UV News

UV News Note: These UV news items have been gleaned from the Internet. The UV news are partially reproduced as found. AAW takes no responsibility for their accuracy. The links to the full UV articles were active at the time of posting.

UV Articles

March 15, 2010: Increased UV power from diamond LEDs enables E. coli sterilization
Semiconductor-today.com ~ by Mike Cooke

Researchers in Japan have increased deep ultraviolet output power to 0.3mW from diamond light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and used the radiation as a sterilizing agent against Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The latest UV LEDs emit at wavelengths around 235nm, corresponding to the energy of the diamond exciton (electron–hole bound state). The external quantum efficiency was 0.01%. These results were presented at the recent nano tech 2010 exhibition and conference in Tokyo.

The 235nm wavelength is short enough to give the energy that is needed (~260nm) to break the chemical bonds between corresponding base pairs within the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymers of micro-organisms such as bacteria and viruses. Rather than forming the usual hydrogen-bonded thymine-adenine (T-A) base pairs in the DNA double-helix, neighboring thymine pairs on a single chain are transformed to bond covalently, disrupting the genetic code.

Presently, bulky 254nm mercury lamps are most often used for such UV sterilization. UV sterilization can be effective also against bacteria that are resistant to thermal treatments. However, breakage of mercury lamps poses environmental hazards.

Development of the LED was performed by two scientists, Satoshi Yamasaki and Toshiharu Makino, from the Energy Technology Research Institute (ETRI) of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). The scientists worked in cooperation with the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) and Japanese industrial diamond producer Syntek. The sterilization application was developed with lighting and optical applications developer Iwasaki Electric.

The diamond was doped with phosphorous and boron to create n-type (electron majority carrier) and p-type (hole majority carrier) layers, respectively, on either side of an undoped intrinsic region.

The 0.3mW output power is close to what is needed for the practical application of UV sterilization. The hope is to develop portable germicidal lamps.

AIST has been developing diamond for UV emission for some time, working on the synthesis, electronic device technology, and basic physics of the material. Devices based on diamond exciton UV emission were presented in 2006. Some of this work also involved Kobe Steel, in addition to the companies and organizations mentioned above. Some of the funding originated from the ‘Research and Development of Nanodevices for Practical Utilization of Nanotechnology’ project supported by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Last year, the scientists produced a 30μW (0.03mW) device.

The sterilization experiments were carried out with 0.1mW pulsed operation of the LEDs. The pulses were 10msec with 90msec intervals. The distance between the LED and the bacterial growth medium (agar) was about 2mm. With 100sec of UV irradiation (carried out over 1000sec), a 10mm-diameter region of the agar showed no E. coli growth after 24 hours of incubation. Outside of the irradiated region, the E. coli grew normally.

The scientists are now working to enhance the emission intensity by improving the device structure to increase the light extraction efficiency . Presently, most of the light emitted from the intrinsic layer is blocked by the titanium electrode and absorbed within the device itself. Only light generated near the circumference of the electrode escapes from the device, providing radiation for sterilization.

Further tests of the UV LED radiation’s rapid sterilization capability are also planned.

An alternative to diamond that is being developed for UV LEDs is nitride semiconductor materials. US firm Sensor Electronic Technology reported 2mW 245–247nm continuous-wave output from a 2x2 arrangement of four aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN) devices.
 
Full text: Increased UV power from diamond LEDs enables E. coli sterilization

March 12, 2010: Berson UV-Tronic controller range for SCADA control systems
Filtration + Separation - Filtsep.com

The UV-Tronic+ V5 PLC controller links to a UV disinfection system’s SCADA control system, allowing users to set up the UV system’s operating parameters to match their requirements

The UV-Tronic+ V5 from Berson is based on a rugged industrial PLC with an RS485-based Modbus interface and can control up to six UV disinfection chambers simultaneously. The controller can be programmed to calculate the required power setting depending on whether it is validated to DVGW, UVDGM or Berson’s default dose control settings. Software is currently being written which will also allow it to operate to NWRI parameters. The device can control conventional electro-magnetic ballast as well as Berson’s own electronic ballast.

Features of the UV-Tronic+ V5 from Berson include greatly extended monitoring and control via Modbus, increased manual control functionality to ease maintenance and servicing, and the capacity to individually calibrate UV sensors when running in DVGW mode. A modem can also be used to provide remote monitoring and diagnosis and for software upgrades.

When UV monitors on the inner wall of the UV chamber register a fall in the UV level, the UV-Tronic+ V5 is designed to trigger automatic wipers on the quartz sleeves protecting the UV lamps. The wipers remove any built-up deposits on the sleeves, ensuring uninterrupted protection against microbial contamination. A major benefit of automated wiping means no chemicals are required for cleaning, an especially important feature when it comes to drinking water disinfection.
 
Full text: Berson UV-Tronic controller range for SCADA control systems

March 3, 2010: GMD transitions to Ultraviolet
Greenwood Today

Wastewater effluent at GMD's Wilson Creek WWTP
 

In the interest of balancing public safety and environmental protection, the Greenwood Metropolitan District has stopped using chlorine gas to disinfect its wastewater plant water discharges in favor of using ultraviolet (UV) light.

The UV disinfection process yields significant safety advantages for GMD plant personnel, local bodies of water, and the community in general.

Approximately 20% of North American wastewater treatment plants use the UV process that instantaneously neutralizes microorganisms as they pass ultraviolet lamps submerged in the effluent discharges at both GMD’s West Alexander and Wilson Creek treatment plants.
 
The UV process has no impact on the chemical composition or dissolved oxygen level of the water discharged from the plants. Downstream communities also benefit from GMD’s transition to UV disinfection as the process creates no carcinogenic by-products and eliminates chlorine resistant protozoa that might otherwise find their way into the water intakes of these communities.

The UV disinfection process also helps insure GMD’s wastewater treatment plants will be in compliance with ever tightening state and national wastewater regulations, and will operate in the most cost efficient manner for its customers.
 
Full text: GMD transitions to Ultraviolet

February 24, 2010: Siemens introduce the LaboStar and LaboStar TWF deionization water purification systems
Workingwithwater.net ~ Water Purification

The LaboStar system purifies water from a pre-purified water source, while the LaboStar TWF system purifies water from a tap feed source to produce ASTM Type 1 water

Each deionization water purification system from Siemens includes a positively charged 0.2 micron bacterial/biological sterile filter which allows the system to produce ultrapure water with endotoxin levels of less than 0.001 EU/ml.

For applications that require low total organic carbon (TOC) levels, both the LaboStar system and LaboStar TWF system are available with ultraviolet (UV) sterilization and an enhanced-organic-removal deionization (DI) ‘polishing’ cartridge.

The LaboStar system incorporates two DI cartridges and optional UV which polish the feed water from reverse osmosis (RO) or DI pretreatment, or a combination of RO plus DI or RO plus continuous electrodeionization (CEDI) pretreatment.

