In this episode of DooDoo Diva’s Smells Like Money, host Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Blair Corning, Deputy Director of South Platte Renew, for an insightful discussion on the rapid influx of new regulations in the wastewater industry. This episode is part one of a two-part series with Blair, diving into the challenges and innovative solutions around regulatory compliance in wastewater management.

Blair shares how South Platte Renew, which serves 300,000 residents in the Southwest Denver metro area, is staying ahead of the curve by proactively addressing regulations surrounding PFAS, phosphorus, microplastics, and more. The conversation highlights the importance of forward-thinking strategies and technology-driven solutions to tackle ever-tightening environmental standards, as wastewater treatment plants nationwide face similar hurdles.

Host: Suzan Chin-Taylor   |   Guest: Blair Corning

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Key Discussion Points:

  1. Regulatory Landscape:
    • Blair discusses the various regulations, including PFAS, phosphorus, and microplastics, and how these affect wastewater facilities nationwide.
    • Colorado’s unique approach with regulations like Reg 85 for nutrients and the future implementation of Reg 31, which will further lower acceptable limits.
    • The EPA’s focus on setting scientifically based standards for environmental and drinking water protection, regardless of cost or technological feasibility.
  1. Challenges of Meeting New Standards:
    • The difficulties wastewater treatment plants face in complying with new, stricter regulations, especially when existing technology may not yet be able to meet the required standards.
    • Colorado’s Voluntary Incentive Program (VIP) as an innovative approach to incentivize utilities to exceed baseline nutrient removal limits, offering extended time to comply with even stricter future regulations.
  1. Technological Innovation & Intensification:
    • Blair highlights the concept of “intensification,” where wastewater facilities are maximizing the efficiency of existing infrastructure rather than building new.
    • Examples include upgrading aeration basins and trickling filters to achieve better nutrient removal using modern techniques like media additions and new aeration methods.
  1. Changing Mindsets in the Wastewater Industry:
    • The shift from a risk-averse to an innovative mindset is crucial for utility operators, as Blair emphasizes the importance of being open to new ideas and collaborating with consultants and employees to find creative solutions.
    • By fostering a culture of innovation, South Platte Renew has been able to implement changes that help it meet both current and future regulatory requirements.
  1. Success Story – Aeration Basin Revamp:
    • Blair shares a real-world example of how South Platte Renew re-engineered outdated solids contact tanks to function more like modern aeration basins. This resulted in significant improvements in nutrient removal, demonstrating how existing infrastructure can be repurposed to meet today’s environmental standards.

Quotes:

  • “We’re trying to keep our eye on the ball so we don’t get stuck when new regulations hit us.”
  • “The mindset has to shift—we can’t automatically say ‘no’ to new ideas. We have to ask, ‘How can we make this work?'”

Resources Mentioned:

  • South Platte Renew’s Master Plan for facility upgrades
  • Colorado’s Reg 85 and future Reg 31 for nutrient limits
  • Voluntary Incentive Program (VIP) for exceeding nutrient removal standards

Conclusion:

In this insightful conversation with Blair Corning, Deputy Director of South Platte Renew, Suzan Chin-Taylor and Blair dive deep into the challenges wastewater utilities face in staying ahead of tightening regulations, such as PFAS and nutrient limits.

Blair shares how his team is tackling these evolving standards by leveraging innovative technologies and forward-thinking strategies like process intensification. Through collaboration, mindset shifts, and adopting a proactive approach, South Platte Renew is ensuring they meet current regulations while preparing for even more stringent requirements in the future.

Blair’s insights on voluntary incentive programs and technological advancements offer valuable takeaways for wastewater operators and municipalities aiming to maintain compliance without compromising operational efficiency. Stay tuned for part two, where they continue to explore these critical topics and share more strategies for staying ahead of the regulatory curve.

Contact Information: Blair Corning

Deputy Director – South Platt Renew, Colorado

Blair’s Profile: linkedin.com/in/blair-corning-ba323723

Email: bcorning@englewoodco.gov

Final Thoughts:

As regulations in the wastewater industry become more stringent, utilities must adopt a proactive mindset to meet the demands of the future. Blair Corning’s experience with South Platte Renew highlights the importance of staying ahead of regulatory changes through innovation, collaboration, and adaptability. His insights on using voluntary incentive programs, implementing new technologies, and embracing process intensification offer valuable lessons for the industry. The journey to compliance may be challenging, but with the right strategies and a forward-thinking approach, wastewater utilities can not only meet today’s regulations but be well-prepared for tomorrow as well.

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