MARCH 2026
As noted in previous O&M articles, in the 2025 legislative session, the Department of Environmental Protection submitted a Department bill for a $50,000,000 bond that would provide grants to Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) for infrastructure projects facilitating proper management and disposal of wastewater sludge or biosolids, such as dryer and digestor projects. The bill is LD 25, An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Fund Wastewater Treatment Facility Planning and Construction of Infrastructure Projects. The intent of the bill is to address concerns with state sludge disposal capacity. https://legislature.maine.gov/billtracker/#Paper/25?legislature=132
A public hearing on LD 25 was held on April 10, 2025, by the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee. Twenty seven written comments in support of the bill were submitted. There was no testimony in opposition.
Unfortunately, the legislature adjourned the first session without voting on any of the general fund bonds that were introduced. All of the bond proposals, including LD 25, were carried over to the current legislative second session which is scheduled to adjourn on April 15, 2026.
LD 25 is an important aspect of addressing sludge disposal concerns. I encourage you to track the progress of this bill and engage with your wastewater associations on how you can participate in the process. Testimony can still be submitted via the legislative web page here: https://www.mainelegislature.org/testimony/
Typically, there are many bond requests in each legislative session and only a few are approved by the legislature. Currently there are a total of twenty one General Fund bond requests totaling $1.04 billion before the legislature. The next step in the process will be work sessions held by the AFA Committee to deliberate on LD 25, and the other bond bills. Each of these will then be voted on by the AFA Committee. A unanimous vote of “ought to pass” from the AFA Committee would strengthen the possibility of LD 25 being passed by the full legislature.
Bonds bills that are approved by two thirds in both the House and the Senate must then go to the voters for final approval. Voter approval for bonds is typically in November. If approved by the voters, the Department intends to solicit proposals for funding in early 2027 along with the annual CWSRF request for proposals.
Questions on this issue should be directed to Brian Kavanah, Director, Bureau of Water Quality, brian.w.kavanah@maine.gov , 207-530-0293.
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Obtaining accurate and representative results starts with proper sample collection. Dirty sample containers or an improperly maintained composite sampler can lead to inaccurate results, and possibly cause unnecessary permit violations.
This article will discuss recommended maintenance and cleaning procedures for some of the most frequently used composite samplers.
Composite samplers and sample bottles should be thoroughly cleaned between each sampling event. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning the controller, top cover, retaining ring, sample bottles and all wet parts of the sampler.
In general, the strainer and sample bottles can be cleaned with a brush and soapy water, then rinsed with clean water. To clean the liquid path through the wetted parts, place the strainer in a cleaning solution and pump through the delivery system. Repeat the process with clean water to rinse. Severely contaminated components should be replaced.
It is also important to maintain your composite sampler according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Some of the common items to be routinely checked include:
- Inspect pump for wear. Replace if necessary
- Clean the pump tubing housing
- Change the suction line if necessary
- Clean the bottles, suction line, strainer and pump tube
- Check the humidity indicator
- Check the controller’s internal battery status and replace the battery every 5 years
Contact your compliance inspector or contract laboratory if you have specific questions about cleaning or maintaining your composite sampler.
Please monitor your email inbox for the letter of solicitation, coming in early March. Details will also be available on the CWSRF Website. Applications must be submitted to Maine.CWSRF.Grants@maine.gov by 5:00 p.m., April 17th, 2026.
March 1, 2026 Renewal Deadline for Even-Numbered Operator Certifications
If your certification ends in an even number, your renewal was due March 1, 2026. If you missed the deadline, you can still renew, with a late fee, by contacting Aidan Mabey, 207-253-8020 or by email: mecertification@neiwpcc.org.
Late renewals include:
- Providing documentation of the required 18 Training Contact Hours (TCHs).
- Paying the renewal fee ($125).
- Updating contact information, including email address.
- $100 late fee.
There is a 6-month grace period to renew. After August 31, 2026 you will need to retake your exam to achieve Active status.
If you have already renewed, you can expect your wallet card in the mail by mid-March.
Cross Training & Hands-On SOPs
Join Tom's Water Solutions and MWUA as we explore how utilities can build resilience through cross training and standard operating procedures (SOPs). As always, expect interactive training with Tom & Dan who will help you design and build your own SOP during the training. We will also practice using your SOP with small, in-class scenarios before finishing with lessons learned.
Feel free to bring your own SOPs and plans to the session for a final Q&A session.
The in-person class is offered March 3, 2026, EJ Prescott’s Training Facility in Gardiner and on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at the York Police Department. All classes will run from 8:00am to 3:30pm and offer 6 TCHs. Lunch will be on your own.
For more information and to register, go to MWUA Training - MWUA.
JETCC Offers Water & Wastewater Laboratory Safety Training
On March 17, JETTC will host a Live Virtual Water & Wastewater Laboratory Safety training class taught by Phyllis Arnold Rand of Compass Rose Training Solutions.
