Lagoon Day 2025

Class Description:

Maine Rural Water Association is pleased to present this program at the Dexter Wastewater Lagoon System. 

Lagoon Day is a full day event with four, 90-minute sessions.

The day will begin with the first 90-minute session will include presentations by Jim Lord, Senior Civil Engineering Project Manager, Dirigo Engineering, as well as James Knight, Maine DEP Compliance Instructor and Brett Goodrich, Maine DEP Data Manager. Topics that will be discussed during this first session will include:

Wastewater Treatment Facility Upgrades (Jim Lord, Project Manager, Dirigo Engineering)
Course Description:
This project involved comprehensive upgrades to the wastewater treatment facility, with a primary focus on improving efficiency, reliability, and regulatory compliance. This discussion will include the good things that happened, the bad, the issues Maine DEP had, and how these issues were addressed. Major components of the work included liner replacements, sludge removal, and significant improvements to the diffused aeration system.

Scope of Work Completed:
1.    Aeration System:
o    Removed the existing diffused aeration system that was installed in 2015.
o    Replaced membranes and reinstalled the 2015 aeration system following sludge removal and relining activities.
2.    Sludge Removal:
o    Full-scale removal of accumulated sludge from the lagoons to restore capacity and treatment effectiveness.
3.    Lagoon Liner Replacement:
o    Existing liners were removed and replaced to prevent seepage and ensure long-term environmental protection.
4.    Pump Station Upgrades:
o    Mechanical and electrical upgrades to improve flow control and operational reliability.

The participants will then break into three groups and rotate through each of the remaining three sessions. By the end of the day, each participant will have attended four classes. The next three classes are as follows:

1.    A tour of Dexter Utility District Lagoon System (Tom Crawford, Superintendent, Dexter Utility District)

This session will include a comprehensive overview of a wastewater lagoon system, designed for municipal staff, operators, engineers, and regulatory professionals. The tour will include discussion of the full lifecycle of lagoon-based treatment, including system components, operational principles, recent upgrades, and regulatory compliance considerations. The tour includes a walkthrough of key infrastructure such as liners, pump stations, and diffused aeration systems. 

Learning Objectives:
•    Understand the structure and function of a lagoon-based wastewater treatment system
•    Learn about recent upgrades, including aeration system enhancements and lagoon relining
•    Gain insight into project execution, operational challenges, and DEP compliance
•    Observe best practices for maintenance, efficiency, and environmental stewardship

2.    Introduction to Chemical Principles and their Basic Application in Wastewater Lagoon Systems (Ken Johnson, Apprentice Coordinator, Maine Rural Water Association)

This presentation introduces fundamental chemical concepts and their practical applications in wastewater lagoon systems. It emphasizes how energy transfer, oxidation-reduction reactions (ORP), temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen interact to influence microbial activity and treatment processes. The presentation covers key chemical principles including polyatomic ions, chemical bonding, energy release from reactions, and how energy is stored and utilized in lagoon systems. Special focus is placed on the role of oxidation-reduction potential in driving bacterial processes such as nitrification, denitrification, fermentation, and methane production. Additionally, it explains the importance of pH control, acid-base chemistry, buffering systems, and alkalinity management for maintaining stable lagoon function. The content is designed to bridge basic chemical theory with real-world wastewater treatment operations.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1.    Describe how energy is stored and transferred in lagoon systems through temperature, chemical bonds, and oxidation-reduction reactions.
2.    Explain the significance of oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and how it affects key biological processes like nitrification, denitrification, and methane production.
3.    Interpret the relationship between temperature and solubility, especially in relation to oxygen and carbon dioxide in wastewater.
4.    Identify how pH is influenced by strong and weak acids, diurnal cycles, and fermentation byproducts.
5.    Understand the role of dissolved oxygen (DO) and how it governs ORP and bacterial respiration in aerobic and anoxic environments.
6.    Demonstrate knowledge of buffering systems (e.g., carbonate and phosphate) and how they stabilize pH in lagoon systems.
7.    Analyze the impacts of chemical inputs and environmental factors on the chemistry and performance of wastewater treatment lagoons.
8.    Use ORP and pH measurements to monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize lagoon performance.

3.    Introduction to GIS: From the Desktop to the Field (Bradford Folta Jr., Founder & Geospatial/Geomatic Project Architect, Honey Badger Analytics LLC.)

GIS is not just a technical tool—it’s a way to think through spatial problems. This hands-on course introduces participants to the practical thinking behind GIS: how to organize data layers, create meaningful maps, and collect real-world data in the field.
We’ll begin with ESRI’s ArcGIS Online platform, covering the basics of map-making and data management, then transition to outdoor GPS data collection using mobile tools. Attendees should expect to be ready for interaction and movement in and out of the facility.

Key Topics:
•    Setting up GIS data layers and symbology
•    Map creation in ArcGIS Online
•    Field data collection with GPS
•    Spatial problem-solving through practice

Event Fee: $125 Members | $150 Non-Members

State Agency Approval:
Maine DEP: 6.0 TCHs for Wastewater Operators