the - psc.state.wv.us
TRANSCRIPT
The
The Pipeline Published Quarterly by the
Public Service Commission
201 Brooks Street, P.O. Box 812
Charleston, WV 25323
Web Address: http://www.psc.state.wv.us.
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (304) 340-0440
Toll Free: (800) 344-5113
Fax: (304) 340-3759
Contributors
Jeremy Wolfe, BRIM
Kris Huff, PSC
Tammy Tabor, PSC
Conrad Bramlee, PSC
Katheryn Emery, WVDEP
Valerie Breznicky, USEPA
The information contained in this publication is
based on the current laws, rules, regulations, and
policies of the PSC, DEP and DHHR and reflects
the personal or professional opinions of the
individual authors. Nothing contained in the
publication should be construed as an adjudication
on any specific factual situation or as a formal
opinion of the PSC, DEP, or DHHR unless it is
clearly cited as such.
July—September 2014
INSIDE
THIS
ISSUE
Certificates Page 1-2
Thermal Expansion Page 3-5
Facts and Tips Page 5-6
Deferred Payments Page 6-9
WV CWSRF Page 10
Saving Communities
Energy & Money
Page 11-17
News and Views From WV Bureau for Public Health, WV Department of
Environmental Protection , and the Public Service Commission of WV
1
CERTIFICATES OF INSURANCE
By: Jeremy C. Wolfe, Loss Control Manager
West Virginia Board of Risk & Insurance Management
Every day organizations are challenged with
numerous business/operational risks. How
organizations control the risks that they are exposed to
can greatly impact the effectiveness of their
organization. Risks can be controlled through:
rejection, transfer, sharing, retention, and reduction.
The focus of this article is to explore the ability to
control risk through ―risk transfer,” specifically
through the principles involved in requiring and
obtaining Certificates of Insurance.
When an organization’s buildings, equipment, or
property are used by an outside individual or group, the
organization’s exposure to insurance loss is
increased. Oftentimes insurance loss arising from these
activities is generally outside of the control of an
organization. While it may be reasonable to
expect that an organization should not have any
liability, unfortunately organizations are often held
liable for losses arising from the acts of others,
especially when those entities lack adequate
resources to pay claims.
Requiring Certificates of Insurance when entering into
contractual agreements with outside parties/vendors, or
when outside groups request to use an organization’s
buildings, equipment, or property, can reduce an
organization’s exposure to insurance loss. When a
contractor, vendor, lessee, volunteer, or outside party provides a Certificate of
Insurance, it shows that the entity has adequate insurance coverage for the losses that
may arise out of the activities that they may perform. It also provides evidence that
the outside party can satisfy obligations to pay losses, judgments or settlements.
During this process, it is important that an organization request to be listed as an
additional insured on the outside party’s insurance policy. Being named as an
―additional insured‖ on Certificates of Insurance allows for insurance coverage from
the other party’s insurance policy for claims and suits alleging negligent acts or
omissions of the other parties.
Typically, there is subjectivity involved in this process, or a business decision to be
made. Requests for use of buildings and equipment which would put an
organization at a high exposure for claims such as contractors doing construction
and large events involving the general public should require a Certificate of
Insurance being received. For small events such as class reunions, small meetings,
small dinners, et cetera, an organization should evaluate the risk involved with the
activity or function and make a decision of whether or not to require a Certificate of
Insurance.
Once a Certificate of Insurance is received, the certificate should be reviewed for:
Types of coverage
Limits of liability
Name of insurer(s)
Dates of coverage
Cancellation provisions
Additional insured
Permissive use of an organization’s buildings, equipment, and property by an outside
group or individual in some instances can be a valuable service for organizations to
provide to the public and can enrich the sense of community between an
organization and its neighbors. It can become a difficult balance for an organization
within a community, but ultimately the commitment of an organization to employ
―risk transfer‖ techniques will provide it with the best opportunity to control this
type of business risk.
2
3
Protecting Your Customers against Thermal Expansion
By: Kris Huff, Technical Analyst
Engineering Division
Public Service Commission
In the past few years, I have encountered several complaint cases which have likely
been caused by thermal expansion within a customer’s water line. Despite the
frequency of these cases, and the potential dangers and expenses attributed to
thermal expansion, few customers know about, or even understand, what thermal
expansion is. Therefore, when customers have abnormally high pressure within their
home or leaks caused by the effects of thermal expansion, they frequently blame the
utility for the high pressure problems. When confronted with complaints about high
pressure, water utilities staff frequently misdiagnose symptoms of thermal expansion
and make suggestions to the complainant which could have no effect, or even
compound the problems. Therefore, I have prepared this article to help the
personnel of water utilities diagnose the symptoms of thermal expansion, and to
better inform customers about the dangers and potential damages that can be caused
by thermal expansion.
