Adopted March 22, 1984

Amended May 20, 1987

WASTEWATER FACILITIES DESIGN STANDARDS

CHAPTER 14
WASTEWATER TREATMENT WORKS

14.1 GENERAL

14.1.1 APPLICABILITY

14.1.2 VARIANCES

14.1.3 EXPLANATION OF TERMS

14.2 PLANT SITING

14.2.1 GENERAL

14.2.2 SITE SURVEY

14.2.3 SEPARATION REQUIREMENTS

14.2.4 FLOOD PROTECTION

14.3 QUALITY OF EFFLUENT

14.4 DESIGN

14.4.1 GENERAL

[Link] Type of Treatment

[Link] Industrial Wastes

[Link] Prohibited Wastes

14.4.2 PRE-DESIGN MEETING

14.4.3 REQUIRED ENGINEERING DATA FOR NEW PROCESS EVALUATION

14.4.4 DESIGN PERIOD

[Link] General

14.4.5 HYDRAULIC DESIGN

[Link] Critical Flow Conditions, Municipal

[Link] Existing System, Municipal

[Link] New Systems, Municipal

[Link] Critical Flow Conditions, Municipal

[Link] Flow Equalization

1
 14.4.6 ORGANIC DESIGN

[Link] Domestic Loadings

[Link] Industrial Loadings

14.4.7 CONDUITS

14.4.8 DESIGN DETAILS

[Link] Unit Bypass During Construction

[Link] Drains

[Link] Piping Identification

[Link] Operating Equipment

[Link] Erosion Control During Construction

[Link] Grading and Landscaping

14.4.9 PLANT OPERABILITY

[Link] Unit Operating Bypassing

[Link] Flexibility

[Link] Flow Division Control

14.5 TREATMENT FACILITY RELIABILITY CLASSES

14.5.1 FACILITY RELIABILITY CLASSES

14.5.2 UNIT PROCESS RELIABILITY CRITERIA

[Link] Unit Process Reliability Criteria A

[Link] Unit Process Reliability Criteria B

[Link] Unit Process Reliability Criteria C

[Link] Unit Process Reliability Exceptions

14.5.3 POWER SOURCE RELIABILITY

[Link] Facility Reliability Class I

[Link] Facility Reliability Class II

[Link] Facility Reliability Class III

14.6 PLANT OUTFALL

14.6.1 PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE

14.6.2 SAMPLING PROVISIONS

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14.7 ESSENTIAL FACILITIES

14.7.1 WATER SUPPLY

[Link] General

[Link] Direct Connections

[Link] Indirect Connections

[Link] Separate Potable Water Supply

[Link] Separate Non-Potable Water Supply

14.7.2 FLOW MEASUREMENT

[Link] General

[Link] Requirements for Different Systems

[Link] Elapsed Time Meters

[Link] Reliability and Accuracy

14.8 SAFETY

14.9 LABORATORY

14.9.1 MINIMUM REQUIRED LABORATORY ANALYSIS CAPABILITY

14.9.2 FACILITIES

APPENDIX I RECOMMENDED PROCESS PIPING COLOR CODING

APPENDIX II RECOMMENDED LABORATORY GUIDELINES

3
 WASTEWATER FACILITIES DESIGN STANDARDS
CHAPTER 14
WASTEWATER TREATMENT WORKS

14.1 GENERAL

14.1.1 Applicability

This chapter is applicable to construction, installation or modification of any disposal

system required to obtain a construction permit from this Department under the Iowa
Code, Section 455B.45, and 567—64.2 of the Iowa Administrative Code (I.A.C.).

14.1.2 Variances [567- - 64.2(9)”c”, I.A.C.]

When engineering justification satisfactory to the executive director is provided

substantially demonstrating that variation from the design standards or siting criteria will
result in either: at least equivalent effectiveness while significantly reducing cost, or
improved effectiveness, such a variation from design standards or siting criteria may be
accepted by the executive director.

14.1.3 Explanation of Terms

The terms “shall or “must” are used in these standards when it is required that the
standard be used. Other terms such as “should” and “recommended” indicate desirable
procedures or methods, which should be considered but will not be required.

14.2 PLANT SITING

14.2.1 General

The engineering report or facilities plan required by Chapter 11 of these Standards shall
address site selection. All sites must comply with all applicable siting requirements of this
Department and other state and local agencies.

14.2.2 Site Survey [567- - 60.4(1)”c” I.A.C.]

The applicant’s engineer must submit the following information for a site survey.

- Engineering Report or Facilities

- Construction Permit Application Forms, WAWM 28:

- Schedule A – General Information

- Schedule F – Treatment Project Site Selection

- Schedule G – Treatment Project Design Data

14.2.3 Separation Requirements [567- - 64.2(3) I.A.C.]

The following separation distances from treatment or lagoon water surface shall apply:

a. 1,000 feet from the nearest inhabitable residence, commercial building, or other
inhabitable structure. If the inhabitable or commercial building is the property of
the owner of the proposed treatment facility, or there is written agreement with
the owner of the building, the separation criteria shall not apply. Any such
agreement shall be filed with the county recorder and recorded for abstract of title
purposes, and a copy submitted to the Department.
4
 b. 1,000 feet from public shallow wells.

c. 400 feet from public deep wells.

d. 400 feet from private wells.

e. 400 feet from lakes and public impoundment’s.

f. 25 feet from property lines and right – of – way.

