Struggling to meet nitrogen limits? Facing algae outbreaks every discharge season? What if your lagoon could comply without a million-dollar overhaul? In this episode of Engineers for Communities, host Michael Groselle, PE chats with Ronen Barkan (Fluence Corporation) on decentralized wastewater plants, lagoons, practical fixes for rural wastewater systems drowning in regulations. Episode Highlights: ✅ Achieve Total Inorganic Nitrogen (TIN) compliance in existing lagoons. ✅ Pre-engineered, containerized upgrades that integrate with legacy infrastructure. ✅ Low-energy solutions for off-grid or remote areas. ✅ Cut operational costs with mobile-controlled systems. ✅ Prevent seasonal non-compliance in lagoon discharges. Why It Matters: Small communities can now meet strict environmental regulations without costly overhauls. Learn how Fluence Corporation optimize resources, reduce energy use, and leverage existing assets. 

In this episode of Engineers for Communities, host Michael Groselle, PE sits down with Jeff Seaton from Boerger to discuss cutting-edge pump and grinder technologies for wastewater treatment. The conversation explores innovative approaches to tackling maintenance challenges, optimizing plant operations, and enhancing support for smaller communities. ↳ Discover Berger’s focus on maintenance-in-place (MIP) technology, designed to simplify repairs and minimize downtime for wastewater operators. ↳ Learn how grinding equipment, such as multi-crushers and orbital grinders, can handle tough materials like rags and debris, ensuring smoother plant operations. ↳ Explore why easy access and timely part availability are critical for small communities with limited staffing and resources. ↳ Understand how innovative rotor geometries and sealing technologies enhance pump performance and extend equipment lifespan. ↳ Gain insights into Berger’s approach to addressing customer pain points, providing tailored solutions that improve uptime and reduce maintenance costs. ↳ Learn about Berger’s commitment to continuous innovation and customer-driven R&D, with a focus on creating high-impact, operator-friendly solutions. ↳ See how Berger supports communities with efficient, reliable, and easily maintainable wastewater treatment technologies for a wide range of applications.

In this episode of Engineers for Communities, host Michael Groselle, PE, welcomes Ethan Brooke from CleanWater1 to discuss practical, innovative solutions to challenges in rural water systems. Learn how on-site water quality management and modern technologies are reshaping the landscape for small communities and contract operators. ★ Learn how cellular-based monitoring systems provide real-time visibility of water quality and system alerts, reducing reliance on costly SCADA systems for smaller communities. ★ Discover the Micro Chlor system, which uses salt, water, and electricity to produce low-concentration hypochlorite, eliminating the need for hazardous chlorine storage and reducing costs. ★ Understand why manganese precipitates are in chlorinated systems, their impact on water quality, and the importance of implementing effective flushing programs to address sediment buildup. ★ How thermal stratification and ice prevention in water storage tanks and learn how advanced mixers improve water quality and system longevity. ★ Gain insights into choosing the right tank mixer based on tank geometry, process goals, and system flow rates, ensuring optimal performance. ★ Discover the benefits of unidirectional flushing programs and how they can prevent sediment buildup while maintaining water quality. ★ See how eliminating toxic chemicals and improving operational processes creates safer and more economical systems for small communities. ★ Learn how CleanWater1 partners with engineers and operators to design tailored solutions that meet specific needs in water distribution and storage.

