hlad, jeffrey

Jeffrey Hlad has over 20 years of experience in water/wastewater treatment design, construction management, and regulatory compliance. As Senior Wastewater Process Engineering Manager at Metro Water Recovery, he leads the Technology & Innovation process engineering and data analytics teams. A Colorado native, Jeff holds BS and MS degrees from the University of Colorado Boulder (sko Buffs). When not at the plant, he's usually on a pickleball court trying to manage risk, reduce variability, and keep those dinks low!

Titles from this speaker

Description: Field-Scale Fate, Vertical Attenuation, and Crop Uptake of PFAS Following Long-Term...

Field-Scale Fate, Vertical Attenuation, and Crop Uptake of PFAS Following Long-Term Biosolids Land Application

Abstract

*Background Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in biosolids present an emerging challenge for wastewater utilities that rely on land application for beneficial reuse. Uncertainty in PFAS fate, transport, and bioavailability under long-term application conditions complicates risk communication, regulatory engagement, and operational decision-making. Metro Water Recovery (Metro) operates two wastewater treatment facilities in Colorado-the Robert W. Hite Treatment Facility (RWHTF) and the Northern Treatment Plant (NTP)-serving nearly 2.2 million customers and producing ~85 dry tons/day of anaerobically digested Class B biosolids. Biosolids are managed in compliance with applicable federal and state regulations and are primarily reused through land application. Metro also owns and operates the 52,000-acre METROGRO Farm, a non-irrigated (dryland) agricultural operation growing wheat and milo, where biosolids have been continuously applied since 1993. Despite increasing regulatory focus, field-scale, multi-media datasets evaluating PFAS occurrence across soils, groundwater, and crops remain limited. *Objectives Metro conducted a two-year study at the Farm to: 1.quantify PFAS occurrence across soils, groundwater, and crops; 2.evaluate PFAS occurrence, fate, and transport are associated with historical cumulative biosolids application rates; 3.characterize vertical attenuation of PFAS as a function of compound characteristics (chain length and functional group); and 4.quantify PFAS presence in harvested crops. *Methodology Sampling locations were selected using biosolids application records spanning 1998–2023 to categorize field segments by cumulative loading and long-term average application rate; locations were selected to span a wide range of application histories (Figure 1). Multiple media samples of soil, groundwater, and/or crops were paired at sampling locations, and soil profile samples were collected where feasible to support cross-media and vertical-profile interpretation. A total of 101 samples were collected across two field seasons (Table 1). PFAS quantification was performed by a commercial certified lab using LC–MS/MS with isotope dilution via EPA Method 1633 for solids and aqueous samples (Draft Method in 2023 and final in 2024) and modified Method 537M for crop tissues. Field and laboratory QA/QC included blanks, duplicates, and matrix spikes. An independent third-party data review of laboratory results was conducted against method acceptance criteria and EPA functional data review guidance. *Findings Selected highlights from the two-year study show: -Data quality and reliability: Across the full dataset, most PFAS analyte results were non-detect: of approximately 3,800 analyte results, ~86% were reported as non-detect (U or UJ), while ~14% were detections, including ~7% reported as estimated (J, above MDL) and ~7% reported without qualifiers. Field and laboratory QA/QC met method acceptance criteria, supporting dataset defensibility. In groundwater, PFAS were detected in all six samples, with 13 of 40 analytes detected at least once; overall, ~85% of compound-results (203 of 240) were non-detect, and ~65% of detections (24 of 37) were J-qualified, indicating generally low-level occurrence. -Mechanisms and patterns: Total PFAS concentrations in soil and groundwater did not statistically correlate with cumulative biosolids loading or long-term average application rate (R² < 0.01; Figure 2), indicating application history alone was not predictive of measured concentrations. Soil PFAS exhibited strong vertical attenuation, with median and interquartile ranges decreasing sharply with depth (Figure 3). Maximum total PFAS decreased from 150 µg/kg at 0–1 ft to 23.8 µg/kg at 2–3 ft and 0.85 µg/kg at 5–6 ft (<2% of surface maximum), consistent with dominant near-surface retention; Figure 3 provides context of the 150 µg/kg result as an upper-tail observation. Vertical attenuation trends across profiled locations are shown in Figure 4. Groundwater PFAS were dominated by short-chain and fluorotelomer-associated compounds, with 6:2 FTS frequently prevalent. At one resampled location, total PFAS differed between years (240 ng/L in 2023 vs 48.7 ng/L in 2024; 6:2 FTS: 170 vs 46 ng/L), demonstrating temporal variability. -Exposure endpoints: PFAS were not detected in seed/grain in any of the 26 crop samples analyzed. Of 40 analytes evaluated, 7 were detected at least once in root and/or stalk/stem tissues, occurring in 10 of 26 samples, with most detections reported as estimated (J- or CI-qualified). Chemical class analysis indicated environmental 'aging,' with precursor compounds comprising 50–70% of PFAS mass in biosolids but <10% in amended soils. *Industry Significance The study provides a defensible, field-scale roadmap for utilities initiating PFAS investigations in land-application settings. Transferable lessons include using long-term application records to inform sampling design, pairing soil profiles with groundwater and crop data to support mechanism-based interpretation, and designing programs that address site heterogeneity through replication and QA/QC. Importantly, a dose-response relationship between biosolids application rate and PFAS occurrence in soils and groundwater could not be verified at field scale, reinforcing the need for field data to inform fate-and-transport understanding, and risk evaluation and communication.