Thermal expansion is, of course, caused when water is heated, which also increases
the volume of the water, while decreasing its density. Since water is incompressible,
this increase in the water’s volume creates a great deal of pressure as the water’s
expansion tries to go somewhere. If the water is in a closed system, for example a
system with a backflow preventer or check valve, the pressure will continue to build
up within a customer’s line, until usually it is released through the pop-off valve on
the hot water heater. However, if the pop-off valve has become damaged or
corroded then there is a chance that pipes, fittings or appliances will break before the
pressure can be relieved. This could create a costly leak for the customer,
particularly if they are not home at the time their pipes ruptured, and are now facing
both the cost of repairing any damages, as well as a large water bill. The customer
may then begin looking for a reason why his pipes ruptured, and check the pressure,
discovering it to be abnormally high, sometimes even higher than the maximum
pressure limit set by the Public Service Commission. With this discovery, they often
file an informal or formal complaint against their utility, since they now feel that it is
4
the utility’s fault that their pipes were damaged.
This all can be prevented, however, if the utility and their staff can recognize the
symptoms of thermal expansion and provide information to the customer to help
them prevent thermal expansion within their homes. One of the best ways to prevent
the damaging effects of thermal expansion is the expansion tank, which is a
relatively inexpensive device which absorbs the excess pressure from thermal
expansion. Many plumbing codes require them as the relief valve on the hot water
tank cannot always be counted on to function properly, and the warranties of hot
water tanks often require them to prevent voiding the warranty. Even tankless water
heaters can cause thermal expansion, although many contractors neglect installing
them without expansion tanks.
Secondly, it is important for the utility to inform their customers of the dangers of
thermal expansion, especially if the utility has recently had a project, or is planning a
project which replaces older water meters without check valves with water meters
with check valves. The older style meters without check valves did not create a
closed system, which meant that excess pressure could bleed back into the mainline.
Once a new meter with a check valve, or ironically, a pressure reducing valve, is
installed on the customer’s line, it creates a closed system and previously unnoticed
thermal expansion problems can occur.
Lastly, utilities should educate their employees on how to diagnose the symptoms of
thermal expansion if they are receiving complaints from their customers regarding
high pressures. Sometimes water utility workers will recommend a pressure
reducing valve, which could only compound the thermal expansion issues. If the
mainline pressures going to the customer’s service line are recorded to be within the
acceptable range, and the customer still reports high pressures within his line, it is
likely that the customer is suffering from complications involving thermal
expansion. One tale-tale piece of evidence of thermal expansion is when water is
expelled from the hot water heater’s relief valve and also faucets that drip. If the
relief valve and faucets frequently drip, and the customer does not have an
expansion tank, then the utility should recommend the customer purchase one to
prevent damages from thermal expansion. There are also other devices that can be
installed as well to alleviate thermal expansion problems. Most hardware stores
carry a variety of devices and can offer advice to the customer as to which one might
be best for them. However, if the utility fails to properly inform its customers and
employees about thermal expansion, the utility may be liable not only for lost
5
Industry-Apparel, Home Furnishings, Electronics, and Paper
According to recent reports, nearly 5% of all U.S. water withdrawals are
used to fuel industry and the production of many of the material goods we
stock up on weekly, monthly, and yearly.
It takes about 100 gallons of water to grow and process a single pound of
cotton, and the average American goes through about 35 pounds of new
cotton material each year. Do you really need that additional T-shirt?
One of the best ways to conserve water is to buy recycled goods, and to
recycle your stuff when you’re done with it. Or stick to buying only what
you really need.
The water required to create your laptop could wash nearly 70 loads of
laundry in a standard machine.
Recycling a pound of paper, less than the weight of your average
newspaper, saves about 3.5 gallons of water. Buying recycled paper
products saves water, too, as it takes about six gallons of water to produce
one dollar worth of paper.
