PROMOTING EXCELLENCE AND PROFESSIONALISM IN WASTEWATER OPERATIONS

What is Operations Challenge? 

Operations Challenge is the "Wastewater Olympics" for professionals in the wastewater treatment industry. Teams of 4 members compete in 5 separate events: operations, maintenance, laboratory, safety and collection systems, at a regional level to earn the right to represent NEWEA at the national WEF competition. 

Questions?  Contact Ops Challenge Chair, Andre' Brousseau at 207-324-0047

All teams will compete in all events.  Each event will be judged and scored separately against established criteria.  The scores of all events will be totaled and the champion team will be selected.  

Five separate competitive events will be held:

1. Maintenance:  Teams will be required to pull and perform various maintenance procedures and electrical tasks.
2. Collection Systems:  Teams will cut out a “cracked” section of eight inch (8”) gravity PVC sewer pipe with water circulating through it. Drill a four inch (4”) hole in a piece of eight inch (8”) PVC pipe on a separate stand.  Install a saddle connection with gaskets and two straps to represent a house connection. Cut and install the 8” PVC section with saddle and install the section with “flexible” repair couplings.  The water tightness of the repair will be evaluated.
3. Safety:  Teams will respond to an unconscious worker overcome by an unknown chemical in a manhole requiring rescue.
4. Process Control:  Teams will solve problems including process control “story” problems and multiple choice theory and math.
5. Laboratory:  Teams will perform the set up for a seeded BOD and calculations to complete a BOD bench sheet.

Each event will be timed separately and all team members are expected to participate.  The team with the best overall score will travel to compete in the national WEF competition and represent NEWEA.

National WEF Operations Challenge Competition
October 2010
New Orleans, Louisiana