Due to contamination from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) at two of the Town’s water supply wells, the Town of Natick took steps to construct a water treatment facility to treat the water from the contaminated wells. Tata & Howard conducted a water treatment facility siting evaluation and pilot study; and completed the design of the treatment facility, which utilizes air stripping and pressure filtration technology.
During the course of the design, it was determined that the backwash water would not be permitted by the MWRA to be discharged into the sewer system. Therefore, alternatives needed to be evaluated. One option was to provide holding tanks for the backwash water. This would enable the Town to recycle the supernatant to the head of the facility and therefore, minimize waste of the supply water. Since the area was not conducive for the installation of drying beds, the sludge collected at the bottom of the holding tank was removed by means of a septage hauler.
Tata & Howard proposed to recycle the backwash water, which required DEP approval as it had not been done before in the state. DEP gave approval and now recycled backwash water is used in numerous water treatment facilities in Massachusetts.
Tata & Howard has prepared numerous dam emergency action plans (EAPs) for Connecticut dams in accordance with CT DEEP regulations. Between 2015 and 2017, we have completed 52 EAPs for significant and high hazard dams throughout Connecticut. Our clients have included municipalities, private dam owners, and the CT DEEP. The EAPs include the following:
Preparation of an inundation map and flood inundation summary table for the EAP based on the dam failure analysis. The inundation maps include the limits of potential flooding (LoPF), selected cross sections, estimated time to peak stage, and the water depth at selected locations within the LoPF. For dams with no dam failure analysis, Tata & Howard prepared inundation maps for a hypothetical dam failure using hydrologic routing techniques.
Preparation of a list of roads and addresses at risk and subject to flooding based on the inundation map.
Preparation of dam monitoring procedures including identifying the persons responsible as well as procedures for monitoring the dam during periods of heavy rain and runoff, or when conditions develop that warrant closer monitoring, such as increased or new seepage, cracking, settlement or sabotage. The EAP provides dam specific information to assist the dam owner or operator in determining the appropriate emergency level for the event.Preparation of a formal warning notification procedure to alert the local authority responsible for acting on a warning or determining whether to evacuate residents and businesses within the inundation area after an unusual or emergency event is detected or reported at the dam.
Preparation of notification flow charts with emergency contact information of federal, state, and local agencies that are responsible for providing emergency services. The flow charts depict the order and circumstance under which the contacts should be notified. The EAPs also include a list of other emergency services contacts, such as the National Weather Service and local media, as well as the addresses of the local emergency operations center (LEOC) and shelters available to residents during an emergency per CT DEEP requirements.
Preparation of a termination procedure for ending monitoring and response activities once the emergency is over.
Black Pond Dam in Meriden, CT
Preparation of criteria to review and update the EAP at least once every two years, or more frequently as necessary to reflect significant changes to the dam structure or downstream area, including verification of contacts in the emergency notification charts. The criteria also include guidance for the dam owner to conduct an exercise or test of the EAP concurrent with the review.
Preparation of aerial, location, and watershed maps for the dam.
Tata & Howard’s Waterbury, CT office completed forty (40) dam inspections and reports for the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) for dams located in the Western District of Connecticut, including fifteen flood control dams. The dams were rated from a hazard classification of ‘C’ to ‘BB’, and were located in urban environments, suburban locations, and rural settings. The construction of the dams varied from earthen embankments to mortared stone masonry to concrete to roller compacted concrete. The spillways varied as well, including ogee spillways, broad crested weirs, intake risers, and a drop inlet structure.
Bunnells Pond Dam
Each report included a description of the dam, inspection checklists, photographs, a sketch of the dam identifying the major features and showing the photo locations, an aerial photograph and location plan, and recommendations for improvements.
T&H staff also provided the DEEP with a cost estimate for the recommended repairs and maintenance at the 23 non-flood control dams, including contingencies for engineering services, permitting, and construction administration support services.
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