STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP)

Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)

Document No.: STP/SOP/001

Revision No.: 00
Effective Date: __________
STP Capacity: __________ KLD
Location: __________
Prepared By: __________
Checked By: __________
Approved By: __________

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this SOP is to establish a systematic procedure for the safe
and efficient operation, monitoring, cleaning and maintenance of the
Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).

The SOP ensures:

 Effective treatment of incoming sewage.

 Consistent quality of treated sewage.

 Proper operation of mechanical and electrical equipment.

 Prevention of odour and environmental nuisance.

 Proper handling and disposal of screenings, grit and sludge.

 Compliance with applicable environmental requirements.

 Safe working practices for STP operators.

 Maximum reuse of treated water wherever applicable.

2. SCOPE

This SOP applies to all operators, supervisors, maintenance personnel and

contractors involved in operation and maintenance of the STP.

The treatment process covered under this SOP is:

Raw Sewage → Bar Screen → Collection Tank → Fine Screen → Grit

Chamber → Aeration Tank → Tube Settler → Intermediate Tank →
Sand Filter → Carbon Filter → UV → Ozonation → Treated Water
Storage Tank
3. RESPONSIBILITY

3.1 STP Operator

The STP Operator shall:

1. Operate the plant as per this SOP.

2. Monitor all treatment units regularly.

3. Record operating parameters in the STP logbook.

4. Check pumps, blowers, screens, filters, UV and ozone systems.

5. Remove screenings and grit.

6. Monitor sludge levels.

7. Report abnormal conditions immediately.

8. Maintain housekeeping around the STP.

9. Use required PPE.

10. Ensure treated water is not discharged/reused without

required quality verification.

3.2 STP Supervisor

The Supervisor shall:

 Verify daily operating records.

 Check chemical and consumable availability.

 Review treated-water quality.

 Coordinate preventive maintenance.

 Monitor energy consumption.

 Ensure compliance with environmental requirements.

 Train operators.

 Investigate operational abnormalities.

3.3 Maintenance Team

The maintenance team shall carry out:

 Pump maintenance.

 Blower maintenance.
  Screen maintenance.

 Valve and pipeline maintenance.

 Filter maintenance.

 UV maintenance.

 Ozone-generator maintenance.

 Electrical panel maintenance.

 Instrument calibration.

4. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

The following PPE shall be used as applicable:

 Safety helmet.

 Safety shoes/gumboots.

 Hand gloves.

 Safety goggles.

 Face mask/respirator where required.

 Reflective jacket.

 Ear protection near blowers.

 Chemical-resistant gloves for chemical handling.

 Safety harness for approved work at height.

 Full-body protection during chemical maintenance where required.

No person shall enter a tank, chamber or confined space without

following the site's confined-space entry procedure.

5. GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Do not operate equipment without proper guards.

2. Do not touch electrical equipment with wet hands.

3. Follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) before maintenance.

4. Keep electrical panels dry and accessible.

5. Do not enter tanks/chambers without authorization.

 6. Never work alone during confined-space activities.

7. Keep walkways free from sludge, water and obstruction.

8. Use proper lifting equipment for heavy components.

9. Handle chemicals only as per their respective SDS/MSDS.

10. Ozone areas shall have adequate ventilation.

11. UV equipment shall not be opened while energized.

12. Do not bypass safety interlocks without authorization.

13. Report leakage, unusual noise, vibration, odour or electrical

abnormalities immediately.

6. PLANT START-UP PROCEDURE

Before starting the STP:

6.1 General Checks

Check:

 Sewage inlet condition.

 Water level in collection tank.

 Bar screen condition.

 Fine screen condition.

 Grit chamber condition.

 Aeration tank water level.

 Tube settler condition.

 Intermediate tank level.

 Filter condition.

 UV system status.

 Ozone system status.

 Treated-water tank level.

 Pump availability.

 Blower availability.

 Electrical power supply.

  Control panel indications.

 Chemical availability, if applicable.

6.2 Equipment Checks

Confirm:

 Valves are in correct operating position.

 Pumps rotate freely.

 Blowers are available.

