| Name | Ashley |
|---|---|
| Last Name | Smart |
| Home Address | 1265 Hales Bar Rd. F6 Guild, TN 37405 United States |
| Organization Name | Smart Water Solutions |
| Describe Your Role In The Organization | Principal - This past decade I’ve specialized in manufacturing equipment for sewer flow monitoring and started a WBE currently certified by the states of Tennessee and Virginia and the City of Chattanooga. I saw a hole in the market of what sewer flow monitoring has looked like and designed a solution that is more cost effective on equipment and specifically labor, creating more value for the taxpayer. I’ve worked across the country (New England to Florida to San Fran) partnering and/or training engineering firms, service providers, and municipalities in sewer flow monitoring and would like to be able to bring my knowledge base to Chattanooga. I currently sit on three national committees: (Water Environment Federation (WEF) Collections Systems Committee, Collections Systems Sub Committee, and the Specialty Conference Advisory Panel. Between my knowledge base and my network, I have the sphere of influence to get anything done with any Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Study (SSES) and Trenchless Technology to help contribute to the city I’ve called home since 2006. What Smart Water Solutions is currently doing: - Manufacturing sewer flow monitoring solutions (flow data, depth-only, rain gauge solutions, software, etc) - Manufacturing groundwater monitoring solutions - Currently training Forbes recognized consulting engineering firms - Creating new innovations of finding I/I within a collection system - Collaborating with other utilities across the country with their own individual issues and how they’re solving these problems |
| Organization Address | 134 N Market St. Unit 4485 Chattanooga, TN 37405 United States |
| Website | https://www.smarth2o.solutions |
| Best Phone Number To Reach You | (864)590-4636 |
| Alternate Phone Number | |
| Email Address | asmart@smarth2o.solutions |
| Alternate Email Address | asmartvol@gmail.com |
| Please Describe Your Project In Detail | Time, Money, and Execution have delayed Chattanooga in being within the standards of the EPA. We now have the opportunity to address these issues as aggressively and effectively as the City would like to get. A reference discussed will be (I/I) Inflow and Infiltration: water getting into the sewer that the system is not designed to receive, which can result in sanitary sewer overflows (SSO’s) into our lakes, rivers, and streams: “Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) are a release of untreated or partially treated sewage from a municipal sanitary sewer.” -EPA Inflow: Inflow is surface water that enters the wastewater system from yard, roof, and footing drains, from cross-connections with storm drains and downspouts, and through holes in manhole covers. Inflow occurs as a result of storm events such as rainfall, snowfall, springs or snow melt that contribute to excessive sewer flows. -KingCounty.gov Infiltration: Groundwater seeps into sewer pipes through holes, cracks, joint failures, and faulty connections -KingCounty.gov With support from the City, we look forward to: - Give local Chattanoogans the skills and opportunity to work on their own sewer system, keeping tens of millions of dollars at home - Provide better service to the City (I have found that people have pride when working within their own sewer collection system, which provides quality work) - We can do all SSES work at home. I have the knowledge base and the sphere of influence to bring in experts and train our Chattanooga based crews - Have more funding to put towards sewer work and not outsourced crews' unnecessary traveling fund. - Collaborate with the City’s workforce and where they can use help - Collaborate with Jacobs in getting them the information they need to drive us out of our Consent Decree - Help tackle the issue of I/I on the private side (estimated at 50% of all I/I comes from the pipe in between the house/building and the main sewer line it’s connected to) with CIPP - Consent Decree Community Public Relations - get the community involved and informed on where their tax dollars are going, updates on their sewer infrastructure, and of course publicize the WINS in reducing I/I with goals being to minimize the sewer bill. The increases in the sewer bill affect our neighbors with lower income the most and we should be looking to alleviate this tension as soon as possible. The Path Out of Compliance Currently, the two most proven cost effective and efficient ways to evaluate where I/I is getting into the sewer system are flow monitoring and smoke testing. Flow Monitoring Meters are put in a sewer line to monitor the amount of flow coming through during “dry weather” and then comparing that quantity with when a storm event happens. Finding the spikes in the data and differences in those flow values can help identify where I/I is getting in the system upstream of the flow meter. The City currently has an existing flow monitoring program that is outsourced under an expired rental agreement, but with this funding the City could have ownership of their own flow meters from a Chattanooga based manufacturer and serviced by our Chattanooga based neighbors. Because we have lower labor cost due to hiring local Chattanoogans, we can put more dollars in equipment and increase our data set for our friends at Jacobs. (2-3 per crew) Smoke Testing Smoke testing is where a crew blows a dense white smoke into a manhole in the sewer system, then logs where the smoke emerges identifying cracks, leaks, or faulty connections to be serviced. These issues may or may not get addressed due to the laws deeming the private side to be the one “responsible” for repairs (This will be expanded on below with CIPP). Because we have lower labor cost due to Chattanooga based employees, we can hire more people and attack the issues at hand. Crews can be trained in both flow monitoring and smoke testing to overlap any needed work that can be done to utilize our tax dollars more effectively. (2-3 per crew) CCTV and Cleaning We have the network and relationships to hire and train Chattanooga crews in all sewer camera inspections and cleaning. Crews can be trained in flow monitoring, smoke testing, CCTV work, and sewer line cleaning to overlap any needed work that can be done to utilize our tax dollars more effectively. (2-3 per crew) Manhole Inspections and Rehab We