66th annual environmental engineering...

Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | University of Kansas Memorial Union, Lawrence, Kansas

66th Annual

Environmental Engineering Conference

kupce.ku.edu/ee

Addressing Strategic Environmental Priorities

Sponsored by KU Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering and KU Professional & Continuing Education

2 66th Annual Environmental Engineering Conference

66th Annual Environmental Engineering Conference kupce.ku.edu/eeImportant Conference Information

Speaker Presentations OnlinePresentations in PDF format will be accessible to conference registrants from the morning of the conference until about four weeks after the conference. The information to view and download the conference speaker presentations will be provided only to the conference attendees onsite.Only those presentations from speakers who have given us permission to share them will be posted. Please check back next week for newly available or revised presentations.

PDH Certificate DeliveryCertificates of Attendance will be delivered electronically 1–3 business days following the conference to the email address provided during registration. Look for an email from KU Professional & Continuing Education with the subject line of Certificate of Attendance—Environmental Engineering Conference. The certificate will show 6.5 professional development hours given for the conference. Certificates will not be sent to student registrants. To ensure receipt of your certificate, be sure to add [email protected] to your list of approved email contacts.

2016 Program Committee• Robynn Andracsek, P.E., Burns & McDonnell

Engineering, Inc.

• John H. Bailey, Ph.D., P.E., PEC (Retired) and City of Pittsburg, Kansas

• David H. Homer, Ph.D., Tetra Tech, Inc.

• Robert A. Hulsey, P.E., Black & Veatch

• John A. Metzler, P.E., CH2M-HILL

• Edward F. Peltier, Ph.D., University of Kansas

• Stephen J. Randtke, Ph.D., P.E., (Chair) University of Kansas

• Julian Sandino, Ph.D., B.C.E.E., P.E., CH2M HILL

• Belinda M. Sturm, Ph.D., University of Kansas

• Michael B. Tate, P.E., Kansas Department of Health & Environment

• Daniel R. Wilkus, P.E., Westar Energy

University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 3

66th Annual Environmental Engineering Conference kupce.ku.edu/eeExhibitors

Axiom Instrumentation Services5400 Johnson Dr., Ste. 161Mission, KS 66205AJ Wiese(913) [email protected]

Clean Water Equipment LLC11400 RileyOverland Park, KS 66210(913) 449-8320Charles [email protected]

DXP/Pump & Power11691 W. 85th St.Lenexa, KS 66217Bill Biron(913) [email protected]

Enviro-Line Company Inc.409 6th St.Osawatomie, KS 66064Rick Owens(913) [email protected]

Environmental Process Equipment Co.2250 N. Rock Rd., Ste. 118–253Wichita, KS 67226Michael Rudy(316) [email protected]

Haynes Equipment Co. Inc.15725 S. Pflumm Rd.Olathe, KS 66062Kevin Gabbert(913) [email protected]

JCI Industries Inc1161 SE Hamblen Rd.Lee’s Summit, MO 64081(816) 525-3320Ty [email protected]

KU Professional Science Masters in Environmental Assessment

KU Edwards Campus12600 Quivira Rd., BEST 350VOverland Park, KS 66213(913) 897-8446Michelle [email protected]

KU Masters in Engineering Management

KU Masters in Project ManagementKU Edwards Campus12600 Quivira Rd., BEST 350VOverland Park, KS 66213(913) 897-8560Parveen Mozaffar [email protected]

KU Engineering & Technology Recruiter

KU Edwards Campus12600 Quivira Rd., BEST 350BOverland Park, KS 66213(913) 897-8643Nior [email protected]

Letts Van Kirk and Associates5600 Inland Dr.Kansas City, KS 66106(913) 713-7111Rick Van [email protected]

Mayer Specialty Services LLC831 Industrial Rd.Goddard, KS 67052Melinda Lambert(316) [email protected]

Nutri-Ject Systems Inc.PO Box 398Hudson, IA 50643Scott Wienands(319) [email protected]

RE Pedrotti Company, Inc.5855 Beverly Ave., Ste. AMission, KS 66202Ed McGrath(913) [email protected]


Conference Schedule kupce.ku.edu/eeMorning

7:30 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast Big XII/Jayhawk Room, Level 5—Exhibits Open

Plenary SessionWoodruff Auditorium, Level 5

Moderator: Stephen J. Randtke, Professor, Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Kansas

8:35 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks

8:45 a.m. Welcome: Michael S. Branicky, Dean, School of Engineering, University of Kansas

8:50 a.m. Keynote Address: Strategic Environmental Priorities Block Andrews, P.E., Strategic Environmental Solutions Director, Burns & McDonnell

9:30 a.m. On the Road to (Nutrient and Energy) Recovery: And the Roadmaps to Get Us There Matthew Ries, P.E., Chief Technical Officer, Water Environment Federation

10:10 a.m. Networking and Coffee Break—Exhibits Open: Big 12/Jayhawk Room, Level 5