This paper was presented at WEFTEC 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Presentation time

09:00:00

09:15:00

Session time

8:30:00

10:00:00

SessionPFAS in Biosolids: Fate, Transport, and Land Application

Session locationErnest N. Morial Convention Center

TopicBiosolids and Residuals, Disinfection and Public Health, PFAS, Research and Innovation

Author(s)

hlad, jeffrey, Rauch-Williams, Tanja, Jackson, Emily, Borja, Domenica, Fitzgerald, Nicole, Diguiseppi, William, Moore, Matt

Author(s)j. hlad1, T. Rauch-Williams1, E. Jackson1, D. Borja1, N. Fitzgerald2, W. Diguiseppi2, M. Moore2

Author affiliation(s)Metro Water Recovery, 1Metro Water Recovery, 1Metro Water Recovery, 1Metro Water Recovery, 1Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc., 2Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc., 2

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Sep 2026

DOI10.2175/193864718825160463

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count15

Description: Optimizing Dissolved Organic Nutrient Management: Exploring Carbon-Based Advanced...

Optimizing Dissolved Organic Nutrient Management: Exploring Carbon-Based Advanced Treatment Strategies

Abstract

Introduction As population growth, urbanization, and climate change intensify pressures on water resources, utilities are faced with an increased urgency for advanced water treatment (AWT) solutions and a need to enhance resilience against evolving climatic conditions. Concurrently, wastewater resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) are faced with increasingly stringent nutrient discharge limits that surpass the capabilities of conventional treatment methods. Consequently, utilities are compelled to adopt innovative approaches to address the quality and quantity of water supplies while ensuring regulatory compliance and sustainability. In this work, we highlight case studies of two forward-thinking utilities, distinguished by geographical contexts and unique drivers, yet united by a commitment to advance climate change adaptation strategies, achieve ultra-low nutrient limits, and integrate holistic one water initiatives. Metro Water Recovery (Denver, CO): Upcoming Colorado water quality regulations are set to impose stringent stream standards, notably 2.01 mg/L for total nitrogen (TN) and 0.10 mg/L for total phosphorus (P) on WRRFs, including Metro Water Recovery's Robert W. Hite Treatment Facility (RHWTF) and Northern Treatment Plant (NTP). AWT technologies like carbon-based advanced treatment (CBAT) schemes (e.g., coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation (floc/sed), ozone (O3), biofiltration (BAF), and granular activated carbon (GAC)) may address stringent nutrient limits while also aligning with Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) requirements. A study was initiated to: 1) assess the treatability of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), and soluble non-reactive phosphorus (sNRP) using CBAT technologies; and 2) discern the capabilities of CBAT in concurrently achieving nutrient limits and DPR compliance. Evaluation of nutrient removal through tertiary CBAT processes spanned full-scale applications (floc/sed at NTP and BAF/floc/sed at RHWTF's Denver Water Recycling Plant (DWRP)) and pilot-scale (O3 only, BAF only, and O3/BAF at RHWTF), supplemented by bench-scale floc/sed (jar testing) and GAC evaluations (rapid small-scale column tests). Parameters such as O3 dose and empty bed contact times aligned with potable reuse standards. While full-scale floc/sed/filtration at NTP (Figure 1; Figure 2) and DWRP (Figure 3, Figure 4) (~20 mg/L alum) effectively managed particulate P and sNRP removal, it did not meet DOC and DON targets for Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) applications. CBAT testing showed potential for control of DOC and DON, albeit with the need for multiple potentially costly unit processes. The