have the network and relationships to hire and train Chattanooga crews with running manhole inspections and manhole rehab. Crews can be trained in flow monitoring, smoke testing, CCTV work, sewer line cleaning, manhole inspections, and manhole rehab to overlap any needed work that can be done to utilize our tax dollars more effectively. (2 per crew) Groundwater Monitoring Installing permanent groundwater meters would identify the aquifers’ relativity to the sewer system. This helps with when are where I/I has potential to get into the system and where evaluation/rehab maybe prioritized. pH Sensors pH sensors added to a flow meter identifies when industrial discharge is not within standards (between 4 and 9), which can deteriorate a sewer line more quickly. CIPP (Cured In Place Pipe) Technology We have the network to hire and train Chattanoogans to install CIPP for private side lateral lining identified from smoke testing. This kind of technology allows for lateral pipes from the house/building to the road to be replaced without digging up the pipe and can be repaired by inserting a seamless felt liner into the pipe from the house/building to the mainline at the street and curing it by using 100% epoxy into place. This creates a quality pipe within the existing pipe. Working with the City and Jacobs, it is necessary to identify these areas that are contributing towards the national known average as being 50% of a utility’s I/I and put effort into it. Since there is an insurance policy in place for Chattanooga residents, this funding should go towards areas of highest SSO risk and least likely to be addressed without this funding by helping our lower income Chattanooga neighbors that can’t afford the insurance policy. (2-3 per crew) Mainline Lining We have the network to hire and train Chattanoogans and would hire an expert for the mainline lining crew lead. As areas of I/I are being identified, and collaboration with the City and Jacobs, we would be able to take a more streamlined approach with lining main sewer lines and would have the agility to be very quick, responsive, and most cost effective since we would be hiring and training our Chattanooga neighbors. (5 person crew) Stormwater With the City’s ongoing development and new construction while also having a combined system (stormwater and wastewater are both collected in some areas of the collection system), it is essential for Chattanooga to not overlook our stormwater runoff issues. Eric Emery (P.E.) is an expert and local Chattanoogan that would be available for collaboration with the City and Jacobs in inspecting and identifying issue areas of stormwater runoff, rerouting water runoffs, and identifying areas of potential retention ponds. Software We have a development team in place for our flow monitoring software and would be looking to hire Chattanooga software developers to tie all of Chattanooga's "Smart City/SCADA/Asset Management" into one user friendly solution. Our flow monitoring solution is protected against cybersecurity and expanding software for the city would carry the same standards of that practice. We have the talent at home to be able to utilize our community’s federal offering and spending it on Chattanooga through the Chattanooga work force. |
| Please explain how your project meets the requirements of the American Rescue Plan | Four out of Five of the "Critical Need Priority Areas" are addressed in my proposal, as well as two of the "Additional Priority Areas" and we're giving our citizens the skills to do it themselves. https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/environment/arp/documents/arp_tdec-water-infrastructure-investment-plan.pdf Tennessee Deployment of American Rescue Plan Funding: Water Infrastructure Investment Plan, section V. STATE OF TENNESSEE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT PLAN PRIORITY AREAS OF EMPHASIS, under Critical Need Priority Areas: - Achieving Compliance with Local, State, and Federal Drinking Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Water Quality Requirements Drinking water quality requirements are designed to protect public health by regulating levels of contaminants found in drinking water. Achieving compliance with drinking water quality requirements ensures that drinking water is safe for consumption and does not contain contaminants or other pollutants at levels that pose a risk to human health. Wastewater quality requirements establish standards for wastewater discharged to sewage treatment plants and eventually surface waters. Stormwater quality requirements regulate runoff generated from rain or snowmelt events that flow over land or impervious surfaces and is not absorbed into the ground. - Infiltration / Inflow Reductions for Wastewater Systems Infiltration and inflow (I&I) occur when excessive groundwater or stormwater enters aging or failing wastewater collection systems. Stormwater entering the collection system through sources like manhole covers, improperly connected sump pumps, and roof downspouts is called inflow. The amount of inflow peaks during and immediately after rainfall events and can result in sanitary sewer overflows and basement backups. Groundwater that seeps into the collection system through cracked sewer pipes or deteriorating joints is called infiltration. In areas with high groundwater, or when wet weather temporarily raises groundwater levels, infiltration increases the base flow of the failing collection system. Excessive I&I comes at a cost to the system. Reducing I&I can restore sanitary sewer system capacity, improve system operations, and reduce chronic maintenance issues, making systems more sustainable. Reducing I&I also reduces the risk of contamination from sewer system overflows, clean-up related expenses, and environmental hazards making systems more resilient, all while minimizing the cost of pumping and treating otherwise clean water. -Asset Management Planning for Sustainable Drinking Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Systems Asset management is the practice of managing infrastructure capital assets to minimize the total cost of owning and operating these assets, maintain the desired level of service to citizens, and plan for the future. It is a planning process that utilities use to manage maintenance, repairs, and upgrades while providing quality service to their customers and anticipating future infrastructure needs. A well-performing asset management program includes detailed asset