Diet
The water it takes to produce the average American diet alone
approximately 1,000 gallons per person per day-is more than the global
average water footprint of 900 gallons per person per day for diet,
household use, transportation, energy, and the consumption of material
water, but for the damages as well. If you have a question about thermal expansion,
please contact the Engineering Division of the Public Service Commission.
Water Conservation Facts and Tips
By: Tammy Tabor, Supervisor II
Water and Wastewater Division
Public Service Commission
6
goods.
That quarter pounder is worth more than 30 average American showers.
One of the easiest ways to slim your water footprint is to eat less meat and
dairy. Another way is to choose grass-fed, rather than grain-fed, since it
can take a lot of water to grow corn and other feed crops.
A serving of poultry costs about 90 gallons of water to produce. There are
also water costs embedded in the transportation of goods (gasoline costs
water to make). So, consider how far your food has to travel, and buy
local to cut your water footprint.
Pork costs water to produce, and traditional pork production to make your
sausage, bacon, and chops, has also been the cause of some water
pollution, as pig waste runs into local water sources.
On average, a vegan, a person who doesn’t eat meat or dairy, indirectly
consumes nearly 600 gallons of water per day less than a person who eats
the average American diet.
A cup of coffee takes 55 gallons of water to make, with most of that H2O
used to grow the coffee beans.
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/water-
conservation-tips/
DEFERRED PAYMENT AGREEMENTS
By: Conrad Bramlee, Utility Analyst III
Water and Wastewater Division
Public Service Commission
The Public Service Commission’s Water Rule 4.8.a.9. and Sewer Rule 4.8.b.9. state
that a water or sewer ―…customer who has been notified that water service is to be
terminated for non-payment of either a water or sewer bill shall be given the
opportunity to enter into a deferred payment agreement: provided the customer has
demonstrated an ability to pay but only in installments. The customer shall be
7
informed at the time a disconnect notice is issued of the availability of a reasonable
payment plan.‖ While the utility and customer may enter into a deferred payment
agreement at anytime, if circumstances warrant, the utility should keep in mind the
Commission rules require a utility to give a customer receiving a termination notice
the opportunity to enter into a deferred payment agreement. However, the customer
must demonstrate that the only way they can pay is in installments. Deferred
payment agreements are not an extension of time to pay.
It is the responsibility of the customer to request a deferred payment agreement from
the utility stating that they can only pay their bill in payments. It is the utility’s
responsibility to develop a fair and equitable deferred payment policy that clearly
defines the criteria set forth in the Water and Sewer Rules. The deferred payment
policy should state:
1. what type of bill can be made in payments (but
not limited to i.e. major water leak, unemployment or extended
hospitalization, or other extenuating circumstances)
2. the documentation the customer should provide
and how much they are able to pay
3. that the customer must pay current bill on time
and in full, plus deferred payment agreement
amount on time and in full
Items that the utility may consider when negotiating a deferred payment agreement
with a customer are:
1. amount of the bill
2. ability of the customer to pay
3. payment history
4. length of time and reason for the outstanding debt
It is the customer’s responsibility to inform the utility that the customer’s financial
condition has changed to where the agreement works a hardship on the customer.
The utility will then renegotiate a deferred payment agreement with the customer.
The policy should also state what documentation the customer needs to provide as
proof of change in financial condition.
8
The utility must inform the customer that, if they feel the payment arrangement is
unreasonable, they can appeal to the Commission. During this time the utility
cannot terminate service so long as the customer pays the current bill on time and in
full.
Failure of the customer to comply with the terms and conditions of the deferred
payment agreement shall be proper cause for termination pursuant to Water Rule
4.8.a.9.F and Sewer Rule 4.8.b.9.F. which state, ―If the deferred payment is not
received in accordance with the terms of the agreement or the payment is made with
a check subsequently dishonored by the bank, the utility may terminate service only
after it has mailed written notice, by first class mail, to the customer at least five (5)
calendar days, excluding state or federal holidays, prior to termination: provided that
at the option of the utility, either personal contact or telephone contact with the
customer may be substituted for contact by first class mail. If the customer makes
the delinquent payment within that notice period, service shall not be terminated.
However, if the customer has, during the previous twelve (12) months, attempted to
make payment by a check which was subsequently dishonored by the bank the utility
may refuse the customer’s check and immediately terminate service without
additional notice.‖
A copy of a deferred payment agreement is included herewith.
