Sewer Science Scrapbook - Bureau of Sanitation

AcknowledgementsThe City is very grateful for these sponsors who donatedvaluable prizes for this year’s Sewer ScienceCompetition, namely: Black & Veatch, Brown andCaldwell, CDM, CH2MHILL, LEXICON and HDR. TheCity also wishes to thank our outstanding panel ofjudges who worked tirelessly during our competition.Also, many thanks to our outstandingteachers and mentors for making the 2010-2011 Sewer Science Program and 2011 SewerScience Competition a huge success.Sewer Science is an inter-disciplinary microbiology, chemistry, physics and environmentalcurriculum designed to stress the importance of pollution prevention in theCity’s communities. The week-long program delivers the message of pollution preventionby taking a mobile lab unit into local middle school, high school and college scienceclassrooms to simulate primary, secondary and advanced wastewater treatmentprocesses. Students and teachers are provided with an opportunity to performhands-on instrumental analysis, and are introduced to other scientific concepts as away to directly link pollution prevention efforts with the City’s treatment of wastewater.The primary goal of the program is to raise the communities’ awareness of the environmentand the consequences of pollution. The ultimate goal is to achieve cleanerwastewater and stormwater run-off, thereby reducing future capital and maintenancecosts for City’s wastewater and stormwater treatment systems. The City of Los AngelesSewer Science Program is administered by the Bureau of Sanitation, IndustrialWaste Management Division (IWMD).

“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward anindividual common vision. The ability to directindividual accomplishments toward organizationalobjectives. It is the fuel that allows common people toattain uncommon results.”-Andrew Carnegie

2Sewer Science

In a nut shellThe original concept for the Sewer Science program began in 1997 with anenthusiastic science teacher from Palo Alto, California. The Sewer Sciencecurriculum was created by a group of dedicated teachers and wastewaterprofessionals from the City of Palo Alto’s Regional Water Quality Control Plant(RWQCP), San Jose State University, and Menlo-Atherton High School. TheCity’s Bureau of Sanitation adopted the program in 2003.Sewer Science is an inter-disciplinary microbiology, chemistry, physics andenvironmental curriculum designed to stress the importance of pollutionprevention in the City’s communities. A primary goal of the program is toraise the communities’ awareness of the environment and the consequencesof pollution. The ultimate goal is to achieve cleaner wastewater andstormwater run-off, thereby reducing future capital and maintenance costs forCity’s wastewater and stormwater treatment systems.The week-long Sewer Science program (1 hour per day) delivers the messageof pollution prevention by taking a mobile lab unit into local middle school,high school and college science classrooms to simulate primary, secondary andadvanced wastewater treatment processes. Students and teachers areprovided with an opportunity to perform hands-on instrumental analysis, andare introduced to other scientific concepts as a way to directly link pollutionprevention efforts with the City’s treatment of wastewater. Tests areperformed at every stage of the treatment process and results are graphed tovisually show the effects of treatment. These results are compared to EPAstandards to indicate even the simplest treatment system can have a greatimpact on wastewater. At the conclusion of the course, teachers andstudents are invited to tour a City of Los Angeles wastewater treatmentfacility.Students are also encouraged to enter the Annual Sewer Science TechnicalCompetition. Participating teams use recycled materials to build anengineering model of the City’s wastewater collection and treatment systems,and a panel of judges interview team members on the wastewater treatmentprinciples and pollution prevention practices learned from the program.3

Sewer Science2004City of Los Angeles Quality and ProductivityCommission recognized the Sewer ScienceProgram, honoring the volunteers’ andmentors’ initiative, creativity, teamwork, costcontainment efforts and entrepreneurial spiritin providing a high level of customer serviceto students and residents of the City of LosAngeles.The American Public Works Association (APWA)Southern California Chapter honored SewerScience Program with the Project of the YearAward.2005The Los Angeles Council of Engineers andscientists (LACES) honored the Sewer ScienceProgram with the Harry Staubs Award.2007The national Association of Clean WaterAgencies (NACWA) honored Sewer ScienceTeacher and Student Resource Videos with thenational Environmental Achievement Award.4

4,018,000 people reside in Los Angeles16,287 students participated in Sewer Science classesin Los Angeles since 2003There are 148 secondary schools in Los Angeles UnifiedSchool District5

Sewer ScienceWEFTeach ‘03The award-winning annual WEFTeach is a full-day train-the-trainer teacher’s workshop.During WEF’s annual conference held on October 13 and 14, 2003 at the Los AngelesConvention Center, representatives from the City of Palo Alto and South Bay SystemAuthority conducted the training for staff from City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles CountySanitation Districts (LACSD), and Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).The program continues to be implemented across the nation and is introduced to newcities through the WEFTeach program every year. Since 2003, this training program hasreceived rave reviews from educators from the cities where it is being offered —Chicago, Miami, Dallas, Orlando, New Orleans, Atlanta, and Washington D.C.6

2003-20042004TeamworkA group of inspired mentors helped launch our program. They demonstrated excellent attitude,dedication and teamwork skills while providing exceptional public service to the citizens of theCity of Los Angeles.Front row (left to right): Cecile Buncio, Rosalina Chuatoco, Jash Patel, Mina Azarnia,Precious Metcalf, Kevin Fossett, Antranik Saiyan, Loudmilla Vertanessian, Roshan Aflaki,Ernesto Manalo, Elvin Yeck, Ronald Mayuyu and Martin RuizBack row (left to right): Jennifer Kong, Luis Durruty, Michael Simpson, Marek Arlukiewicz,Mike McClellan, Rene Ramirez and Majid SadeghiNot in picture: Alina Constantinescu, Anson Pua, Fariba Fahami, Ing Jones, JocelynCarrillo, John Manalo, Mary Franke, Mohamed Krayem, Nick Tolentino, Nida Abad, OlgaKrel, Pamela Bond, Ron Milo and Subodh Kumar7