The LaboStar TWF system is available with pre-purification product flow rates of three litres per hour, or seven litres per hour for applications with large daily use requirements. The system features a pretreatment module which produces RO quality water from a tap water feed source, and an integral 7-litre tank for storing RO-quality water from the pretreatment cartridge. Water is sent from the tank to a DI cartridge for further purification when Type I water is required at the point of use. When not in use, all LaboStar systems circulate the water through the UV and DI cartridge pack to maintain high water quality.

Full text: Siemens introduce the LaboStar and LaboStar TWF deionization water purification systems

February 24, 2010: Wärtsilä partners with UV specialist to offer BWT system
Marinelog.com

Wärtsilä Corporation and London, Ontario, headquartered Trojan Technologies have signed an exclusive agreement to jointly develop, market, and distribute a ballast water treatment product for ships. The two hope to get synergistic benefits by combining Wärtsilä's marine market presence and from Trojan Technologies' leadership and experience in developing ultraviolet treatment solutions.

Trojan Technologies is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Danaher Corporation of Washington, D.C. Trojan designs, manufactures, and sells UV systems for wastewater and drinking water facilities and for the removal of certain chemicals from water. With over 6000 municipal facilities in more than 80 countries using its technology, Trojan has the largest installed base of UV systems in the world.

The ballast water treatment product is presently in pre-production, with third-party validation to take place in late 2010. It is expected to enter the market at the end of the year.

According to the Global Ballast Water Convention, all vessels built prior to 2009 will need to install a certified ballast water treatment (BWT) system by 2014 or 2016, depending on the ballast water capacity of the vessel. Since 2009, all new vessels are required to install a BWT system. For the convention to come into full force, it must be ratified by 30 countries representing 35 per cent of the global fleet's deadweight tonnage. Currently 21 countries representing 23 per cent of the tonnage requirement have ratified, and full ratification is expected to occur in 2011.

"Ballast Water Treatment is becoming an important item on the environmental agenda for our customers, and therefore also for us," says Roger Holm, Vice President, Solutions Management, Wärtsilä Services. "Moving into this field is a natural step for Wärtsilä, and one that continues the development of our Environmental Services portfolio."

"Trojan is excited to partner with Wärtsilä in this endeavor," says Marvin DeVries, President of Trojan Technologies. "Trojan has a long history of innovation and leadership in the global UV industry, and we believe that our water treatment expertise, combined with Wärtsilä's strong presence in the marine industry, will enable the two companies to play a significant role in providing a compact, cost-effective and high performance system to address the emerging ballast water treatment market."

Full text: Wärtsilä partners with UV specialist to offer BWT system

February 18, 2010: Smelly pool air could be eliminated at Newport News center
Dailypress.com - By Joe Lawlor

The stinky air is about to be zapped.

Newport News appears to be on the verge of solving the air quality problems at the Brittingham-Midtown Community Center pool.

Residents brought the issue before the City Council last week, urging the council to install an ultraviolet light system that would greatly reduce chloramine levels in the pool. When chloramines mix with perspiration, it releases a gas into the air that can cause breathing problems, according to the USA Swimming Web site.

Michael Poplawski, the city's parks and recreation director, said he looked into the issue, and the city will "strongly consider" purchasing an ultraviolet light system.

"We're pushing forward with the ultraviolet light," said Poplawski, who added that he expects to have a proposal before the City Council for its meeting next week. The estimated cost is $50,000.

Poplawski said the city is taking other measures to reduce chloramine levels, such as fixing the air conditioning units and enforcing showers before swimmers go into the pool. Showering with soap reduces body oils that would otherwise combine with chloramine, adding to the smell. Poplawski said opening the roof panels also helps by mixing in fresh air, but they don't open the panels as much in the winter.

Rebecca Snodgrass, 15, of Isle of Wight County, and a swimmer at the pool, said she would like to return to training more at Midtown's Olympic-sized pool, as she hopes to compete on a college swim team one day. Breathing and coughing problems have forced her to cut back on her training at Midtown.

Full text: Smelly pool air could be eliminated at Newport News center

February 12, 2010: Calgon Carbon Adds a New Niche Business Line
SeekingAlpha.com

Calgon Carbon (CCC) acquired Hyde Marine, Inc., a manufacturer of systems that utilize ultraviolet light technology to treat marine ballast water. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Hyde Marine’s Hyde Guardian™ system, which employs stacked disk and ultraviolet light technology to filter and disinfect ballast water, offers cost, safety, and technological advantages. Guardian has received Type Approval from Lloyd’s Register on behalf of the U.K. Maritime and Coast Guard Agency. Type Approval confirms compliance with the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments [BWMC].

BWMC, which was adopted by the International Maritime Organization in 2004, addresses the transportation of potentially harmful organisms through ballast water. The regulation is scheduled to be phased in globally over a ten-year period beginning in 2010, and industry sources estimate that it will require treatment of ballast water from more than 40,000 vessels by 2020.

At the start of the year, Calgon Carbon acquired Zwicky Denmark and Sweden, a long-term distributor of Calgon's activated carbon products in Europe with 2008 sales of $4.2 million.

This latest acquisition adds to the businesses that Calgon Carbon currently operates in through its the three Business segments - Activated Carbon and Service, Equipment, and Consumer. The company has grown its revenues since 2003 at a compounded average growth rate of close to 10%. As overall wealth and standards of living improve globally, the segments that the company operates in are likely to see better growth rates. The acquisition only adds to the likely organic growth. The company seems to be a good bet for long-term portfolios. Near-term upsides may be capped by valuations at 20xFY10E earnings.

Calgon Carbon provides services, products, and solutions for purifying water and air in the United States and internationally.

The Activated Carbon and Service segment manufactures granular activated carbon for use in applications to remove organic compounds from water, air, and other liquids and gases. It also offers leasing, monitoring, and maintenance of carbon adsorption equipment. In addition, this segment provides carbon reactivation, handling, and transportation.

The Equipment segment offers systems to purify air and water. Its carbon equipment is used for volatile organic compound emissions control, air stripper off-gases, and landfill gas emissions, as well as for process purification, wastewater treatment, groundwater remediation, and de-chlorination. This segment employs proprietary ISEP (Ionic Separator) continuous ion exchange units for the purification of products in the food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. Its ISEP units are also used to remove nitrate and perchlorate contaminants from drinking water. In addition, this segment offers UV equipment to disinfect drinking and waste water, as well, and produces odor control equipment to control odors at municipal wastewater treatment facilities and pumping stations. As of January 31, 2009, the company had a sales backlog of $22.3 million.

The Consumer segment manufactures and sells carbon cloth for the medical and specialty markets, as well as offers PreZerve storage products to protect and preserve jewelry, and AllGone to adsorb odors and impurities from the air. Calgon Carbon Corporation serves potable water, industrial process, food, environmental water and air, and specialty markets.

Full text: Calgon Carbon Adds a New Niche Business Line

February 02, 2010: UV LEDs promise improved lifespan, durability
Eetasia.com - EE Times Europe, By Julien Happich

Lumex has developed the QuasarBrite UV family of LEDs touted to provide a 10x longer lifespan, a tight beam angle, enhanced durability and up to 50 percent cost savings compared to alternative technologies.

