Education & Training Classes

MWEA Education and Training

 
Operator Training Classes

These courses carry several distinct differences from our conferences and one day seminars. They are conducted
by a single instructor with a small class size (typically 10-20 students per class) and they are offered in various
areas of the state to cut down on travel for attendees.

Note: These classes are deemed unrepeatable by the EGLE – meaning CECs cannot be earned more than
once in an operator’s certification cycle because the agenda and topics discussed do not change.

These classes are part of the MWEA Water Resource Recovery Technician (WRRT) Credential Program.


 		Available Classes:

Purpose and Fundamentals of Wastewater Treatment
Basic Health & Safety Practices in Water Systems
Fundamentals of Wastewater Math I
Fundamentals of Wastewater Math II
Fundamentals of Activated Sludge I
Fundamentals of Activated Sludge II
Fundamentals of Preliminary and Primary Treatment
Fundamentals of Secondary Treatment
Fundamentals of Wastewater Disinfection
Fundamentals of Solids Handling
Fundamentals of Anaerobic Digester Operation and Control
Fundamentals of Collection Systems
Fundamentals of Maintenance Practices I
Fundamentals of Maintenance Practices II
*Registration now OPEN!*

Municipal Wastewater Operator Exam Prep Classes
Click here for SPRING 2021 exam prep class pricing and registration

 

  • A & B Exam Prep (2-Day format - faster pace)
    • Tuesday, February 16 & Wednesday, February 17 *FULL*
    • Tuesday, March 16 & March 30
  • C & D Exam Prep (2-Day - faster pace)
    • Tuesday, February 9 & Wednesday, February 10
    • Wednesday, March 3 & Thursday, March 4
    • Wednesday, March 10 & Thursday, March 11
  • C & D Exam Prep (3-Day format)
    • March 17, 24 & 31 (all Wednesday's)

 Wastewater Operator Training Classes
Click here for SPRING 2021 class pricing and registration
 
  • PURPOSE AND FUNDAMENTALS of Wastewater Treatment
    • Thursday, February 25
    • 0.5 Technical Wastewater CECs
  • HEALTH & SAFETY Practices for Water Treatment Systems
    • Tuesday, February 23
    • Monday, March 22
    • 0.6 Other Wastewater and Drinking Water CECs
  • Fundamentals of MAINTENANCE Practices 1
    • Wednesday, April 14
    • 0.6 Technical Wastewater and Drinking Water CECs
  • Fundamentals of MAINTENANCE Practices 2
    • Wednesday, April 21
    • 0.6 Technical Wastewater and Drinking Water CECs
  • Fundamentals of Wastewater MATH 1
    • Thursday, March 18   (OR)   Thursday, April 8
    • 0.6 Technical Wastewater CECs
  • Fundamentals of Wastewater MATH 2
    • Thursday, April 1
    • 0.6 Technical Wastewater CECs
  • Fundamentals of Activated SLUDGE 1
    • Monday, March 15
    • 0.5 Technical Wastewater CECs
  • Fundamentals of Activated SLUDGE 2
    • Tuesday, April 6
    • 0.5 Technical Wastewater CECs
  • Fundamentals of COLLECTION Systems
    • Thursday, April 22
    • 0.5 Technical Wastewater CECs
  • Fundamentals of ANAEROBIC DIGESTER Operation and Control
    • Monday, April 12
    • 0.5 Technical Wastewater CECs
  • PRELIMINARY, PRIMARY & SECONDARY Treatment
    • Wednesday, February 24    (OR)   Thursday, April 15
    • 0.6 Technical Wastewater CECs
  • Fundamentals of SOLIDS Handling
    • Thursday, April 29
    • 0.5 Technical Wastewater CECs
  • DISINFECTION & TERTIARY Treatment
    • Monday, April 26
    • 0.5 Technical Wastewater CECs
  • *NEW* Course: Fundamentals of Basic MATH
    • Thursday, May 13
    • CECs Pending
 
 
 
View the MWEA Calendar for all upcoming trainings, seminars and conferences.
 

