If you’re seeking insight into innovative practices in wastewater management, look no further than Sacramento State University. As an institution with a long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability, Sacramento State University plays a critical role in this essential field.
Allow me to introduce the key components of Sacramento State University’s initiatives associated with wastewater treatment and environmental conservation:
- Sacramento State University Wastewater Initiatives: Sacramento State leads various initiatives that aim at efficient wastewater management.
- Academic Research and Innovation in Wastewater Management: The university champions groundbreaking research in environmental studies.
- Student Involvement in Wastewater Projects: Multiple projects exist where students actively participate, ensuring practical knowledge.
- Community Impact and Environmental Sustainability: Their efforts inevitably lead to a significant positive affect on the local community and environment.
- Future Goals and Plans in Wastewater Management: It continues to form future plans that aim for sustainable wastewater management strategies.
These efforts by Sacramento State University illustrate how academic institutions can help spearhead critical environmental initiatives.
Contents
- Sacramento State University Wastewater Initiatives
- Academic Research and Innovation in Wastewater Management
- Student Involvement in Wastewater Projects
- What is the focus of these wastewater projects?
- What is covered in the “B — Secondary Treatment, Volume 1” course?
- What additional skills are imparted to operators through the “C — Disinfection, Laboratory Procedures, and Math, Volume 1” course?
- What is covered in the “B — Solids Management and Plant Maintenance, Volume 2” course?
- What are the aspects discussed in “A — Treatment Plants, Effluent Discharge and Reuse, and Odor Control, Volume 3” course?
- What does “C — Industrial Waste Treatment – Anaerobic Treatment and Residual Solids Management, Volume 2” course entail?
- What is the goal of the “Treatment Plants and Tertiary Treatment, Volume 2” course?
- Community Impact and Environmental Sustainability
- Future Goals and Plans in Wastewater Management
- Advancing Wastewater Solutions
Sacramento State University Leading the Charge in Sustainable Practices
In this realm of environmental study and initiative, it’s essential to recognize noteworthy efforts. One outstanding example is highlighted in this article from Harman Press, which profiles top companies involved in water and wastewater management.
You can read the article here.
Beyond academia, Sacramento State also actively engages its students and local community in these projects. These hands-on experiences create incredible learning opportunities while contributing to a greener future.
It’s reassuring to know such initiatives exist and that institutions like Sacramento State University continue to address these critical environmental issues head-on.
Let us hope that more universities and institutions follow suit, sparking meaningful change in environmental sustainability.
Sacramento State University Wastewater Initiatives
The Office of Water Programs (OWP) at Sacramento State University is a proud pioneer in the field of wastewater management.
Training programs for water and wastewater plant operators are among the leading initiatives offered by the OWP.
The academic credits and continuing education units offered are designed to provide insightful learning experiences to students and operators alike.
Another standout initiative is the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation Specialist Certificate Program.
This certification course comprises three distinct modules, each focusing on varied aspects of wastewater treatment process and facility maintenance.
| Course Name | Cost | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants 1 (CE 38A) | $912 | 6 Units |
| Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants 2 (CE 38B) | $912 | 6 Units |
| Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants 3 (CE 39) | $912 | 6 Units |
| Note: The certificate is awarded by California State University, Sacramento upon completion. | ||
The courses are transferable to other institutions, providing students with more academic flexibility.
Please check the program availability in your state at the university’s official website.
For enrollment and other queries feel free to connect via provided contact details.
Beyond that, a series of extra training materials and courses are accessible for further study.
Advanced Waste Treatment courses offer thorough insight into safe practices in operating state-of-the-art wastewater plants.
Thanks to an articulation agreement with College of the Canyons, credits transfer is smooth and hassle-free.
The ultimate goal is to back students aiming for an Associate of Science Degree or Certificate in Water Systems Technology.
Last but not least; the OWP carries out research in wastewater-based epidemiology, program management, feasibility assessments and more.
Academic Research and Innovation in Wastewater Management
The emphasis on innovative wastewater treatment techniques is crucial at Sacramento State University. An assessment approach that evaluates latest technologies, decentralized solutions, and green infrastructure investments is followed to manage the effects of weather on aging systems.
- A deep dive into cutting-edge technologies: Their research includes exploring denitrifying filters, membrane bioreactors, and power generation through fuel cells.
- Pioneering wastewater-based epidemiology: An advancement seen in this field generates significant public health insights. Over 30 peer-reviewed manuscripts have been published thus far.
Moreover, Sacramento State University is meticulously working on water and wastewater treatment systems to establish low-cost methodologies at both household and community levels. This includes advancing design and performance of biosand filter technology amongst other biological processes.
- Promotion of sustainability and water conservation: Sacramento State has outlined programs focusing on sustainable water usage and efficient management of rainwater and wastewater.
- EPA’s influence on Wastewater Research: Research is conducted on dealing with wastewater contaminants, alternative disinfectants, water reuse, stormwater management and enhanced aquifer recharge under their purview.
Furthermore, the university adopts various tools provided by the EPA such as the Environmental Technologies Design Option Tool (ETDOT), the Non-potable Environmental and Economic Water Reuse calculator (NEWR), among others for wastewater management.
Student Involvement in Wastewater Projects
What is the focus of these wastewater projects?