The RoHs-compliant QuasarBrite UV LEDs are available in 385-, 405- and 415nm wavelengths at 4- to 6mW in a through-hole format.

The QuasarBrite UV technology is well-suited for a wide range of applications including bacterial and superficial sterilization for medical device technologies related to phototherapy, dental, and dermatology equipment, but also industrial control device technology related to leak and biohazard detection or forensic applications related to counterfeit detection and forensic analysis of bodily fluids.

"Despite the many benefits of UV LED technology, adoption has been limited in the past due to the fact that the materials used in the epoxy LED lens degraded the lifespan of UV LEDs to less than 5,000 hours," explained Jeff Oliveros, director of engineering at Lumex.

"Having replaced the epoxy lenses with a robust TO-46 package with glass lens, QuasarBrite UV LEDs now last at least 10x longer, providing a lifespan of more than 50,000 hours."

In addition to enhanced life span, QuasarBrite UV LEDs provide several key benefits compared to alternative technologies like cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs). QuasarBrite UV LEDs provide a uniform beam pattern. To match this performance CCFLs would require a secondary lens resulting in additional cost and space investment.

Additionally, QuasarBrite UV LEDs do not use the hazardous mercury material found in CCFL technology and are more durable in their design, thereby significantly reducing maintenance costs.

Finally, Lumex' UV LEDs have up to 70 percent lower energy consumption than CCFLs. These factors combined allow the company to boast up to 50 percent cost savings compared to CCFLs.

Samples of these devices are available from stock, with custom production quantities in eight to ten weeks and standard production quantities in six to eight weeks.

Full text: UV LEDs promise improved lifespan, durability

January 26, 2010: UV system enhances water quality
100 Mile House Free Press - By Ken Alexander

District of 100 Mile House councilors took the first step in enhancing the safety of the community’s drinking water by awarding a UV upgrade to its water treatment plant...

The district’s water system includes 21 kilometers of pipe and mainly uses Bridge Creek as its water source. It also has a stand-by well that’s used occasionally to supplement the primary supply.

The plant, which was constructed in 1985 in response to a Giardia outbreak, uses “slow sand filters” and chlorination to treat the raw water from the creek. The district’s system efficiently deactivates or removes Cryptosporidium — a protozoan pathogen that causes a diarrheal illness.

Adding UV lighting to the system, Strain says, enhances the potability of the water as it provides a second barrier. Ultraviolet light is at the invisible, violet end of the light spectrum, he says.

Ultraviolet radiation effectively inactivates common protozoan pathogens, such as Cryptosporidium, Strain explains, especially when applied as part of a multi-barrier treatment chain.

“Research has found no evidence that Cryptosporidium or viruses can repair themselves, following UV disinfection in drinking water treatment.”

The UV enhancement is a requirement to meet Interior Health standards, he adds.

Since the Walkerton outbreak, Strain adds, water provision requirements and regulations have become more stringent.

In May 2000, an E. coli outbreak in the water system in Walkerton, Ont. was directly blamed for the deaths of seven residents of the community of 5,000 and 2,500 others became extremely ill.

Strain notes that when 100 Mile’s system was installed more than 20 years ago, slow sand filtration was the top-of-the-line system.

Full text: UV system enhances water quality

January 12, 2010: UV water treatment minimizes chemicals
Pacetoday.com.au - by Peter Mills

Advanced ultra-violet (UV) water treatment technology being introduced to Australia by CST Wastewater Solutions has demonstrated its potential for applications here after being installed on a semi-arid Caribbean island.

Ten of Berson’s InLine UV disinfection systems – distributed in Australia by CST – were installed on the island of Aruba, where eight systems are used to disinfect drinking water and two are used to treat greywater prior to discharge.

The island opted for UV instead of chlorine as part of its ‘non-chemical’ approach to water treatment, says CST Wastewater Solutions managing director, Michael Bambridge.

Five of the Berson UV units are installed at the Balashi water treatment plant, the site of gold mill ruins near Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad. Operated by W.E.B. Aruba N.V., which supplies drinking water and electricity to the island’s residents and businesses, Balashi also houses the world’s second largest desalination plant. Because Aruba has a semi-arid climate, desalination is necessary to supply its growing population with much-needed water.

Chemical-free desal
Following the desalination process, the water passes through the UV systems before being transported to seven storage tanks situated at elevated locations around the island. The UV units, which are installed outdoors and controlled by DGtronic microprocessors, each disinfect 400m3 of water per hour, rising to 600m3/h during peak flow conditions.

No chlorine is used at any stage of the water treatment process. Chlorine was originally considered as an alternative to UV but was rejected after concerns over costs and safety. W.E.B. Aruba also has an anti-chemical policy.

Two of the seven storage tanks situated around the island are also fitted with Berson’s InLine UV systems, providing an additional disinfection step prior to distribution. It is expected that all the tanks will eventually be fitted with UV. One of the storage tanks is situated in the harbour and supplies cruise ships with UV-treated drinking water.

In addition to disinfecting drinking water, two Berson UV systems are also used to treat greywater. One unit is installed at each of the island’s two wastewater treatment plants and the treated greywater is used to irrigate the island’s two golf courses. The Dr Horacio Hospital on the island also uses UV technology.

Berson’s customer service manager Danny van Kuringen says there is a lot of interest in Berson’s UV systems on the island, especially from businesses wanting to use greywater for hosing down buildings. “It is very dusty on Aruba, so keeping the outside of buildings clean is a real concern for many companies. We have also recently supplied one of our new InLine+ UV systems to disinfect drinking water for the airport.”

Re-using wastewater
Berson’s compact InLine medium pressure UV systems use MultiWave lamps, which emit a wide spectrum of UV wavelengths with a very high energy output, causing the total and permanent deactivation of micro-organisms. The small size of the lamps means that they are positioned perpendicularly to the flow of liquid, increasing disinfection efficiency and reducing the overall size of the disinfection unit.

Berson's InLine+ medium pressure closed vessel UV systems recently became the first in the world to gain formal approval for wastewater re-use applications. They underwent extensive third party testing by Carollo Engineers in the Unites States of America before being formally approved for post-filtration and reverse osmosis applications by the California Department of Public Health (Title-22 validation).

The systems are now validated for wastewater re-use applications in accordance with AwwaRF/NWRI guidelines, which are internationally respected and some of the toughest in the world, says Bambridge. The guidelines are also the only ones offering guidelines on sewage treatment, which is a key factor in Australia.

“The Berson technology used on Aruba clearly has potential in Australia as well, because we not only have the same pressures on water in semi-arid areas, but also are looking increasingly to desalination as an alternative source of water supply,” said Bambridge.

January 4, 2010: Wastewater Plant Builds Around UV as the Cornerstone of Treatment
WaterWorld.com

The former chlorine tank was retrofitted with a UV disinfection system. The same building atop the old chlorine disinfection tank now houses the two UV channels.
 