The course will cover safe work environments for the water & wastewater laboratory analyst. Topics cover the safe storage of lab chemicals, identification of common lab electrical hazards, best practices when working alone in the lab, regulations for storing flammables, combustibles and compressed gas cylinders, chemical hygiene and choosing personal protective equipment. “Pop-up questions” will be administered throughout the course to reinforce learning.
Additional topics include:
- Common safety hazards in the laboratory,
- The importance of safety data sheets and chemical safety,
- Personal and chemical hygiene practices in the laboratory,
- Potential electrical hazards in the laboratory,
- Potential sources of bloodborne pathogens
- Common personal protective equipment for the laboratory analyst
The course is approved for 6 Wastewater Operations TCHs. To register, go to Water & Wastewater Laboratory Safety (J2619) (3 TCHs) - NEIWPCC Payment Portal.
In-Person Collection Systems Diagnosis & Maintenance Series: Inspection Methods
Have you heard of SL-RAT? You will after this class!
Join JETCC and the MeWEA Collection Systems Committee at the EJ Prescott training facility in Gardiner on March 24 for this in-person training event, approved for 6 Wastewater TCHs.
This class is designed for wastewater operators, storm water operators, inspectors, and managers who want to work smarter, not harder. The class dives into modern inspection tools and technology for how we manage collection systems including:
- NASSCO Standards
- CCTV inspections
- Software and data management
- AI in the collection systems – YUP its happening
- 360 cameras from manholes inspections
There will be CCTV truck and experienced operator on hand to talk through real world operational challenges, lessons learned, what actually works and what doesn’t.
TO register, go to: Collection Systems Diagnosis & Maintenance Series: Inspection Methods (J2616) (6 TCHs) - NEIWPCC Payment Portal.
Veolia Workforce Academy, North America
Veolia Workforce Academy, North America is a free online education and training program that is designed to build a strong and resilient water workforce. It has been created to:
- Introduce youth to the many career possibilities in the water industry
- Prepare young adults with tools to pursue a career in the water industry
- Provide licensed operator exam preparation through partnerships with technical and educational organizations
- Educate licensed operators on best practices and emerging topics for recertification training hours
- Develop the next generation of operators and maintenance professionals necessary to safeguard our critical water infrastructure.
In partnership with water industry leaders and subject matter experts (SMEs), training courses are provided free of charge and available to anyone with internet access. For more information visit Veolia Workforce Academy.
NEWEA Spring Meeting May 17-20 in Falmouth, MA
NEWEA’s Spring Meeting & Exhibit will take place May 17-20, 2026 at the Sea Crest Resort in N. Falmouth, Massachusetts. This annual three-day technical meeting for water quality professionals in the clean water industry offers opportunities to:
- Network with colleagues
- Learn the latest trends in technical sessions
- See the latest technologies from exhibitors
- Earn Training Contact Hours (TCHs)
We expect about 300 engineers, consultants, scientists, operators, and students to join us for technical sessions, exhibit displays, networking opportunities, Operations Challenge and more.
NEWEA Spring Meeting & Exhibit - NEWEA - New England Water Environment Association.
The publication WaterWorld® cited a report by Red Sift® that highlights significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities across U.S. critical sectors, especially water and waste utilities, which perform worst in email security, risking service disruptions and supply chain issues amid rising cyber threats.
The report warns that the U.S. water and waste sector face the highest level of email security risk among critical infrastructure industries, with more than half of organizations lacking adequate protection against phishing and spoofing attacks.
The report, which can be found at this link: New report finds water and waste utilities most exposed to email security threats | WaterWorld, reviewed 840 U.S. organizations across the water/waste, chemical, and energy sectors and found that 42% do not have strong email authentication in place. But water and wastewater utilities performed poorly:
Notable entities reviewed include American Water and the Boston Water and Sewer Commission. By comparison, 35.7% of chemical companies and 44.5% of energy companies have adopted full enforcement of DMARC, a key protocol used to block domain spoofing.
But there is help available for Clean Water facilities in the State of Maine. Several entities offer no-cost assistance for POTWs, including:
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Maine National Guard (MENG) is providing free vulnerability assessments to POTWs. Please contact kevin.l.moncrieffe.mil@army.mil if you would like to participate.
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EPA’s Water Sector Cybersecurity Evaluation Program offers free assessments to public drinking water plants (DWP) and wastewater facilities. Click Here for more information.
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DEF CON Franklin is a free cyber volunteer program established in partnership with the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) that offers free cyber assistance to water systems across the nation. Contact your MRWA Circuit Rider Aaron Gaylord, Aaron Gaylord aaron.gaylord@mainerwa.org for more information.
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Copyrighted material. Reprinted and edited with permission from Environmental Leverage, www.environmentalleverage.com. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection of the linked web sites, or the information, products or services contained therein.
When I hear the tern “higher life forms”, it sounds like a science fiction movie. How do I use this information to correlate all data together to make process changes at my wastewater plant?
While single cell bacteria are the “workhorses” that convert organic wastes into cell material (floc), your biomass will contain other microorganisms collectively known as “higher life forms” or “indicator organisms”.