When the above separation distances cannot be maintained for the expansion, upgrading
or replacement of existing facilities, the separation distances shall be maintained at no
less than 90% of the existing separation distance of the site, provided that no problem
has existed or will be created.

14.2.4 Flood Protection

a. The treatment works structures; electrical and mechanical equipment shall be

protected from physical damage by the one hundred (100) year flood. Treatment
works shall remain fully operational and accessible during the twenty-five (25)
year flood, if practicable; lesser flood levels may be permitted dependent on local
situations, but in no case shall less than a ten (10) year flood be used. This
applies to new construction and should be considered for existing facilities
undergoing major modification.

b. Wastewater treatment facilities shall not be located to conflict with encroachment

limits on the floodway. The establishment of these encroachment limits is
described in rules 72.6 and 75.4.

c. It is also recommended that structures be offset one hundred feet or twice the
width of the river or stream measured from top of bank to top of bank, whichever
distance is less, unless a greater distance is required under 72.6 and 75.4.

14.3 QUALITY OF EFFLUENT

This Department establishes the effluent limitations for each wastewater discharger. Effluent
limitations for existing wastewater dischargers are available from the Department. The effluent
limitations for new dischargers or significantly modified dischargers are established by the
Department upon request. The minimum degree of treatment shall be standard secondary
treatment for municipal facilities and the industrial effluent guidelines as defined by Department
rules and Federal regulations for industrial facilities. A higher degree of treatment will be required
if the minimum degree of treatment requirements would violate state water quality standards.
Design engineers must obtain effluent limitations prior to preparation of the engineering report or
facilities plan. The facilities must be designed to meet average effluent limitations in the
operation permit during any 30-day period and to not exceed maximum seven-day average
effluent limitations.

14.4 DESIGN

14.4.1 General

[Link] Type of Treatment

Careful consideration shall be given to the type of treatment selected in

the engineering report or facilities plan as required by section [Link].

5
[Link] Industrial Wastes

Consideration shall be given to the type and effects of industrial wastes

on the treatment process. It may be necessary to pretreat industrial
wastes prior to discharge to the sanitary sewer system.

[Link] Prohibited Wastes

The following wastes shall not be discharged to treatment facilities

without assessment of their effects upon the treatment process or
discharge requirements in accordance with state and federal law:

a. Any toxic chemicals which may inhibit biological or bacteriological

processes.

b. Any strong oxidizing agents or disinfectants in quantities sufficient to

inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

c. Metal plating wastes or other toxic wastes containing heavy metals

and/or toxic or noxious inorganic chemicals, such as cyanide, reduced
sulfur compounds, arsenic and selenium.

d. Detergent wastes or other wastes containing excessive phosphorous or

surfactants.

e. Plastics, pharmaceutical wastes and/or other synthetic organic chemicals

not amendable to biological treatment.

f. Any wastes containing excessive amounts of non-biodegradable oil and

grease or tar.

g. Any acidic or alkaline wastes which because of quantity, strength or

unequalized flow may upset the biological process.

h. Any wastes containing in excess of one milligram per liter phenols.

i. Any wastes containing radioactive chemicals.

j. Nutrient deficient wastes which cannot meet the normal ratio of 100
BOD5: five Nitrogen: one Phosphorous necessary for the maintenance of
the biological community. An example would be corn processing wastes.

k. Any wastes that might cause excessive physical deterioration of the

equipment, piping or structures.

l. Any other wastes which may be defined as an incompatible pollutant.

14.4.2 Pre-Design Meeting

It is recommended that for treatment works projects a pre-design meeting be

held, with the applicant, design engineer, and the Department being in
attendance. The purpose of this meeting would include:

- discussion of changes subsequent to engineering report or facilities plan

approval,

- deviations from design standards,

- schedule of submittal and review, and

6
 - facility reliability requirements determination.

14.4.3 Required Engineering Data for New Process Evaluation

The policy of the Department is to encourage rather than obstruct the

development of any new methods or equipment for treatment of wastewater.
The lack of inclusion in the design standards of some types of wastewater
treatment processes or equipment should not be construed as precluding their
use. The Department may approve other types of wastewater treatment
processes and equipment under the condition that the operational reliability and
effectiveness of the process or device shall have been demonstrated with a
suitably-sized prototype unit operating at its design load conditions. The specific
information required by the Department to demonstrate operational reliability and
effectiveness will depend upon the process or device under consideration.
Information which may be required include:

a. Monitoring observations, including test results and engineering evaluations,

demonstrating the efficiency of such processes.

b. Detailed description of the test methods.

c. Testing including appropriately-composited samples under various ranges of

strength and flow rates (including diurnal variations) and waste temperatures
over a sufficient length of time to demonstrate performance under climatic
and other conditions which may be encountered in the area of the proposed
installations.

d. Other appropriate information

The Department may require that appropriate testing be conducted and

evaluations be made under the supervision of a competent process engineer
other than the one employed by the manufacturer or patent holder.

