DWU-PRO-033-WWC WWC Sluice Gates Operations Procedure

Document Number: DWU-PRO-033-WWC Revision Number: 1Approved By: Zachary L. Peoples Effective Date: 7/26/2010Description of LastChange:Initial ReleaseDocument Title:WASTEWATER COLLECTION SLUICE GATES OPERATION PROCEDURESPURPOSE: Provide guidance to employees responsible for performing sluice gateoperations and maintenance within the City of Dallas wastewater collection system.The sluice gates are used to divide the sewer flow proportionally between the two (2)City of Dallas wastewater treatment plants. The two (2) treatment plants request thesluice gate positions through the Wastewater Collection Division.SCOPE: Procedures apply to all Wastewater Collection Division mechanicsresponsible for performing inspections, operation and maintenance on sanitary sewersluice gates within the City of Dallas.RESPONSIBILITY & AUTHORITY: Only the Wastewater Collection Division isauthorized for the operation of the gates when adjustment is required. It is theresponsibility of the section supervisor to ensure that designated personnel underhis/her supervision are aware of these procedures and are trained accordingly. Thesupervisor has the authority to issue verbal and written counseling to employees foundin violation of these procedures and policies.SAFETY: Personal protective equipment, (hard hat, steel toed boots, gloves, eyegoggles) etc, shall be utilized at all times. When entry is required, a gas detector,blower, hoist and harness with lifeline attached shall be used.ENVIRONMENT: Waters in and around the surrounding area could be impacted in theevent of a sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) and in some cases fish residing in the watermay be harmed or killed. Adhere to all relevant federal, state and local environmentallaws.PROCEDURE:1. Location of sluice gates1.1 The entrance to the Sunbeam Sluice Gates is located at 2517 SunbeamAvenue, Dallas, Mapsco 57B. Follow the gravel road westward to the tallconcrete structures.1.2 The 5-Mile sluice gate can be accessed from 8689 S. Central Expressway,Dallas, Mapsco 66D. Follow the utility easement gravel road westward to thevalve structure. This gate structure, except for the gate stem, does notprotrude above ground level; therefore tall grass and weeds, if not properlymaintained, can easily hide this structure.1 of 4

Document Number: DWU-PRO-033-WWC Revision Number: 1Approved By: Zachary L. Peoples Effective Date: 7/26/2010Description of LastChange:Initial ReleaseDocument Title:WASTEWATER COLLECTION SLUICE GATES OPERATION PROCEDURES2. Function of sluice gates2.1. The Sunbeam sluice gates are located at the south end of the White Rocksewershed. There are two (2) junction structures, one containing a 96” sluicegate, which controls flow from the White Rock sewershed to SouthsideWastewater Treatment Plant, and the other structure contains a 60” sluice gate,which controls the flow to Central Wastewater Treatment Plant.2.2. The 5-Mile sluice gate is located at the east end of the 5-Mile sewershed and isused to control sewer flow through the 5-Mile Diversion to SouthsideWastewater Treatment Plant.3. Operation of the sluice gates3.1 The Sunbeam sluice gates are adjusted using motorized actuators. The gatecontrols are on top of the gate structures and an extension ladder suitable fora 15’ structure is necessary to access the controls. The controls are securedwith Best® padlocks, which are keyed specifically for the WastewaterCollection Division. On-the-job training by a supervisor is required in order tobe authorized to operate these gates. Additionally, the two (2) gates at thislocation must never be closed at the same time because this would completelystop the flow from the White Rock sewer shed, which would eventually createSSO’s in the collection system.3.2 The 5-mile sluice gate requires a hand crank attachment, a heavy duty electricdrill with a clutch assembly (for safety), or a pneumatic drill to attach to theactuator and open or close the gate. The power tools will require a generatoror a compressor to use as a power source. On-the-job training by a supervisoris required in order to be authorized to operate this gate.3.3 When treatment plants request adjustment of the gates, an authorizedwastewater collection employee must adjust the gate(s) to the requestedposition. The position is given using a percentage, which refers to the amountthat the gate is opened and the gate opens from bottom to top. For example,at 50% open, the gate will be blocking only the top half of the sewer line.3.4 Wastewater Collection Division mechanics must exercise the gates duringoperation checks and gate maintenance. Notifications to the treatment plantsare not required as long as the gates are returned to their original positionwithin an hour.3.5 Gate maintenance must be documented in the Waste Water Collection workorder management system on a per occurrence basis. Valve Operationnotifications should be printed and filed for historical reference.3.6 When gates are adjusted at the request of the treatment plants or for otheroperational purposes, the plants must be notified both verbally and in memoformat via email.2 of 4

Document Number: DWU-PRO-033-WWC Revision Number: 1Approved By: Zachary L. Peoples Effective Date: 7/26/2010Description of LastChange:Initial ReleaseDocument Title:WASTEWATER COLLECTION SLUICE GATES OPERATION PROCEDURESWork Order Management System (Internal): System Gen.4 of 4