The primary aim of these projects is to impart a detailed understanding of wastewater treatment plants and safe plant procedures to the operators.
This knowledge is crucial for their ability to run secondary treatment processes efficiently and safely at wastewater treatment plants.
What is covered in the “B — Secondary Treatment, Volume 1” course?
In this course, certain chapters from the book “Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Volume 1” like “Activated Sludge Processes (Secondary Treatment)” and “Fixed Film Processes” are discussed in detail.
What additional skills are imparted to operators through the “C — Disinfection, Laboratory Procedures, and Math, Volume 1” course?
Besides operating secondary treatment processes safely and effectively, operators also learn disinfection processes, basic lab procedures, and essential calculation skills which are required to solve operational problems.
What is covered in the “B — Solids Management and Plant Maintenance, Volume 2” course?
This course equips operators with the ability to properly handle residual solids and maintain wastewater plant equipment. This includes learning from important sections in “Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Volume 2” such as “Residual Solids Management” and “Plant Maintenance”.
What are the aspects discussed in “A — Treatment Plants, Effluent Discharge and Reuse, and Odor Control, Volume 3” course?
This course not only offers an overview of wastewater treatment plants but also discusses effluent discharge and reuse processes as well as measures to prevent odors emanating from such facilities.
What does “C — Industrial Waste Treatment – Anaerobic Treatment and Residual Solids Management, Volume 2” course entail?
It aims to provide operators with the skills needed to efficiently handle anaerobic wastewater treatment processes and residual solid handling processes used in industrial waste treatment.
What is the goal of the “Treatment Plants and Tertiary Treatment, Volume 2” course?
This specific course emphasizes on training operators in practical aspects of operating and maintaining wastewater treatment plants, underscoring safe practices and procedures.
Community Impact and Environmental Sustainability
The influence of climate change on Sacramento State University is increasingly noticeable, with experiences ranging from state-wide wildfires to localized flooding and droughts. The academic community comprised of students, faculty, and staff has not been spared either.
In efforts to combat these effects, Sacramento State has set an ambitious aim of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. Remarkably, despite the campus growing by as much as 150%, carbon emissions in the institution have dropped from 17,000 metric tons in 1990 to around 14,000 metric tons in 2020.
Part of this success has been driven by the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability. For example, in 2015, 25 Low Impact Development (LID) sites were introduced across the university grounds. These included bioretention planters and water drain disconnects that were instrumental in eco-conservation strategies.
Incorporating sustainability into academics is another act that demonstrates Sacramento State’s dedication. Close to half of the departments offer at least one course focusing on sustainability. Hundreds of under-graduate and graduate courses also feature sustainability content.
In terms of community engagement, Sacramento State partners with local government agencies and nonprofits on projects aimed at improving community health and welfare. One such collaboration saw the university receive a grant from SMUD’s Sustainable Communities program aimed at promoting sustainable living.
The zero waste goal is another target that stands out among the university’s initiatives. The objectives are intended to limit landfill emissions from the institution by implementing new solar energy systems sufficient to satisfy peak demand.
Sacramento State University has pledged to fight against climate change by prioritizing electricity and renewable energy use within campus premises. Among measures being considered includes eliminating pesticides and herbicides usage throughout the institution.
Future sustainability plans for Sac State largely revolve around lighting upgrades, sustainable building projects, and enhanced waste management protocols. There’s also a plan to introduce a LEED Gold art sculpture lab.
Future Goals and Plans in Wastewater Management
In 2016, Sunnyvale initiated a comprehensive 25-year initiative dubbed the Sunnyvale Cleanwater Program.
The program consists of 34 different projects aimed at rehabilitating existing water facilities and implementing new energy-efficient technologies.
The plan includes building additional bioreactors and secondary clarifiers to meet stringent nutrient limits set for water effluents.
Moreover, rejuvenating existing treatment process components is also part of this initiative to extend their life and delay the need for larger CAS system investment.
| Project | Completion Date | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| EchoWater Project | Spring 2023 | $1.7 billion |
| Sites Reservoir Initiative | Target 2030 | N/A |
| Sunnyvale WPCP Revitalization Project | 2041 (expected) | N/A |
| California Water Plan Update 2023 | 2023 (expected) | N/A |
| New Storage and Supply Initiatives | Ongoing | N/A |
| (*N/A – Not Available) | ||
An immense public works project called the EchoWater Project represents another significant endeavor in Sacramento’s wastewater management scene.
Set for completion by Spring 2023, the project offers a safer and more dependable source of treated water for local use.
It involves using treated water to irrigate regional agriculture and assist habitat conservation lands.
Meanwhile, the California Water Plan Update 2023 aims to address climate urgency, bolster watershed resilience, and attain equity in water management efforts.
The update encompasses resource management strategies focused on promoting climate resilience and sustainable water management.
In addition to these, new storage and supply initiatives are underway to establish more reservoirs for water storage during wet years.
Sites Reservoir in Glenn and Colusa Counties plans to add 1.8 million acre-feet storage by 2030.
Advancing Wastewater Solutions
Sacramento State University plays a crucial role in wastewater management, providing innovative research and practical solutions. By fostering a strong relationship with local municipalities and industries, the institution is central in reducing environmental impact and conserving water resources. Its initiatives are driving the industry forward, contributing to a sustainable future.
