Every month, two topics appear the most among the many emails, blogs, newsletters, and online magazines I receive--Infrastructure Spending and Return-to-Work.
Since I wrote about infrastructure spending two issues ago, this month I’ll focus on Return-to-Work.
The COVID-19 vaccines are reducing the number and severity of infections, which is translating into higher levels of confidence as the lockdown restrictions ease. We see the light at the end of a long, dark, 14-month tunnel and I’m sure most of us are excited with the prospect of coming out of our respective seclusions.
From a business standpoint, there are many questions to ask and answer:
- When do we bring everyone back to working onsite?
- How do we make returning to onsite work safe physically, mentally, and emotionally? What resources do we need to provide for those coming back to being onsite?
- And the million-dollar question--do we allow a "hybrid" remote and onsite setup for those workers who've demonstrated they can be effective and productive under such a schedule?
In their meeting on Monday, May 17, our Commission adopted a “Remote Workplace Policy,” which outlines the criteria that will be used to determine if an individual employee can work a hybrid schedule and procedures for doing so. It’s a comprehensive policy which balances the needs of the agency and individual employees. I anticipate that some of our employees will express interest in this. Since the variables for each job role differs, each request will be handled individually, factoring in both the needs of the employee as well as the department and agency as a whole.
We live in interesting times, with the necessity to be nimble, flexible, and proactive ever-increasing. As an industry, the wastewater field tends towards the conservative, and for good reason, as our charge is protecting public health and the environment. Our challenge today is to create a work environment that meets this charge and responds to the changing needs and expectations of our workforce. This is certainly a challenge that I personally embrace!
Thanks for visiting and please be safe, and healthy, and happy!
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SVCW Celebrates National Safety Month |
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Safety is our top priority at SVCW, so we always look forward to celebrating National Safety Month in June. Hosted by the National Safety Council (NSC), the program invites organizations across the country to raise safety awareness in order to reduce the leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road and in our homes and communities.
We encourage readers to celebrate along with us each week with safety themes at their organizations. These are:
Week 1: Prevent Incidents Before They Start
Identifying risks and taking proactive safety measures to reduce hazard exposure on important topics from ergonomics to chemical management is crucial to creating a safe workplace.
Week 2: Address Ongoing COVID-19 Safety Concerns
As the pandemic continues, employers play an important role in the return to physical workspaces, building trust around vaccines, mental health and so much more.
Week 3: It’s Vital to Feel Safe on the Job
Being able to be one’s self at work without fear of retaliation is necessary for an inclusive safety culture. Leading organizations focus not only on physical safety, but psychological safety as well.
Week 4: Advance Your Safety Journey
Safety is all about continuous improvement. Whether organizationally or individually, NSC can help provide guidance for your path forward.
To access the free materials available (you don’t have to be an NSC member) just go to the NSC website and choose the link that says “Sign up now”. Once you enter some basic information you will notified by email when the materials are ready for you to access.
Campaign materials typically include:
- Tip Sheets in both English & Spanish
- Articles related to the safety focus
- Graphics you can share on social media
- and more!
Learn more about SVCW's ongoing safety efforts here. |
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Every month SVCW shares an insider's glimpse behind the scenes into cool, innovative technologies and processes we're using that are transforming the water treatment industry. |
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Harnessing Battery Storage to Improve Energy Sustainability |
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SVCW uses onsite cogeneration engines to operate at their full capacity of 1,250 kW, allowing energy to divert to the power grid. In addition, the plant’s 1,040 kW Energy Storage System uses Tesla batteries to store energy at night when demand for energy is low and the cost of energy is much cheaper. During the day, the batteries will discharge energy as needed when the demand increases. The Energy Storage System is expected to save up to $150,000 in utility bills every year. This program helps us move closer to becoming energy independent.
How do the batteries work for utilities like ours? The battery demand management system uses smart algorithms and machine learning to optimize power usage and reduce peak demand charges. The smart switchgear efficiently distributes power throughout the plant and uses data trends to further optimize this process. During high energy use at peak power periods, SVCW will discharge the batteries into the new 12kv switchgear, which will further reduce Plant Energy Demand. During low energy usage and off-peak periods, the batteries recharge. This innovative approach was submitted to the WEF and SVCW was recognized as a “Utility of the Future 2020” by the WEF.
The ability to shift energy consumption from one point in time to another is what helps us avoid paying high energy prices. Not only are we saving ratepayers' dollars, but we are relieving stress to the PG&E power grid.
Learn more about innovative clean energy technologies used by SVCW here.
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We're on track and continuing to make progress on the Regional Environmental Sewer Conveyance Upgrade (RESCU), the rehabilitation and replacement of SVCW's conveyance system. When complete, it will ensure that for many decades to come, SVCW can efficiently, reliably, and safely convey and treat wastewater from its four member agencies. Those include Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood City, and the West Bay Sanitary District (which serves the cities of Menlo Park, Portola Valley, and portions of Atherton, Woodside, East Palo Alto, and unincorporated areas of San Mateo County). |
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Picture above: GP Project team working at SFS shaft
Picture below: Permeability testing of the jet grout columns
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Salus is in its last stretch of tunneling!
Barnard-Bessac Joint Venture (BBJV) has consistently monitored and maintained the tunneling equipment and parameters to ensure this drive went smoothly. With the constant check-ins and monitoring, Salus is on schedule and on target for break-in at the surge-flow splitter (SFS) shaft.
Crews continue preparing the SFS shaft and surrounding ground for Salus’ break-in. To ensure that Salus has a safe and successful break-in, BBJV will use a Roadheader (excavator-like machine) to demolish part of the SFS internal wall to a diameter slightly larger than Salus.
Around the shaft, ground improvements are complete with all jet grout columns installed, which reduce and prevent groundwater from entering the shaft during break-in. BBJV is performing strength and permeability testing ahead of break-in as part of their quality control, ensuring they meet the required parameters.
For more information about the Gravity Pipeline, go here.
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Picture above: Grit washer classifier onsite, ready for installation
Picture below: Odor Control piping
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In May, the grit washer classifiers were installed at the Headworks facility.
Wastewater passes through the grit removal system then enters the grit washer classifier, which typically has two parts: the wash tank and discharge screw conveyor. This system “washes” the inorganic matter, grit settles to the bottom and is transported for offsite disposal. The grit material is abrasive and removed early in the wastewater treatment process to prevent damaging downstream equipment.
At the Headworks facility, Shea Parsons Joint Venture (SPJV) is installing ducting pipes for odor control. Foul air that comes from the new gravity pipeline and headworks facility will pass through the ducting to Biotrickling Filters for treatment and Granular Activated Carbon vessels for “polishing” before it gets released.
For more information about the Front of Plant project, go here.
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Pump Station Improvement Project |
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Aerial progress shot of Redwood City Pump Station |
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SVCW's contractor partner, Shea Parsons Joint Venture (SPJV), is making good progress with construction at the Redwood City Pump Station (RCPS). The electrical building walls are being constructed, with electrical conduits being installed under the building slab. SPJV will also be excavating the wet well and building the screening this month.
Work on the Belmont Gravity pipeline is ongoing along Shoreway Road. This month, ground improvement and excavation of three shafts will be carried out to prepare for the micro-tunneling operations for the Belmont gravity pipeline construction. Since the construction work impacts the public, SVCW is providing regular construction updates and has open communications with the cities of San Carlos and Belmont, and with the businesses in the area.
For more information about the Pump Station Improvement project, go here.
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