NWP536B
Implement and manage wastewater collection management plan

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to implement and manage the plans for wastewater collection networks and systems.

Application

This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for managers in water organisations with responsibility for the implementation of wastewater collection management plans.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Implement the wastewater collection management plan.

1.1 Confirm performance measures for the wastewater management plan.

1.2 Access and interpret historic system information to inform the implementation process.

1.3 Design and implement monitoring and testing programs according to the objectives of the wastewater collection management plan.

1.4 Operate the system according to the wastewater collection management plan and legislative requirements.

1.5 Plan and oversee system maintenance according to the wastewater collection management plan.

1.6 Manage the organisation resources to achieve the objectives of the wastewater collection management plan.

2Monitor and evaluate the operation and maintenance of the wastewater collection management plan.

2.1 Monitor and test system performance according to management plan.

2.2 Analyse and interpret monitoring and testing results and report according to legislative and enterprise requirements.

2.3 Investigate current and/or potential problems identified and report results and recommendations according to legislative and enterprise requirements.

2.4 Provide advice and guidance to users, customers and stakeholders according to legislative and enterprise requirements.

2.5 Identify and investigate breaches of the usage provisions and report the results and/or recommendations according to legislative and enterprise requirements.

3Report on the implementation of the wastewater collection management plan.

3.1 Identify deviations from the wastewater collection management plan.

3.2 Review and report objectives of the management and implementation plans.

3.3 Make recommendations for changes to plan objectives and operational maintenance procedures.

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills:

communicate effectively

plan effectively

prepare reports

interpret and apply legislation and policies

coordinate measuring and testing activities

use mathematical and scientific techniques to interpret test results

conduct investigations

assess environmental impacts

solve problems

Required knowledge:

relevant legislation

relevant enterprise policies

range of appropriate measuring and testing procedures

investigation procedures

customer expectations and requirements

environmental legislation

occupational health and safety legislation

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to implement and manage the plans for wastewater collection networks and systems including:

gathering, interpreting and synthesising information (including historical data, current legislation and standards, stakeholder views and the results of wastewater testing and monitoring) to underpin the implementation of the wastewater collection management plan

planning and implementing testing processes and programs

monitoring and evaluating the outcomes of the wastewater collection management plan

providing advice and communicating with stakeholders and users

preparing reports and recommendations for future action

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Access to the workplace and resources including:

documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation

relevant codes, standards, and government regulations

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice

a decision of competence should only be made when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence over time and in various contexts

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence

where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time

assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator, any cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and reflecting the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the Performance Criteria, is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Wastewater collection systems may include:

gravity pipe systems

pressure pipe systems

pump stations and pumping systems

odour control systems

gully traps, manholes and valve pits

overflow storage and treatment systems

stormwater infiltration control systems

trade waste and domestic connections and drains

Historic system information may include:

previous studies

impact of weather

relevant hydrological information

system models

Legislative requirements may include:

relevant federal legislation

relevant state or territory legislation

relevant local government by-laws

trade waste policies

relevant government and quasi government authorities' rules (e.g. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Environment Protection Authority)

Monitoring and testing may include:

physical analysis of water:

pH

conductivity

colour

turbidity

chemical analysis of water:

chlorine

alkalinity

chemical oxygen demand

heavy metals

sulphides

microbiological analyses:

coliforms

plate counts

physical measures:

power

chemicals

water flows

sludge volumes

mechanical testing:

vibration

noise

temperature

fauna and flora surveys

gas detection and testing

odour testing

stakeholder surveys

Stakeholders may include:

conservation groups

community action groups

general community

industry groups and companies

catchment users

government (all levels)

quasi government organisations

treatment plant operator enterprises

chemical suppliers

consultants

equipment suppliers


Sectors

Not applicable.


Competency Field

Collection and distribution.


Employability Skills

This unit of competency contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.