GAC runtime (up to 3,500 Bed Volumes for DOC and DON targets) was notably extended through enhanced upstream treatment. While floc/sed processes achieved comparable DOC and DON removal rates (up to 40% each) at the expense of elevated coagulant doses (80 mg/L Ferric chloride), O3/BAF treatments realized a modest 26% reduction in DON. Future pilot efforts aim to assess the efficacy of a comprehensive CBAT treatment train, inclusive of tertiary denitrifying BAF, to fulfill TN requirements and optimize DPR suitability. AWT Utility (Midwest): A midwest AWT utility has seen significant population growth in recent years and is estimated to double by 2040. Rapid growth and a desire improve the health of the receiving water body have urged the utility to consider alternative water supplies. Subsequently, the utility commissioned a CBAT pilot consisting of O3, two-stage BAF, GAC, and UV advanced oxidation process (UVAOP). The objective of this study was to pilot CBAT technologies to demonstrate the ability of AWT process trains to produce high quality finished water that meets stringent water quality targets. This study utilized a multi-barrier scheme of O3/two-stage BAF (aerobic/anoxic) to meet low TN limits. Filters were operated in several phases (Table 1) until effluent quality targets were met (TOC < 3 mg/L, TN < 2 mg/L, contaminants of emerging concern (CECs)- meet MCLs) and steady-state was achieved. Select operational parameters were varied during each phase and the resulting water quality surrounding the first anoxic BAF (BAF 3) is shown in Figure 8. Table 2 shows the effluent DO, nitrate (NO3-N) concentrations and corresponding % NO3-N removal achieved across each anoxic BAF. Results indicate that when supplemental carbon and upstream feed DO levels were controlled, anoxic BAF 1 established and maintained anoxic conditions and achieved NO3-N removals up to 60% with anoxic BAF 2 acting as a polishing biofilter (%NO3-N removal ~30%). When supplemental carbon and upstream DO quenching chemical doses were reduced, anoxic BAF 1 turned into a sacrificial BAF, consuming excess DO and displaying poor nitrate removals (~15%), while anoxic BAF 2 became the dominant anoxic biofilter (> 60% NO3-N removal). Piloting efforts demonstrate how a modified CBAT train may simultaneously meet low TN targets (< 2 mg/L) and produce high quality product water. Conclusion Case studies at Metro Water Recovery and a midwest AWT utility demonstrate CBAT's potential for improving finished water quality for reuse and meeting ultra-low nutrient discharge requirements. Project findings provide first guidance on how WRRFs can adjust operational setpoints using CBAT process infrastructure to meet DPR or discharge water quality requirements in ecologically sensitive and drought-prone watersheds.

This study explores carbon-based advanced treatment (CBAT) as an alternative to reverse osmosis for removing dissolved organics and nutrients. Case studies at the Franklin Water Reclamation Facility in Tennessee and the Metro Water Recovery Robert W. Hite Treatment Facility in Colorado evaluated CBAT pilots. Using various configurations, the study measured the removal efficiency of dissolved organic carbon, dissolved organic nitrogen, dissolved organic phosphorus, and total inorganic nitrogen.

SpeakerHlad, jeffrey

Presentation time

11:00:00

11:30:00

Session time

10:30:00

12:00:00

SessionAdvancements in Non-RO Treatment for IPR/DPR: Exploring Cutting-Edge Solutions

Session number530

Session locationRoom 235

TopicIntermediate Level, Microconstituents and Contaminants of Emerging Concern (Non-PFAS), Sustainability and Climate Change, Water Reuse and Reclamation

Author(s)

Hlad, jeffrey, Freedman, Daniel, Ram Mohan, Gayathri, Khunjar, Wendell, Scopp, Anna, Peterson, Eric, Rauch-Williams, Tanja, Wang, Jiefu

Author(s)J. hlad1, D. Freedman1, G. Ram Mohan2, W. Khunjar3, A. Scopp4, E. Peterson4, T. Rauch-Williams1, J. Wang5

