HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975.08.19_OPWA MinutesD MANSUR • DAUBERT - WILLIAMS, INC.
ARCHITECTS • CONSULTING ENGINEERS • PLANNERS
1648 S. BOSTON AVE.• TULSA, OKLAHOMA 74119 • (918)584-0347
August 19, 1975
Chairman and Board of Trustees
Owasso Public Works Authority
207 So. Cedar
Owasso, Oklahoma 74055
Gentlemen:
For over twenty-five years Mansur-Daubert-Williams, Inc. or its
predecessors have designed oxidation ponds for communities in Oklahoma
and surrounding states. We have always believed that oxidation ponds
are an excellent method of treatment where land costs are favorable.
Since Public Law 92-500 has been enacted it has become obvious that
oxidation ponds alone will not meet the effluent limits imposed by
E.P.A. Initially, E.P.A. discouraged the construction of new ponds
for communities; however, recently they have had second thoughts
about abandoning these systems. This could be important to Owasso's
long range program of wastewater treatment because it might become
possible at a low cost to extend the life of the pond system and post-
pone the expenditure of a large sum of money.
Several methods are currently under investigation for the removal of
algae from pond effluents. They include chemical -air flotation, sand
filtration, submerged rock filters and aqua culture (fish farming), to
name some of them. While we believe that these methods all show promise
and are appropriate for different applications; we know that more re-
search will have to be conducted before they become generally accepted
by the State and E.P.A.
Accordingly, Mansur-Daubert-Williams, Inc. desires to conduct a small-
scale research project on the use of a submerged rock filter for the
removal of algae and would like to use the Owasso oxidation ponds as a
site for the work. The project would be carried out on a small scale -
a 55 gallon drum would be the largest piece of equipment and the maximum
flow would be less than 0.1 gallons per minute.
Mr. George Strella of our firm would supervise the project and would
work through the Authority staff in the actual placement of the unit and
in the day to day observation. Mr. Strella has tentatively discussed
the project with Mr. Campbell and Mr. Lang and has visited the site. The
Tulsa City -County Health Department has also been contacted, has expressed
an interest in the project and has agreed to run the laboratory analyses
as required.
Owasso Public Works Authority
Page 2 August 19, 1975
Mr. Strella has also contacted the Oklahoma State University School
of Engineering who will review the project for possible credit toward
Mr. Strella's Doctorate in Engineering. Dr. A. F. Goudy of O.S.U.
is excited about the project and has given tentative approval for
credit.
We have also discussed this project with Dr. Carpenter, Commissioner
of Public Health, who has expressed a good deal of interest in all
methods to remove algae from ponds. He is particularly pleased that
research can be conducted on a local level on real, practical problems.
The duration of the project should be no more than one year; however it
could be cut short or extended, depending upon the results obtained.
The project would begin in September, 1975, and run initially through
December, 1975, conforming with the O.S.U. schedule.
Once the project is underway we expect to publish progress reports.
They, as well as all final reports will acknowledge the Owasso Public
Works Authority as a contributor to the project. No funds will be
required from the Authority in that Mansur-Daubert-Williams, Inc. would
provide the materials.
Summarizing our request, we are asking for permission to conduct the
study at the pond site, to use a 110-volt electrical outlet for a small
pump, and for assistance from the plant operator in placing the unit
and in its occasional observation. Should the Authority desire that
its personnel become more involved in order to obtain additional data
for its own use, we would be delighted. After reviewing the request
please let us know your decision.
Very truly yours,
MANSUR-DAUBERT-WILLIAMS, INC.
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