9
That for and in consideration of these promises, of the parties to one another, the Customer(s) hereby agrees to pay the Utility the
arrearage in the amount of $ , and, further agrees that during the period of time covered by the Agreement, the
Customer(s) shall pay each current month’s Utility Bill for the utility service rendered in the Customer(s) name(s) at the address
shown below on or before the due date shown on each Utility billing. Further, the Utility agrees to not terminate such water
service for such debt now due and owing, unless the Customer(s) fails or refuses to meet the terms of this Agreement by not
making the proper and timely payment as set forth below.
It is clearly understood that failure to comply with these terms shall be proper cause for the termination of Utility service;
Provided, That the Customer(s) is given proper notice in accordance with the Water and/or Sewer Rules.
The details of the deferred payment Agreement are to be negotiated between the Utility and the Customer and may consider
several factors, including but not limited to the following: amount of the bill, ability of the customer to pay, payment history,
time the debt has been outstanding, reasons why the debt has been outstanding, and any other relevant factors; provided that the
Agreement requires payment of the current bill plus a specific amount per month on the arrearage.
It is the responsibility of the Customer(s) to inform the Utility (and to substantiate the same) when the Customer’s financial
conditions significantly change and the existing payment Agreement works a hardship. If such is documented by the Customer
(s), the Utility shall renegotiate the payment agreement consistent with the Water and/or Sewer Rules; however, the Customer
must timely pay the current bill and make some payment on the arrearage.
The Customer(s) has the right to appeal the reasonableness of the proposed payments to the PUBLIC SERVICE COMMIS-
SION. The Utility shall advise the Customer(s) of the Commission’s toll-free number in order to perfect such an appeal. During
the pendency of the appeal, the service may not be terminated; provided, however, that the current bill must be paid by the
Customer(s) in order to protect their rights under the Commission’s Rules.
If termination of Utility service occurs, the entire past due balance will be due and payable to the Utility. In addition, any
reconnection and disconnection charges provided in the Utility’s tariff as well as a security deposit may be required prior to the
restoration of water service.
PAYMENT DUE DATE AGREEMENT AMOUNT DUE
___________________________ UTILITY CUSTOMER’S SIGNATURE
By: _______________________________________________
ADDRESS
DEFERRED PAYMENT AGREEMENT (DELINQUENT WATER AND/OR SEWER SERVICE BILLS)
This AGREEMENT, made this day of , , by and between the
Customer of record, account number and this Utility, _____________________,
concerning a debt now due and owing to the Utility in the amount of $ .
WITNESSETH
10
It’s that time of year again. The 2014 state fiscal year is behind us and we have
issued our FY 2015 Intended Use Plan (IUP). There have been several changes
since last year, and I want to cover some of those as well as the status of funds
within the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (CWSRF).
Last year, the CWSRF closed on 16 loans worth $88,901,913 of which $8,848,105
was in the form of debt forgiveness. This year’s capitalization grant from EPA is
$21,856,000 and debt forgiveness and the green requirement will be grant
requirements. Our funds have always been issued on a first come, first served basis;
however, due to issues with all of the funds being committed to date, the SRF project
priority list will be used to determine the order in which competing projects will be
funded when funds are again available.
The major change in this year’s IUP is the move to the 2010 Census Data. As
discussed in the IUP, the CWSRF has moved to the 2010 data and the only projects
that were grandfathered under the 2000 data are those that had a binding
commitment of funds from the CWSRF and had filed with the Public Service
Commission. The 2010 data is listed in the Appendix of the IUP.
We are still offering funds under the Agricultural Water Quality Loan Program and
the Onsite Systems Loan Program. Reserves of $150,000 and $300,000,
respectively, have been set aside for both of these programs. The primary changes
to the IUP have been included in this article, but there are other changes that may be
of interest to you. I encourage you to read our 2015 IUP, which can be found on the
DEP’s website at http://www.dep.wv.gov/WWE/Programs/SRF/Pages/default.aspx .
As always, feel free to contact me or any other employee of the CWSRF program
with any questions.
WV CWSRF Program Status
By: Katheryn Emery, P. E.
CWSRF Program Manager
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
11
Introduction
Manufacturers have been using natural gas to create steam heat and electricity for
industrial facilities for many years. Known as ―combined heat and power‖ (CHP),
this energy is generated close to where it is needed, so little is lost in transmission.
CHP can produce energy twice as efficiently as older electric generating systems.
