Muffin Monsters, Block Walls, and Sewer Mysteries: Inside the Water Pollution Control Authority Meeting

Muffin Monsters and Sewer Upgrades: Highlights from the Water Pollution Control Meeting

On October 9, 2024, the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) convened to discuss everything from sewer flows to pump station repairs, with a dash of humor, technical expertise, and a mysterious Muffin Monster thrown in for good measure. If you missed the meeting, don’t worry—you can watch the full video here.

If you don’t have time for the full meeting, here’s everything you need to know about what happened. Let’s dive in! 💧

1. The Numbers Game: Monthly Operating Report for September

The meeting started with the September operating report, and if you love stats, this part was for you. Key points included:

• Flows were down to an average of 3.0 MGD (million gallons per day), with one high flow spike of 7.7 MGD during a rainstorm.
• BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) and suspended solids were 98% removed, nearly perfect for wastewater treatment standards.
• Ammonia and nitrogen levels were within limits, with 88% removal efficiency for nitrogen and an average of 113 pounds for the month.
• Phosphorus stood at 63 pounds, and effluent phosphorus concentration was 2.55 milligrams per liter—a solid month for the team.

The low flow in September was credited to the lack of rain, but WPCA expects flows to rise with storm activity, highlighting ongoing challenges with infiltration and inflow (I&I). At one point, they noted that storm events can more than double the flow due to leaks in the system, especially in areas like Yukon.

Takeaway: Less rain means better numbers for the wastewater system, but the storm-related spikes in flow are something the WPCA will continue to tackle. 🌧️

2. The Epic Saga of the Muffin Monster 🧟‍♂️🧁

Possibly the best-named piece of equipment in the world, the Muffin Monster, made its triumphant return to the meeting’s agenda. What is this mechanical beast, you ask? It’s a grinder that chews through anything that gets into the sewer system, from rags to wood and even pieces of gravel. As WPCA operators lovingly explained, “It’s like a monster, shredding anything in its path.”

In September, the crew performed preventative maintenance on the Muffin Monster, replacing the brushes that guide the auger and ensure everything gets ground up before passing through the treatment process. Without those brushes, you’d be dealing with blockages and buildup that could throw the system off-kilter.

Fun Fact: If you ever wanted to see a machine grind a motor to dust, the Muffin Monster is the one to watch.

3. Block Walls and Splash Zones: Grit Chamber Fixes

Another key topic was the completion of a block wall installation at the plant’s influent grit chamber. Why the wall, you ask? During high flow events, water would bubble up from the bottom of the chamber, splashing out and creating a mess that not even a team of superheroes could handle. The solution: a block wall, built in-house, to contain the splashing and guide the water back into the treatment system.

WPCA staff even showed before-and-after videos (available here) of the chamber during a 22-million-gallon high-flow test, proving that their in-house engineering did the job perfectly. The wall was sealed with epoxy, and the team seemed proud of their handiwork—rightfully so!

Takeaway: Sometimes, the simplest solutions—like a block wall—save the day and the budget.

4. Manhole Mysteries and Surcharging False Alarms 🚨

At one point in the month, the WPCA was called in to investigate what appeared to be a surcharged manhole—a scary situation where manholes overflow with wastewater. However, after some investigation, they realized it was a false alarm caused by workers who mistook a manhole cap filled with water for a full sewer backup. The WPCA calmly explained that the cap keeps groundwater from infiltrating the sewer and that everything was functioning correctly. Crisis averted!

Takeaway: Not every manhole full of water is a problem—but when in doubt, call the WPCA pros.

5. Pump Station Upgrades and Repairs

A large portion of the meeting focused on pump station updates, where various repairs and upgrades were in progress. Highlights include:

• Patrick Flood Pump Station: A new pressure transducer was installed to replace the older fog rod system that kept getting clogged with grease. The new system includes a backup float system in case the PLC fails, offering an extra layer of safety.
• Yukon Pump Station: Dealt with a faulty fire alarm sensor, which was quickly replaced. The station also experienced a small fuel leak from a gasket in the generator, but it was quickly fixed with a new gasket and oil change.
• Harlan and Tungsten Pump Stations: Roof replacements are being planned for both, and with winter fast approaching, the WPCA is working to get it done before the cold weather hits.

These stations are essential for keeping the flow moving, and with winter maintenance on the horizon, the WPCA has their work cut out for them.

6. Jetting, Cleaning, and Camera Inspections 🚛

No WPCA meeting would be complete without a rundown of the sewer maintenance performed. This month, the team jetted major areas like the Stop and Shop Plaza, Summers Bend, and Wyndham Lane. They average 2,500 to 3,000 feet a day with their jetting equipment.

In addition, the sewer camera was used for inspections on Meadow Street near the Yale Museum, as well as the elusive hunt for a sewer lateral near the Route 4 goat farm. With missing records dating back to the 1970s, it’s been a challenge to locate the lateral, but the team remains determined. 🐐

Conclusion: Keeping Things Flowing

After a detailed update on training initiatives and the progress of ongoing projects, the WPCA adjourned the meeting with everyone feeling confident in the work being done. From Muffin Monsters to block walls, and finding missing laterals, it’s all in a day’s work for the WPCA team. 💪

Thank You to Our Sponsor: Farmington Storage

This report was brought to you by Farmington Storage at 155 Scott Swamp Road. Whether you need to store extra equipment, office files, or a Muffin Monster (okay, maybe not that last one), they’ve got you covered! Give them a call at 860.777.4001 to learn more about their services.

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Until next time,
Jack Beckett
Senior Writer, The Farmington Mercury
Fueled by coffee and curious about sewer grinders ☕.