 Lubrication is adequate.

 No abnormal leakage is present.

 Emergency stop systems are functional.

 Pressure gauges are operational.

 Flow meters are operational.

7. UNIT-WISE OPERATING PROCEDURE

7.1 BAR SCREEN

Purpose

The bar screen removes large floating and suspended materials such as:

 Plastic

 Cloth

 Paper

 Sanitary waste

 Wood pieces

 Large solids

 Other coarse debris

Operating Procedure

1. Ensure sewage flows freely through the bar screen.

2. Inspect the screen regularly.

3. Remove accumulated screenings using suitable tools.

4. Do not use bare hands for removing waste.

 5. Transfer screenings into a designated covered container.

6. Keep the screen area clean.

7. Prevent screenings from falling back into the sewage channel.

Monitoring

Check:

 Screen choking.

 Water level difference across screen.

 Excessive floating material.

 Damage to bars.

 Overflow/bypass.

Cleaning Frequency

Daily / as required, depending on sewage load.

7.2 COLLECTION TANK

Purpose

The collection tank receives incoming sewage and provides

equalization/storage before further treatment.

Operating Procedure

1. Monitor tank level continuously/periodically.

2. Ensure inlet and outlet lines are free from blockage.

3. Operate transfer pumps according to tank level.

4. Check pump suction and discharge pressure.

5. Check for abnormal noise and vibration.

6. Prevent overflow.

7. Maintain minimum operating level required for pumps.

8. Check tank for excessive sludge accumulation.

Important Parameters

 Tank level.

 Pump running status.

  Pump discharge pressure.

 Sewage flow.

 Odour condition.

7.3 FINE SCREEN

Purpose

The fine screen removes smaller suspended solids that may damage
downstream pumps and equipment.

Operating Procedure

1. Check the screen before starting the plant.

2. Ensure the screen surface is not blinded/choked.

3. Remove accumulated solids.

4. Wash the screen with water as required.

5. Collect screenings in a designated container.

6. Inspect screen mesh/panels for damage.

7. Check automatic screen operation, if provided.

Monitoring

Monitor:

 Differential water level.

 Screen blockage.

 Motor current, if mechanically operated.

 Screen cleaning mechanism.

7.4 GRIT CHAMBER

Purpose

The grit chamber removes heavy inorganic particles such as:

 Sand

 Grit

 Small stones
  Glass particles

 Other heavy inorganic matter

This protects pumps, pipelines and downstream equipment from abrasion

and accumulation.

Operating Procedure

1. Maintain proper sewage flow through the chamber.

2. Ensure uniform flow distribution.

3. Remove accumulated grit periodically.

4. Do not allow excessive grit accumulation.

5. Wash the chamber during scheduled cleaning.

6. Dispose of collected grit appropriately.

Monitoring

Record:

 Grit accumulation.

 Flow condition.

 Chamber cleanliness.

 Unusual turbulence or blockage.

7.5 AERATION TANK

Purpose

The aeration tank provides biological treatment by supplying oxygen to

microorganisms that degrade organic matter in sewage.

Operating Procedure

1. Start the air blowers as required.

2. Ensure air is evenly distributed through the diffusers.

3. Monitor dissolved oxygen.

4. Maintain adequate mixing.

5. Check diffuser performance.

6. Observe foam formation.

7. Check colour and appearance of mixed liquor.

 8. Monitor sludge concentration as required.

9. Ensure sufficient return/recycle sludge where the system is designed

for it.

10. Avoid excessive or insufficient aeration.

Recommended Operating Monitoring

Typical operational targets should be established according to the plant

design. As a general operating guide:

Typical Monitoring
Parameter
Range/Target

DO Approximately 2–4 mg/L

pH Approximately 6.5–8.5

MLSS As per plant design

Temperature Record daily

Foam Observe and record

Blower
As per equipment rating
pressure

Note: Actual DO, MLSS, SRT and other biological parameters shall be
maintained according to the STP designer/OEM's design criteria.

Abnormal Conditions

Low DO:

 Check blower operation.

 Check air valves.

 Check diffuser choking.

 Check air pipeline leakage.