CALL FOR INSTRUCTORS

MWEA is looking for qualified individuals to serve as instructors for basic courses in wastewater treatment. Applicants should have extensive experience in the wastewater treatment field including significant experience working in a plant and some experience as an instructor in a classroom-type setting. Having an energetic, out-going personality is also a must. An honorarium will be paid for each session which is held.

Please complete the application and send to mwea@mi-wea.org.

 



COURSE DESCRIPTION AND CEC INFORMATION:

 

 

Purpose and Fundamentals of Wastewater Treatment


Overview
EGLE CECs: 0.5 WW Technical
Course Code: 2424

This course appropriately begins with the water cycle. It is an overview of the wastewater treatment process, beginning to end. This gives the individual the concepts of the entirety and impact of the work done in treatment plants. This class will be excellent for those new to the profession and those who have had a limited scope of job duties. This will be a unique opportunity of great value to persons providing products and services in the wastewater industry.

Topics Covered
  • Why We Treat Wastewater
  • Sources of Wastewater
  • Mechanical Equipment
  • Collection Systems
  • Treatment Plant
  • Effluent Disposal
  • Basics of Laboratory Analysis
  • Health and Safety
  • Emerging Issues
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Basic Health and Safety Practices for Water Treatment Systems


Overview
EGLE CECs: 0.6 WW and DW Other
Course Code: 2423

Staying safe and healthy while on the job is not common sense for all. Creating and maintaining a culture of ‘safety first’ takes a great deal of training, emphasis and reinforcement. This class can be an important part of such a program. ‘Safety first’ must be more than just a trite sign on the walls of your plant. Each individual (with your help) has the obligation to return home each day in the same condition (or better) in which they left. Staff must be trained to understand basic safety practices and then to make the consistent choice to follow those practices. Sending your personnel to this course sends the message of how critical the practice of safety is in your plant.

Topics Covered
  • Medical Monitoring
  • Incident Investigation
  • Hazards
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Confined Space
  • Fire Safety/Emergency Action
  • Utility Location
  • Traffic Safety
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Fundamentals of Wastewater Math 1


Overview
EGLE CECs: 0.6 WW Technical
Course Code: 1776
 
Math is a basic skill that is necessary for the function of any wastewater plant. This course will cover much of the basic math and calculations used regularly in wastewater treatment. This course will serve as an excellent part of review and preparation for all levels of EGLE Operator Certification exams.
 
Topics Covered
  • Basic Arithmetic
  • Area and Volume Measurements
  • Detention Time
  • Pounds Formula
  • Chemical Dose
  • Percent Removal Calculations
  • Practice Problems
  • Conversion Factors and Formulas
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Fundamentals of Wastewater Math 2


Overview
EGLE CECs: 0.6 WW Technical
Course Code: 1787
 
Math is a basic skill that is necessary for the function of any wastewater plant. This course will cover more advanced math and calculations used in wastewater treatment. There is minimal overlap between this course and Wastewater Math I, and while taking Math I is highly recommended, it is not a prerequisite for Wastewater Math II. Therefore, this class can be considered a ‘stand-alone’ option. NOTE: This course is not for beginners in the wastewater treatment profession.
 
Topics Covered
  • Wastewater Math Conversions and Formulas
  • Flows, Flow Rate and Velocity
  • Pounds Formula
  • Performance of Facilities
  • Sludge Volume and Sludge Density
  • Trickling Filters and RBCs
  • Process Removal Efficiency
  • Food/Microorganism Ratio (F/M Ratio)
  • Mean Cell Residence Time (MCRT)
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Fundamentals of Activated Sludge 1

 
Overview
EGLE CECs: 0.5 WW Technical
Course Code: 1910
 
This program explains the basis for specific process control strategies, the calculations used to implement them and the sampling programs to support them. Also included are general biological concepts related to activated sludge plants and the factors that affect these processes. This course will serve as an excellent part of EGLE Operator Certification exam preparation.
 