14.4.4 Design Period

[Link] General

The design period shall be clearly identified in the engineering

report or facilities plan. The normal design period for municipal
wastewater facilities is 20 years beyond the date of completion of
construction. Use of a shorter design period must be justified
and a schedule of action submitted which identifies future
improvements to avoid effluent quality violations caused by
growth.

Industrial facilities shall, as a minimum, be sized to adequately

treat wastewater produced during the maximum projected
production period.

14.4.5 Hydraulic Design

[Link] Critical Flow Conditions, Municipal

The following four flow conditions are critical to the design of the
treatment plant:

7
 a. Average Dry Weather (ADW) flow – the daily average flow
when the groundwater is at or near normal and runoff is not
occurring. The period of measurement for this flow should
extend for as long as favorable conditions exist up to 30
days if possible.

b. Average Wet Weather (AWW) flow – the daily average flow

for the wettest thirty (30) consecutive days for mechanical
plants or for the wettest 180 consecutive days for controlled
discharge lagoons.

c. Maximum Wet Weather (MWW) flow – the total maximum

flow received during any 24 hour period when the
groundwater is high and runoff is occurring.

d. Peak Hourly Wet Weather (PHWW) flow – the total

maximum flow received during one hour when the
groundwater is high, runoff is occurring, and the domestic,
commercial and industrial flows are at their peak. The
domestic/commercial peak hour flow shall be based on
actual monitoring information or the use of a peaking factor
determined by use of Appendix I, Chapter 12 of these
Standards. The runoff flow component shall be adjusted to
the storm event of two inches of rainfall in one hour.

The peak hourly wet weather flow shall be used to evaluate the
effect of hydraulic peaks on the design of pumps, piping,
clarifiers, and any other flow sensitive aspects.

Initial low flow conditions must be evaluated in the design to

minimize operation problems with freezing, septicity, flow
measurements and solids dropout.

[Link] Existing System, Municipal

Where there is an existing system, the volume and strength of

existing flows shall be determined. The flow determination shall
include, but not be limited to, all four (4) flow conditions listed in
subsection [Link]. The strength determination shall include
both dry weather and wet weather conditions. Composite 24
hour samples proportional to flow shall be taken to be accurately
representative of the strength of the wastewater. At least one-
year’s flow data should be taken as the basis for the preparation
of hydrographs for analysis to determine the flow conditions of
the system. The increment of design flow for projected
population growth shall be based upon the same criteria listed
below for new systems.

[Link] New Systems, Municipal

The design for wastewater treatment plants to serve new

collection systems shall be based on an average wet weather
flow of 100 gallons per capita per day for residential and
commercial flow plus 20 gallons per capita per day for out-of-
town students plus industrial flow plus any abnormally large
commercial operation (e.g., shopping centers, large volume
restaurants, truck stops, etc.). Exceptions may be made on a
case-by-case basis where there is an existing water supply with
adequate available water use data or data from similar existing
8
 wastewater systems may be utilized for those new collection
systems where a water supply does not exist. However, in such
cases, thorough investigation and adequate documentation shall
be made to establish the reliability and applicability of such data.

[Link] Critical Flow Conditions, Industrial

Flow and loads from industrial sources may vary significantly

during a day, a week or a month due to production patterns. In
designing the facility, the flow rate, which occurs during the time
period of discharge, must be considered. This flow rate is
defined as the rated flow.

The following flow conditions must be considered in the design of

the treatment facility:

a. Average Rated Flow (30-day) – The average rated flow,

which is expected to occur during production days in a 30
consecutive day period.

b. Maximum Day Rated Flow - The maximum rated flow

expected to occur during a single 24-hour period.

c. Peak Hour Flow – The maximum flow which is expected to

occur during a one hour period.

Other flows must be considered when they are critical to the

sizing and operation of the treatment process. When
determining the critical flow conditions, the following components
shall be considered, as a minimum.

- Production Flows – for existing facilities, a minimum of one year

of flow data shall be used for determining critical flows. This
data shall be correlated with production data. For new facilities,
the design flows shall be based on similar operating facilities,
proposed operation mode; federal development documents for
effluent limitations and new source performance data.

- Sanitary Flows – A minimum of 10 gallons per worker per shift

per day shall be utilized. Higher values with suitable
documentation shall be used if shower and cafeteria facilities are
present.

- Contaminated Storm Runoff – If direct treatment of contaminated

storm runoff is to be included, these flows shall be estimated
using a rational method.

The treatment plant must be designed to meet the effluent

limitations discussed in Section 14.3. The peak hourly flows
must be considered in evaluating unit processes, pumping,
piping, etc.