CHP, also called cogeneration, is an efficient and clean approach to generating
electric power and useful thermal energy from a single fuel source. Every CHP
application involves the generation of electricity and the recovery of otherwise
wasted thermal energy. Therefore, CHP provides greater energy efficiency and
environmental benefits than separate heat and power.
Many municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) that have anaerobic
digesters utilize the digester gas, or methane, to fuel boilers which, in turn, heat the
digester. The leftover gas is flared. CHP can be a reliable, cost-effective option for
WWTPs that have, or are planning to install, anaerobic digesters. Digester gas, also
known as Biogas, flows from these digesters and can be used in a CHP system as
fuel to generate reliable electricity and heat for the WWTP. CHP systems are
essentially motors that run off of biogas. The motor turns a turbine to create
electricity, and the heat from the engine can heat the digester and shop or office
space. For most treatment plants, use of a digester-gas-fueled CHP system has the
potential to offset energy consumption by up to 40 percent.
The overall percentage of energy recovery is a combination of factors, including the
effectiveness of the digestion process, the efficiency of the CHP system, the type of
treatment processes, and the efficiency of the WWTP’s liquid stream treatment. The
addition of fats, oils and grease (FOG) and other highly digestible waste streams to
the anaerobic digestion process can dramatically enhance digester gas production,
making CHP systems cost-effective at WWTPs with wastewater flows less than 10
million gallons per day (mgd). Regardless of wastewater treatment capacity,
WWTPs operating or considering CHP should evaluate the potential to add FOG
and/or other digester feed stocks to the anaerobic digestion process. The increased
Combined Heat and Power – Saving Communities Energy and Money
By: Valerie Breznicky,
Office of Infrastructure and Assistance, U. S. EPA
12
digester gas production translates directly into cost offsets for electric power and
greater heat production for use as process heat. Additional process heat offsets a
larger portion of supplemental fuel needs and associated costs.
Feasibility analysis
CHP systems can provide significant economic benefits; however, determining
whether this type of system is economically viable depends on a number of site
specific characteristics such as the energy consumption of the facility, the price of
fuel and retail electricity, and the costs of installing and maintaining the CHP
equipment. A Feasibility Analysis is often the first step in determining the economic
viability of CHP at a site. The purpose of this analysis is to provide enough
information on project economics to allow decisions to be made regarding further
investment, while minimizing the amount of up-front time and money spent. The
EPA CHP Partnership (discussed later in this article) can assist in the Feasibility
Analysis.
The first step of the analysis is to identify the system size and electrical demand of
the treatment plant. Electrical demand can be determined from a utility bill analysis,
available plant data and site information. This information will be used to determine
which type of CHP technology will be best for a facility. An economic analysis
included with the study is usually a simple payback calculation which considers: the
amount of power produced by the CHP system and the amount to be used on-site;
the offset cost of utility purchased energy; the amount of energy and cost associated
with running the CHP system; and the anticipated cost to install and maintain the
system. Further analysis may show the benefits of available grants or incentives,
costs and benefits associated with using the system to provide backup power in a
utility outage and impacts of future utility rate increases or decreases.
Greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy credits
The operation of a CHP system can significantly reduce a WWTP’s direct and
indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The production of electricity onsite from
digester gas also results in the reduction of indirect emissions as the amount of
electricity purchased from a power provider is reduced. For each 4.5 mgd processed
by a WWTP with anaerobic digestion, the generated biogas can produce
approximately 100 kilowatts (kW) of electricity. Using 2004 Clean Water Needs
Survey data, a total of 2.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emission reductions
13
can be achieved through increased use of CHP at WWTPs. These reductions are
equivalent to planting approximately 640,000 acres of forest, or the emissions of
approximately 430,000 cars.
The use of biogas from anaerobic digestion at WWTPs is often eligible for
renewable fuel credits and clean energy funding. For example, biogas-fueled
electricity generation qualifies as a renewable energy source in the District of
Columbia and the 22 states that have a renewable portfolio standard. National
voluntary renewable energy credit (REC) programs also consider new electricity
generation fueled by biogas from WWTPs as eligible sources for REC’s. A
renewable energy credit (sometimes referred to as a renewable energy certificate or
"greentag") is an environmental commodity that represents the added value,
environmental benefits and cost of renewable energy above conventional methods of
producing electricity, like coal and natural gas. Purchasing these credits is the
widely accepted way to reduce the environmental footprint of a facility’s electricity
consumption and help fund renewable energy development. Purchasing RECs
equivalent to the amount of a facility’s electricity consumption guarantees that the
energy used is supplied to the power grid from a renewable energy facility and
supports the further development of these facilities.
