff
The Suffield Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) is comprised of 10 staff members, each with distinct roles and responsibilities. The team includes a Superintendent, who likely oversees the day-to-day operations and management of the WPCA, and a Business Administrator, who handles the administrative and business-related aspects of the organisation.
The Assistant Business Administrator supports the Business Administrator and ensures the smooth operation of the WPCA's administrative tasks. The Process Control Operator is responsible for the technical aspects of the water treatment process, ensuring the efficient and effective treatment of wastewater.
The five Operators mentioned as part of the staff are likely responsible for the hands-on work, including monitoring, maintaining, and operating the treatment facility, sewer lines, pumping stations, and sewer systems. They work under the guidance of the Process Control Operator to ensure the proper treatment of wastewater.
Lastly, the Maintainer is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the treatment facility and its equipment, ensuring that everything is in good working condition and promptly addressing any maintenance issues.
Together, the staff of the Suffield Water Pollution Control Authority are responsible for the operation and maintenance of critical infrastructure, including the treatment facility, sewer lines, pumping stations, and sewer systems. They play a vital role in ensuring the proper treatment and management of wastewater, protecting the environment, and maintaining the health and safety of the community.
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The Treatment Facility
The Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) in Suffield is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Treatment Facility, an extensive network of sewer lines, multiple pumping stations, and low-pressure sewer systems.
The facility operates under strict guidelines set by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which establishes parameters for the effluent discharged into the Connecticut River, ensuring that any released water meets specific quality standards.
The WPCA staff, consisting of ten dedicated professionals, most of whom hold professional wastewater certifications, diligently manage the Treatment Facility. Their expertise encompasses a wide range of roles, including Superintendent, Process Control Operator, Maintainer, and Operators, who work together to ensure the efficient and effective treatment of wastewater.
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Sewer lines, pumping stations and sewer systems
The Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) in Suffield is responsible for the operation and maintenance of over 80 miles of sewer lines, 19 pumping stations, and three low-pressure sewer systems.
Sewer lines are an essential part of the wastewater management system, transporting wastewater away from communities to treatment facilities. In the case of the WPCA in Suffield, the treatment facility can process 2.02 million gallons of wastewater per day, serving businesses and homes within the sewer district.
Pumping stations, also known as lift stations, are used in conjunction with sewer systems and treatment plants to move wastewater to higher elevations. They are particularly useful when gravity flow is insufficient or impractical due to the topography or infrastructure. These stations collect wastewater in a sealed underground pit (wet well) and use electrical instrumentation to detect the sewage level. When the sewage reaches a predetermined level, a pump is activated to lift it upward through a pressurised pipe system to a gravity manhole, where it can continue its journey to a treatment plant. Pumping stations can be private or adoptable, serving various establishments, including housing estates, hospitals, schools, and commercial sites. They offer advantages such as cost-effectiveness, remote monitoring, and tailored designs. However, they also face challenges like blockages from grease and fat build-up, requiring regular maintenance and upkeep.
Sewer systems play a vital role in community wellbeing by facilitating the safe transport and treatment of wastewater, ensuring the distribution of clean water back into the environment. The WPCA in Suffield operates under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), adhering to parameters for effluent discharged into the Connecticut River.
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The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
The Water Pollution Control Authority in Suffield operates under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which was created in 1972 by the Clean Water Act. The NPDES permit program addresses water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into the waters of the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued permits to hundreds of thousands of facilities and operations across the country to control water pollution.
The NPDES program offers technical assistance, resources for permit writers, training, and tools to help ensure the consistent and effective implementation of the program across the nation. The NPDES Permit Writers' Clearinghouse is a web-based portal that provides permit writers with access to permit language, templates, and other resources. The program also assists with regulatory navigation and developing and implementing NPDES permits.
In California, the State Water Resources Control Board is responsible for preserving and enhancing the quality of the state's waters through the development of water quality control plans and the issuance of WDRs, which also serve as NPDES permits. The State Water Board establishes statewide plans, policies, and regulations to protect and restore water quality, while the Regional Water Boards issue the majority of NPDES permits and ensure compliance through inspections and monitoring report reviews.
The NPDES program plays a crucial role in helping permittees and permit writers protect water quality under changing conditions, such as more intense precipitation, floods, droughts, and rising temperatures due to climate change. By providing information, methods, and tools, the program supports the implementation of pollution control programs to manage wastewater discharges and protect water quality.
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The Environmental and Sustainability Task Force
The Suffield Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) is a department within the Town of Suffield, which has a strong focus on sustainability and environmental protection. The WPCA is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the town's Treatment Facility, sewer lines, pumping stations, and low-pressure sewer systems.
The Task Force actively engages with the community through town clean-up days, sustainability-themed speakers, and movies. They also provide educational resources and videos on their website, offering insights into different practices that drive environmental sustainability. One of their notable initiatives is the town-wide food scrap collection program, which has received praise from residents.
Additionally, the Task Force guides residents on proper recycling practices to prevent issues like fires at the recycling facility. They encourage residents to bring electronics to the town landfill for recycling instead of placing them in the trash. The group also directs residents to valuable resources, such as Energize CT, which offers information on energy incentives and the Home Energy Solutions (HES) program for energy audits.
Through the combined efforts of the WPCA and the Environmental and Sustainability Task Force, the Town of Suffield demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship and the well-being of its community.
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Frequently asked questions
The Suffield Water Pollution Control Authority is in the Town of Suffield.
The treatment facility in Suffield is currently capable of processing 2.02 million gallons of wastewater per day.
The Suffield WPCA staff is comprised of 10 people with various roles, including Superintendent, Process Control Operator, and five Operators. The staff is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Treatment Facility, 80+ miles of sewer line, 19 pumping stations, and three low-pressure sewer systems.
Suffield has an Environmental and Sustainability Task Force that works with town leadership to promote environmentally conscious practices and educate the community on sustainable behaviours. They also advise on the use of state funds allocated for waste reduction and make budgetary recommendations for future environmental projects.