Initial low flow conditions must be evaluated in the design to

minimize operational problems with freezing, septicity, flow
measurements and solids dropout.

[Link] Flow Equalization

Facilities for the equalization of flows and organic shock load

shall be considered when the ratio of peak hourly wet weather
9
 flow to average wet weather flow is three (3) or more. If flow
equalization is not employed under these circumstances, an
explanation must be included, outlining how the plant will handle
this transition from average wet weather design flow to peak
hourly wet weather design flow.

14.4.6 Organic Design

[Link] Domestic Loadings

When an existing treatment work is to be upgraded or expanded,

the organic design shall be based upon the actual strength of the
wastewater as determined from the measurements taken in
accordance with Section [Link], with an increment for growth.
This growth increment shall be based on the design criteria for
new systems stated below. A loading rate of 0.17 pounds BOD
per capita per day may be used in lieu of actual loading rates
whenever such loading rates are less than 0.17 pounds BOD per
capita per day.

Domestic waste treatment design to serve new collection

systems shall be on the basis of at least 0.17 pounds of BOD per
capita per day and 0.20 pounds of suspended solids per capita
per day plus 0.05 pounds of BOD and suspended solids per out-
of-town student per day.

When garbage grinders are used in areas tributary to a domestic

treatment plant, the design basis should be increased to 0.22
pounds of BOD per capita per day and 0.25 pounds of
suspended solids per capita per day.

Domestic waste treatment plants that will receive industrial

wastewater flows shall be designed with additional capacity for
these industrial wasteloads.

[Link] Industrial Loadings

The design loadings of industrial wastewater treatment works

shall be based on actual sampling in accordance with section
[Link], data from similar industrial facilities, or federal
development documents for effluent limitation guidelines and
new source performance requirements.

The treatment facility must be designed to meet the effluent

limitations discussed in Section 14.3. In addition, diurnal peaks
of organic loads must be addressed if such peaks adversely
affect a unit process.

14.4.7 Conduits

All piping and channels shall be designed to carry the maximum

expected flows into these conduits or channels without flooding. Bottom
corners of the channels, except final effluent channels, must be filleted.
Conduits shall be designed to avoid creation of pockets and corners
where solids can accumulate. The use of shear gates, stop plates or
stop planks is permitted where they can be used in place of gate valves
or sluice gates. Corrosion resistant materials shall be used for valves,
plates and gates. Pipes subject to clogging shall be provided with
means for mechanical cleaning and flushing.

10
14.4.8 Design Details

[Link] Unit Bypass During Construction

Final plan documents shall identify or require a construction

sequence for uninterrupted operation of the existing plant during
construction so as to minimize temporary water quality
degradation.

[Link] Drains

A means shall be provided to de-water each unit in the process.

This shall be accomplished by means of gravity drains or
pumping. The drainage must receive a degree of treatment,
which will allow for discharge in compliance with the facilities’
permit limitation. Suitable methods shall be included in the
design to prevent flotation of structures in areas subject to high
groundwater.

[Link] Pipe Identification

In order to facilitate identification of piping, it is required that

process piping be clearly identified by labeling or color-coding.
Appendix I presents a recommended color scheme for purposes
of standardization.

[Link] Operating Equipment

A complete outfit of tools, accessories, and spare parts

necessary for the plant operator’s use should be provided.
Readily accessible storage space and workbench facilities
should be provided in non-lagoon facilities.

[Link] Erosion Control During Construction

Effective site erosion and sediment control shall be provided

during construction. All temporary erosion and sediment control
measures shall be removed or replaced with permanent
measures after construction.

[Link] Grading and Landscaping

Upon completion of plant construction, the ground shall be

graded and seeded or sodded. Surface water shall not be
permitted to drain into any unit.

14.4.9 Plan Operability

[Link] Unit Operation Bypassing

Bypassing shall be provided around each unit operation, except

as follows. Unit operations with two or more units and involving
open basins shall not be required to have provisions for
bypassing if the peak wastewater flow can be handled
hydraulically with the largest unit out of service. The
comminution facility shall be provided with means for gravity
bypassing regardless of the number and flow capacity of the
comminutors.
11
 The actuation of all bypasses shall require manual action by
operating personnel. All power-actuated bypasses shall be
designed to permit manual operation in the event of power failure
and shall be designed so that the valve will fail as is, upon failure
of the power operator.

A fixed high water level bypass overflow should be provided in

addition to manually or power actuated bypass to prevent
flooding in case the operator bypass fails to function or is
unattended at times.

[Link] Flexibility

Where duplicate units are provided, a central collection and

distribution point including, proportional flow splitting shall be
provided for the wastewater flows before each unit operation.
Exceptions to this requirement may be made, on a case-by-case
basis, when the design incorporates more than one unit process
in the same physical structure.

[Link] Flow Division Control

Flow division control facilities shall be provided as necessary to

insure positive, adjustable control of organic and hydraulic
loading to the individual process units and shall be designed for
easy operator access, change, observation, and maintenance.
Where duplicate units are provided, a flow division control facility
shall be designed to properly proportion flow to each unit
operation so that proportioned flows are measurable.