 Increase aeration if required.

Excessive foam:

 Check biological condition.

 Check organic loading.

 Check sludge age/process condition.

 Avoid uncontrolled chemical dosing.

7.6 TUBE SETTLER

Purpose

The tube settler provides clarification by settling biological solids and

suspended matter from aerated mixed liquor.

Operating Procedure

1. Ensure uniform flow distribution.

2. Check tube modules for blockage.

3. Observe treated-water clarity.

4. Check sludge accumulation.

5. Remove/withdraw settled sludge regularly.

6. Prevent excessive sludge accumulation.

7. Clean tube modules periodically using an approved method.

Monitoring

Observe:

 Outlet water clarity.

 Floating sludge.

 Sludge blanket.

 Uneven flow.

 Tube blockage.

Corrective Action

If suspended solids are observed in the outlet:

 Check hydraulic loading.

 Check sludge accumulation.

 Check aeration conditions.

 Check tube settler blockage.

 Check sludge withdrawal frequency.

7.7 INTERMEDIATE TANK

Purpose

The intermediate tank receives clarified water and provides a buffer

before tertiary filtration.

Operating Procedure

1. Maintain adequate water level.

2. Operate transfer pumps according to level.

3. Check pump suction.

4. Check discharge pressure.

5. Prevent dry running.

6. Check tank for sludge accumulation.

7. Maintain proper flow to the pressure/sand filter system.

7.8 SAND FILTER

Purpose

The sand filter removes residual suspended solids, turbidity and fine
particulate matter.

Operating Procedure

1. Ensure the filter is filled and ready for service.

2. Open inlet and outlet valves in the correct sequence.

3. Maintain the designed filtration flow rate.

4. Monitor inlet/outlet pressure.

5. Monitor differential pressure.

6. Backwash the filter when differential pressure reaches the

design/OEM limit or when water quality deteriorates.

7. Rinse the filter after backwashing before returning it to service.

Backwashing Procedure

1. Stop normal filtration.

2. Isolate the filter.

3. Open backwash inlet/outlet valves as per the piping arrangement.

4. Start backwash pump.

 5. Continue backwashing until backwash water becomes reasonably
clear.

6. Stop backwash.

7. Carry out rinse cycle.

8. Return filter to service.

9. Record backwash duration and observations.

Backwash frequency shall be based on differential pressure and

water quality rather than an arbitrary fixed interval.

7.9 CARBON FILTER

Purpose

The activated carbon filter removes:

 Residual organic compounds.

 Colour.

 Odour.

 Certain dissolved contaminants.

 Residual oxidants where applicable.

Operating Procedure

1. Ensure proper filtration flow.

2. Monitor inlet/outlet pressure.

3. Check water odour and colour.

4. Backwash as required according to OEM/design criteria.

5. Do not allow excessive pressure drop.

6. Inspect carbon media condition periodically.

7. Replace/reactivate carbon according to media performance and

supplier recommendations.

Important Note

If ozone is installed upstream of the carbon filter, verify the treatment

sequence and carbon compatibility with the design because ozone can
alter the characteristics of organic contaminants and the carbon media.
7.10 UV DISINFECTION

Purpose

The UV system provides disinfection by exposing treated water to

ultraviolet radiation.

Operating Procedure

1. Ensure water is adequately filtered before UV treatment.

2. Start water flow through the UV unit.

3. Start UV system as per OEM sequence.

4. Verify UV lamp status.

5. Check UV intensity/alarm indication.

6. Ensure there is no air locking.

7. Clean quartz sleeves periodically.

8. Replace UV lamps according to OEM operating hours or when

intensity falls below the required level.

Precautions

 Never look directly at an operating UV lamp.

 Do not open the UV chamber while energized.

 Isolate electrical supply before maintenance.

 Follow OEM instructions for lamp replacement.

7.11 OZONATION SYSTEM

Purpose

Ozonation is used for advanced oxidation/disinfection and may assist in

reducing colour, odour and residual organic contaminants depending on
the process design.

