Engineers for Communities

• Containerized Wastewater Treatment: Modular Solutions for Lagoon Upgrades | WEFTEC SERIES 2 | EP 11

  Struggling to meet nitrogen limits? Facing algae outbreaks every discharge season? What if your lagoon could comply without a million-dollar overhaul? In this episode of Engineers for Communities, host Michael Groselle, PE chats with Ronen Barkan (Fluence Corporation) on decentralized wastewater plants, lagoons, practical fixes for rural wastewater systems drowning in regulations. Episode Highlights: ✅ Achieve Total Inorganic Nitrogen (TIN) compliance in existing lagoons. ✅ Pre-engineered, containerized upgrades that integrate with legacy infrastructure. ✅ Low-energy solutions for off-grid or remote areas. ✅ Cut operational costs with mobile-controlled systems. ✅ Prevent seasonal non-compliance in lagoon discharges. Why It Matters: Small communities can now meet strict environmental regulations without costly overhauls. Learn how Fluence Corporation optimize resources, reduce energy use, and leverage existing assets. 

  --------  

  11:00

  --------

  11:00
• Efficient Pump & Grinder Systems for Small Community Wastewater Needs | WEFTEC SERIES 2 | EP 10

  In this episode of Engineers for Communities, host Michael Groselle, PE sits down with Jeff Seaton from Boerger to discuss cutting-edge pump and grinder technologies for wastewater treatment. The conversation explores innovative approaches to tackling maintenance challenges, optimizing plant operations, and enhancing support for smaller communities. ↳ Discover Berger’s focus on maintenance-in-place (MIP) technology, designed to simplify repairs and minimize downtime for wastewater operators. ↳ Learn how grinding equipment, such as multi-crushers and orbital grinders, can handle tough materials like rags and debris, ensuring smoother plant operations. ↳ Explore why easy access and timely part availability are critical for small communities with limited staffing and resources. ↳ Understand how innovative rotor geometries and sealing technologies enhance pump performance and extend equipment lifespan. ↳ Gain insights into Berger’s approach to addressing customer pain points, providing tailored solutions that improve uptime and reduce maintenance costs. ↳ Learn about Berger’s commitment to continuous innovation and customer-driven R&D, with a focus on creating high-impact, operator-friendly solutions. ↳ See how Berger supports communities with efficient, reliable, and easily maintainable wastewater treatment technologies for a wide range of applications.

  --------  

  6:30

  --------

  6:30
• Advanced Water Treatment: Chlorination, Flushing & Real-Time Data | WEFTEC SERIES 2 | EP 9

  In this episode of Engineers for Communities, host Michael Groselle, PE, welcomes Ethan Brooke from CleanWater1 to discuss practical, innovative solutions to challenges in rural water systems. Learn how on-site water quality management and modern technologies are reshaping the landscape for small communities and contract operators. ★ Learn how cellular-based monitoring systems provide real-time visibility of water quality and system alerts, reducing reliance on costly SCADA systems for smaller communities. ★ Discover the Micro Chlor system, which uses salt, water, and electricity to produce low-concentration hypochlorite, eliminating the need for hazardous chlorine storage and reducing costs. ★ Understand why manganese precipitates are in chlorinated systems, their impact on water quality, and the importance of implementing effective flushing programs to address sediment buildup. ★ How thermal stratification and ice prevention in water storage tanks and learn how advanced mixers improve water quality and system longevity. ★ Gain insights into choosing the right tank mixer based on tank geometry, process goals, and system flow rates, ensuring optimal performance. ★ Discover the benefits of unidirectional flushing programs and how they can prevent sediment buildup while maintaining water quality. ★ See how eliminating toxic chemicals and improving operational processes creates safer and more economical systems for small communities. ★ Learn how CleanWater1 partners with engineers and operators to design tailored solutions that meet specific needs in water distribution and storage.

  --------  

  14:12

  --------

  14:12
• Simplifying Screening Design & Process | WEFTEC SERIES 2 | EP 8

  In this episode of Engineers for Communities, host Michael Groselle, PE engages with Terry Duperon of Duperon Corporation to discuss innovative wastewater treatment solutions, the role of creativity in engineering, and fostering a culture of innovation in the water sector. Terry shares his journey from traditional engineering to becoming a disruptor in the industry, offering insights on designing adaptable and sustainable wastewater systems.  ★ Learn about Duperon Corporation’s innovative approach to wastewater treatment equipment, emphasizing simplicity, adaptability, and operator efficiency.  ★ Explore the importance of flexible designs like screens and scrapers that can accommodate varying debris volumes, ensuring resilience during high flows or unexpected challenges.  ★ Discover how Duperon Skunkworks R&D team drives innovation through rapid prototyping and real-world testing, allowing for continuous product improvement and customer-driven solutions.  ★ Understand the value of designing systems with fewer parts, minimizing maintenance and improving reliability in harsh wastewater environments.  ★ Hear how Duperon integrates operator feedback to create user-friendly equipment that enhances performance and reduces long-term operational costs.  ★ Gain insights into the evolving acceptance of new technologies in wastewater treatment, as societal expectations and environmental challenges drive innovation.  ★ See why fostering a culture of creativity and risk-taking within an organization leads to groundbreaking advancements and a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced market.  ★ Learn about Duperon latest products, from advanced drum screens with direct drive systems to compactors designed to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.  ★ Understand how Duperon’s commitment to trial and error has resulted in robust systems capable of handling extreme conditions, from stormwater debris to high gravel loads.  ★ Discover why the creative process is essential not just for product design but for building an organizational culture that encourages innovation, collaboration, and long-term success.    Join us as we explore how Duperon Corporation is leading the charge in reimagining wastewater treatment with simple yet revolutionary solutions that meet the challenges of today’s water infrastructure needs. 

  --------  

  9:56

  --------

  9:56
• Tracking and Solving Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) Challenges | WEFTEC SERIES 2 | EP7

  In this episode of Engineers for Communities, host Michael Groselle welcomes Mark Serres from Utility Systems Science and Software (US3) to discuss innovative approaches to identifying, tracking, and resolving inflow and infiltration (I&I) issues in wastewater collection systems. From practical solutions to leveraging advanced data technologies, this conversation offers valuable insights for communities looking to enhance system efficiency and reduce costs. ↳ Understand the basics of I&I: what it is, how groundwater infiltration and stormwater inflow occur, and their impact on collection systems and treatment plants. ↳ Discover practical detection techniques like smoke testing, flow monitoring, and visual surveys to pinpoint problem areas and assess their severity. ↳ Learn about leveraging dry and wet weather flow data to quantify I&I and how US3 integrates Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) data for faster, more precise diagnostics. ↳ Explore how flow monitoring combined with temperature, rain gauge, and AMI data helps identify common offenders such as school systems, golf courses, and improperly connected storm drains. ↳ Hear case studies of rapid, cost-effective solutions where targeted fixes eliminated major I&I contributors, avoiding costly treatment plant upgrades. ↳ Gain insights into advanced calibration techniques, 3D camera inspections, and LiDAR technology for accurate data collection and manhole assessments. ↳ Understand the importance of "boots on the ground" contextual knowledge in collaboration with city technicians for efficient problem-solving. This episode is a must-watch for anyone seeking actionable strategies to improve wastewater system management while minimizing unnecessary expenses. Learn how fresh perspectives, innovative technology, and collaboration can lead to quick, impactful results for your community or development project.

  --------  

  20:35

  --------

  20:35

More Science podcasts

Trending Science podcasts

About Engineers for Communities