14.5 TREATMENT FACILITY RELIABILITY CLASSES

14.5.1 Facility Reliability Classes

The Department will establish reliability classes for all new facilities and facilities
undergoing major modifications in accordance with one of the following classes:

a. Reliability Class I – Includes all facilities which discharge into navigable waters
that could be permanently or unacceptably damaged by effluent which was
degraded in quality for a few hours. This would include those facilities
discharging into high quality waters, or into waters to be protected for primary
contact water uses or raw water sources for a potable water supply (Classes A,
B-cold water and C, Chapter 61, Water Quality Standards).

b. Reliability Class II – Includes all facilities where a reduction in effluent quality for
several days would cause a violation of the water quality standards of the
receiving body of water (Class B – warm water, Chapter 61, Water Quality
Standards).

c. Reliability Class III – Includes all facilities, which are not included in Reliability
Classes I or II. This would include facilities which discharge into unclassified
streams, controlled discharge lagoons, and treatment prior to land application.

14.5.2 Unit Process Reliability Criteria

The requirements for system reliability are normally achieved by providing duplicate or
multiple units for each treatment process, but reliability can also be achieved through

12
flexibility in the design and operation of systems and components. As used in these
criteria, a unit operation is a single physical, chemical or biological process.

[Link] Unit Process Reliability Criteria A

The following reliability is required for any mechanical treatment facility

that is Facility Reliability Class II or III, and is required to provide
secondary treatment. (Facilities with Reliability Class I are covered by
Unit Process Reliability Criteria B under [Link] or Reliability Criteria C
under [Link].)

1. Duplication of major treatment units is not required. If provided,

duplication for any unit process or operation shall, as a minimum,
be in accordance with the appropriate part of Process Reliability
Criteria B.

2. When duplicate units are not provided, the facility shall include a
pond having five- (5) days storage capacity for the average wet
weather flow and with the capability to bypass the pond when
effluent limitations are being met. This pond may also be used
for flow equalization. Provisions for returning the holding pond
contents to the treatment process are required.

The pond shall be constructed in accordance with the applicable

provisions of Section 18C.7, particularly Section 18C.7.3
pertaining to sealing of the pond bottom and maximum
percolation rate. Separate volumes must be provided in the
pond for the five-(5) days storage capacity for the average wet
weather flow and for flow equalization if it is planned to use the
pond for both purposes. A minimum water level of two (2) feet
shall be maintained at all times. Adequate provisions must be
made for the necessary valving, piping, pumping, metering,
aeration and sludge removal capabilities to permit the pond to be
maintained and operated in a manner to effectively perform its
intended functions.

3. Sludge wasting, sludge stabilization (defined by process) and

holding, and a final disposal site are required.

[Link] Unit Process Reliability Criteria B

The following reliability is required for any mechanical treatment facility

providing either standard secondary treatment with no nitrification
requirement and is not exempted by Process Reliability Criteria A or two
stage nitrification:

1. If primary screens are used, duplication shall be provided in

accordance with the following:

There shall be a sufficient number of units of a size such that,

with the largest flow capacity unit out of service, the remaining
units shall have a peak flow capacity of at least 100% of the
PHWW flow (or industrial peak hour flow) to that unit operation.

2. Duplication of all primary clarifiers (if used), aeration basins, and

fixed film reactors shall be provided in accordance with the
following:

13
 There shall be a sufficient number of units of a size such that,
with the largest unit out of service, the remaining units shall have
a design load capacity of at least 50% of the total design loading
to that unit operation.

3. Duplication of all final clarifiers shall be provided in accordance

with the following:

There shall be a sufficient number of units of a size such that

with the largest unit out of service, the remaining units shall have
a design load capacity of at least 75% of the total design loading
to that unit operation for Facility Reliability Class I and 50% for
Facility Reliability Class II or III.

4. Sludge wasting, sludge stabilization (defined by process) and

holding, and a final disposal site are required.

[Link] Unit Process Reliability Criteria C

The following reliability is required for any mechanical treatment facility

providing single stage combined carbonaceous oxidation and
nitrification:

1. If screens are used in lieu of primary clarifiers, duplication shall

be provided in accordance with the following:

There shall be a sufficient number of units of a size such that,

with the largest flow capacity unit out of service, the remaining
units shall have a peak flow capacity of at least 100% of the
PHWW flow (or industrial peak hour flow) to that unit operation.

2. If primary clarifiers are used, duplication shall be provided in

accordance with the following:

There shall be a sufficient number of units of a size such that,

with the largest unit out a service, the remaining units shall have
a design load capacity of at least 50% of the total design loading
to that unit operation.

3. Duplication of fixed film reactors and aeration basins shall be

provided in accordance with the following:

There shall be a sufficient number of units of a size such that,

with the largest unit out of service, the remaining units shall have
a design load capacity of at least 50% of the total design loading
to that unit operation.