These are organisms slightly more advanced than simple bacteria. By monitoring the higher life form population, you can draw numerous conclusions regarding the overall health of a biological system.
The only way to observe these higher life forms is through routine microscopic analysis. It is the number one tool to evaluate how well you are running your wastewater plant and should be performed at every wastewater treatment plant. Weekly analysis is usually sufficient during normal operations, with more frequent analysis during upset conditions.
Higher Life forms or Indicator organisms indicate how well you are beating the time and numbers game. Do you have sufficient bacteria in your system to handle the incoming BOD loading? Higher life forms are the last to come and the first to leave during upset conditions.
Once you begin observing these higher life forms though microscopic analysis of the MLSS, you will become familiar with your plant’s microbiology populations and how it responds to external conditions. This will allow you to make preemptive process control changes before conditions worsen to protect bacterial health. Remember, an operator is a “bug farmer” and any tool that allows the operator to “keep the bugs happy” will help with treatment plant operations and good quality effluent.
The type and relative number of higher life form distribution tends to be very plant specific. What looks normal in one plant may not be normal for another. Your plant may be designed only as a pretreatment facility, so it may only have a young system with free swimmers or flagellates. A typical municipality with activated sludge on the other hand may get rotifers and worms. Microscopic analysis will help you learn the type and relative abundance of these organisms in relation to your own facility. It will provide useful information to allow operators to make minor process changes to help the facility run more efficiently.
As the biological system matures or stabilizes, the type and relative abundance of the higher life forms will change. Let’s look at the types of organisms versus the Cell Residence Time (CRT), often referred to as biological sludge age.
As the system is first starting out, in addition to bacteria, you will develop Amoebae. As your system gets a little older, you may start to develop flagellates. Free swimming ciliates are the next type of indicator organisms. These still indicate you have a pretty young to medium sludge age. As the system ages (higher CRT), stalked ciliates and Suctorian come next. Rotifers are next in the line of sludge age and indicator organisms. Worms are the last in the line of typical higher life forms present wastewater. And no, higher life forms do not morph. An amoeba will never change into a rotifer, ever.
Next month we will take a closer look at each of the categories and how they correlate to the sludge age in your biological system.
1. Raw sludges from primary and/or secondary treatment processes require sludge digestion to:
a. Reduce water content and odors prior before dewatering
b. Remove FOG
c. Increase MCRT
d. Prevent filamentous bacteria
2. Aerobic digestion is essentially:
a. Anaerobic digestion
b. An extension of the secondary treatment process where organisms devour organisms during endogenous respiration
c. Anoxic degeneration
d. Volatile acids pH adjustment
3. Methods to thicken sludge include:
a. Gravity Thickening
b. Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF)
c. Belt filter and centrifuge thickeners
d. All of the above
4. Dewaterable sludge means:
a. Organisms or decaying organic material give up moisture
b. The ability of water to separate from sludge and drain
c. Re-hydrating coagulants for enhanced mixing
d. Aerating RAS to remove water
5. Methods to dewater sludge include:
a. Centrifuge
b. Rotary disc press
c. Inclines screw press
d. All of the above
6. The category of pumps generally used for pumping sludges (over 4% solids) include:
a. Impeller pumps
b. Positive displacement pumps
c. Centrifugal pumps
d. All of the above
7. The purpose of conditioning sludges prior to dewatering is to:
a. Press the sludge to concentrate pathogens
b. Increase organic content to improve dewatering
c. Pretreat sludge to facilitate removal of water in subsequent treatment processes
d. “Age” sludge polymers so they are more effective
8. Polymers added for sludge conditioning:
a. Can be positively charge (cationic), negatively charged (anionic) or not charged (non-ionic)
b. Should be added at the highest dosage possible to get the driest sludge
c. Reduce nitrogen compounds
d. Should be mixed vigorously to make sure the chemical is dispersed throughout the sludge
9. The chemical feed rate for chemical conditioning:
a. Should be measured every hour
b. Only needs to be tested when the filter press or centrifuge is installed
c. Should be as high as possible
d. Should be determined by a jar test
10. Supernatant from a filter press or centrifuge directed to the plant headworks:
a. Does not affect plant operations
b. Should be bled into the influent in a controlled manner
c. Contains low BOD levels
d. Is a good source for polymer make-up water for chemical conditioning
11. Lime can be useful in solids management for the following:
a. Adding alkalinity to digesters that have “soured”
b. Chemical conditioning sludge prior to dewatering to help release “bound” water
c. Stabilization of sludge by raising pH, reduce levels of pathogens, control odors, and reduce vector attraction prior to land application
d. All of the above
12. If 1% solids is equivalent to 10,000 mg/L, what is the mg/L concentration of 2.9% solids?
a. 2900 mg/L
b. 2900 ppd
c. 29,000 mg/L
d. Depends on the specific gravity of the solids
Answers:
1. a.
2. b.
3. d.
4. b.
5. d.
6. b.
7. c.
8. a.
9. d.
10. b.
11. d.
12. c.
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