Chapter 1 - The Treatment Plant Operator

Question 1

True or False

As an operator, you are responsible to your employer for maintaining an economical and efficient operating facility.

Answer 1

True.

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Question 2

True or false

An operator has an obligation to the great numbers of people who rely on downstream water supplies and are totally dependent on the operator’s competence and trust-worthiness for their welfare.

Answer 2

True.

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Question 3

True or false

Today, the natural purification processes in rivers treat all the waste loads and keep rivers clean.

Answer 3

False.

Pg 5

Question 4

True or false

Operators are water quality protectors on the front line of the water pollution battle.

Answer 4

True.

Pg 6

Question 5

True or false

The main benefit of a successful wastewater treatment program is the protection of public health.

Answer 5

True.

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Question 6

True or false

Without adequate, reliable records of every phase of operation, the effectiveness of your operation has not been documented (recorded).

Answer 6

True.

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Question 7

True or false

Your records showing a high-quality effluent will mean nothing to citizens visiting your plant unless your plant appears clean and well maintained and the effluent looks good.

Answer 7

True.

Pg 7

Question 8

True or false

Safety is never an operator responsibility.

Answer 8

True.

Pg 7

Question 9

True or false

Chief operators frequently have the responsibility of training new operators and must encourage all operators to work safely.

Answer 9

True.

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Question 10

True or false

The wastewater treatment field is changing rapidly and operators, maintenance personnel, foremen, managers, instrumentation experts, and laboratory technicians are sorely needed.

Answer 10

True.

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Question 11

What is a treatment plant operator?

Answer 11

The final and essential link in maintaining and protecting the aquatic environment upon which all life depends.
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Question 12

Why are wastewater treatment plants built?

Answer 12

To purify soiled water and prevent water pollution.

Pg 4

Question 13

How should wastewater treatment plant operators consider their job?

Answer 13

As a water quality protector on the front line of the water pollution control battle.
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Question 14

What is the primary objective of an operator operating a wastewater treatment plant?

Answer 14

To protect the receiving water quality by continuous and efficient plant performance.
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Question 15

How can a well guided tour for other operators help an operator?

Answer 15

May allow the other operators to suggest helpful solutions to operational problems.
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Question 16

What types of employers might a wastewater treatment plant operator work for?

Answer 16

A city, sanitation district, public agency, a large industry that operates its own treatment plant, or a private contractor retained to operate and maintain a municipal or industrial treatment plant.
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Question 17

Why do wastewater treatment plant operator need continuous training? Due to

Answer 17

Advanced or improved equipment, increasing instrumentation, and new treatment techniques.
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Question 18

Why should an operator be present or at least available during the construction period of a new plant?

Answer 18

-To become familiar with the entire plant, including the equipment and machinery and their operation
-To discuss with the engineer how the treatment plant should be best run
-to ensure that the contractor stays within the budget
-to relate the plant drawings to actual facilities
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Question 19

Operators are in the field of public relations and must be able to explain the purpose and operation of their plant to which groups?

Answer 19

-City council or directors of the plant
-Civic organizations
-Officials of regulatory agencies
-Representatives of news media
-School classes
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Question 20

Which factors are contributing to the increasing need for trained wastewater treatment plant operators?

Answer 20

-More sophisticated treatment
-Operator certification regulations
-Population growth
-Regulatory requirements
-Retirement of many current operators
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Question 21

Wastewater

Answer 21

A community’s used water and water-carried solids (including used water from industrial processes) that flow to a treatment plant. Stormwater, surface water, and groundwater infiltration also may be included in the wastewater that enters a WWT plant.
Pg 4

Question 22

Receiving water

Answer 22

A stream, river, lake, ocean, or other surface or groundwaters into which treated or untreated wastewater is discharged.
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Question 23

Effluent

Answer 23

Water or other liquid– raw (untreated), partially treated, or completely treated—flowing FROM a reservoir, basin, treatment process, or treatment plant.
Pg 7