4. Duplication of final clarifiers shall be provided in accordance with

the following:

There shall be a sufficient number of units of a size such that,

with the largest unit out of service, the remaining units shall have
a design load capacity of at least 75% of the total design loading
to that unit operation.

5. Sludge wasting, sludge stabilization defined by process and

holding, and a final disposal site are required.

14
 [Link] Unit Process Reliability Exceptions

A. An exception to the proceeding reliability requirements will be

made in the upgrading of an existing plant which contains one
unit large enough to provide at least 100% of the total design
load capacity to that unit operation. In this case, no duplication
is required.

B. Another exception will be made in the upgrading of an existing

unit to be operated in parallel with a larger new unit. In order to
consider the use of the existing unit, it must provide at least 40%
of the total design load capacity of that unit operation.

14.5.3 Power Source Reliability

Two separate and independent sources of electric power shall be provided to the facilities
from either two separate utility substations or from a single substation and an emergency
power generator. If available from the electric utility, at least one of the facility’s power
sources shall be a preferred source (i.e., a utility source which is one of the last to lose
power from the utility grid due to loss of power generating capacity). In areas where it is
projected that sometime during the design period of the facility, the electric utility may
reduce the rated line voltage (i.e., “brown out”) during peak utility system load demands,
an emergency power generator shall be provided as an alternate power source. As a
minimum, the capacity of the backup power source for each Facility Reliability Class shall
be:

[Link] Facility Reliability Class I

Sufficient to operate all vital components, during peak wastewater flow

conditions, together with critical lighting and ventilation. Vital
components include those associated with flow, treatment, pumping
metering and disinfection, and those parts of sludge handling which
cannot be delayed without adverse effects on plant performance. Critical
lighting and ventilation is that needed to maintain safety and perform
duties associated with operation of the vital components of the plant.

[Link] Facility Reliability Class II

Same as Reliability Class I, except that vital components used to support

the secondary processes (i.e., mechanical aerators or aeration basin air
compressors) need not be included as long as sedimentation and
disinfection are provided.

[Link] Facility Reliability Class III

Sufficient to operate the screening or comminution facilities, the main

wastewater pumps, the primary sedimentation basins, and the
disinfection facility during peak wastewater flow condition, together with
critical lighting and ventilation.

Notes: - This requirement concerning rated capacity of electric

power sources is not intended to prohibit other forms of
emergency power, such as diesel driven main
wastewater pumps.

- In cases where history of a long-term (four hours or

more) power outages have occurred, backup power for
providing minimum aeration of an activated sludge
system will be required.

15
 - Lagoon systems, including aerated lagoons, will be
required to provide backup power for pumping and
essential lighting and ventilation. Backup power for
disinfection at aerated lagoon facilities is not required if
no other component at the site requires backup power.

14.6 PLANT OUTFALL

14.6.1 Protection and Maintenance

The outfall sewer shall be so constructed and protected against the effects of floodwater,
ice, or other hazards as to reasonably insure its structural stability and freedom from
stoppage.

14.6.2

All outfalls shall be designed so that a sample of the effluent can be obtained at a point
after the final treatment process and before discharge to or mixing with the receiving
waters. If chlorination is provided, a sampling point is also required immediately prior to
chlorination.

14.7 ESSENTIAL FACILITIES

14.7.1 Water Supply

[Link] General

No piping, connections, or potential cross connection situations shall

exist in any part of the treatment works, which, under any conditions,
might cause the contamination of a potable water supply.

[Link] Direct Connections

Potable water from a municipal or separate supply may be used directly

at points above grade for the following hot and cold supplies:

a. lavatory;
b. water closet;
c. laboratory sink (with vacuum breaker);
d. shower;
e. drinking fountain;
f. eye wash fountain; and
g. safety shower

Hot water for any of the above units shall not be taken directly from a
boiler used for supplying hot water to a sludge heat exchanger or
digester heating unit.

[Link] Indirect Connections

Where a potable water supply is to be used for any purpose in a plant

other than those listed in Section [Link] either a break tank, pressure
pump, and pressure tank or an approved reduced pressure backflow
device (AWWA C506) is required.

Water shall be discharged to the break tank through an air gap at least
six inches above the maximum flood line or the spill line of the tank,
whichever is higher.
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 A sign shall be permanently posted at every hose bib, faucet, hydrant, or
sill cock located on the water system beyond the break tank or backflow
preventor to indicate that the water is not safe for drinking.

[Link] Separate Potable Water Supply

Where it is not possible to provide potable water from a public water

supply, a separate well may be provided. Location and construction of
the well must comply with requirements of the Department.
Requirements governing the construction of the well are contained in
Chapter 3 of the Iowa Water Supply Facilities Design Standards.

[Link] Separate Non Potable Water Supply

Where a separate non-potable water supply is to be provided a break

tank will not be necessary, but all system outlets shall be posted with a
permanent sign indicating the water is not safe for drinking.