Author affiliation(s)1Metro Water Recovery, 2Hazen and Sawyer, 3Hazen and Sawyer, VA, 4Hazen and Sawyer, 5Virginia Tech, VA

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Oct 2024

DOI10.2175/193864718825159696

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count11

Unlocking the Power of Wastewater Data

Abstract

Effective use of data in the wastewater industry ultimately yields optimized operations and sound business decisions. But reliable data driven tools are impossible to develop in the absence of a strong data governance system, powerful data integration and calculation tools, and a dynamic data delivery system. Data governance frameworks dictate the rules and standards applied to both fundamental and calculated data, from generation to deletion, and they ensure that the calculations and tools built around data provide trusted guidance and accuracy. The pillars of an effective data utilization program are governance, transparency, and calculation management. These concepts are being applied at Metro Water Recovery (Metro) in an effort led by the Data Analytics Group in the Technology and Innovation Department.

Data governance includes rules for data organization, ownership, access, and management. When changes to data are controlled and logged, definitions and metadata are clear, and access is simple, data users trust that the data is correct and that products built on it offer valuable insights. Metro is improving its data governance program by building a system to allow users to request changes to fundamental (i.e., raw) flow and process data (Figure 1). Requests will be routed to the relevant data owners for approval and then forwarded to the appropriate technical group to institute the change, which is then is logged in a database to capture the details of the modification.

Figure 1: Date Correction Workflow at Metro

Metro is unique in that both fundamental and calculated data are historized. Calculated data is created using the calculation engine built into PI Asset Framework (Figure 2) or through external systems such as Alteryx (Figure 3) or Python. Historizing calculated data allows for easy access to large, calculated datasets, which are often requested by internal and external project teams and can be time consuming to develop. Centralized calculations reduce risks associated with manual methodologies and errors, and workloads are reduced because calculations are automated. At Metro, hundreds of calculated data points are logged every day without the need for intervention by engineers or data analysts, although periodic checks are needed to ensure that the calculations are working properly.

Figure 2: Calculation Example from PI Asset Framework

Figure 3: Calculation Example from Alteryx

Transparency is imperative in centralized calculation systems. Data users must be able to easily access calculation methodologies, including exactly which data and operations are employed and at what frequency, so that they develop trust in the calculations. If trust is lost, users may prefer manual calculations to ensure their own complete understanding, leading to unmanaged copies of calculations that may differ from user to user.

At Metro, much of the historized calculated data is included on various operations reports. Each report contains links to documents on SharePoint that contain metadata about the values in the report including calculation definitions (Figure 4), standard assumptions and conversion factors, and explanations of any codes or notes. While these documents are manually generated during report creation and can be onerous to maintain, the Data Analytics Group at Metro continues to evaluate solutions to automate these processes and make calculation definitions accessible to all users. In addition, there are many other calculations that are only displayed on dashboards or only available on-demand for which calculation methodologies are only noted in comments included in the calculation itself, but that information may not be accessible to all data users. The Data Analytics Group at Metro continues to evaluate solutions to allow all data users to access calculation definitions and other metadata.

Figure 4: Calculation Definitions Document

Calculation management is needed to keep track of all the calculations that exist, which processes are used to calculate them, and how calculations are related to each other and to fundamental data. If changes are made to fundamental data, there may be cascading effects on calculated data streams. A calculation management system will identify the calculations that depend on the changed data so they can be updated. This web of interdependency can be highly complex and difficult to manage.

Effective data governance, calculation transparency, and calculation management are the cornerstones of an advanced data utilization program. At Metro Water Recovery, these principles are being applied to empower data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency. By historizing calculated data, implementing robust change management workflows, and promoting calculation transparency, Metro ensures that data users can access accurate, reliable, and actionable insights. While progress has been made, the journey to a fully integrated and automated system continues, driven by the commitment of the Data Analytics Group to refine processes, foster trust in data, and unlock the full potential of wastewater analytics and data utilization.

This paper was presented at WEFTEC 2025, held September 27-October 1, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

Presentation time

15:30:00

15:45:00

Session time

15:30:00

17:00:00

SessionData in Action! Data-Driven Optimization Models

Session locationMcCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA

TopicOptimization of Municipal Facility Operations

Author(s)

Goldman, Josh, Rubino, Rylee, Clark, Greg, hlad, jeffrey, Rauch-Williams, Tanja