10:40 a.m. Opportunistic Premise Plumbing Pathogens (OPPPs): Grand Public Health Challenge for the 21st Century William J. Rhoads, Ph.D. Candidate, Research Assistant, Virginia Tech Co-authors: Marc A. Edwards, Ph.D., Charles P. Lunsford Professor; Amy Pruden, Professor; Dongjuan Dai, Research Professor; and Rebekah Martin, Research Assistant, Virginia Tech

11:20 a.m. Be Prepared and Carry On—Protecting Your Infrastructure from the Environment and Protecting the Environment from Your Infrastructure Jack Schaller, P.E., Office Leader, Olsson Associates, and co-presenter Darren Hennen, Vice President and Office Leader, Olsson Associates

Noon Announcements and Award Presentations

12:15 p.m. Lunch

AfternoonSession 1:Water Supply & Treatment

Session 2:Wastewater & Stormwater Treatment

Session 3:Air & Waste Management

Alderson Auditorium, Level 4 Woodruff Auditorium, Level 5 Kansas Room, Level 6

Co-Moderators: Robert A. Hulsey, Global Water Practice & Technology Leader, Black & Veatch, and Edward F. (Ted) Peltier, Associate Professor, Department of Civil, Engineering & Architectural Engineering, University of Kansas

Co-Moderators: Belinda Sturm, Associate Professor, Department of Civil, Engineering & Architectural Engineering, University of Kansas, and John A. Metzler, Principal Wastewater Consultant, CH2M

Co-Moderators: Robynn Andracsek, Associate Environmental Engineer, Burns & McDonnell Engineering, and Daniel R. Wilkus, Director, Air Programs, Westar Energy

1:20 p.m. Vision for the Future of Water Supply in Kansas—Implementation UpdateTracy Streeter, Director, Kansas Water Office

1:20 p.m. Understanding the Whole Plant Impacts of Performing Thermal HydrolysisWendell O. Khunjar, Ph.D., P.E., Senior Principal Engineer, Hazen and Sawyer

1:20 p.m. Clean Power Plan Panel DiscussionBrad Loveless, Executive Director, Environmental Services, Westar Energy; Gary Mason, Deputy Secretary for Environment, KDHE; Jeff McClanahan, Director of Utilities, Kansas Corporation Commission; Lanny Nickell, Vice President, Engineering, Southwest Power Pool, Inc.; and Mark Smith, Chief, Air Permitting & Compliance Branch, USEPA

2:00 p.m. Potable Reuse in OKC: Planning for Water, Growth, and FunGary L. Hunter, P.E., B.C.E.E., Senior Wastewater Process Engineer, Black & Veatch Co-Authors: Kurt Ronnekamp, Project Manager, Black & Veatch; and Nathan Madenwald, Project Manager, and Sam Samadi, Engineering Manager, City of Oklahoma City

2:00 p.m. Full-scale Experiences in Mainstream Deammonification for Sustainable Nitrogen ControlJulian Sandino, Ph.D., B.C.E.E., P.E., WEF Fellow, IWA Fellow, Vice President & Wastewater Treatment Technology Senior Fellow, CH2M

2:40 p.m. Networking and Refreshments—Exhibits Open: Big XII/Jayhawk Room, Level 5

2:40 p.m. Networking and Refreshments—Exhibits Open: Big 12/Jayhawk Room, Level 5


3:00 p.m. Cyanotoxins in Source-Water SuppliesJennifer L. Graham, Ph.D., Research Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey Co-Authors: Guy M. Foster, Hydrologist, and Keith A. Loftin, Research Chemist, U.S. Geological Survey

3:00 p.m. Wichita’s Offsite Best Management Practice Program for Sediment ReductionJoseph E. Hickle, Jr., P.E., C.F.M., Stormwater Engineer, City of Wichita

3:00 p.m. Overview of the Paris Climate Change Agreement and Potential Impacts on Environmental Priorities in KansasMarian Massoth, P.E., M.S., Environmental Engineer, Retired, Kansas Department of Health & Environment

3:40 p.m. Prioritizing Treatment Approaches to Address Cyanotoxin RemovalJeff Neemann, P.E., Director of Water Treatment Technology, Black & Veatch Co-Authors: Stephen Randtke, Professor, University of Kansas, and Jenny Doyle, Design Engineer, Black & Veatch

3:40 p.m. Compressible Media Filtration of Urban Wet Weather Flows to Improve Water QualityJim Fitzpatrick, P.E., Senior Process Engineer, Black & Veatch

3:40 p.m. Geologic Carbon Sequestration Research in Kansas: Subsurface Storage Capacities and Pilot Tests for Safe and Effective Disposal and Utilization in Kansas Oil FieldsW. Lynn Watney, Ph.D., Senior Scientific Fellow, Kansas Geological Survey, University of Kansas, and Tandis Bidgoli1; Tiraz Birdie2, Ph.D.; John Doveton1, Ph.D.; Jennifer (Raney) Hollenbach1; Yevhen “Eugene” Holubnyak1; Fatemeh “Mina” FazelAlavi1; K. David Newell1, Ph.D.; Jennifer Roberts3, Ph.D.; Jason Rush1; Leigh Stearns3, Ph.D.; Mike Taylor3, Ph.D.; George Tsoflias3, Ph.D.; John Victorine1; Dana Wreath4, et al.1Kansas Geological Survey, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan.; 2Tbirdie Consulting, Lawrence, Kan.; 3Department of Geology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan.; 4Berexco, LLC, Wichita, Kan.