14.7.2 Flow Measurement

Continuous flow measurement and recording shall be provided for all wastewater
treatment plants serving a population equivalent (P.E.) greater than 100. A flow
measurement device shall still be provided, however, and the design of the structure shall
facilitate the installation of continuous flow recording equipment and automatic samplers
for facilities serving less than 100 P.E.

[Link] General

Weirs shall not be acceptable for influent flow measurement except for
very low flows where self-flushing flow measuring devices are not
accurate. Otherwise, all influent flow measurements shall be self-
flushing. Self-cleaning in-channel floats may be allowed for influent head
measurements. Use of floats in stilling wells is acceptable.

[Link] Requirements for Different Systems

a. Controlled discharge lagoon – Flow measurement facilities shall

be provided for the total influent flow and any discharge from the
lagoon. Equipment to continuously measure and record flow
rates and total influent flow is required. A V-notch weir without
level monitoring equipment is permitted without level monitoring
equipment for measuring intermittent discharges from controlled
discharge facilities.

b. Flow-through treatment system – These systems must have the

capability of continuously measuring, recording flow rates, and
total flow to the plant.

c. If flow bypasses a portion of the plant, then additional flow

measurement and recording is required.

d. Flow measuring devices for determining recycle flow, return

sludge flow, and waste sludge volume shall also be provided.

e. Total retention facilities – A means for accurate determining the

total daily flow into the facility is required.

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 [Link] Elapsed Time Meters

Elapsed time meters (ETMs) with an event recorder on lift station pump
controls will generally be an acceptable method of providing continuous
flow monitoring for the construction of controlled discharge lagoons and
for flow-through treatment facilities serving 1000 P.E. or less. ETMs may
be permitted for construction of flow-through treatment facilities serving
more than a 1000 P.E., and less than 3000 P.E., but only when it can be
shown that the installation of a flume with automatic continuous
recording equipment, or its equivalent, is an impractical alternative.

[Link] Reliability and Accuracy

Flow measurement equipment shall accurately measure flow with a

maximum deviation of ± 10 percent of true discharge rates throughout
the range of discharge levels of the flow measuring device plus a
deviation of ± 3 percent of the maximum design flow for the transmitting-
recording equipment.

14.8 SAFETY

It is the facility owner’s responsibility to ensure that the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA), the National Electric Code and other applicable building and
construction codes and requirements are met during construction and subsequent
operation. During construction, this requirement may be met by including references to
OSHA, NEC and other applicable building and construction codes in the contract
documents.

14.9 LABORATORY

14.9.1 Minimum Required Laboratory Analysis Capability

Careful consideration should be given to the laboratory facilities needed for the operation
control of each plant. Analyses shall be utilized which will evaluate the efficiency of the
entire treatment facility as well as the efficiency of individual treatment units. The
department has established the minimum self-monitoring requirements and analytical
procedures for wastewater treatment plants (Chapter 63 – Monitoring, Analytical and
Reporting Requirements). Additional monitoring may be required dependent upon a
case-by-case evaluation of the potential impact of certain wastewater, industrial
contributions to the plant, complexity of the treatment process, or other factor which
requires more stringent operational control.

14.9.2 Facilities

All treatment works shall include a laboratory for making the necessary analytical
determinations and operating control tests, except in individual situations where
operational testing is minimal or not required and self-monitoring analyses are to be
performed off-site. The laboratory shall have sufficient size, bench space, equipment and
supplies to perform all on-site self-monitoring analytical work required by the operation
permits, and to perform the process control tests necessary for management of each
treatment process included in the design. The facilities and supplies necessary to
perform analytical work to support industrial waste control programs will normally be
included in the same laboratory. The laboratory size and arrangement must be
sufficiently flexible and adaptable to accomplish these assignments. Recommended
laboratory guidelines are contained in Appendix II.

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 CHAPTER 14

APPENDIX I

RECOMMENDED PROCESS PIPING COLOR CODING

Raw sludge line – brown with black bands

Sludge recirculation suction line – brown with yellow bands

Sludge draw off line – brown with orange bands

Sludge recirculation discharge line – brown

Sludge gas line – orange (or red)

Natural gas line – orange (or red) with black bands

Non-potable water line – blue with black bands

Potable water line – blue

Chlorine line – yellow

Sewage line – gray

Compressed air line – green

Water line for heating digesters or buildings – blue with a six-inch red band spaced 30 inches apart

If labeling is used the contents should be clearly indicated on the piping in a contrasting color.

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 CHAPTER 14

APPENDIX II

RECOMMENDED LABORATORY GUIDELINES

Location and Space

The laboratory should be located on ground level, easily accessible to all sampling points, with
environmental control as an important consideration. It shall be located away from vibrating
machinery or equipment which might have adverse effects on the performance of laboratory
instruments or the analyst or shall be designed to prevent adverse effects from vibration. A
minimum of 180 square feet of floor space should be provided for activated sludge, physical-
chemical and advanced wastewater treatment plants; a minimum of 150 square feet of floor
space should be provided for other type of treatment plants; and a minimum of 400 square feet of
floor space should be provided for laboratories having a full time laboratory chemist. Bench-top
working surface should occupy at least 35 percent of the total floor space.