Advanced technologies have become the building blocks of a modern wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). New generation controls, treatment systems and disinfection methods can improve virtually every link along the process chain, from the control of peak flow, to disinfection, nutrient removal, effluent quality and even sludge management.

The award-winning plant serving Carmel, Indiana, is a case in point.

Carmel is one of the affluent edge cities on the north side of Indianapolis. The rapid growth in recent years has demanded farsighted planning and investment by the community of approximately 70,000 residents, said Edward Wolfe, operations manager, who has witnessed many changes during his 33-year career in wastewater management. Craig Carter, the plant manager and another 33-year veteran, has 25 personnel working at the facility, including four Class IV and the rest with Class I to III certifications. Jordan Kleinsmith, assistant plant manager, has 25 years experience and is always eager to point out the features of their pacesetting treatment complex.

The 12 mgd facility has earned a string of environmental awards while removing risks and lowering operational costs. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that this progressive facility attracts frequent visit from other public works officials and designers who are interested in the technologies that contribute so much to the environmentally compatible operations.

The plant has a lengthy list of awards, including the US Environmental Protection Agency recognition as Best Managed Municipal Plant in its class. In 2008, the National League of Cities recognized the Carmel WWTP for "best practice" in process operations.

The plant also earned the Indiana Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence last year after replacing chemical disinfection with an ultraviolet (UV) system. Other awards listed on the city's website clearly rank this plant among the nation's best managed facilities.

Advancements in technologies and management practices are light years ahead of the era when wastewater lagoons and harsh chemicals were standard for removing pathogens. In fact, the plant's management considers the application of UV disinfection as the cornerstone of a series of upgrades to the WWTP in recent years. These increased the capacity from 8.8 mgd to 12 mgd and have made the facility a model of environmental compliance.

The upgrades follow a comprehensive Facility Plan developed by Jones & Henry, an Ohio-based engineering firm that has worked with the city since 1992. The first project replaced the existing static screens with two cylindrical fine screens and screenings compaction. Following those initial steps came the addition of two primary settling tanks, return sludge pumps, hydraulic modifications, and new Sanitaire fine bubble diffusers in all aeration tanks, along with Turblex blowers and a DO control system.

That set the stage for perhaps the most important upgrade – a 36.0 mgd, WEDECO ultraviolet disinfection system completed in the summer of 2005. The upgrade followed Indiana Department of Environmental Management's mandate to remove chlorine from treated effluent before release into the White River, the receptor for discharges from Carmel and other municipal WWTPs.

Prior to the UV system, the Carmel utility had resorted to scrubbing chlorine from the effluent using sulfur dioxide during the mandated disinfection season of April 1 to October 31, when the state E. coli limit is set at not more than 235 colony forming units (cfu) per 100 milliliters (ml). The gaseous chemicals were kept on site in four, one-ton cylinders for chlorine and two to three one-ton cylinders of sulfur dioxide. As most other plants have experienced, a minor amount of residual chlorine always remained and the procedure released low levels of sulfuric acid that posed an additional risk to aquatic life.

Both chemicals also presented the additional risk of a handling accident causing a release into the atmosphere.

"Wastewater plant operators at Carmel and elsewhere have confronted added safety concerns with the advent of dechlorination," said Dan Miller, an expert in the field with Jones & Henry. "They have to handle another hazardous chemical which has public safety concerns beyond their immediate plant environments.

"UV typically works under most plant conditions. Larger plants should pilot test and as a minimum, smaller plants should have a collimated beam test completed to measure the anticipated dosage requirements." he added. "Plants with low inflow and infiltration have much less capital investment since they typically experience lower peaks. One factor to consider is the use of iron compounds to remove phosphorous at some plants in which case they may wish to pilot test the technology."

The city was evaluating some options to improve the disinfection system, which required doubling the amount of chlorine and sulfur dioxide stored on site, when the 9/11 terrorist attack presented the grim scenario of terrorists unleashing chlorine gas or sulfur dioxide across heavily populated areas of Carmel, Fishers and Northern Indianapolis.

"That triggered a heightened interest in alternative disinfection methods," Kleinsmith said. "We became confident that changing to UV disinfection at our plant would resolve the twofold concerns of regulatory compliance and risk reductions without compromising our effluent quality.

"Working closely with Jones & Henry Engineers, the department established a group of six evaluators once the decision was made to adopt UV disinfection instead of chemical contact. The group considered three UV system manufacturers, conducting plant and factory tours, before rating each system on a matrix," Kleinsmith said.

The resulting score favored the WEDECO UV system supplied by ITT Water & Wastewater. The system is equipped with an automatic cleaning feature that keeps the quartz sleeves crystal clear and sustains pathogen kill. A building equipped with an overhead crane was built atop an existing chlorine contact tank retrofitted to enclose the UV system that is split in half to create two channels for alternating operation and redundant backup.

There are a total of 288 low pressure high intensity UV lamps divided into two channels. The lamps are among the most energy-efficient in the market and warranted for 12,000 hours of operation. One channel handles the typical 8 to 13 mgd flow which undergoes added settling before passing through the UV channels at a desirable 3 to 5 mg/l suspended solids. The UV system has the ability to vary the output of the lamps based on measured UV intensity and flow rate. That way it uses the lowest possible amount of electricity while always applying a sufficient UV dose. When the flow reaches 15 mgd for 45 minutes the second channel of lights is activated to receive the split flow. The total system easily handles 35 mgd, Kleinsmith said.

Using the previous chemical disinfection, the plant typically could achieve E. coli readings ranging from 100 to 235 cfu per 100 ml, he said. By comparison, the UV system during the past disinfection season normally achieved single-digit readings and a high of 54 cfu per 100 ml, all well below the state's 235 E. coli maximum.

UV disinfection also offered economic benefits and complies with the city commitment to implement green initiatives in all departments, emphasizes Operations Manager Wolfe. The WEDECO system and infrastructure changes at the time cost approximately $1.6 million. Up until then, chlorine and sulfur dioxide had cost $30,000 per year, plus operational maintenance costs.

Teresa Lewis, administration and laboratory assistant plant manager, a 27 year veteran, recognized a time and cost savings could occur in the lab using UV disinfection instead of chlorine and sulfur dioxide. Their elimination would reduce the amount of lab testing, the final effluent samples would not require testing for residual chlorine and then dechlorinated prior to conducting CBOD tests. UV would also eliminate having dechlorinating agent in the E. coli sample collection bottles. While eliminating the chemical purchase would not quickly offset the UV investment, the planned facility improvements to continue using them were no longer necessary. Furthermore, the elimination of the contingent risks with chemical disinfection – and environmental benefits – outweigh a simple cost-benefit payback analysis, Wolfe added.

The city took an equally big step by converting to Class A from Class B sludge, the latter once hauled 40 miles away for land application. The automated biopasteurization process that produces Carmel's Class A biosolids was the first installation of its kind in the United States and uses an automated pre-digestion pasteurization interfaced with the plant's anaerobic digesters.

The resulting Class A biosolids are a desirable resource for agricultural and soil blenders without increased volumes, maximized the use of existing digester facilities, on-site use of byproduct methane gas and compatibility with the plant's site and operations.

