Digitalization of odor, corrosion and safety management in sewer networks - The City of Kalamazoo

The City of Kalamazoo has, over several years, been implementing a programme of works to improve odor management performance. This programme has included upgrades to the design of the sewer network, the establishment of an Odor Task Force with representatives of the City, local industry, elected officials, regulators and community groups, and the implementation of continuous monitoring focused on odor impacts. To complement this programme, the City piloted the creation of a digital twin of the network to support the identification and mitigation strategies for odor (in addition to corrosion and safety risks associated with hydrogen sulfide and methane). This case study explores the application of the SeweX product at the Davis Creek catchment in the City of Kalamazoo. SeweX was undergoing transformation from a deterministic model usually applied through a consulting approach, to a commercial software product. This case study reviews the process of collaboration between vendor and the City and the progress towards implementation of its digital strategy. The project included: - Configuration of a sulfide and methane model. - Calibration of the model with wastewater quality and gas measurements. - Visualisation of high risk areas across the network. - Assessment of alternative operating scenarios including chemical dosing and ventilation. - Training. - Review by key project stakeholders for suitability as a tool for ongoing use. Assessment of value of the product for wider rollout. ...Critical Success Factors The critical success factors for this project were: - Model accuracy to a level of accuracy that could be used for decision making across the network. - Ease of use — Model setup should be possible by non-subject matter experts. Results should be accessible and understood by the key users of the information for making decisions regarding capital allocation. - Scaleability — The solution should be able to be used in other networks with similar levels of available information and be able to be integrated into current work practices. ...Lessons Learned Initial results showed good agreement between measured and modelled results for H2S gas at Davis Creek in both the range of concentrations and variation of concentration across the day. The key lessons learned included: - Engaging with a complex modelling product of this nature at its stage of maturity provided an opportunity to positively influence product design and rapid product improvement. Flexibility from both vendor and customer was needed. - Organisational champions are critical to both develop and deliver the strategy in a large and diverse organisation with many stakeholders in the management of odor, corrosion and safety. - As an organisation-wide, accessible model for sewer network corrosion, odor and safety was a very new concept, intensive internal stakeholder engagement was needed identify the best approaches for integrating the solution for the longer term. Adapting to feedback throughout the process, especially monitoring requirements, was important. Taking time to understand the needs of different functions and individuals within the business and how this initiative best supported those needs was a valuable exercise. ...Outcomes This case study shares the key results and outcomes from the analysis of potential improvements to odor, corrosion and safety managements at the two catchments, which considered changes to chemical dosing strategy, ventilation and/or hydraulic properties in the network. Progress towards organisational objectives of improved decision making related to odor, corrosion and safety management in sewer networks was also reviewed.