Minimum ceiling height should be eight feet six inches. If possible, this height should be
increased to provide for the installation of wall-mounted water stills, distillation racks, and other
equipment with extended height requirements.

Additional floor and bench space should be provided to facilitate performance of analysis of
industrial wastes, as required by the operation permit and the utility’s industrial waste
pretreatment program. The above minimum space does not provide office or administration
space.

Materials

Ceilings

Acoustical tile should be used for ceilings except in high humidity areas, where they
should be constructed of plaster.

Walls

Walls finishes should be light in color and non-glare.

Floors

Floor surfaces should be either vinyl asbestos or rubber, fire resistant, and highly
resistant to acid, alkalines, solvents, and salts. Floor finishes should be of a single color
for ease of locating small items that have been dropped.

Doors

Two exit doors should be located to permit a straight egress from the laboratory,
preferably at least one to outside the building.

Panic hardware should be used. They should have large glass windows for easy visibility
of approaching or departing personnel.

Automatic door closures should be installed; swinging doors should not be used.

Flush hardware should be provided on doors if cart traffic is anticipated. Kick plates are
also recommended.

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Cabinets and Bench Tops

Wall-hung cabinets are useful for dust-free storage of instruments and glassware. Units with
sliding glass doors are preferable. They should be hung so the top shelf is easily accessible to
the analyst. Thirty inches from the bench top is recommended.

One or more cupboard-style base cabinets should be provided for storing large items; however,
drawer units are preferred for the remaining cabinets. Drawers should slide out so that entire
contents are easily visible. They should be provided with rubber bumpers and with stops, which
prevent accidental removal. Drawers should be supported on ball bearings or nylon rollers, which
pull easily in adjustable steel channels. All metal drawer fronts should be double-wall
construction.

All cabinet shelving should be acid-resistant and adjustable from inside the cabinet. Water, gas,
air, and vacuum service fixtures; traps, strainers, overflows, plugs and tailpieces; and all electric
service fixtures shall be supplied with the laboratory furniture.

Generally, bench-top height should be 36 inches. However, areas to be used exclusively for sit-
down type operations should be 30 inches high and include kneehole space. One-inch
overhangs and drip grooves should be provided to keep liquid spills from running along the face
of the cabinet. Tops should be finished in large sections, 1-1 ¼ inches thick. They should be
field joined into a continuous surface with acid, alkali, and solvent-resistant cements which are at
least as strong as the material of which the top is made.

Hoods

Fume hoods to promote safety and canopy hoods over heat-releasing equipment, if provided,
should be installed near the area where most laboratory tests are made.

Sinks

The laboratory should have a minimum of three sinks (not including cup sinks). At least two of
them should be double-wall with drain boards. Additional sinks should be provided in separate
work areas as needed, and identified for the use intended.

Sinks should be made of epoxy resin or plastic material with all appropriate characteristics for
laboratory applications. The sinks should be constructed of material highly resistant to acids,
alkalies, solvents, and salts, and should be abrasion and heat resistant and non-absorbent.

Traps should be made of glass, plastic, or lead and easily accessible for cleaning. Waste
openings should be located toward the back so that standing overflow will not interfere. All water
fixtures on which hoses may be used should be provided with vacuum relief valves to prevent
contamination of water lines.

Ventilation and Lighting

Laboratories should be separately air-conditioned, with external air supply for 100% make-up
volume. In addition, separate exhaust ventilation should be provided. Ventilation outlet locations
should be remote from ventilation inlets.

Good lighting, free from shadows, is important for reading dials, meniscuses, etc., in the
laboratory.

Gas and Vacuum

Natural gas should be supplied to the laboratory. Digester gas should not be used.

An adequately sized line source of vacuum should be provided with outlets available throughout
the laboratory.

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Equipment, Supplies and Reagents

The laboratory shall be provided with all the equipment, supplies, and reagents that are needed
to carry out all of the facility’s analytical testing requirements. Operation permit, process control,
and industrial waste monitoring requirements should be considered when specifying equipment
needs. References such as Standard Methods and the U.S.E.P.A. Analytical Procedures Manual
should be consulted prior to specifying equipment items.

Power Supply Regulation

To eliminate voltage fluctuation, electrical lines supplying the laboratory should be controlled with
a constant voltage; harmonic neutralized type of transformer. This transformer should contain
less than 3% total root mean square (RMS) harmonic content in the output, should regulate to +/-
1% for an input range of +/- 15% of nominal voltage, with an output of 118 volts. For higher
voltage requirements, the 240-volt lines should be similarly regulated.

Electrical devices in the laboratory not requiring a regulated supply (i.e., ordinary resistance
heating devices) that are non-portable may be wired to an unregulated supply.

Water Still

An all-glass water still, with at least one gallon per hour capacity should be installed complete
with all utility connections.

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