Wastewater Lagoons 101: EPA Tools for Operators
There are more than 4,500 publicly owned discharging wastewater lagoon systems in the U.S. and these lagoons comprise approximately 24% of all publicly owned treatment works (POTWs). This webinar discusses:
- how lagoon systems are designed to treat wastewater and common compliance problems operators face.
- several new tools EPA has developed for lagoon operators including the First Stop Toolbox for Lagoons, a Lagoon Troubleshooting Manual, and two documents providing compliance tips for lagoon operators.
Presenters
Alma Hidalgo
Alma Hidalgo is a Program Analyst at the EPA's Office of Wastewater Management-Sustainable Community and Infrastructure Branch. Over the past five years, she has led the implementation of the EPA's Lagoon Wastewater Treatment Action Plan initiative. This initiative aims to support small, rural, and Tribal lagoon communities facing compliance, technical, financing, and regulatory challenges. Additionally, the initiative seeks to establish sustainable programs that promote equity and ensure clean waterways that lagoon communities can sustain.
Prior to her current role, Alma served as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer at the Office of Innovation in Jersey City, City Hall. In that capacity, she engaged with the Jersey City community to enhance its understanding of disaster preparedness and the value of green infrastructure. Furthermore, she worked as a community outreach organizer for New Jersey Future, where she facilitated activities aimed at addressing flooding and inadequate water systems in Kearny, Harrison, and Bayonne, New Jersey.
Contact: Hidalgo.Alma@epa.gov
Cornell D. Gayle
Cornell D. Gayle is a Professional Civil Engineer who works with the Environmental Protection Agency providing support to states and local municipalities ensuring compliance with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System requirements. Cornell understands the value of clean water and its ability to physically and emotionally unite or divide communities. He has supported states in post disaster recovery through supporting the re-establishment of water and wastewater services. As he travels around the nation, he educates grade school students, Federal and State inspectors, and facility operators on the importance of proper treatment of water and collecting accurate data to ensure our limited public water resources are safe.
Cornell holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and is a Licensed Professional Civil Engineer with the state of Georgia.
Contact: Gayle.Cornell@epa.gov
Mike Beck
Mike Beck is a Senior Wastewater Specialist at ERG and a certified wastewater operator in both California and Virginia with 14 years of environmental experience including operating and managing industrial and municipal treatment systems. In his position at ERG, he serves as an EPA Credentialed Inspector for Clean Water Act NPDES compliance evaluation inspections, a task lead providing technical assistance lead for dozens of small and disadvantaged communities struggling with permit compliance, and a technical expert witness for the Department of Justice in CWA compliance cases. He worked as operations manager for a 16 MGD activated sludge plant and a wastewater engineer for discharges from a pharmaceutical manufacturer.
Contact: Mike.Beck@erg.com