4:20 p.m. Adjourn 4:20 p.m. Adjourn 4:20 p.m. Adjourn


Conference Schedule kupce.ku.edu/eeAfternoonSession 1:Water Supply & Treatment

Session 2:Wastewater & Stormwater Treatment

Session 3:Air & Waste Management

Alderson Auditorium, Level 4 Woodruff Auditorium, Level 5 Kansas Room, Level 6

Co-Moderators: Robert A. Hulsey, Global Water Practice & Technology Leader, Black & Veatch, and Edward F. (Ted) Peltier, Associate Professor, Department of Civil, Engineering & Architectural Engineering, University of Kansas

Co-Moderators: Belinda Sturm, Associate Professor, Department of Civil, Engineering & Architectural Engineering, University of Kansas, and John A. Metzler, Principal Wastewater Consultant, CH2M

Co-Moderators: Robynn Andracsek, Associate Environmental Engineer, Burns & McDonnell Engineering, and Daniel R. Wilkus, Director, Air Programs, Westar Energy

1:20 p.m. Vision for the Future of Water Supply in Kansas—Implementation UpdateTracy Streeter, Director, Kansas Water Office

1:20 p.m. Understanding the Whole Plant Impacts of Performing Thermal HydrolysisWendell O. Khunjar, Ph.D., P.E., Senior Principal Engineer, Hazen and Sawyer

1:20 p.m. Clean Power Plan Panel DiscussionBrad Loveless, Executive Director, Environmental Services, Westar Energy; Gary Mason, Deputy Secretary for Environment, KDHE; Jeff McClanahan, Director of Utilities, Kansas Corporation Commission; Lanny Nickell, Vice President, Engineering, Southwest Power Pool, Inc.; and Mark Smith, Chief, Air Permitting & Compliance Branch, USEPA

2:00 p.m. Potable Reuse in OKC: Planning for Water, Growth, and FunGary L. Hunter, P.E., B.C.E.E., Senior Wastewater Process Engineer, Black & Veatch Co-Authors: Kurt Ronnekamp, Project Manager, Black & Veatch; and Nathan Madenwald, Project Manager, and Sam Samadi, Engineering Manager, City of Oklahoma City

2:00 p.m. Full-scale Experiences in Mainstream Deammonification for Sustainable Nitrogen ControlJulian Sandino, Ph.D., B.C.E.E., P.E., WEF Fellow, IWA Fellow, Vice President & Wastewater Treatment Technology Senior Fellow, CH2M

2:40 p.m. Networking and Refreshments—Exhibits Open: Big XII/Jayhawk Room, Level 5



3:00 p.m. Cyanotoxins in Source-Water SuppliesJennifer L. Graham, Ph.D., Research Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey Co-Authors: Guy M. Foster, Hydrologist, and Keith A. Loftin, Research Chemist, U.S. Geological Survey

3:00 p.m. Wichita’s Offsite Best Management Practice Program for Sediment ReductionJoseph E. Hickle, Jr., P.E., C.F.M., Stormwater Engineer, City of Wichita

3:00 p.m. Overview of the Paris Climate Change Agreement and Potential Impacts on Environmental Priorities in KansasMarian Massoth, P.E., M.S., Environmental Engineer, Retired, Kansas Department of Health & Environment

3:40 p.m. Prioritizing Treatment Approaches to Address Cyanotoxin RemovalJeff Neemann, P.E., Director of Water Treatment Technology, Black & Veatch Co-Authors: Stephen Randtke, Professor, University of Kansas, and Jenny Doyle, Design Engineer, Black & Veatch

3:40 p.m. Compressible Media Filtration of Urban Wet Weather Flows to Improve Water QualityJim Fitzpatrick, P.E., Senior Process Engineer, Black & Veatch

3:40 p.m. Geologic Carbon Sequestration Research in Kansas: Subsurface Storage Capacities and Pilot Tests for Safe and Effective Disposal and Utilization in Kansas Oil FieldsW. Lynn Watney, Ph.D., Senior Scientific Fellow, Kansas Geological Survey, University of Kansas, and Tandis Bidgoli1; Tiraz Birdie2, Ph.D.; John Doveton1, Ph.D.; Jennifer (Raney) Hollenbach1; Yevhen “Eugene” Holubnyak1; Fatemeh “Mina” FazelAlavi1; K. David Newell1, Ph.D.; Jennifer Roberts3, Ph.D.; Jason Rush1; Leigh Stearns3, Ph.D.; Mike Taylor3, Ph.D.; George Tsoflias3, Ph.D.; John Victorine1; Dana Wreath4, et al.1Kansas Geological Survey, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan.; 2Tbirdie Consulting, Lawrence, Kan.; 3Department of Geology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan.; 4Berexco, LLC, Wichita, Kan.

