2/14/2014

ENEN110D Environmental
Engineering
Individual Assignment
Anson Ryan 57807

Caroni Arena Reservoir

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Table of Contents
Caroni Arena Reservoir _________________________________________ 1
Water Treatment Theory _________________________________ 3
History of the Caroni Arena Reservoir ____________________________________ 3
Water Treatment Units ___________________________________ 4
Conclusion ________________________________________________________ 9
References ____________________________________________ 10


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Water Treatment Theory

Water treatment is the process which makes water purifies water for various uses
such as drinking, industrial or medical. This process removes existing contaminants
or reduce the level of contaminants present and improve the water quality. Water in
its raw state is unlikely to be free of contaminants and may go through several types
of water treatment depending on its characteristics and required water quality
standards. Bacteria, algae, viruses, fungi, suspended solids, and minerals such as iron
and manganese, are among the substances that are removed throughout water
treatment. Successful treatment should ensure the elimination of all disease-causing
organisms and so reduce the likelihood of the happening of waterborne disease.
(Hygiene and Environmental Health HEAT Module, 2011)
History of the Caroni Arena Reservoir

The Caron Arena is the largest dam ever built in Trinidad and Tobago. Reaching up to
134 feet. Completed in 1981, the Reservoir can hold approximately 45.5 million m
3
of
water. Before its creation, the site located between the El Pillar and Los Bajos
faults, was covered with thick virgin forest. This naturally faulting area allows for
steep elevations and low valleys which provides 1,700 acres of water storage. Two
major water ways supplies the reservoir one being the Arena River and the Tumpuna
River.

Although the beautiful forest has been lost the site has gained a new attraction with
play parks, picnic tables and shady huts with cooking facilities.
(WASA, Arena Reservoir , 2008)





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Water Treatment Units

Raw Water Intake

The Raw Water Intake located along the north bank of the Caroni River is the first
part of water treatment where trash racks and travelling band screens removes large
debris such as wood leaves and other forms of debris before the water enters the
plants pumps. Eight Raw Water Pumps draw the water from the river and pump it
across to Headworks. (WASA, Waste Water Treatment, 2008)
In Theory this process is called Screening and is separated into two categories.
Coarse Screens which remove large solids and man-made materials and debris and
are typically 6mm or larger. These screens can be manually and mechanically
cleaned. Types of course screens are bar screens and trash racks as used by Caroni
Arena.
Fine screens are used to remove small material which may cause problems later on in
the treatment process. The openings in the screens are typically 1.5 to 6mm. and
very fine screens are 0.2 to 1.5 mm.



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Headworks
This is the first stage for coagulation to occur. Where Aluminum Sulphate (a
coagulant), a liquid polymer and chlorine are added to the water.
The design of the headworks ensure rapid mixing and uniform
distribution of the chemicals with the raw water. The alum reacts
rapidly with the waters alkalinity to produce a gelatinous (jelly-like
precipitate) of Aluminum Hydroxide called microfloc that entraps and
absorbs impurities. The liquid polymer aids in coagulation by enlarging
the floc particles through bridging. Chlorine is sometimes added at the
headworks to prevent algae growth on the walls of the flocculation
and sedimentation basins. (WASA, Waste Water Treatment, 2008)
In theory this process is referred to as flash mixing. These mixers are often expensive
to maintain.

Flocculation-Sedimentation Basins

The Flocculation basin allows the constant mixing of microfloc formed during
coagulation. This allows for larger, heavier floc to form. After the water leaves the
flocculation basins, it enters the sedimentation basins where solids are removed
from water via gravity settling. A 1-2 hour period is enough for the floc to settle.
(WASA, Waste Water Treatment, 2008)
The flocculation basin often has a number of compartments with decreasing mixing
speeds as the water advances through the basin. This compartmentalized chamber
allows increasingly bulky floc to form without being broken apart by the mixing
blades.
The sedimentation basin is designed to remove suspended organic solids from the
water. These solids are said to be heavier than water and settles slowly at 1.0 to
2.5m/h. There are various types of sedimentation basins some are:
1) Circular basin center feed, 2) circular basin rim feed and 3) the long rectangular
basin. These are also referred to as clarifiers.


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Sludge Lagoon

This area is designated to store the sludge generated from the flocculation-
sedimentation process. The sludge flows by gravity to the lagoons. The recovery
pump located at the end of the north and south lagoon sections returns the clear
water from the lagoons to the headworks. (WASA, Waste Water Treatment, 2008)
Lagoons are classified by the amount of mechanical mixing necessary. For Aerobic
lagoons enough energy is provided to keep the entire contents aerated. Facultative
lagoons are supplied with only enough energy to mix the liquid portion of the lagoon
and the solids that have sunk to the bottom undergo anaerobic degradation.

