Sanitary Sewer Overflow Solutions

Vincent D. Reynolds, MBA, P.E.

Course Outline

SSOs occur when a number of problems occur in the sanitary sewer system. Those problems include clogs to the pipes from FOG, roots, pipe failures and pump failure. Infiltration can also be a problem that causes SSOs, especially during heavy rainfall.  This course will discuss the SSO solutions that could be implemented to control or eliminate SSOs. The course materials are based solely on the Environmental Protection Agency document “Sanitary Sewer Overflow Solutions” as found on the website of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student would have learned the following:

• Factors that contribute to poor performance of collection systems;
• Number of SSOs estimated per year;
• Advantage of increasing hydraulic capacity;
• How non-excessive infiltration is defined;
• How leakages are quantified;
• The criteria for non-excessive infiltration determination;
• Major categories used in land planning;
• How rainfall effects peak flows;
• Probability of storm events;
• Time of day when wastewater production peaks;
• How to determine the diurnal peaking factor;
• The use of steady-state models;
• When open cut placement is most effective;
• Use of micro tunneling;
• Use of directional drilling;
• Main cause of hydraulic bottlenecks;
• Use of equalization basins;
• Life expectancy of Equality basins;
• Definition of FOG;
• The oleophilic properties of PVC pipes;
• How FOG accumulates in pipes;
• The primary objective of the overflow response plan;
• The major causes of stoppages;
• The effect of roots in SSOs;
• How copper sulfate is utilized in SSOs;
• Causes of pumping system failures;
• Use of parshall flumes;
• How to define short-term monitoring;
• Use of chemical grouting;
• Use of CIPP in SSOs;
• How CCTVs are used in analyzing SSOs; and
• How relief sewers are used.
  

Intended Audience and Benefit

This course is also perfect for anyone that would like to know more information regarding SSOs and how they can have an effect on their communities.

Course Introduction

SSOs occur when a number of problems occur in the sanitary sewer system. Those problems include clogs to the pipes from FOG, roots, pipe failures and pump failure. Infiltration can also be a problem that causes SSOs, especially during heavy rainfall.  This course will discuss the SSO solutions that could be implemented to control or eliminate SSOs. Several issues related to SSOs will be discussed including technical and operational issues. After reading this course the student will know the basic information regarding controlling and eliminating SSOs.

Course Content

This course will discuss the SSO solutions that could be implemented to control or eliminate SSOs. The course materials are based solely on the Environmental Protection Agency document “Sanitary Sewer Overflow Solutions” as found on the website of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

Sanitary Sewer Overflow Solutions (PDF, 298 pages)

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Course Summary

This course can be used by anyone with an interest in environmental, transportation engineering, or geotechnical engineering. This course is also perfect for anyone that would like to know more information regarding SSOs and how they can have an effect on their communities.  After reading this course the student will know the basic information regarding controlling and eliminating SSOs. As always good engineering judgment is paramount in any situation. Utilizing good judgment and the knowledge gained in this course can provide a more efficient implementation of SSOs.

Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:

http://www.epa.gov
http://www.epa.state.oh.us/

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

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DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.

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