inventories, an operation and maintenance system, communication with its customers, and long-range financial planning. These plans provide utility managers and local leaders with critical information, allowing clear decisions on timing of investments, how to maximize the value of infrastructure, as well as efficient management of dollars in the immediate and longer-term future. These plans improve the financial sustainability of a system, resulting in a more stable utility able to benefit from financing programs that require minimum financial stability standards while balancing the cost of services to customers. -Modernization of Facilities and Equipment for Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems Modernization of a water system involves modifying and updating aging water infrastructure. Modernization can involve physical infrastructure (e.g.., replacing pumps, pipelines, or storage tanks) as well as technological improvements (e.g., upgrading manual or obsolete control systems, system automation and telemetry). As much of the country’s built water infrastructure nears the end of its lifespan, modernizing water system pumping and pipeline transport operations can reduce water loss and lower system-wide energy consumption, thus improving a system’s sustainability while also reducing operating costs. Additional Priority Areas Green Infrastructure Best Management Practices / Managing Stormwater Green infrastructure mimics nature’s ability to absorb and mitigate stormwater at the source. Excessive stormwater can degrade water quality and promote localized and nuisance flooding. Using green infrastructure like rain gardens, expansion of green space, use of permeable materials, bioswales, and rainwater harvesting can help avoid stormwater problems including flooding, erosion, and non-point source pollution to nearby surface waters. Many communities manage stormwater through programs and utilities like water and wastewater. Stormwater programs use green infrastructure as a water quality tool that also enhances recreation, recharges groundwater, and creates aesthetic spaces. Improved stormwater management helps reduce impacts to the state’s water and wastewater systems and improves water quality in the state’s rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands. Managing Risk / Building Resilience to Extreme Weather Events, Cybersecurity, or Other Hazards for Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems Water and wastewater systems face many risks, such as natural disasters, security, and cybersecurity. To maintain effective and reliable service, it is important for water and wastewater systems to properly prepare for and build resilience to risks. Without this proper preparation, water and wastewater systems are vulnerable to events that may lead to serious health, safety, environmental, social, or economic consequences. Activities that support enhanced resilience and preparation include but are not limited to risk assessments, emergency planning, modernizing equipment or infrastructure, weatherizing facilities and assets, and engaging cooperatively with neighboring systems. |
| Where would your project take place? | Chattanooga/Hamilton County |
| How much will your project cost in total? | 9000000 |
| Do you have any matching funding sources from other local governments, private entities, non-profits, or philanthropic entities for your project? | No |
| Please describe the source and list amounts of any other funding. | |
| What portion of the project are you asking the city to fund? | |
| If funded, when would your project start? | May 1, 2022 |
| How long would your project take to complete? | Indefinite |
| What milestones would you use to measure your project’s progress? | We initially begin by flow monitoring sewer lines to identify I/I by looking at the difference in data from dry weather flows verses wet weather flows (during rain events). We continue monitoring flows over time to show the reduction in I/I from rehab and to have data for the City's always evolving sewer model. These are the industry standards of measuring progression within a sewer, but we would like to be a national stand out and have Chattanooga be the blueprint for other cities under a consent decree. |
| How would you ensure accountability and transparency throughout the project lifecycle? | We would be accountable and transparent throughout the project lifecycle by hiring Chattanooga taxpayers, collaborating and working along side with Chattanooga's elected officials, the City's employees, and Jacobs, the selected Consent Decree Program Manager. We would like to engage the community and show off publicly our efforts and achievements that their tax dollars go towards. |
| If successful, how would your project benefit the community? | The number one goal is to get out from being under compliance with the EPA. By getting support from the city, we will be able to hire Chattanooga based crews, buy equipment to support the work that is needed, identify I/I in the sewer, support the lower income communities with their CIPP and mainline work, protect our digital wastewater infrastructure from cyber attacks, develop a Smart City platform using current software infrastructure, and then promote our clean lakes and rivers on a national level. |
| How will you attract community buy-in for your project? | The Chattanooga community understands the issue with our sewer system and would like to see it addressed. By utilizing the funding in these ways, we are not outsourcing to other companies, we are hiring our citizens who spend their money within our communities and keep that funding at home. This is not a one time cash injection from the federal government, this is a cyclical injection of funding to snowball and grow. Our end goals would be to continue to employ Chattanooga residents to work on Chattanooga's sewer infrastructure, make a name for Chattanooga in the wastewater industry as the city with the best resources for the Path Out of Compliance, minimize our sewer bill (which effects our neighbors with the lowest incomes most), and utilize the Tennessee River for all of its offerings without concern of SSO discharge. |
| Name | Eric Emery |
| Contact Information | Eric@thenegroup.com - (423)421-2429 |
| Is there anything else you would like us to know about your project? | The project cost is an estimated number and will need to be discussed, but the funds would be properly utilized for all of the Chattanooga community. |