The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the American Public Works Association (APWA), and the American Society of Civil Engineers have released a report describing the "Core Attributes of Effectively Managed Wastewater Collection Systems.
The associations say that despite the importance of collection systems to wastewater management, the U.S. EPA has not established national guidance for design or operation of sewer systems. This means collection system managers lack clear, consistent national guidelines on which to base management of their systems.
Therefor, the organizations worked with a broad group of industry stakeholders to identify and develop good engineering practices and core attributes essential to managing and operating collection systems. These core attributes are designed to provide guidance for managers to evaluate their existing programs and confirm that they are performing according to industry good engineering practices. The core atributes are:
• Implement and maintain a system inventory and information management system.
• Implement and maintain a records management system.
• Adopt and implement a safety and training program.
• Develop and implement overflow, emergency response, and reporting procedures.
• Perform timely and adequate system operation and maintenance.
• Develop and implement source control measures.
• Conduct system structural condition assessment and evaluation.
• Conduct system hydraulic capacity assessment, evaluation, and assurance.
• Adopt and use standard design, construction, and inspection attributes.
• Develop and implement a communication and outreach program.
• Develop and implement procedures to identify and enact program monitoring, measurement, and modifications.
• Ensure adequate and sustainable funding revenue sources and reliable accounting practices.
You can access the complete report at www.wef.org/coreattributesofWWCS.