Topics Covered
  • Activated Sludge Origin
  • Process
  • Sampling
  • Microbiology
  • Process Control
  • Return Rates
  • Mean Cell Residence Time
  • Food to Microorganisms Ratio
  • Control Concerns
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Fundamentals of Activated Sludge 2


Overview
EGLE CECs: 0.5 WW Technical
Course Code: 1958

This program explains further the basis for specific process control strategies, the calculations used to implement them
and the sampling programs to support them. There is minimal overlap between this course and Activated Sludge I, and while taking Activated Sludge I is highly recommended, it is not a prerequisite for Activated Sludge II. Therefore, this class can be considered a ‘stand-alone’ option. NOTE: This course is not for beginners in the wastewater treatment profession or those who have not been exposed to the activated sludge process in their job.

Topics Covered
  • Sequencing Batch Reactor
  • Trickling Filters
  • Rotating Biological Contractor
  • Review on Activated Sludge
  • Waste Activated Sludge
  • Return Activated Sludge
  • Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removal
  • Math Problems
 
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Fundamentals of Preliminary, Primary & Secondary Treatment


Overview
EGLE CECs: 0.6 WW Technical
Course Code: 2598

The path of wastewater is a long and winding one, beginning at its source (domestic, commercial, and industrial) and ending with its clean, safe return to surface water or groundwater where it can take its place in the hydrological cycle. This course picks up the journey of wastewater as it arrives at the plant (influent).

The treatment of wastewater includes many crucial components. Improper, ineffective, inefficient handling of influent leads to a multitude of problems as the process continues. This course examines many of the hurdles that must be overcome (the what, when, how) and provides strategies and tools necessary to address those hurdles.

Preliminary treatment in the form of screening, grit removal, and pre-aeration are reviewed. Primary treatment, the removing of readily settleable and floating materials, is discussed, along with sludge removal and handling. Secondary treatment utilizing the two common biological systems (suspended growth and fixed film media) are presented, along with the different liquid/solids separation techniques and the associated process control methods.

Sampling locations and techniques are reviewed as well as the common calculations utilized in the three different areas of treatment. The how's and why's of disinfection are discussed along with the use of water treatment ponds.

Topics Covered
  • Characteristics of Wastewater
  • Preliminary Treatment
    • Screening
    • Grit Removal
    • Pre-Aeration
  • Primary Treatment
  • Activated Sludge
    • Oxidation Ditches 
  • Fixed Film Media
    • Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC's)
    • Trickling Filters
  • Overview of Secondary Clarifiers 
    • Liquid/Solids Separation
  • Wastewater Stabilization Ponds
  • Sampling and Analysis
  • Secondary Effluent Treatment
  • Common Calculations and Practice Problems
Back to Top
 

Fundamentals of Tertiary Treatment & Wastewater Disinfection

Overview
EGLE  CECs: 0.5 WW Technical
Course Code: 2599

This course picks up the journey of wastewater at the tail end of the secondary treatment process. More and more, plants are utilizing a tertiary (third) stage of treatment, to remove any pollutants that may still be in the flow as it nears the receiving stream. The fundamentals of the different technologies used for this will be covered. This will include their basic design principles, how they are applied, and the operation and maintenance of the different systems.

The disinfection process is studied, including an in-depth look at today’s most common techniques. The destruction or disruption of pathogens prepares the water to be returned to the hydrological cycle in a safe form. Once this component of the process is completed, the water is no longer considered wastewater, but ‘final effluent.’ The details of chlorination, dechlorination, and ultraviolet disinfection will be presented, along with the associated math.

This is also the portion of the process that ‘protects the public health.’ Once the water passes through this stage it must pass a number of rigid tests and comply with numerous state and federal regulations. The importance having operators well versed in the intricacies of this function cannot be overstated. This course will prepare attendees to perform tasks in this area.


Topics Covered

  • MBR Systems
  • Disk Filters
  • Sand Filters
  • Chlorine
  • Dechlorination
  • Ultraviolet Systems
  • Math Problems
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Fundamentals of Solids Handling


Overview
EGLE CECs: 0.5 WW Technical
Course Code: 2426

All plants are required to remove solids from their influent. There is a broad spectrum of approaches and methods for
handling solids.

