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Wastewater Microlife Basics - Virtual Course
5/26/2021
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Event Description
Wastewater Microlife Basics – Virtual Course
DEP Course ID # 8689 - Approved for 3.0 Wastewater Hours
Presented by the PWEA Training Committee
Wednesday, May 26, 2021 - 8:30 am to 12:00pm

Biological treatment depends on a healthy community of bacteria and other microorganisms to produce a final effluent that contains very little biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids. In many wastewater treatment facilities, enhanced biological removal of nitrogen and phosphorus is also accomplished biologically. The wastewater treatment plant operator needs to be able to monitor the health of the microlife and properly react to adverse conditions impacting its health.

Course Objectives:  At the end of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Explain the importance of monitoring their wastewater microlife;
  • Identify the microlife found under their microscope;
  • Calculate the following parameters:  Food to Mass Ratio, Mean Cell Residence Time, Nutrient Deficiency, and Chlorine Dosage; and
  • Describe the most common causes of excessive filamentous bacteria growth.
Course Format: 
  • The class will be held virtually in three consecutive one-hour sessions. There will be a 10-minute break between each session. A course package will be emailed approximately one week in advance of the class. It will contain the course handouts and information needed to join the class.
  • To successfully pass this course, you must attend the entire three hours and participate in the breakout sessions. You will need to print out the handouts. You will also need a calculator and pencil.
  • A practice session will be set up approximately two days prior to the scheduled class to allow all students to log-in and verify that their system is compatible.
Instructor:  The instructor for this course will be Jim Kern.  Jim is the Chair of the PWEA Training Committee.  He is currently employed part-time by both the Central Delaware County Authority and the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority.   Jim worked in EPA’s Operator Outreach Program for over 30 years, providing onsite technical assistance to wastewater operator.  He is a certified wastewater operator and professional engineer In Pennsylvania.

NOTE: This virtual course is being provided using the Zoom meeting platform.  Please make sure your organization will allow you to use the Zoom App.  Zoom will download a small program onto your computer.  It will be automatically deleted at the end of the meeting.  You are encouraged to use a webcam.  If your computer does not have a microphone and speaker, you may call-in using your phone.  You still must have a computer to view the presentation.

Continuing Education: Transcripts for 3.0 DEP Wastewater Contact Hours and/or for 3.0 hours of continuing education credit will be emailed after successful completion of the course. 

The cost for this course is $65 for PWEA members, or $115 for non-members. The course is limited to 25 participants.