Operating Procedure

1. Ensure ozone generator is in proper working condition.

2. Check feed-water flow before starting ozone generation.

3. Start oxygen/air preparation system, if applicable.

4. Start ozone generator according to OEM sequence.

 5. Confirm ozone injection system is functioning.

6. Check contact tank/contact time where provided.

7. Monitor ozone leakage alarms.

8. Ensure adequate ventilation.

9. Verify off-gas destruction system, if provided.

10. Stop ozone generation before stopping the water flow through
the ozone contact system.

Safety

Ozone is toxic by inhalation. Therefore:

 Maintain adequate ventilation.

 Keep ozone detector operational.

 Do not enter ozone areas during an alarm.

 Follow emergency shutdown procedures.

 Do not bypass ozone safety interlocks.

7.12 TREATED WATER STORAGE TANK

Purpose

The treated-water storage tank stores treated sewage for reuse or

approved discharge.

Operating Procedure

1. Monitor tank level.

2. Prevent overflow.

3. Keep tank covered where applicable.

4. Operate treated-water transfer pumps as required.

5. Check water appearance and odour.

6. Maintain proper reuse/discharge arrangements.

7. Periodically inspect the tank for sediment accumulation.

8. Clean the tank as per maintenance schedule.

Possible Reuse Applications

Subject to applicable permissions and water-quality requirements, treated
water may be used for:

 Flushing.

 Gardening/landscaping.

 HVAC/cooling applications where technically suitable.

 Road washing.

 Other approved non-potable applications.

8. SLUDGE MANAGEMENT

Sludge generated from biological treatment/clarification shall be

withdrawn at an appropriate frequency based on the plant design and
operating conditions.

Procedure

1. Monitor sludge accumulation.

2. Operate sludge withdrawal system.

3. Transfer sludge to designated sludge handling facilities.

4. Prevent sludge accumulation in clarifier/tube settler.

5. Dewater sludge where applicable.

6. Store dewatered sludge on an impervious designated area.

7. Dispose/reuse sludge through an authorized method as applicable.

8. Maintain sludge generation and disposal records.

9. DAILY STP OPERATION CHECKLIST

Sr. Statu
Parameter/Activity
No. s

1 Inlet sewage flow checked ☐

2 Bar screen cleaned ☐

3 Collection tank level checked ☐

4 Transfer pump checked ☐

5 Fine screen checked ☐

Sr. Statu
Parameter/Activity
No. s

6 Grit chamber checked ☐

7 Blower operation checked ☐

8 Aeration tank DO checked ☐

9 Aeration tank condition checked ☐

10 Tube settler checked ☐

11 Sludge level checked ☐

12 Intermediate tank checked ☐

13 Sand filter pressure checked ☐

14 Sand filter backwash checked ☐

15 Carbon filter pressure checked ☐

16 Carbon filter condition checked ☐

17 UV intensity/status checked ☐

18 Ozone generator checked ☐

19 Ozone leakage alarm checked ☐

20 Treated-water tank level checked ☐

Pumps/blowers checked for abnormal

21 ☐
noise

22 Electrical panels checked ☐

23 Housekeeping completed ☐

24 Screenings removed ☐

25 Sludge handling completed ☐

26 Logbook updated ☐

10. DAILY OPERATING PARAMETERS

The following parameters should be recorded at the frequency specified
by the site monitoring plan:

Inle Aerati Secondary/ Final Treated

Parameter
t on Clarified Water

Flow, KLD ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

pH ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Temperature ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

DO — ✓ — —

Turbidity — — ✓ ✓

TSS ✓ — ✓ ✓

COD ✓ — ✓ ✓

BOD ✓ — ✓ ✓

Colour — — — ✓

Odour ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Residual
— — — As applicable
disinfectant/oxidant

Laboratory testing frequency shall be established according to applicable

consent conditions, regulatory requirements and the site's environmental
monitoring plan.

11. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Daily

 Check pumps.

 Check blowers.

 Check screens.

 Check valves.

 Check filters.

 Check UV.

 Check ozone system.

 Check electrical panels.

  Check abnormal noise/vibration.

 Clean working area.

Weekly

 Inspect pump strainers.

 Inspect blower belts/couplings where applicable.