There is a difficult issue related to solids handling for individuals taking EGLE Operator Certification exams. Questions related to this topic are included on the exams. No treatment facility is going to use all the various methods, therefore individuals can find it difficult to be able to answer questions about solids handling methods not used at their place of work.

Because of the dynamic of this topic, this course will serve as an invaluable part of review and preparation for all levels of EGLE Operator Certification exams.

Topics Covered

  • Primary and Secondary Solids
  • Gravity Thickeners
  • Sludge Digestion
  • Dewatering
  • Mechanical Dewatering
  • Sludge Disposal
  • Common Calculations and Practice Problems
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Fundamentals of Anaerobic Digester Operation and Control


Overview
EGLE CECs: 0.5 WW Technical
Course Code: 2134

The absence of oxygen makes anaerobic digestion a unique solids management process. Using consistent heat and mixing result in the reduction of solids volume and volatile solids content that creates a stabilized product (biosolids) that is used for alternative disposal methods such as land application as an agricultural fertilizer.

An additional byproduct of this method is the production of methane biogas which, when used with a combined heat and power system, can be a source of renewable energy. After taking this class, operators will have an improved understanding of the system and strategies, and be better prepared for the day-to-day tasks of completing this portion of the treatment process.

Topics Covered

  • Process Description
  • Description of Facilities
  • Management of Operations
  • Normal Operations
  • Operational Problems
  • Data Collection and Laboratory Control
  • Maintenance
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Fundamentals of Collection Systems


Overview
EGLE CECs: 0.5 WW Technical
Course Code: 2427

Safe, sanitary and efficient collection of wastewater at its sources (domestic, commercial and industrial) and then its delivery to a facility begins the treatment process. It is also usually the only part of the process of which the public has much awareness. That awareness all too often happens when there are issues with the system causing problems for the public (your customers). The information covered in this course will help staff understand the basics of function, maintenance, operation, protection and preservation of the asset of your system.

Topics Covered

  • Purpose of Collection Systems
  • Common Definitions
  • Components
  • Importance of Maintenance
  • Service Delivery Options
  • Preventive Maintenance
  • Corrective Maintenance
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Fundamentals of Maintenance Practices 1

Overview
EGLE  CECs: 0.6 WW & DW Technical
WW Course Code: 2430
DW Course Code: 2530

Wastewater treatment facilities are among a community’s greatest assets, both in terms of value to the quality of life of its citizenry and capital investment. It is imperative that those in charge of said facilities take the utmost care of these crucial resources.

Having a good plan for maintaining the equipment of each component is only the beginning. Personnel assigned to perform the tasks associated with prolonging the life of the system assets must receive proper training. While some of maintenance can be quite specific to certain devices, there are many general principles,  practices and skills that are helpful in almost every maintenance application.

Persons completing this class will have a better base of knowledge and/or skills towards contributing to the overall success of any maintenance program.

Topics Covered

  • Maintenance Theory, Principles and Process
  • Work Orders and Documentation
  • Personnel
  • Tools and Equipment
  • Lubrication
  • Safety
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Fundamentals of Maintenance Practices 2

Overview
EGLE CECs: 0.6 WW & DW Technical
WW Course Code: 2431
DW Course Code: 2534

This course takes the concept of providing proper training for maintenance staff to the next level. Persons completing this class will have a better base of knowledge and/or skills towards contributing to the overall success of any maintenance program.

There is very little overlap between this course and Maintenance Practices I, and while taking that course is highly recommended, it is not a prerequisite for Maintenance Practices II. Therefore, this class can be considered a ‘stand-alone’ option.

However, having persons responsible for maintenance duties attend both Maintenance Practices I and II could be thought of as a department performing ‘due diligence’ for protecting one of a community’s greatest assets.

Topics Covered

  • Pump Basics, Types and Maintenance
  • Valve Basics and Maintenance
  • Gate Basics and Maintenance
  • Gears and Gear Maintenance
  • Sprockets and Chains
  • Belts and Sheaves
  • Trouble Shooting