The application was an ACEC Outstanding Award winner and has been added to the "Best Practices" database for the National League of Cities.

In each of two UV disinfection channels, only the bulbs and sensors are submerged. All other electrical components such as the ballasts are away from the water in the temperature regulated control room. Visible here are the flex metal conduits that deliver power to the UV bulbs from the junction boxes directly above, where they plug in. Each channel contains 144 UV bulbs, totaling 288 bulbs for the entire disinfection system.
 

The first phase of the system consisted of three, 3300-gallon tanks that function 24/7 in a sequential mode of fill/react/drawdown batches that can reach 56,000 gpd. The solids in the react vessel are heated to 160-deg F. for one hour, with adjustments made for seasonal variables. After advancing through an anaerobic digester and then centrifuges, the pathogen-reduced sludge is typically 14 wet tpd, 3.1 tpd of biosolids at 22 percent solids. The sludge management of the pasteurization system was further enhanced by the Phase II construction of the solar drying facility that was partially underwritten by a state grant. The energy-conserving facility handles approximately 25 percent of the material.

Jones & Henry studied several alternatives to further use the methane gas and create a dryer biosolid product. The review included: sludge drying, microturbines, hot water heat derived from other plant buildings, and construction of a "greenhouse" type of solar drying building with supplemental heat. Solar drying was selected based on its simplicity, continual use of the digester gas, eligibility for the $50,000 state energy grant award, and the "green" nature of using solar heat as a drying method.

A nearby sod farm receives the Class A sludge but other businesses can haul the 75 percent dry solids at the plant's solar building .The utility has promoted the availability of the solar-dried Class A material by distributing samples of the solar-dried byproduct at the city's Farmer's Market and encouraging ratepayers to claim larger volumes at the plant. The change to Class A process saves the city approximately $200,000 per year once spent for fuel costs, labor, equipment maintenance and permits compared to the previous Class B sludge operations.

Furthermore, the city could ultimately market the Class A sludge and actually generate a revenue stream from a byproduct that once presented just added disposal expense.
 
Full text: Wastewater Plant Builds Around UV as the Cornerstone of Treatment

December 8, 2009: Stimulus Funding Helps Move UV Project Forward
WaterWorld.com - By Ron Brown

The city of Bremerton, WA, is currently planning its compliance approach for the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR), which was promulgated by the USEPA in January 2006. This regulation required treatment enhancements for the city's Union River surface water supply, which is currently operating under the filtration avoidance criteria of the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR).

The city proposed implementing a new multiple-barrier disinfection approach that consists of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation followed by free chlorination. In addition to the disinfection improvements for LT2ESWTR compliance, the city also proposed other system modifications and improvements designed to enhance surface water supply flexibility and improve operations associated with surface water flow diversions to the Twin Lakes Reservoir, which is an aquifer recharge basin that supplies numerous nearby groundwater wells in their water system.

The project was given a jump start when money became available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The ARRA funds made it possible for the city to proceed with the project with minimal rate impacts to the city, which has been strongly impacted by the recent economic downturn.

Current System
The City of Bremerton currently relies on a combination of surface water and groundwater to optimize the balance among water demand, supply and quality. At present, the Union River provides about 60 percent of the city's annual water supply, with the balance provided by several groundwater wells.

Due to the source water quality and the city's comprehensive watershed control program and effective land and forestry management, the Union River supply has been successfully operated under SWTR filtration avoidance requirements. For this project, it is assumed that the Union River source will retain its unfiltered status and that filtration will not be required for LT2ESWTR compliance or other drinking water regulations in the foreseeable future.

The LT2ESWTR requires that unfiltered surface water supplies be disinfected to inactivate Cryptosporidium, and that the treatment include a minimum of two separate disinfectants to meet the combined pathogen inactivation requirements of SWTR (2- or 3-log Giardia lamblia) and LT2SWTR (2- or 3-log Cryptosporidium). The application of chlorine disinfection alone, as currently practiced, would not be sufficient as it is not effective at inactivating Cryptosporidium. Although the City of Bremerton has never found Cryptosporidium in its surface water, LT2ESWTR compliance requires the inactivation of Cryptosporidium in unfiltered surface water supplies

The city's Union River surface supply originates at the Casad Reservoir. Water is released into a river and flows to the McKenna Falls Intake Facility, where it is screened, monitored for turbidity, flow-metered and chlorinated using one-ton gas containers for primary disinfection. The treated water enters a transmission main and flows through about 37,600 feet of piping to Reservoir 4, the current point of entry to the distribution system (W256 pressure zone). Travel time in the transmission main provides more than enough chlorine contact time to satisfy SWTR treatment requirements.

Project drivers
The city retained HDR to provide engineering design and construction support services for the Ultraviolet Disinfection Treatment Facility project. The objectives of the water system's improvement project were to:

 • Provide multiple-barrier disinfection of the unfiltered Union River surface supply to ensure compliance with both SWTR and LT2ESWTR and enhance drinking water quality.
 • Give the city flexibility to supply treated Union River water to the W517 zone in addition to the W256 zone currently used. The W517 zone is currently considered by the Department of Health to be a separate water system.
 • Improve operations associated with flow control and diversion of unchlorinated Union River Water to the Twin Lakes Reservoir recharge basin.

Proposed Solution
Ultraviolet radiation (UV) was the recommended and chosen disinfection approach for LT2ESWTR compliance. Further evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of various configurations of UV systems such as low pressure/high output versus medium pressure was conducted. The city chose to preselect and procure a medium pressure system after soliciting proposals and bids through a competitive process.

Chlorination options were evaluated including bulk and onsite generated liquid sodium hypochlorite. HDR recommended the installation of a bulk liquid system at the new treatment facility. The new hypochlorite system would provide for SWTR compliance required and the maintenance of a chlorine residual in the treated water distribution system.

To achieve other objectives for the project, HDR investigated the relocation of the point of chlorination that would allow diversion into the Twin Lakes reservoir for recharge and provide treated water into the city's water system. It was decided that siting the new treatment facilities adjacent to the Twin Lakes control valve facility would facilitate the system flexibility desired by the city. In addition, the city was concerned with the continued use of gaseous chlorine in a location that was closer to more populated areas and the city's golf course.

The UV and the liquid chlorination systems were installed in a new, hardened facility to provide a greater level of security for this critical component of the city's potable water system.

Stimulus Funding
This project was made possible through the ARRA stimulus funding program. The construction of the system improvements not only added jobs in the local economy during construction but will also ensure compliance with state and federal water quality requirements by the city's water system for years to come.
 
Full text: Stimulus Funding Helps Move UV Project Forward

December 4, 2009: UV maintenance is critical in small systems
WaterTechOnline.com - by Eric Peterson

Today’s ultraviolet (UV) systems, including those used in small community and industrial water systems, are far superior to yesterday’s legacy systems. But that doesn’t mean legacy systems are ready for the trash heap. Many UV systems that are 20 to 30 years old can still operate as well as they did when they were installed. They just require a little “TLC” to get them back to their original operating condition.