CHP technologies
Municipal wastewater treatment facilities have successfully incorporated CHP
systems into their operations, employing a variety of technologies:
Internal combustion engines fueled by digester gas, are the most widely used.
Internal combustion engines have been utilized for many years to convert
digester gas thermal energy to mechanical energy which can be utilized to
drive electrical generators or other prime mover equipment (e.g., pumps,
blowers). Internal combustion gas engines convert input thermal energy into
three major output components: (1) mechanical energy; (2) captured thermal
energy; and (3) exhaust waste energy. Mechanical energy is the primary
engine output transferred to the downstream electrical generator or prime
mover equipment.
Combustion gas turbines, commonly referred to as ―gas turbines,‖ are another
common technology. Gas turbines are a type of internal combustion (IC)
engine in which burning of an air-fuel mixture produces hot gases that spin a
turbine to produce power. It is the production of hot gas during fuel
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combustion, not the fuel itself that gives the gas turbines the name.
Combustion gas turbines are often a good fit at the largest WWTPs where
they have successfully utilized the gas turbines to simultaneously gen-
erate electric power and usable heat energy.
Microturbines, first introduced about 20 years ago, are a relatively new CHP
technology that has become more popular in recent years due to their clean
emissions and relatively small sizes. Microturbines are fully packaged
modular machines that comprise the smallest capacity CHP units available.
Microturbines are a relatively new digester gas energy recovery technology
when compared to boilers and internal combustion gas engines. In a
microturbine, the gas is direct combusted and the expanded gas stream is
routed through a shaft mounted turbine attached to a generator component for
the production of electrical power.
Steam turbines represent a distinct CHP technology that relies on thermal
energy to produce mechanical and/or electrical power. While steam turbines
do not directly convert fuel to power, the thermal power upon which they
operate is derived from other fuel combustion equipment, typically steam
boilers. Steam turbines consist of a series of ever-expanding blades attached
to a rotating drive shaft driven by expanding pressurized steam. Steam
turbines are simple, reliable and typically require little maintenance. Steam
boilers also represent well-proven machinery, long used at WWTPs. Few
WWTPs in the United States have sufficient capacity to produce digester gas
in adequate quantities to fuel this type of system.
The two more common CHP systems employed at WWTPs—internal combustion
engines and microturbines—can produce roughly 100 kW of electric capacity from a
total wastewater influent flow rate of 4.5 mgd. Each WWTP considering CHP will
need to perform its own site-specific feasibility analysis to determine: potential
biogas generation rates; methods to compress, clean, and dry the biogas before
combustion; and the specific costs and benefits of generating onsite heat and
electricity for their WWTP. Based on influent flow rates, the microturbine would be
appropriate for a small WWTP with a minimum influent flow rate of 6 mgd. The
reciprocating engine would be appropriate for a large WWTP with at least a 40 mgd
influent flow rate. Facilities of less than 6 mgd would benefit from partnering with a
local industry that would contribute additional ―food,‖ mostly in the form of FOG,
for the system that would increase the gas production and make a CHP system
15
viable.
Funding and technical resources
Energy efficiency upgrades at water and sewer treatment facilities are eligible for
low interest rate loans through EPA’s Clean Water (CW) and Drinking Water (DW)
State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs. These upgrades can be individual projects or
part of a larger overall upgrade at a facility. In addition, many states implementing
the CWSRF and DWSRF programs award priority ranking points for applications
that include energy efficient upgrades and other sustainability, climate change, and
resiliency elements. In the past few years, the CWSRF program has required States
to provide a percentage of its EPA capitalization grants to projects that meet a
―green reserve‖ criteria which includes green infrastructure, energy efficiency, water
conservation, and environmentally innovative projects. The priority ranking points
and green reserve requirements have resulted in many energy efficiency projects
receiving low interest rate financing and subsidization through the CWSRF and
DWSRF programs. General information and specific state contacts for the programs
can be found at:
http://water.epa.gov/grants_funding/cwsrf/cwsrf_index.cfm
http://water.epa.gov/grants_funding/dwsrf/index.cfm
There are several reports and organizations available to assist the wastewater
treatment industry which offer a wealth of information concerning wastewater
treatment and the use of anaerobic digestion.