4:20 p.m. Adjourn 4:20 p.m. Adjourn 4:20 p.m. Adjourn


Morning Session SpeakerBlock Andrews, P.E.Strategic Environmental Solutions DirectorBurns & McDonnellKansas City, Mo.

Strategic Environmental PrioritiesDeveloping environmental compliance solutions requires not only an understanding of technology options but also other external factors that weigh into a final solution. These factors can include costs, reliability, safety, community relations, “voice of the customer” and other factors. An understanding of all these areas can help guide a robust environmental solution.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understanding of environmental regulations.2. Understanding existing and new technology risks and

rewards.3. Understanding of factors outside of the technical issues

that drive decisions.

Block Andrews currently serves as strategic environmental solutions director at Burns & McDonnell. In his role, Andrews evaluates impacts of environmental legislation and regulation, compliance costs and market implications on the electric utility industry. He also provides expert testimony for legal and public service commission cases. For six years, Andrews was director of environmental services for Aquila. In this role, he oversaw environmental compliance, risk mitigation and strategic direction for Aquila. Andrews assisted in development of the Aquila’s integrated resource plans and developed the company’s first greenhouse gas report. Andrews is a registered professional engineer and has a master’s degree in atmospheric sciences from the University of Illinois.


Morning Session SpeakerMatthew Ries, P.E.Chief Technical OfficerWater Environment FederationAlexandria, Va.

On the Road to (Nutrient and Energy) Recovery: And the Roadmaps to Get Us There“Wastewater treatment plants are not waste disposal facilities, but rather water resource recovery facilities [WRRFs] that produce clean water, recover nutrients (such as phosphorus and nitrogen), and have the potential to reduce the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels through the production and use of renewable energy.” That quote, from a 2011 Water Environment Federation (WEF) Position Statement, spurred the development of a series of WEF roadmaps that guide the transformation from waste treatment to resource recovery. This presentation will focus on enabling the shift toward smarter nutrient management and net positive, energy-generating WRRFs.


1. Attendees will learn about global nutrient cycles and the role of WRRFs in those cycles.

2. Attendees will learn about energy demands and recovery options for water and wastewater utilities.

3. Attendees will learn the technical and organizational steps needed to move toward resource recovery.

Matthew Ries is the chief technical officer at the Water Environment Federation. As CTO he oversees WEF’s education and training programs, including WEF’s technical committees, and initiatives on innovation, sustainability, nutrients, energy, and stormwater, among others. Reis has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Valparaiso University; a master’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Notre Dame; and is a doctoral candidate at the University of South Florida studying the linkage between sustainability and an urban water utility’s organizational attributes. Ries is also on the board of directors of Alexandria Renew Enterprises, the water resource recovery facility in Alexandria, Va.


Morning Session SpeakerWilliam J. Rhoads, Ph.D. CandidateResearch AssistantVirginia TechBlacksburg, Va.

Opportunistic Premise Plumbing Pathogens (OPPPs): Grand Public Health Challenge for the 21st CenturyOpportunistic pathogens are the leading cause of waterborne disease in developed countries, and their incidence is on the rise. This presentation will review the grand challenge of opportunistic pathogen control in building plumbing systems, the inherent trade-offs associated with engineering controls, and the multiple stakeholder approach that will ultimately be required to successfully protect public health.


1. What are opportunistic pathogens, which ones should we be worried about, and who do they impact that most?

2. What are some strategies for controlling opportunistic pathogen growth in water systems?

3. Who will need to be involved in controlling their growth in building plumbing system?

William Rhoads is a doctoral candidate at Virginia Tech. His research is focused on building plumbing system water chemistry and microbiology, with an emphasis on the impacts of water conservation and efficiency on drinking water quality. Rhoads is the recipient of the Charles Via doctoral fellowship, AWWA Larson Aquatic Research Scholarship, and Edna Sussman Research Scholarship. When he is not doing research, he enjoys being outdoors, especially fly fishing.


Morning Session SpeakersJack Schaller, P.E.Office LeaderDarren HennenVice President and Office LeaderOlsson AssociatesJoplin, Mo.

Be Prepared and Carry On—Protecting Your Infrastructure from the Environment and Protecting the Environment from Your InfrastructureThis presentation will address: How to be prepared prior to a disaster and how to cope after one. Keeping your infrastructure intact as much as possible and protecting it from the environment, as well as protecting the environment from your infrastructure. Key protocols you should enact in order to have the most disaster-resistant infrastructure, as well as how to deal with a disaster from communication to cleanup.


1. Understand the importance of properly inventorying and protecting your infrastructure investment.

2. Understand how to minimize the impact of your infrastructure on the environment in case of a disaster.

3. Understand how to organize your inventory as well as your staff to efficiently deal with disasters and the associated cleanup.