Filtration

Filtration allows the final and complete removal of any finely separated matter, and
any remaining floc after the coagulation and sedimentation process.
The filtration system is a monotype constant rate gravity filter
system. The filter media consist of six feet of sand. Periodic
backwashing of the filters is required to remove any accumulated
suspended materials.- (WASA, Waste Water Treatment, 2008)
Normal sand filter systems are separated into two: types Slow Sand Filter Systems
and Rapid Sand Filter systems. Slow sand filter systems uses a cleaning systems which
does not require backwashing but rather scrapping and removing of the top layer.
Rapid Sand Filters should be cleaned regularly. It is recommended that they are
cleaned before each run. These filters are not as deep as the WASA type as the slow
rapid system ranges from 30-75cm while the rapid sand filter system ranges from 60
to 90cm. WASAs filtration system is referred to as a Tertiary Filtration System.


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Disinfection
Following filtration the water flows to the clear-well where it is disinfected and
stored. Chlorine is added to the water to remove and destroy bacteria or viruses
present in the water. (WASA, Waste Water Treatment, 2008)
Disinfection refers to the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms. This reduces the
possibility of waterborne diseases occurring.

pH Adjustment

In order to maintain a pH level of 7 lime is added to the filtered water. An
appropriating agent is added to the water before distribution to control scaling and
corrosion. (WASA, Waste Water Treatment, 2008)

High Head Pump Stations
These pumps pump the filtered, chlorinated water from the clearwell into the
pipeline distrubtion system. They then discharge into the common header pip that is
connected to the north and south transmission lines leaving the plant. (WASA, Waste
Water Treatment, 2008)

Health and Safety
These are the health and safety chemical guidelines according to (Health and Safety
at the Water and Sewerage Authority, 2008)
One of the main chemicals used in the water treatment process is chlorine gas. This
gas, while being one of the most effective disinfectants for public water supplies, is
extremely dangerous to humans and other living species at high concentrations.
Chlorine gas is supplied in 150 lbs. and one ton pressurized cylinders. In the event of
accidental leakage, it is important for this situation to be arrested as early as
possible to prevent widespread injury. Our well-trained operators know how to use
chlorine and contain a chlorine leak.

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Lime and alum are two other common chemicals used in water treatment. Lime
(calcium oxide, is highly caustic and can cause blisters and severe irritation if
exposed to bare skin. Alum, aluminium sulphate, is corrosive and care must be taken
to avoid skin contact or inhalation. It will even damage the soles of strong shoes!

One of the most recently introduced chemicals is polyaluminium chloride (PAC). It is
used to enhance flocculation and sedimentation in the water treatment process and
must still be handled with extreme care.

On water treatment plants our operators and chemical mixers, those most at risk of
coming into contact with chemicals, are provided with a range of PPE specially
selected to suit the type the hazard they face.

In addition, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are provided wherever chemicals are
used. These provide critical information on each chemical, its characteristics, what
would be considered safe limits for exposure, guidelines for transportation,
instructions on how to handle spillage and emergency measures in the event of
contact.
WASA also require the following PPE:
1. Head Protection: Hard hats class E
2. Face Protection: Face visors
3. Eye Protection: Safety glasses, safety goggles
4. Ear Protection: Earmuffs and earplugs
5. Respiratory System Protection: Full-face respirators, half face respirators with
variable filters, dust masks, self-contained breathing apparatus
6. Hand Protection: Gloves specially designed to protect against cuts, heat and
abrasions
7. Foot protection: Steel tipped boots
8. Whole Body protection: Fabric and plastic coveralls, Hazmat suits, reflective
vest and safety harnesses.
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Conclusion

According to (Sharda Surujdeo-Maharaj, 2007 )the Water and Sewerage Authority
indicated that 92% of the population of this country have access to drinking water
and sanitation and state that their drinking water supply meets stringent World
Health Organization standards.



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References
(EPA), U. S. (June 2003). Wastewater Technology Fact Sheet: Screening and Grit Removal. Office of Water.
Hygiene and Environmental Health HEAT Module. (2011). Retrieved from LabSpace:
http://labspace.open.ac.uk/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=453412&section=1.4
Ragsdale and Associates Training Specialists, LLC. (n.d.). Tertiary Treatment. In F. Ragsdale, WASTEWATER
SYSTEM OPERATORS MANUAL. Albuquerque: Ragsdale and Associates Training Specialists.
Sharda Surujdeo-Maharaj, M. A.-K. (2007 ). CHEMICAL WATER QUALITY OF RIVERS . St Augustine: The
University of the West Indies .
WASA. ( 2008). Arena Reservoir . Retrieved from WASA:
http://www.wasa.gov.tt/WASA_Education_water_Reservoir_Arena.html
WASA. (2008). Waste Water Treatment. Retrieved from Water Sewerage Authority Trinidad and Tobago:
http://www.wasa.gov.tt/WASA_Education_water_WaterTreatment.html
WASA. (2012). Wastewater & Re-use Student Study Manual.
WASA, W. S. (2008). Health and Safety at the Water and Sewerage Authority. Retrieved from Water
Sewerage Authority Trinidad and Tobago: http://www.wasa.gov.tt/