Evaluation of Combined Heat and Power Technologies for Wastewater
Facilities – This interim report serves as a planning-level tool for wastewater
professionals and provides an examination of commonly used and emerging
combined heat and power technologies for converting anaerobic digester gas
to electrical power and process heat. This report was developed by Columbus
Water Works, under an assistance agreement awarded by EPA in support of
the Columbus Biosolids Flow-Through Thermophilic Treatment National
Demonstration Project.
EPA Office of Wastewater Management (OWM) – OWM oversees a range of
programs contributing to the well-being of the nation’s waters and watersheds.
National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) – NACWA
16
represents the interests of more than 300 public agencies and organizations.
NACWA members serve the majority of the sewered population in the United
States and collectively treat and reclaim more than 18 billion gallons of waste-
water daily.
Water Environment Federation (WEF) – Founded in 1928, WEF is a not-for-
profit technical and educational organization with members from varied
disciplines who work toward the organization’s vision of preservation and
enhancement of the global water environment.
Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) – WERF helps improve the
water environment and protect human health by providing sound, reliable
science and innovative, effective, cost-saving technologies for improved
management of water resources.
Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA) – A&WMA is a non-profit,
nonpartisan professional organization that provides training, information, and
networking opportunities to thousands of environmental professionals in 65
countries.
CHP Partnership
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a CHP Partnership
which is a voluntary program that promotes efficient CHP technologies across the
United States. The Partnership works closely with energy users, the CHP industry,
state and local governments, and other clean energy stakeholders to facilitate the
development of new projects and to promote their environmental and economic
benefits.
The CHP Partnership offers a variety of tools and services designed to facilitate and
promote development of CHP projects. A complete list of tools, services, and
benefits can be found on the CHP Partnership website: www.epa.gov/chp. CHP
project qualification tools help to determine whether CHP is worth considering at a
particular facility. The CHP Emissions Calculator compares the anticipated CH4,
CO2, CO2e, SO2, N2O, and NOX emissions from a CHP system to the emissions from
a separate heat and power system. The Partnership also offers public recognition
through the ENERGY STAR® Program, EPA Awards (an annual Certificate of
Greenhouse Gas Reduction, a certificate that shows the carbon reductions of a
project, is presented) and publicity. A profile of each partner appears on the
Partnership website.
17
The CHP Partnership also offers resources for Education and Outreach such as
information for regulators, policymakers, and utilities to encourage energy efficiency
and CHP, peer-to-peer marketing and networking at workshops and conferences,
examples of model state policies for promoting CHP, such as output-based
emissions regulations, CHP-friendly utility rates, and renewable portfolio standards
that include CHP, information about CHP markets and topical email announcements
highlighting Partnership activities, funding opportunities, and upcoming events.
Other resources include information about the CHP project development process,
including access to tools and recommendations to facilitate successful projects,
information about CHP prime movers, including cost and performance
characteristics, current information on state and federal incentives applicable to
CHP, including financial incentives and favorable regulatory treatment and technical
white papers and other clean energy resource documents.
Conclusion
As a cost-effective means of making energy-efficiency gains, CHP represents a
tremendous opportunity. The ability of this technology to be added to a WWTP –
and the benefits that can be gained through energy generation using the by-products
of an existing treatment process – is an opportunity that cannot be wasted.