 Check air distribution.

 Inspect filter differential pressure.

 Inspect UV quartz sleeve condition.

 Inspect ozone injection system.

 Check tank/chamber condition.

Monthly

 Inspect pumps thoroughly.

 Check blower lubrication.

 Inspect diffusers.

 Check electrical connections.

 Inspect filter media condition.

 Inspect pipelines and valves.

 Check instruments.

 Review energy consumption.

 Review treated-water quality.

Quarterly / Half-Yearly

 Service pumps as per OEM.

 Service blowers as per OEM.

 Inspect/clean aeration diffusers.

 Inspect tube settler modules.

 Inspect sand media.

 Inspect carbon media.

 Inspect UV system.

 Check ozone generator.

  Calibrate instruments as required.

Annually

 Complete STP shutdown inspection where feasible.

 Inspect tanks and structural components.

 Inspect pumps/blowers.

 Replace consumables based on condition.

 Review SOP and operational performance.

 Conduct electrical safety inspection.

 Review environmental compliance.

12. TROUBLESHOOTING

Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action

Low aeration/anaerobic Check DO and blower

Excessive odour
condition operation

Check blower, valves

Low DO Blower/diffuser problem
and diffusers

Check process
Biological imbalance/organic
Excess foam parameters and sludge
loading
condition

Check MLSS, sludge

High/low sludge concentration or
Poor settling withdrawal and
process imbalance
aeration

Check flow, sludge

High TSS in Tube settler overload/poor
blanket and tube
treated water settling
modules

High turbidity Backwash and inspect

Filter breakthrough/choking
after filtration media

High pressure
Filter loading/choking Backwash
across sand filter

Carbon filter Assess and replace

Media exhaustion
odour carbon

UV alarm Low intensity/lamp issue Clean sleeve/check

Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action

lamp

Stop system and

Ozone alarm Leakage/low production
inspect as per OEM

Pump not Check power supply

Electrical/mechanical fault
running and pump

Bearing/cavitation/alignment Stop if severe and

Pump vibration
issue inspect

Blower Check blower and

High load/poor ventilation
overheating ventilation

Start standby pump

Tank overflow Pump failure/high inflow
and investigate

Low treated- Check differential

Filter blockage/pump issue
water flow pressure and pump

13. EMERGENCY PROCEDURE

13.1 Power Failure

1. Stop non-essential equipment.

2. Confirm electrical panel status.

3. Start DG/emergency power where provided.

4. Restart equipment sequentially.

5. Avoid simultaneous starting of high-load equipment unless the

electrical system is designed for it.

6. Check tank levels after restoration.

13.2 Pump Failure

1. Stop the failed pump.

2. Start standby pump.

3. Check electrical supply.

4. Check suction/discharge valves.

5. Check blockage.

6. Inform maintenance team.

 7. Record failure.

13.3 Blower Failure

1. Start standby blower.

2. Check DO.

3. Check air pressure.

4. Inform maintenance team.

5. Avoid prolonged operation with inadequate aeration.

13.4 Ozone Leakage

1. Immediately stop ozone generation.

2. Evacuate the affected area.

3. Do not enter without appropriate authorization and safety controls.

4. Ensure ventilation.

5. Check ozone detector.

6. Inspect the ozone system only after the area is declared safe.

7. Restart only after rectification.

14. CHEMICAL AND CONSUMABLE MANAGEMENT

Where chemicals are used in the STP:

1. Maintain adequate stock.

2. Store chemicals in labelled containers.

3. Maintain SDS/MSDS.

4. Use appropriate PPE.

5. Do not mix incompatible chemicals.

6. Maintain chemical consumption records.

7. Inspect containers for leakage.

8. Maintain secondary containment where required.

15. HOUSEKEEPING

The STP area shall be maintained clean and orderly.

The operator shall ensure:

 No sewage spillage.

 No stagnant water.

 No accumulated screenings.

 No scattered sludge.

 No chemical leakage.

 Walkways remain clear.

 Electrical panels remain accessible.

 Safety equipment remains accessible.

 All waste is placed in designated containers.