In this episode of Engineers for Communities, host Michael Groselle, PE engages with Terry Duperon of Duperon Corporation to discuss innovative wastewater treatment solutions, the role of creativity in engineering, and fostering a culture of innovation in the water sector. Terry shares his journey from traditional engineering to becoming a disruptor in the industry, offering insights on designing adaptable and sustainable wastewater systems.  ★ Learn about Duperon Corporation’s innovative approach to wastewater treatment equipment, emphasizing simplicity, adaptability, and operator efficiency.  ★ Explore the importance of flexible designs like screens and scrapers that can accommodate varying debris volumes, ensuring resilience during high flows or unexpected challenges.  ★ Discover how Duperon Skunkworks R&D team drives innovation through rapid prototyping and real-world testing, allowing for continuous product improvement and customer-driven solutions.  ★ Understand the value of designing systems with fewer parts, minimizing maintenance and improving reliability in harsh wastewater environments.  ★ Hear how Duperon integrates operator feedback to create user-friendly equipment that enhances performance and reduces long-term operational costs.  ★ Gain insights into the evolving acceptance of new technologies in wastewater treatment, as societal expectations and environmental challenges drive innovation.  ★ See why fostering a culture of creativity and risk-taking within an organization leads to groundbreaking advancements and a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced market.  ★ Learn about Duperon latest products, from advanced drum screens with direct drive systems to compactors designed to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.  ★ Understand how Duperon’s commitment to trial and error has resulted in robust systems capable of handling extreme conditions, from stormwater debris to high gravel loads.  ★ Discover why the creative process is essential not just for product design but for building an organizational culture that encourages innovation, collaboration, and long-term success.    Join us as we explore how Duperon Corporation is leading the charge in reimagining wastewater treatment with simple yet revolutionary solutions that meet the challenges of today’s water infrastructure needs. 

In this episode of Engineers for Communities, host Michael Groselle welcomes Mark Serres from Utility Systems Science and Software (US3) to discuss innovative approaches to identifying, tracking, and resolving inflow and infiltration (I&I) issues in wastewater collection systems. From practical solutions to leveraging advanced data technologies, this conversation offers valuable insights for communities looking to enhance system efficiency and reduce costs. ↳ Understand the basics of I&I: what it is, how groundwater infiltration and stormwater inflow occur, and their impact on collection systems and treatment plants. ↳ Discover practical detection techniques like smoke testing, flow monitoring, and visual surveys to pinpoint problem areas and assess their severity. ↳ Learn about leveraging dry and wet weather flow data to quantify I&I and how US3 integrates Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) data for faster, more precise diagnostics. ↳ Explore how flow monitoring combined with temperature, rain gauge, and AMI data helps identify common offenders such as school systems, golf courses, and improperly connected storm drains. ↳ Hear case studies of rapid, cost-effective solutions where targeted fixes eliminated major I&I contributors, avoiding costly treatment plant upgrades. ↳ Gain insights into advanced calibration techniques, 3D camera inspections, and LiDAR technology for accurate data collection and manhole assessments. ↳ Understand the importance of "boots on the ground" contextual knowledge in collaboration with city technicians for efficient problem-solving. This episode is a must-watch for anyone seeking actionable strategies to improve wastewater system management while minimizing unnecessary expenses. Learn how fresh perspectives, innovative technology, and collaboration can lead to quick, impactful results for your community or development project.

In this episode of Engineers for Communities, host Michael Groselle discusses the vital role of backup generators in water and wastewater infrastructure with Ross Kirschbaum from Rehlko. Learn how reliable power solutions can safeguard essential services and explore the latest innovations in generator technology. ★ Discover why backup power is critical for water systems, especially during storms or emergencies, and how transitioning to stationary generators reduces downtime and operational risk. ★ Explore the pros and cons of diesel, natural gas, and LP vapor generators, and how to select the right fuel option based on maintenance requirements and load schedules. ★ Learn about common challenges with maintaining diesel fuel, such as algae growth and water ingress, and how regular upkeep ensures generator reliability. ★ Understand how service contracts and 24/7 support can provide peace of mind for facilities during power outages. ★ Hear real-world examples of how customer feedback drives innovation in Rehlko’s generator designs, including on-site testing and rapid customization. ★ See how Rehlko integrates cutting-edge technologies like hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) compatibility and hydrogen fuel cells to reduce emissions and environmental impact. ★ Learn about renewable energy applications, such as integrating natural gas digesters and microgrid controllers, to enhance efficiency and sustainability. ★ Explore the importance of scalability, with generator solutions ranging from small 25 kW units to large 4 MW systems, to meet the diverse needs of facilities. ★ Discover how Rehlko hybrid solutions, including prime power generators, can offset costs by feeding excess energy back into the grid. ★ Dive into the future of distributed energy systems, and how innovative technologies are reshaping the power landscape for rural communities and critical infrastructure.