Jack Schaller is the office leader for Olsson Associates in Joplin, Mo. Prior to his work with Olsson, Schaller was the assistant director of public works for the City of Joplin during the May 22, 2011 EF-5 tornado. Schaller was responsible for all of the debris cleanup from that disaster and, to date, it is considered the most successful debris removal operation in the U.S. He was a recipient of the Missouri House of Representatives “Outstanding Missourian” award, along with other city staff. He was also one of four city employees to receive a special commendation for going above and beyond during this disaster. Schaller is a 1992 graduate of the Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly UMR).

Darren Hennen is a vice president and office leader for Olsson Associates. Prior to joining Olsson, Hennen served 16 years in city management, including eight years as city manager. During his tenure, Hennen worked in communities affected by the 1983 flood, a Federally

declared disaster (ice storm), and a tornado occurring on Thanksgiving weekend. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Central Missouri, a master’s degree in business administration from Rockhurst University, and completed the Senior Executive in State and Local Government Program at Harvard University.


Afternoon Session 1 SpeakerTracy StreeterDirectorKansas Water OfficeTopeka, Kan.

Vision for the Future of Water Supply in Kansas—Implementation UpdateIn November 2014, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback unveiled the state’s 50-year water vision at his water conference. Since then, the governor’s water resources subcabinet and many others have been focused on implementation activities. 80 percent of the Phase I action items identified in the vision are underway. Tracy Streeter will provide a current update on implementation activities.

Tracy Streeter has served as the director of the Kansas Water Office, the state’s water planning, policy and coordination agency, since 2004. Streeter was re-appointed by Governor Sam Brownback on December 31, 2010. Before joining KWO, he served as executive director of the State Conservation Commission. Streeter has 30 years of experience in Kansas water resources management.

Streeter serves as chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team and the Kansas GIS Policy Board. In addition, he represents the State of Kansas on the Missouri River Association of States and Tribes (MoRAST) and Western States Water Council. Recently he was appointed by the governor to lead the Water Vision Team with the Kansas Department of Agriculture in developing a 50-year vision for the future of water in Kansas.

Streeter is dedicated to the management, conservation and development of water resources of the state. He believes it is essential to protect, extend and conserve the vital resource for future generations while also supporting the Kansas economy.

A native Kansan, Streeter grew up on a diversified family farm in Brown County. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and agriculture economics from Missouri Western State University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kansas. He served eight years on the Valley Falls Board of Education and is a private pilot.


Afternoon Session 1 SpeakerGary L. Hunter, P.E., B.C.E.E.Senior Wastewater Process EngineerBlack & VeatchKansas City, Mo.

Potable Reuse in OKC: Planning for Water, Growth and FunThe Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust (OCWUT) has authorized Black & Veatch Corporation (B&V) to provide professional engineering services to identify and evaluate possible opportunities to utilize reclaimed water. Options include augmenting the water supply from the North Canadian River with reclaimed water as well as expanding the use of reclaimed water from three of the wastewater treatment plants within the service area. In the state water plan, the governor of Oklahoma has established that municipalities will not use more water in 2060 that they do today for potable uses. This project examines how water augmentation of a local reservoir would be implemented to provide over 20,000 acre-ft/year to the local water supply. The two major water quality issues were salt control and providing additional microbial barriers. Results of the initial study indicate that a demonstration study should be conducted to verify the design parameter. This presentation summaries the issues associated with project and outlines the goals and objectives of the demonstration study.


1. The regulatory issues with moving toward direct potable reuse (DPR).

2. How DPR can be used to augment water supplies.3. What treatment approaches can be used to achieve a

multi-barrier approach for microbial removal.

Gary L. Hunter, P.E., B.C.E.E., is a specialist assigned to Black & Veatch’s Water Technology Group. He is responsible for process evaluation for both domestic and industrial wastewater treatment facilities, with a focus on reclaiming wastewater and reuse of treated effluent. In this work, Hunter has gained expertise in the design, operation and application of various process systems including the performance testing of various types of aeration systems. He conducts field wastewater characterization studies for industrial pretreatment services as well as for plant compliance. He was also appointed by the governor of Oklahoma to serve as an advisor on the development of water reuse policy and treatment standards.


Afternoon Session 1 SpeakerJennifer L. Graham, Ph.D.Research HydrologistU.S. Geological SurveyLawrence, Kan.

Cyanotoxins in Source-Water SuppliesToxic cyanobacterial blooms have occurred in at least 41 U.S. States. The potential for exposure to cyanobacterial toxins (cyanotoxins) through drinking water is an emerging public-health concern. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently established health advisory values for the cyanotoxins microcystin and cylindrospermopsin in finished drinking water. Source-water monitoring programs are essential to characterizing cyanotoxin presence, understanding the conditions under which cyanotoxins occur, and providing an advanced warning of changing environmental conditions that may affect drinking-water treatment. Information on the cyanotoxins, source-water and drinking-water treatment options, and two multi-faceted source-water studies in Kansas will be presented.


