specific-questions-answers
1. What documentation does Craig have or use for his process?
Answer: None beyond what's in the permit and spreadsheets. Craig mentioned that the documentation is minimal, and he primarily works from:
- The NPDES permit
- The pre-filled spreadsheets (e.g., TKN, Flow, Ammonia)
- Informal knowledge and past experience
2. Where do the parameters in the spreadsheet come from?
Answer:
- Some come directly from the permit.
- Others are based on standard operating procedures and historical requirements (e.g., calculating Ammonia Load from TKN).
- Some values are hardcoded or derived from past practices (e.g., CBODU derived from COD).
- Craig also pointed out that certain columns, like influent data, aren’t required by the permit but are helpful.
3. Where do the numbers in the equations (like multipliers) come from?
Answer:
- From conversion factors (e.g., mg/L to lbs/day).
- Some constants are derived from historical decisions or EPA guidance.
- An example given: the Ammonia Load uses a flow factor of 8.34, which is a standard conversion factor in wastewater.
4. How is the data entered or sourced each month?
Answer:
- Data is pulled from LIMS and the SCADA system.
- Craig copies daily or monthly average values manually into the spreadsheet.
- In some cases, he uses the monthly summaries prepared by lab staff.
5. What data validations are done?
Answer:
- Visual checks by Craig, looking for outliers or inconsistencies.
- Some spreadsheets have conditional formatting to highlight abnormal values.
- No formal automated validation.
6. What changes from month to month?
Answer:
- Only the raw data values (e.g., concentrations and flows).
- Formulas, structure, and logic generally remain the same.
- Occasionally minor tweaks are made, e.g., to correct past errors or handle anomalies.
7. What does Craig find most frustrating or time-consuming?
Answer:
- Manual entry and copying between systems.
- Ensuring that the data is accurate and complete.
- Lack of automation between LIMS/SCADA and spreadsheet.
8. What would he like to see improved or automated?
Answer:
- Automating data pulls from LIMS and SCADA.
- Validation checks to catch bad values early.
- Possibly integrating calculations into a database or form system instead of Excel.