A well-maintained system is all that is required. Proper maintenance goes beyond the obvious annual lamp change-out, the cleaning of the interior of the quartz sleeve, and a sensor adjustment. A new preventive maintenance (PM) perspective can be applied to any existing UV system.

Points of a good PM program
Where to start? Begin with the owner’s manual. Most reputable UV manufacturers provide a manual with each unit. It should contain a well-laid-out PM schedule. If not, consider the following guidelines.

Design material. UV light is aggressive and will oxidize or corrode just about everything it comes into contact with, including improperly finished stainless steel. If a UV system is not manufactured with high-quality material and is not properly maintained, it will cause maintenance issues down the road.

UV lamps. All UV units incorporate a single or multiple UV lamp(s), the units’ critical component, into their designs. Each unit requires periodic lamp replacement. While many lamps will continue to operate well beyond their stated life, a lamp’s performance declines if it operates for too long.

Typically, lamp replacement should be scheduled at no later than 4,000 to 5,000 operating hours for medium-pressure systems and 9,000 hours for low-pressure systems. Medium-pressure systems with variable output power settings will now achieve a 9,000-hour lamp life. Whatever system you have, do yourself a favor and don’t wait for the lamp to burn out before replacing it.

A physical process called solarization eventually blocks UV light from being emitted into the water stream, rendering it ineffective by preventing vital UV rays from penetrating the water stream. As a lamp becomes solarized, it turns slightly brown in color and should be replaced.

Mercury disposal. All UV lamps contain mercury. More companies are becoming environmentally conscious and looking for responsible waste disposal programs for their lamps.

If you are a small-system operator, be sure the water treatment service company has a program in place to properly dispose of the lamps. Expect to pay a fee per lamp to have it picked up and the mercury inside it properly extracted, recycled and disposed of.

UL-listed equipment. Most reputable UV equipment is UL-listed in the United States. A UV manufacturer typically receives their UL listing on the entire unit, not on each individual component of the unit. Should non-genuine UV replacement parts be incorporated into the equipment, the unit’s UL listing would become void. For this reason it is not recommended that non-genuine OEM replacement parts be incorporated into UV systems.

Before you decide to incorporate the slightly less-expensive generic aftermarket replacement parts into your UV system, check with your risk management team and insurance provider to determine if the risks associated with this decision are worth the relatively few dollars saved.

Quartz sleeves. The quartz sleeves are probably the most abused components of a UV system, yet they are one of the most critical for delivering UV rays into the water stream.

Sleeves provide a protective barrier around the lamp so that the lamp can operate at its optimal temperature. For the quartz sleeve to maximize a unit’s performance, both the interior and exterior of the sleeve must be cleaned periodically, even in UV units installed in ultra-pure water systems. All quartz sleeves are susceptible to fouling.

Cleaning frequency of quartz sleeves will be site-specific and directly related to water quality. UV systems that are installed in post-reverse osmosis/deionization (RO/DI) locations will require cleaning much less frequently than units installed on raw water or surface water systems. As a general rule of thumb, a post-RO/DI system should have the quartz sleeves cleaned once a year.

Plan on cleaning quartz sleeves quarterly on post-activated carbon systems and more frequently for hard water applications exceeding 5 grains of hardness.

Sleeve replacement. Quartz sleeves, just like UV lamps, wear out over time. Quartz will lose its ability to transmit UV rays into the reactor chamber. To maximize the optimal performance of any UV unit, manufacturers recommend that the quartz sleeves be replaced with each lamp replacement. Most system operators typically replace their quartz sleeves every three to five years in disinfection applications, and replace them every one to three years in TOC-reduction, ozone-destruction and UV-dechlorination applications.

Reactor chamber. Many system operators and service companies overlook the importance of cleaning the interior of the UV reactor chamber. The inside of a reactor chamber acts as a mirror to reflect UV light back into the water stream. When it becomes fouled or scaled, it loses its reflective qualities. The interior of a reactor chamber may need to be cleaned physically. A unit’s performance will suffer if this important step is ignored.

Replacement parts. Don’t forget to stock a few replacement lamps, quartz sleeves and O-rings for those unexpected emergencies. Quartz sleeves are like glass. They are fragile and they tend to break when improperly handled or abused. If replacement quartz sleeves are not readily available and one breaks, a complete water system could be shut down until a replacement is located.

Imagine a commercial/industrial customer’s cost of lost revenue, when, while they normally produce $100,000 to $1 million worth of product an hour, one or several replacement quartz sleeves are not on hand. Don’t be so frugal that a whole system has to shut down due to the lack of a $40 to $100 quartz sleeve.

Matched power supply. This is critical to the overall performance of UV equipment. UV manufacturers have gone to great lengths and expense to develop power supplies for their specific equipment to maximize the unit’s output. They want the surface-wall temperature of their lamp to operate at a particular temperature for a particular application, and they have to drive the lamp at a certain voltage and current to achieve the desired temperature.

When original ballasts burn out, some operators have found that off-the-shelf generic ballasts easily can be substituted for the original equipment. Don’t make this assumption, because the equipment’s performance will likely suffer. Plan to replace their ballasts every five to seven years.

Lamp sockets. This is another critical UV component that is often overlooked. Lamp sockets deliver the necessary voltage to the UV lamp to produce the output. Like everything else, lamp sockets wear out over time. Plan on replacing them every three to five years.

O-rings and gaskets. These maintain the hydraulic integrity of the equipment. Yet, O-rings and gaskets are often overlooked in the annual PM schedule and are not replaced until the unit starts leaking. Think about it: O-rings and gaskets are usually directly exposed to UV light, and in a short period of time the elastomers of which they are made become brittle, crack and leak.

Change the O-rings once a year and the gaskets every two years to avoid leaks and the potential leaching of contaminants into your critical systems.

Dirt and dust. A UV unit incorporates a number of critical electrical connections in the unit design. In many cases, cooling fans are used to move air across heat-sensitive components. After two to three years of continuous operation, the inside of a UV unit’s electrical enclosure becomes filled with dust, dirt and grime. Add a small, persistent water leak and you will have quite a mess on your hands. Over time, this dirt and dust works itself into the electrical connection, reducing the integrity of that connection.

Set up an annual PM schedule to vacuum out the inside of each electrical enclosure. For units that incorporate a built-in dust fan, don’t forget to clean or replace that filter as well. Your unit will be easier to maintain and will operate more efficiently.

Intensity meter and sensor. Not too long ago, the only option available to measure UV intensity was a meter that provided a zero to 100 percent relative intensity measurement. This meter design was far from accurate, but it did provide a rough idea of the lamp’s condition. That is, if it were allowed to operate as initially intended.