1. Understand the issues associated with cyanotoxins in source-water supplies.

2. Understand the potential source-water and drinking-water treatment options to minimize the occurrence of cyanotoxins in finished drinking water.

3. Understand the benefits of source-water monitoring to minimize the effects of cyanotoxins on drinking-water treatment processes.

Dr. Jennifer Graham has been a research hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Lawrence, Kan., since 2006. Since 1997, Graham’s research has focused on the effects of anthropogenic influence on aquatic ecosystems. She also is a nationally recognized expert in cyanobacteria and associated nuisance compounds. For the past 17 years she has conducted research on environmental factors influencing the occurrence of cyanotoxins in the U.S. She has conducted both regional and single-system studies at a variety of spatiotemporal scales.


Afternoon Session 1 SpeakerJeff Neemann, P.E.Director of Water Treatment TechnologyBlack & VeatchKansas City, Mo.

Prioritizing Treatment Approaches to Address Cyanotoxin RemovalThe objective of this Water Research Foundation project was to determine the effectiveness of common drinking water treatment processes in controlling cyanotoxin levels. In raw water applications, ozone and potassium permanganate have potential advantages of being effective without forming DBPs. In high pH conditions PAC was effective and chlorine can still be effective, it just requires higher doses and longer contact times. The combination of oxidants showed all were effective at algal toxin removal, but the use of ozone and chlorine was the most effective. This presentation will cover the final results of the project and discuss practical guidelines for operators for the treatment of algal toxins.


1. Understand the effectiveness of different treatment processes on cyanotoxin removal.

2. Understand the impact of pH on the effectiveness of different treatment process.

3. Understand combination of oxidants and their effectiveness.

Jeff Neemann is a solution lead for smart integrated infrastructure and director of water treatment technology for Black & Veatch. Neemann is involved in the development and application of advanced water process technologies, with experience in evaluation, pilot testing, design, and operation of UV, ozone, chlorine dioxide, granular activated carbon, and membrane technologies. He received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and his master’s degree in environmental engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology. He is a licensed engineer in the state of Kansas and a member of IUVA, IOA, IWA, WEF and AWWA.


Afternoon Session 1 SpeakerAfternoon Session 2 SpeakerWendell O. Khunjar, Ph.D., P.E.Senior Principal EngineerHazen and SawyerFairfax, Va.

Understanding the Whole Plant Impacts of Performing Thermal HydrolysisThis work will provide results from a holistic evaluation of thermal hydrolysis, energy recovery and nutrient removal requirements at a facility in the Mid-Atlantic region. As part of this work, a framework for quantification of the true operational costs associated with performing thermal hydrolysis is provided.


1. Define thermal hydrolysis and quantify its benefits.2. Identify whole plant impacts of THP.3. Describe strategies to mitigate impacts of THP.

Dr. Wendell O’Neil Khunjar is the director of applied wastewater research at Hazen and Sawyer, where he helps coordinate research and implementation efforts in wastewater and water reuse. He has extensive research experience in biological nutrient removal systems and trace contaminant research, as well as resource recovery systems, including anaerobic digestion and fermentation for carbon and energy recovery.


Afternoon Session 2 SpeakerJulian Sandino, Ph.D., B.C.E.E., P.E., WEF Fellow, IWA FellowVice President & Wastewater Treatment Technology

Senior FellowCH2MOverland Park, Kan.

Full-scale Experiences in Mainstream Deammonification for Sustainable Nitrogen ControlThis presentation will provide a review of the challenges and opportunities associated with the implementation of mainstream deammonification. Deammonification (i.e. partial nitritation followed by anammox) has significant benefits when compared to conventional nitrification and denitrification including substantial savings in aeration energy, and the fact that it does not require organic carbon to effect nitrogen removal or maintain stable alkalinity/pH. The presentation will provide an overview of data from two recent applications of coupled sidestream/mainstream deammonification (the AlexRenew WRF, located in Alexandria, Va., and the Ejby Mölle WWTP, in Odense, Denmark), with specific focus on the overall energy and capacity benefits to each facility.


1. Become familiar with the principles of deammonification for nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment.

2. Describe the drivers for the adoption of the technologies and key features of two full-scale mainstream deammonification facilities.

3. Discuss the future of this technology and the issues associated with deciding where and how it should be implemented.

As vice president, technology senior fellow, and global wastewater service team leader in CH2M, Dr. Julian Sandino has participated in over 300 sanitary infrastructure and environmental projects around the world including process evaluations and designs for a wide variety of wastewater treatment facilities. He also serves as an advisor and special consultant to the World Bank in the areas of water and sanitation. Sandino is a WEF and an IWA Fellow, is a member of IWA’s Management Committee for the Design, Operations, and Costs of Large Wastewater Treatment Plant (LWWTP) Specialist Group, and is a past chair of WEF’s Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant Design Committee.


