lauren@kelman.ca

Figure 2 – Composite Correction Program Performance Pyramid.
Figure 3 – Area-wide Optimization Model.
The first step of the CCP - a Comprehensive Performance
Evaluation (CPE) – evaluates the administration, design,
maintenance, and operations of a facility. Depending on
the results of the CPE, a plant could move on to the second
step – Comprehensive Technical Assistance (CTA) – where
a facilitator works with plant operators and managers to
address and resolve any factors impacting plant performance
or capacity. This approach has been proven successful in the
US and Canada for both water and wastewater facilities.
Grand River watershed municipalities such as Guelph,
Brantford, and Haldimand are successfully applying the CCP
to their wastewater facilities, deferring capital expenditures
and improving effluent quality.
Area-wide approach
Typically, CTA takes a minimum of 12 to 18 months to
complete and is intended to be applied on a plant-by-plant
basis, thus making it rather resource intensive. To address
this challenge, the GRCA is promoting an area-wide
approach. Figure 3 shows the main components of the areawide
approach model. The model represents a proactive,
continuous improvement method to improve effluent quality.
The concept of the model is to track and assess performance
of wastewater treatment plants across the watershed, and
then apply limited resources to those in most need. This
approach is based on the successful Area-wide Optimization
Program used in the US to optimize drinking water
systems. Major components of the model include the Status
Component, Targeted Performance Improvement and the
Maintenance Component.
A key activity under the Status Component is continuous
performance monitoring and reporting, which can be used
to effectively measure the success of the various optimization
efforts associated with the model. Targeted Performance
Improvement establishes voluntary performance targets
and works toward achieving them using performance-based
training, technical assistance, and other activities to develop
skills. The purpose of the Maintenance Component is to
sustain and grow the program by continuing to engage
wastewater professionals, developing a recognition program
and documenting successes. Once these components have
been successfully demonstrated within the Grand River
watershed, they can be transferred to other jurisdictions.
Program highlights
Voluntary participation of wastewater operators and
managers is key to the success of the program. The WWOP
is committed to fostering this community of practice of
wastewater professionals through workshops, meetings
and regular communications. The WWOP also encourages
enhanced reporting on plant performance, resulting in
the creation of an annual report summarizing WWTP
performance across the watershed. In addition to annual
reporting, eight CPEs have been conducted under the WWOP.
The purpose of the CPEs is twofold: to evaluate the
performance and capacity of a plant and to provide hands-on
training of the CCP. The WWOP also allows for follow-up
technical support and skills transfer and development
activities after a CPE has been carried out. A recognition
program is being developed to acknowledge participating
plants and to encourage others to get involved.
It is about people
The WWOP is a continually evolving program. Its core
is people. By bringing people together to transfer skills,
build capacity and share information, a community of
practice is created, where participants share a commitment
to continuous improvement and work together to achieve
common goals that benefit everyone involved.
For more information on the WWOP, annual reporting,
and other optimization resources check out the GRCA’s
optimization page at www.grandriver.ca/water/WWOP.cfm.
Disclaimer: This project has received funding support
from the Government of Ontario. The views expressed
in this publication are the views of the author and do not
necessarily reflect those of the Province.
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INFLUENTS
Fall 2015
17