In this episode of Engineers for Communities, host Michael Groselle, PE engages with Kevin Crane from Kubota to explore how innovative membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems are transforming wastewater treatment for rural communities. With a focus on operational simplicity, compact designs, and adaptability, this conversation dives deep into how rural areas can future proof their wastewater infrastructure to meet current and upcoming regulations. ★ Discover how MBR systems can tackle stringent limits like phosphorus and nitrogen, using both biological processes and simple chemical treatments. ★ Learn how membrane technology enables “future proofing” wastewater plants, preparing them to meet stricter environmental regulations. ★ Explore the operational advantages of Kubota’s systems, designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind—reducing reliance on settling characteristics and providing highly automated processes. ★ Understand how remote monitoring and SCADA integration allow operators to make adjustments without physically visiting the site. ★ Gain insight into how decommissioned lagoons can be replaced with compact, efficient MBR systems that reduce the footprint by as much as 1/20th. ★ See how customizable tankage options—ranging from precast concrete to stainless steel—are tailored to meet diverse community needs and environmental conditions. ★ Learn about flexible designs for different climates, from freeze protection systems in the North to shaded solutions in hot Southern states. ★ Find out how membrane bioreactors significantly shrink infrastructure size by operating at higher mixed liquor concentrations, delivering cost-effective and space-efficient solutions.

In this episode of Engineers for Communities, host Michael Groselle, PE is joined by Michael Oswell from Proteus to explore transformative advancements in water quality monitoring. Discover how real-time monitoring technology is revolutionizing water and wastewater management for operators, municipalities, and industrial clients. ★ Learn how Proteus combines lab-grade technology and patented algorithms to deliver real-time, accurate water quality data. ★ Explore the flexibility of multiprobe sensors for monitoring turbidity, temperature, pH, conductivity, and more in a single, easy-to-use device. ★ Discover the convenience of remote monitoring through SCADA integration or standalone battery-powered deployments in challenging locations. ★ Understand how Proteus sensors enable operators to detect issues like BOD spikes or pollution sources upstream, saving time and costs. ★ Applications span from influent and effluent monitoring in wastewater plants to industrial discharge checks and environmental stream monitoring. ★ Case studies reveal the impact of identifying unpermitted discharges and improving operational decisions with real-time data. ★ Proteus technology empowers communities and industries to achieve compliance, protect resources, and optimize water treatment processes.

★ Discover customized wastewater treatment solutions to meet short-term and long-term development goals, ranging from small capacity units to large-scale systems. ★ Learn how Cloacina’s all-in-one solutions for wastewater treatment infrastructure, including everything from pump stations to disinfection systems, simplify processes and reduce costs. ★ Explore the benefits of streamlined design and integration, reducing issues with installation, operation, and maintenance through cohesive product offerings. ★ Understand the avoidance of containerized systems, focusing instead on designs that maximize accessibility, ease of maintenance, and operational efficiency. ★ Insights into designing systems with operators in mind, ensuring easy access, visibility, and maintainability to prevent premature failures and maximize operational lifespan. ★ Discuss the advantages of implementing water reuse systems, from irrigation to industrial applications, supported by high-quality effluent treatment technology. ★ Why modular, scalable, and operator-friendly wastewater systems are essential for long-term development success, with customizable options based on specific project needs.

★ Learn about PFAS detection, its impact on public health, and the evolving regulatory landscape for safe drinking water and wastewater management. PFAS Removal using Aqueous Electrostatic Concentrators ★ How advanced technologies like BioLargo’s AEC unit effectively removes long-chain and short-chain PFAS while minimizing waste. ★ Understand the importance of tackling PFAS contamination at multiple stages—drinking water, wastewater, and landfill leachate—to prevent reintroduction into aquifers. ★ Explore how BioLargo’s electro-oxidation solutions ensure complete PFAS destruction, rendering the waste non-hazardous for safer disposal. ★ BioLargo provides PFAS removal as a modular service, including controlled off-site destruction under expert supervision, with guarantees for clients. ★ Why innovative solutions offer more sustainable options compared to traditional granular activated carbon (GAC) and ion exchange treatments.