Afternoon Session 2 SpeakerJoseph E. Hickle, Jr., P.E., CFMStormwater EngineerCity of WichitaWichita, Kan.

Wichita’s Offsite Best Management Practice Program for Sediment ReductionThe local Wichita development community sought to find a cheaper solution to meeting stormwater quality regulations. Developers lobbied to form a Stormwater Advisory Board (SWAB) to the City that would consider some out-of-the-box thinking. One suggestion was that large reductions in sediment deposition into the area river systems was being achieved by alterative farming practices in the upstream watersheds north of Wichita. Such practices as no-till farming were being used. The SWAB developed an approach around this concept that would create an in-lieu-of fee payment program through which money could be collected to convince farmers in upstream watersheds to amend their farming practice to no-till. Collected permit fees would be used to pay farmers to convert their fields for this practice. This in-lieu-of fee is cheaper than onsite BMP methods of meeting water quality regulations.


1. Cheaper costs.2. More sediment captured.3. How the program is administrated.

Joseph E. Hickle, Jr., is a registered professional engineer and a certified floodplain manager. He currently serves as the stormwater engineer for the City of Wichita and has over 40 years of design experience in the stormwater field. His role as stormwater engineer requires the review of development plans to meet the City’s regulations of stormwater detention as well as water quality. This has led to the development of this innovative approach for meeting stormwater quality requirements.


Afternoon Session 2 SpeakerJim Fitzpatrick, P.E.Senior Process EngineerBlack & VeatchKansas City, Mo.

Compressible Media Filtration of Urban Wet Weather Flows to Improve Water QualityCompressible media filtration (CMF) is an emerging high-rate technology for stormwater, CSO and SSO treatment. Pilots have been successful at sites around the world, including recent trials in Kansas and Missouri. In 2015, Springfield, Ohio started up a new 100-mgd facility, the largest-capacity installation to date. During its first year, the new facility treated flow from 41 events, eliminated untreated bypasses, and averaged 16 mg TSS/L, 20 mg CBOD5/L and 56 E. coli/100 ml, with a hypochlorite dose of only 4 mg/L. Additional data and operational lessons will be presented along with innovative design features of the new facilities.


1. Provide an overview of compressible media filtration technologies, their development and comparison to other wet-weather flow treatment alternatives.

2. Illustrate the performance of CMF by reviewing case study data and findings from pilot trials.

3. Teach design and operational lessons from the first year of operation of a new 100-mgd facility.

Jim Fitzpatrick has 22 years of experience on water and wastewater treatment projects for municipal, utility and industrial clients. His background includes planning, studies, piloting, design, commissioning and post-construction performance testing of conventional and advanced wet-weather treatment and disinfection facilities. He was the lead author for the high-rate treatment chapter in Wet Weather Design and Operation in Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WEF, 2014), and has over 50 published articles, papers and presentations on the topic of wet-weather flow treatment and high-rate disinfection technologies.


Afternoon Session 3 SpeakersBrad LovelessExecutive Director, Environmental ServicesWestar Energy, Inc.Topeka, Kan.Gary MasonDeputy Secretary for EnvironmentKansas Department of Health & EnvironmentTopeka, Kan.Jeff McClanahanDirector of UtilitiesKansas Corporation CommissionTopeka, Kan.Lanny NickellVice President, EngineeringSouthwest Power Pool, Inc.Little Rock, Ark.Mark A. SmithChief, Air Permitting & Compliance BranchU.S. EPA, Region 7Lenexa, Kan.

Clean Power Plan Panel DiscussionThe Clean Power Plan is a historic regulatory action developed to reduce carbon emissions from power plants in response to climate change. During this panel discussion, representatives from EPA, KDHE, Southwest Power Pool, Kansas Corporation Commission, and a Kansas utility provider will share their thoughts on, and plans to prepare for, implementation of this unique rule. The Clean Power Plan has the potential to reshape the electrical generating landscape for all Kansans.


1. Understand the basics of the Clean Power Plan.2. Learn how recent Supreme Court rulings and vacancies

might affect the future of the rule.3. Understand the implications of the rule on power

production in Kansas.

Brad Loveless is the executive director for environmental services at Westar Energy. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in zoology from Ohio State University and a master’s degree in biology from the University of Kansas. Loveless was worked for Westar Energy for 30 years, the first 12 years at Wolf Creek Nuclear Station. In that time, he has worked on avoidance of environmental impacts through proper design and siting of electrical generation and distribution facilities, and mitigation of those impacts. He also has worked with air, water and waste environmental compliance. Loveless has worked

with company actions to address climate change and led the “Green Team,” a volunteer group of employees and retirees which has been helping with habitat improvement, environmental access and education, and enhancement of sensitive species for 25 years.

Gary Mason is the deputy secretary for environment at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Mason is responsible for advising the secretary and governor’s office on all air, water quality, solid and hazardous waste and environmental remediation issues in the state. Mason is a degreed chemical engineer from the (infamous) University of Missouri with over 37 years of environmental related experience, having worked for the state government, federal government, chemical industry and consulting sector.