16. RECORDS AND REGISTERS

The following records shall be maintained:

1. STP Daily Operation Logbook.

2. Inlet and treated-water flow register.

3. Pump operation register.

4. Blower operation register.

5. Screen cleaning register.

6. Grit removal register.

7. Sludge generation/disposal register.

8. Sand filter backwash register.

9. Carbon filter maintenance register.

10. UV lamp maintenance register.

11. Ozone generator operation register.

12. Chemical consumption register, where applicable.

13. Treated-water quality analysis reports.

14. Preventive maintenance register.

15. Breakdown register.

16. Calibration records.

 17. Environmental compliance records.

18. Housekeeping checklist.

19. PPE inspection record.

20. Training records.

17. OPERATOR LOGBOOK FORMAT

Inle Ozon
Treat Fin UV
Dat Tim t p D MLS Turbidi e Remar Operat
ed al Stat
e e Flo H O S ty Stat ks or
Flow pH us
w us

18. START-UP CHECKLIST

Before placing the STP into operation, confirm:

 Power supply available.

 Emergency power available.

 All pumps operational.

 Standby pumps available.

 Blowers operational.

 Bar screen clean.

 Fine screen clean.

 Grit chamber ready.

 Aeration tank ready.

 Tube settler ready.

 Intermediate tank ready.

 Sand filter ready.

 Carbon filter ready.

 UV system operational.

 Ozone system operational.

 Treated-water tank ready.

 Valves correctly positioned.

  Instruments operational.

 PPE available.

 Emergency equipment available.

19. SHUTDOWN PROCEDURE

Normal Shutdown

1. Stop sewage feed/transfer as appropriate.

2. Allow downstream treatment to complete.

3. Stop ozone system according to OEM sequence.

4. Stop UV after required water flow sequence.

5. Stop filter feed pump.

6. Stop blowers only when appropriate for the shutdown duration.

7. Check all tank levels.

8. Close valves where required.

9. Record shutdown reason and duration.

Extended Shutdown

For shutdown exceeding the normal operating interval:

 Follow OEM recommendations.

 Prevent septic conditions where possible.

 Maintain required aeration/mixing where required.

 Drain/clean equipment where appropriate.

 Isolate electrical equipment.

 Protect biological media/process units.

 Inspect plant before restart.

20. ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

The STP shall be operated to minimize:

 Untreated sewage discharge.

 Odour.
  Noise.

 Sludge accumulation.

 Chemical spills.

 Treated-water quality deterioration.

 Improper disposal of screenings and sludge.

Treated water shall be reused or discharged only through an approved

arrangement and in accordance with applicable consent conditions and
regulatory requirements.

21. OPERATOR TRAINING

All STP operators shall be trained in:

 STP process operation.

 Equipment operation.

 Electrical safety.

 Chemical safety.

 PPE usage.

 Confined-space safety.

 Ozone safety.

 Emergency response.

 Sludge handling.

 Environmental monitoring.

 Record keeping.

Training shall be documented.

22. IMPORTANT OPERATING PRINCIPLES

1. Never operate the STP without adequate sewage flow and

proper hydraulic balance.

2. Do not allow the aeration tank to operate without adequate

oxygen for prolonged periods.

3. Do not allow tube settler sludge to accumulate excessively.

 4. Backwash filters based on differential pressure and/or water
quality.

5. Maintain UV system cleanliness and lamp intensity.

6. Operate ozone only with functioning safety and ventilation

systems.

7. Maintain standby equipment wherever provided.

8. Record all important operational parameters.

9. Investigate deviations before they affect final treated-water

quality.

10. Follow the equipment manufacturer's manuals for

equipment-specific limits and maintenance.

23. DOCUMENT CONTROL

Revisio Dat Description of Prepared Approved

n e Change By By

00 Initial Issue

24. APPROVAL

Prepared By:
Name: ____________________
Designation: ____________________
Signature: ____________________
Date: ____________________

Checked By:
Name: ____________________
Designation: ____________________
Signature: ____________________
Date: ____________________

Approved By:
Name: ____________________
Designation: ____________________
Signature: ____________________
Date: ____________________