This unit describes the skills required to assess, evaluate system performance and investigate and report on the optimisation of activated sludge and nutrient removal treatment processes in maintaining water quality.

This unit applies to those working as technical staff with a specific responsibility for optimising activated sludge and nutrient removal treatment processes.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Those undertaking this unit would work under indirect supervision, performing complex tasks in a familiar context.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. The candidate must be assessed preparing recommendation reports on at least one process listed in the Range of Conditions. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

identifying wastewater microorganisms

selecting measures to optimise the growth of beneficial microorganisms

identifying a range of wastewater microorganisms, and their general characteristics and types of problems caused

identifying effluent quality and selecting process control strategies to optimise the growth of beneficial microorganisms

preparing reports outlining the optimum treatment for various microorganisms including measures to ensure validity

performing various calculations to provide data for the analysis and development of options and solutions, including at least one of F:M ratio, MCRT

return and wasting rates

preparing and applying chemical dosing as required

reviewing existing activated sludge or BNR treatment process performance with reference to historical data, differences in raw water quality and plant configuration

identifying data deficiencies

assessing fault reports and investigating the current operational status of activated sludge or BNR treatment process plant components

investigating current and potential chemical addition practices

planning trials to test the performance of the determined activated sludge or BNR treatment process optimisation options

identifying the general characteristics of different types of microorganisms

identifying wastewater characteristics that impact on microorganism growth

identifying the problems caused by microorganisms in specific wastewater treatment processes

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

types, lifecycle, characteristics of wastewater microorganisms

operational problems caused by wastewater microorganisms

effluent quality problems caused by wastewater microorganisms

properties and mode of action of chemical additives

principles that form the basis of activated sludge treatment processes

principles that form the basis of BNR-activated sludge treatment processes, including nitrification and de-nitrification, enhanced biological phosphorous removal

types of activated sludge and BNR-activated sludge treatment processes

activated sludge and BNR microbiology

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.

Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.

Treatment