No one likes to see UV intensity below that 100 percent level, although that’s what happens as a UV lamp ages. Too many individuals will go around and adjust, or shall we say recalibrate, the intensity up to that magical 100 percent level. This process tended to defeat the purpose of the sensor as a viable tool:

In a perfectly operating system, one would clean their quartz sleeves, install new UV lamps, clean the UV intensity probe and reassemble the unit. With the lamps on and operating at their correct operating temperature, the intensity meter would be adjusted to 100 percent. After 72 hours of operation, the new lamp’s intensity would drop off until the lamp’s output stabilized. This required a technician to come back and adjust the intensity meter back to 100 percent. Over the course of 8,000 to 9,000 hours, the UV intensity would drop by 40 percent from that new, adjusted intensity level. At a 60 percent intensity level, the unit would be telling you that either the quartz sleeves were dirty, one or more of the lamps had failed, or all the lamps needed to be replaced because they had reached their end of lamp life.

Incorporating a relative intensity meter and probe into your UV system is no longer considered “best practice.” If you still operate a system with one of these antiquated instruments, the time has come to bring your UV unit into the 21st century.

Digital intensity meters that read absolute intensity have been available for several years. They are far superior to the old 0-100 percent analog meters they replaced. Digital meters can be hot-water sterilized or steam sterilized, and some can even be provided with an optional NIST certificate. It’s one of the best upgrades you can make on older units. Plan to replace UV intensity probes every three to five years.

Final thoughts
A properly maintained UV system will dramatically extend the useful life and performance of your customer’s investment. A UV system is one of the most cost-effective components of any water treatment system. Follow your owner’s manuals for advice on establishing your own PM schedules, and if you are not sure how to maintain a system, contact an experienced professional for advice.
 
Full text: UV maintenance is critical in small systems

December 2, 2009: Transit Being Proactive to Prevent H1N1
City of Fayetteville, NC - Media Release

The Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) is being proactive in preventing the H1N1 flu. The bus system is beginning a process of disinfecting vehicles with Sporicidin, a product that eradicates viruses.

The disinfectant will be sprayed in vehicles after routes are completed. Vehicles are safe to ride the next day of service, following each spray application. Staff will apply the disinfectant once a month unless there is an apparent need to do more frequently.

Fare boxes, railings and other apparatus will be cleaned with Sporicidin wipes on a consistent basis.

“This is a way to protect our passengers and operators,” said Donald Pike, FAST safety and training officer. “We wanted to take this measure because of the seriousness of H1N1 and because we value our customers and operators.”

Other bus carriers across the nation are utilizing Sporicidin on their vehicles.

“It’s been effective elsewhere and is proven to help prevent the spread of germs, so we’re taking advantage and being proactive in every way possible,” Pike said.
 
Full text: Transit Being Proactive to Prevent H1N1

December 1, 2009: Berson installs 10 ultraviolet disinfection systems on Aruba
Business News Americas / by Catherine Setterfield

Netherlands-based ultraviolet (UV) manufacturing company Berson UV-techniek has completed the installation of 10 UV water disinfection systems on the Caribbean island of Aruba, the company's customer service manager Danny van Kuringen told BNamericas.

The systems use lamps emitting high-energy UV wavelengths to kill microorganisms in the water, which removes the need for chemicals such as chlorine in the purification process.

The system is particularly suited to Aruba, as the island has banned the use of chemicals in the purification of potable water, Van Kuringen said.

Five units were installed near capital Oranjestad at the Balashi potable water plant, operated by local firm WEB Aruba, which provides both energy and potable water for the island's 100,000 inhabitants.

The rest of the units are located around the island, with a UV system at the harbor supplying purified water for cruise ships. Each of the units has the capacity to disinfect 600m3/h, according to a company release.

While the majority of the units are used to disinfect drinking water, Berson systems are also used to treat greywater before it is used in processes such as irrigation, road cleaning and for cleaning the outside of buildings, Van Kuringen said.

Berson systems are also being used on the neighboring islands of Curaçao and Bonaire, Van Kuringen said.
 
Full text: Berson installs 10 ultraviolet disinfection systems on Aruba

November 13, 2009: Redditt water system on target for spring
Kenoradailyminerandnews.com, By Mike Aiken

Redditt residents could have a long-awaited water system in place next year. If all goes well with the testing of a new ultraviolet and chlorine system over the winter, they could break ground on the improved gravity-fed system next spring, according to water board member Jack Martin.

"That'll be exciting. From all the options we've looked at, it seems to best meet our needs," he said Thursday evening.

He estimated the cost of construction would be $490,000, along with total operating costs of about $1.3 million over the next 25 years. These costs would be split over the 52 properties in the community, with the possibility more homes could join in the program, Martin added.

While provincial approval from the Ministry of Environment isn't technically required, the proposal will go to them for review, Martin noted.

The project to provide safe drinking water to about 50 homes connected to the community's 80-year-old water distribution system is supported by $550,000 in federal/provincial infrastructure and economic stimulus funding.
 
Full text: Redditt water system on target for spring

November 9, 2009: City asked to ratify '06 rate hike
Calaverasenterprise.com, By Krissi Krob

In order for Angels Camp to get federal stimulus money for upgrades to its wastewater treatment plant, ratepayers in the city are going to have to approve rate hikes that were implemented in 2006.

State-mandated improvements to the plant will include installing ultraviolet treatment capabilities, enabling discharge into Angels Creek in the event Holman Reservoir becomes too full. The project was initially going to funded with a $3 million loan and $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but the city recently learned that it was eligible to receive $3.1 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. However, that money comes with some strings attached.

One of those strings is that the federal government is requiring the city to ask some homeowners to approve a rate increase from June 2006 that raised rates for residential meters to $39.96 per month. The council approved the increase a month before the state Supreme Court decided a case regarding Proposition 218, passed by voters in 1996, which requires voter approval of some fee increases. In order to be in compliance, the feds said, it's up to those ratepayers affected by the '06 increase to give the OK two years after the fact.

The ratification does not require an election; instead property owners and people who pay sewer bills directly to the city have been notified of the proceedings and may protest the increase in writing. If more than 50 percent protest, the rates are not ratified and the federal stimulus money goes away. So far, according to City Clerk Mary Kelly, about 1,700 people have been notified and three have protested.

If more than 5 percent protest the rates, the city will have to embark on a two-year public education process, the details of which were not readily available.

The council held a workshop Tuesday to not only educate citizens about Proposition 218, but also to provide information about what the project will accomplish. Carol Woolf, chief plant operator, said the upgrades (now in the third phase) will include modifications to make control and documentation of flow rates more reliable, in addition to the UV capabilities. The plant will be able to handle 0.6 million gallons of flow in dry weather and more than 1 million in wet weather. The plant's pumps will also be upgraded.

The water is regulated under Title II, which requires filtration of water before it is discharged.

“It makes sense to go to UV,” Woolf said. “Your water quality improves.”

The city recently received a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, authorized by the clean water act, that allows the city to discharge into Angels Creek once the UV system is installed. When Mayor Jack Lynch brought up the fact that many residents are concerned about contamination of the creek, Woolf emphasized that discharge will only happen when Holman Reservoir has only 20 million gallons of storage left, in which case the water would be heavily tested to meet strict criteria for discharge into the creek. Such discharge would only be permitted during the wet-weather season, from the middle of November to the beginning of April.