Jeff McClanahan is the director of the utilities division for the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC). He has been employed with the KCC since 1997, and has served as senior auditor and chief of accounting and financial analysis prior to becoming director in 2012. McClanahan has extensive experience in the areas of cost-of-service and revenue requirement analysis; and development and review of surcharges, depreciation issues, and policy issues for electric, natural gas, telecommunications, and water utilities. He has provided written and oral testimony to the KCC and legislative committees on numerous issues.

Lanny Nickell is vice president of engineering for Southwest Power Pool, Inc. (SPP). Nickell oversees development and implementation of long-range transmission expansion plans; performance of generator interconnection, transmission service, and financial congestion hedging studies; and fulfillment of planning activities necessary to comply with applicable mandatory reliability standards. Nickell has also served as vice president of operations and in various management and engineering roles since joining SPP in 1997. He has served on numerous industry committees developing regional and national electric reliability and energy market policies. Nickell received a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Tulsa and is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.

Mark A. Smith has worked for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for over 20 years. During his career with EPA, Smith has primarily worked in the air quality field, but has also worked in the chemical risk management and leaking underground storage tanks programs. He has worked in both Region 7 and EPA Headquarters. Currently, Smith is the branch chief for air permitting and compliance in EPA Region 7 and is in charge of implementing the Clean Power Plan—EPA’s principal regulatory effort to reduce greenhouse gases and address climate change. Smith has an environmental studies degree from the University of Kansas.


Afternoon Session 3 SpeakerAfternoon Session 3 SpeakerMarian Massoth, P.E., M.S.Environmental Engineer, RetiredKansas Department of Health & EnvironmentCarbondale, Kan.

Overview of the Paris Climate Change Agreement and Potential Impacts on Environmental Priorities in KansasIn December 2015, a global agreement on the reduction of climate change was unanimously adopted by over 190 countries at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris. The agreement included a long-term goal of keeping the increase of global average temperature below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. Prior to the conference, national climate panels provided information on Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) to limit the global warming increase. An overview will be provided on the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement, including the history of climate talks since the first world Climate Conference in Geneva; information on the INDCs; timelines; and potential impacts on environmental priorities in Kansas.


1. Understand the agreement signed at the 2015 Paris Climate Change Conference, including the history and timelines.

2. Understand the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions submitted by the U.S.

3. Understand the potential impacts on environmental priorities in Kansas.

Marian Massoth is a professional engineer who recently retired from the air permits program at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Bureau of Air. Prior to that, she worked in the KDHE water and wastewater permitting programs. Massoth received her bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering from Kansas State University and in environmental studies from the University of Kansas, plus a master’s degree in environmental health science from KU. She is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and Engineers without Borders. She is currently president of the Overbrook Rotary Club and is also involved in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs by mentoring students in engineering and science workshops.


Afternoon Session 3 SpeakerW. Lynn Watney, Ph.D.Senior Scientific FellowKansas Geological Survey, University of KansasLawrence, Kan.

Geologic Carbon Sequestration Research in Kansas: Subsurface Storage Capacities and Pilot Tests for Safe and Effective Disposal and Utilization in Kansas Oil FieldsThis multi-year project funded by DOE-NETL Carbon Sequestration Program has three areas of focus— inject 52,000 metric tons of CO2 at Wellington Field, Sumner County, Kan., in two stages to evaluate efficacy of carbon storage in an oil reservoir and the underlying saline aquifer; regional simulation based capacity carbon sequestration of a 25,000 square mile, 33-county area in southern Kansas; and simulation-based assessment of carbon storage in four oil fields in southwest Kansas. This research is a collaboration between KGS, KU, and an extended team of individuals in academia and industry including BEREXCO, LLC, who operates Wellington Field. The CO2 pilot injection at Wellington began in January 2016 to validate forecasted response and to evaluate monitoring technologies. The objective is to establish best practices for cost-effective and safe injection practices for carbon storage in Kansas.


1. To understand the how multiple datasets are integrated to evaluate geologic carbon storage.

2. To understand the risks and uncertainties in making large-scale estimates of carbon storage.

3. To obtain a perspective of an multi-year, interdisciplinary geo-engineering investigation and assessment of efficiencies, outcomes, and success on a large federal contract.

Dr. Lynn Watney is a Senior Scientific Fellow with the Kansas Geological Survey at the University of Kansas, recently celebrating his 40th anniversary with KU. His publications range from carbonate reservoir geology, Paleozoic stratigraphy, and structure. He received his bachelor’s degree in geology from Iowa State University and a doctorate in geology from the University of Kansas. Work experience includes exploration and development geologist with Chevron U.S.A. in New Orleans and has served as a research associate, subsurface section chief, executive director of the KU Energy Research Center and

most recently as Senior Scientific Fellow (2007–present) in the energy research section. He is also a courtesy professor of geology at KU and an instructor for the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG).


Notes

kupce.ku.edu/eeJCN 160232

66th annual environmental engineering...

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