Water Pollution Control Facility Staff

The Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) is the City of Woodland's largest asset - if we had to build it today, it would cost over $70 million. With that kind of price tag, it's important to have qualified crew to operate and maintain the facility. The WPCF receives an incoming flow of 5 MGD (equivalent to the volume in 8 Olympic-sized swimming pools) with characteristics that can change daily or even hourly. To consistently meet clean water standards, the plant is operated 24 hours a day, but it's only staffed from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The rest of the time it's run remotely through the SCADA system. This automated system allows up to have only 1 crew, a day crew. We have a crew of 13.5 people directly involved in running the plant:

• Pretreatment - The City implements a Regional Board-approved pretreatment program as required by our NPDES permit. Our Pretreatment group works directly with industrial and commercial dischargers to minimize their impact on the sewer system and the WPCF by controlling water pollution at the source. In addition, the Pretreatment group does outreach to residential customers to inform and educate on pollution prevention strategies for the home and office.
• Operations and Maintenance - Our Plant Operators, Electricians, Instrument Technicians, and Mechanics are responsible for the safe, efficient and effective operation of the WPCF. The wastewater treatment process is designed to mimic natural processes however, doing so requires extensive use of complex (and expensive) mechanical and electrical equipment. The Plant O&M group protects the City's investment in the WPCF by maintaining and repairing this equipment and keeps costs in check by optimizing its operation.
• Laboratory - Our Laboratory group performs over 10,000 routine process and discharge monitoring tests every year. In addition, they collect samples for special monitoring studies, prepare regulatory reports, and work closely with plant operators to optimize the treatment process.

A community's quality of life and economic vitality are enhanced by wastewater systems that work efficiently and effectively. Citizens can make a difference by educating themselves in order to make informed decisions about initiatives to protect and improve our wastewater infrastructure. For more detailed information on wastewater treatment, visit the Water Environment Federation website.