“We are not allowed to discharge into the creek on a regular basis,” Woolf said, adding that in her nine years working for the city she has only seen the plant meeting discharge criteria once. The city will continue to discharge onto land.

City Engineer Gary Ghio took over the dollars-and-cents portion of the workshop, outlining what the costs will be to the city depending on the outcome of the Proposition 218 proceedings.

If the 2006 rates increase is ratified, the city will receive a $3,086,400 grant from the state's clean water revolving fund, and will have to pay back a $286,400 loan at 1 percent interest for 20 years. That amounts to an annual cost of $15,959 to the city and a total cost of $319,185. Additionally, if the city receives stimulus money it will be subject to “Buy American” restrictions on products used in the project.

If more than 50 percent of ratepayers protest the '06 increase, the city will continue with its original plan to obtain a $3 million USDA loan, which will be paid back at 4.25 percent interest for 40 years. And although the money does include a $1 million, grant, it will still come at an annual cost of $156,103 to the city and a total of $6,244,130. In addition, the city can't access the grant money until all of the loan funds have been disbursed.

Soaring water and sewer rates in Angels Camp have long been a point of contention at City Council meetings, which residents decrying the high rates they pay. When researching the USDA loan, city staff was able to reorganize funding to ensure it can pay back the loan without putting more burden on ratepayers.

“The rates will not go up at all,” Ghio said, but he and the council emphasized that not ratifying the 2006 rates will still result in a huge burden to the city, and that they were approved after a public hearing.
The public hearing for the Proposition 218 proceedings will be held during the City Council's Nov. 17 meeting, at 6 p.m. in the Angels Firehouse, 1404 Vallecito Road. While protests can be mailed to the city in writing now, they may also be made at the hearing.

City Attorney Richard Matranga had grim news for the council when asked what happens if the rates are not ratified.

“If there's more than 50 percent, excuse my vernacular, but we can kiss the grant goodbye.”
 
Full text: City asked to ratify '06 rate hike

October 16, 2009: Outdoor UV disinfection system from ITT
WorkingWithWater.net

The UV Wedeco Tak 55 outdoor disinfection system treats municipal wastewater in open channels.

The Wedeco Tak 55 offers energy-saving UV disinfection in an all-weather cabinet and uses Spektrotherm UV lamps which reduces power costs by as much as 50%

Matthias Boeker, disinfection market manager for ITT Water and Wastewater said: “In more than 1,000 installations worldwide, this modular and highly flexible design has demonstrated effective, reliable performance. The Tak 55 outdoor UV System provides that same level of reliability for customers who prefer an open channel design completely installed outdoors.”

The electronic ballasts, control, power distribution and junction box of the UV Wedeco Tak 55 outdoor disinfection system are pre-wired into a compact stainless steel cabinet. The cabinet carries a 4X rating from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and does not require any building or shelter.

The Wedeco Tak 55 outdoor system operates at high and low temperatures and includes advanced A/C for ambient temperature up to 122 degrees (50 degrees Celsius). An uninterrupted power supply keeps the PLC running during a power outage, with the recording of all alarms for approximately 20 minutes. The oxygen recycling option can reduce consumption of the Wedeco ozone system by up to 70%.
 
Full text: Outdoor UV disinfection system from ITT

October 15, 2009: Atlantium Technologies' UV System Provides U.S. Dairy Processors With the Equivalent to Heat-Pasteurized Water
PRNewswire

HAR TUV, Israel - Atlantium Technologies, an Israeli-based water technologies company, today announced that its Hydro Optic Disinfection(TM) ultraviolet (UV) light water pasteurization and disinfection systems are now commercially available for use for regulatory compliance in the U.S. dairy industry. The announcement by Atlantium comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration finalized the 2009 Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), and issued the IMS-a-47. The new rules include criteria for the use of UV to provide disinfected and pasteurized equivalent water in dairy processing. Atlantium's system is the only off-the-shelf UV system validated for all the criteria required by the PMO.

Ensuring that both products and equipment are kept free of water-borne pathogens is an ongoing challenge for dairy processors. Atlantium's environmentally-friendly Hydro-Optic Disinfection systems deliver unprecedented protection against pathogens present in water, a critical component of dairy processes. Energy-efficient and chemical-free, Atlantium's system ensures high quality, safe water at a lower cost than traditional thermal pasteurization, and now can be used to comply with the PMO requirements for pasteurized water. In addition, Atlantium's fully automated monitoring and control software and electronic recordkeeping meet PMO requirements and automatically adjust to meet fluctuating water conditions,
which reduces down-time and labor costs.

"We are very pleased that the FDA has finalized the 2009 PMO, which sets meaningful criteria for UV water pasteurization and disinfection in U.S. dairy processing," said Yoni Glickman, chief executive officer of Atlantium Technologies. "The 2009 PMO opens the way for U.S. dairy processors to replace heat pasteurization of water with energy-efficient, chemical-free UV technology. Atlantium's Hydro-Optic system is the industry's only off-the-shelf UV product that meets all the PMO requirements."

Every two years, the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments (NCIMS) reviews the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PM0), which includes the procedures and regulations governing the safe supply of Grade A milk and milk products to U.S. consumers. The NCIMS voted in April 2009 on revisions to the PMO, which now allow the use of UV to disinfect and pasteurize water in dairy processing, based on rigorous measurement criteria. The FDA finalized the 2009 PMO, releasing the new provisions to the public on October 14, 2009, paving the way for the use of UV for water disinfection and pasteurization in the U.S. dairy
industry.

"The effective date of the new provisions in the 2009 PMO is no later than one year after the electronic publication of the 2009 PMO or the notification to the States of the changes by memo (IMS-a) from FDA, depending on each individual state," explained Raymond Lynn Young, of Milk Regulatory Consultants, LLC , one of three FDA Third-Party Certifiers. "However, this kind of provision, which can save dairies money and energy, is often allowed to be used by State Program Managers soon after publication."

"Atlantium's Hydro Optic Disinfection System has made a big impact on efficiency and overall quality at our Uniontown plant," said Tim Griglack, director of all operations, United Dairy, Inc. The United Uniontown, Penn. facility is one of the first plants to adopt the system for pasteurized equivalent water.

"We've been using the Atlantium system to provide pasteurized equivalent water for nearly 10 months and in that short time have realized savings in terms of filling line operator ease and efficiencies. The best part is that it makes our lives simpler, and the water is so much better after the reactor," Griglack added.

"Because our plant processes such a wide variety of products, we use a tremendous amount of water to flush equipment between products. With Atlantium's Hydro Optic Disinfection UV system, we no longer have to store water and then shut down if the storage tank is empty," said Mark Duray, chief operating officer at Galliker's Dairy in Johnstown, Penn., another of the sites using the system for complying with PMO regulations. "With the Atlantium system, pasteurized-equivalent water is always ready on demand. As
a result, we are able to add more products to the line on any given day, exponentially boosting our efficiency. And we are saving energy and money, too."
 
Full text: Atlantium Technologies' UV System Provides U.S. Dairy Processors With the Equivalent to Heat-Pasteurized Water