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF WEST VIRGINIA
WATER AND WASTEWATER DIVISION
ADMINISTRATION
Dave Acord, Director [email protected] 340-0366
Lisa Coleman, Administrative Secretary [email protected] 340-0459
Nancy Tincher, Secretary [email protected] 340-0440
Assistance Staff
William Nelson, Manager [email protected] 340-0445
GRANTS & FUNDING, FINANCE, ADMINISTRATIVE, OFFICE OPERATIONS
Jim Boggess, Utilities Analyst II [email protected] 340-0769
Bonnie Boston, Utilities Analyst II [email protected] 340-0479
Conrad Bramlee, Utilities Analyst III [email protected] 340-0471
Versie Hill, Utilities Analyst II [email protected] 340-0870
Laura Leport, Utilities Analyst I [email protected] 340-0473
INFORMAL COMPLAINTS
Tammy Tabor, Supervisor [email protected] 340-0826
Rhonda Boothe, Consumer Affairs Tech [email protected] 340-0467
Sharon Godwin, Consumer Affairs Tech [email protected] 340-0494
Vicki Lemley, Consumer Affairs Tech [email protected] 340-0379
FAX 304-340-3759
ENGINEERING DIVISION
ADMINISTRATION
Earl Melton, PE, Director [email protected] 340-0392
Victoria Trent, Secretary [email protected] 340-0370
Assistance Staff
CASE CONTROL
David W. Dove, PE, Senior Engineer [email protected] 340-0436
Lisa Bailey, Technical Analyst I [email protected] 340-0499
Jonathan Fowler, PE, Engineer III [email protected] 340-0491
Kristopher Huff, Technical Trainee [email protected] 340-0443
David Holley, Technical Analyst I [email protected] 340-0328
Mansour Mashayekhi, Technical Analyst Assoc [email protected] 340-0428
Jim Spurlock, Technical Analyst II [email protected] 340-0357
Sylvie Steranka, Technical Analyst I [email protected] 340-0466
James C. Weimer, PE, Engineer I [email protected] 340-0476
ASSISTANCE
Jeff Bennett, Utility Inspector II [email protected] 340-0313
Ralph Clark, PE Engineer [email protected] 340-0455
Eric DeGruyter, Technical Analyst III [email protected] 340-0388
Craig Miller, Utility Inspector II [email protected] 340-0353
John Mottesheard, Engineering Technician [email protected] 340-0399
Wayne Perdue, Technical Analyst I [email protected] 340-0493
Don Walker, Technical Analyst I [email protected] 340-0434
FAX 304-340-0452
UTILITIES DIVISON
ADMINISTRATION
Terry Eads, Director [email protected] 340-0421
Lynn Scott, Administrative Secretary [email protected] 340-0350
Mike Dailey, Utilities Analyst I [email protected] 340-0495
Mandy VanMeter, Secretary II [email protected] 340-0833
Brandi Murray, Office Assistant II [email protected] 340-0365
Paul Stewart (Contract) [email protected] 340-0771
CARRIER AND CONSUMER OPERATIONS
Michael Fletcher, Deputy Director [email protected] 340-0367 Carla Nelson, Consumer Affairs, Supervisor [email protected] 340-0424
Brenda Sovine, Secretary [email protected] 340-0458
Jill Bevins, Office Assistant II [email protected] 340-0415
MOTOR CARRIER & FORMAL COMPLAINTS
Steve Kaz, Supervisor [email protected] 340-0760 Stacy Beller, Utilities Analyst II [email protected] 340-0444
Dwayne Bevins, Utility Inspector III [email protected] 340-0449
Robert Cadle, Utilities Analyst II [email protected] 340-0419
Bill Flenner, Utilities Analyst I [email protected] 340-0496
Jennifer Moore, Utilities Analyst I [email protected] 340-0837
Dave Rupel, Utilities Analyst II [email protected] 340-0765
AUDITS, FINANCE AND RATES
Diane Davis, Deputy Director [email protected] 340-0369
CASE AUDITS
Tom Sprinkle, Manager [email protected] 340-0345
LONG TERM AUDITS
Ed Oxley, Supervisor [email protected] 340-0360
Ronald Ash, Utilities Analyst I [email protected] 340-0869
Erin Deegan, Utilities Analyst I [email protected] 340-0768
Alex Kovarik, Utilities Analyst I [email protected] 340-0358
SHORT TERM AUDITS
Dave Pauley, Supervisor [email protected] 340-0439
Juan Arboleda, Utilities Analyst I [email protected] 340-0352
Errol Griebel, Utilities Analyst I [email protected] 340-0773
Aaron Pillar, Utilities Analyst I [email protected] 340-0816
Christopher Shafer, Utilities Analyst I [email protected] 340-0435
REVENUE REQUIREMENTS
Dixie Kellmeyer, Manager [email protected] 340-0762
Joshua Allen, Utilities Analyst I [email protected] 340-0771
Karen Buckley, Utilities Analyst II [email protected] 340-0470
19A CASE
Vacant, Manager
Jonathan Beeman, Utilities Analyst I [email protected] 340-0868
Troy Eggleton, Utilities Analyst II [email protected] 340-0397
Pam Latocha, Utilities Analyst II [email protected] 340-0422
Pete Lopez, Utilities Analyst II [email protected] 340-0823
FAX 340-340-0326