In 2016, the EPA initiated a multi-phase study to showcase nutrient removal at publicly owned treatment works (POTWs). The goals of the study are to establish a nationwide baseline for nutrient removal at municipal wastewater treatment plants, and to characterize lower cost options, such as repurposing existing equipment or changing operation and management practices, that result in improved nutrient control. EPA is making final preparations for the first phase of its study, an online interactive screening questionnaire. This form will collect basic information about nutrients from all facilities nationwide, focusing on treatment plant characteristics and technology in place.
The EPA is planning to distribute its electronic questionnaire during the last week of September 2018. POTW operators and plant managers should look for letters and emails in September inviting them to participate in the survey. Additional information, including an unofficial copy of the survey, will be made available at epa.gov/eg/national-study-nutrient-removal-and-secondary-technologies. Once the survey is initiated, EPA will have a helpline available to assist respondents in completing the questionnaire.
For further information, contact the EPA project manager Paul Shriner at shriner.paul@epa.gov.