Sewer ScienceMentors in action“During this week I have learned alot about water pollution”.Ibrahim - Granada Hills HS“Thank you so much… You helped usenhance our curriculum and for thefive contestants, they are stillgrinning ear to ear”.Lori Dver, PrincipalChatsworth Hills Academy“This has been a fun experience. Iliked the experience because it’s veryhands on”.Daniella - Granada Hills HS8

2003-20042004Sewer Science hasbeen taught atdifferent schoolwith a variety ofeducationalbackgrounds.“This is the mostr e w a r d i n gexperience,” saidone of the mentors,“I am teaching andat the same time Iam inspired bytheir creativity.”9

Sewer ScienceFirst Annual Sewer ScienceTechnical CompetitionThe Bureau of Sanitation’s IndustrialWaste Management Division made historyon May 6, 2004 when they held the firstof what will be an annual technicalcompetition.Using recycled materials, studentscreated a schematic model of the City’sWastewater Drainage and ConveyanceSystem and brought it to the contest forreview. The panel of three judges,including Joseph Russo from BaxterHealth Care, then interviewed each teamconcerning principles learned in thesewer science program.“This program will helpstudents appreciate ourenormously precious naturalresource, water. I hope thisprogram will continue tobring awareness to youngpeople like myself. After all,the future rests in ourhands… Please continue tobring excellent programssuch as the Sewer ScienceProject to our school”.Adriana Delgado–Dorsey HS10

2003-20042004First Place Winners !!Dorsey High’s winning modelof the City’s WastewaterDrainage and ConveyanceSystem.Dorsey High School studentsdisplay their trophies andcertificates with theirteacher, BOS mentors, BureauDirector Rita Robinson andCommissioner Cynthia Ruiz.11

Sewer Science“Thanks a lot for the presentationand lecture and for that SewerScience Program. My studentsbenefited a lot, had a hands-onexperience and actually saw thedifferent equipment and laboratorymaterial used. That was very helpfulfor their learning. We hope we willhave your group again next year”.Ms. Sarmiento- Hollywood HS12

2004-20052005Neighborhood OutreachChing Loong conducting Sewer Science outreach at a Sanitation Yard.13

Sewer Science2nd Technical CompetitionDorsey High did it again! They are back to back champions holding the first place title.14

2004-20052005North HollywoodHigh School isour second placewinner.“Thank you for teaching us about sewage water treatment. It was very interesting!”-Lina Kae15

Sewer ScienceAwardsCity of Los Angeles Quality andProductivity Commission recognized theSewer Science Program, honoring thevolunteers’ and mentors’ initiative,creativity, teamwork, cost containmentefforts and entrepreneurial spirit inproviding a high level of customer serviceto students and residents of the City of LosAngeles.The American Public Works Association(APWA) Southern California Chapter honoredSewer Science Program with the 2004Project of the Year Award.16

2004-20052005TeamworkLeft to right: Subodh Kumar, Sam Alavi, Olga Krel, Ronald Mayuyu, Technical Competitionjudge Lizzette Villegas (MWH), Michael Simpson, Director Rita Robinson, LoudmillaVertanessian, Jennifer Kong, Rene Ramirez, and Alina Constantinescu.Mentors not in picture: Ahmad Ghanem, Betty Dong, Cecile Dominquez, Christine Lai, DebbiePham, Erick Escobar, Ernesto Manalo, Girmachew Ayele, Hyginus Mmeje, Jash Patel, JohnManalo, Lope Geronilla, Luis Durruty, Martin Ruiz, Mary Franke, Mina Azarnia, Nida Abad,Pacifica Sagun, Parvathi Donthineni, Patricia Cruz, Precious Metcalf, Reina Pereira, and SangSim.17

Sewer ScienceScience and TechnologyAwareness DayMentor AlinaConstantinescu at thefirst exhibition ofScience andTechnology AwarenessDay on March 26, 2005at EPICC Center.18

2005-200620032006Mentor Ronald Mayuyu and Girmachew Ayele at the 2nd Science and TechnologyAwareness Day.– Photo Credit, Richard E. Lee, Department of Public Works Public Affairs Office.The Los Angeles African American Engineers and Professional Employees Association (AAEPEA)organized and sponsored two Family Science and Technology Awareness Events at theExposition Park Intergenerational Community Center (EPICC) in South Los Angeles. The firsttook place on March 26, 2005 and the second occurred on October 22, 2005. These eventstogether have reached over 200 kids and their families.The Science and Technology Awareness Days, emphasizing Engineering and Science, weresponsored to encourage and inspire young underrepresented students in South L.A. to pursue amath and science education. Also the Technology outreach went a long way in demystifyingwhat an Engineer or Scientist is engaged in for employment.The Sewer Science Program was there to allow the students another aspect of work in thescience field, and also to encourage them to have awareness of their city and their own wastewater system. The program helps the students to understand their personal impact on thecity’s sewer system, what they can do to help it, and many future careers that they couldbecome involved in.19

Sewer ScienceWEFTeach ‘05Loudmilla Vertanessiancoaches the teachers atWEFTeach (Washington,D.C.) on how to run theSewer Science Program.Jennifer Kong demonstrateshow the chemical testsshould be done.WEFTeach participant doing handsonactivities during a trainingsession.20

2005-200620032006Pacoima Beautiful Summer ProgramStudents enrolled inthe summer programin Pacoima received aspecial summersession of SewerScience.21

Sewer Science2005 Harry Staubs AwardThe Los Angeles Council of Engineersand Scientist (LACES) honored the SewerScience Program with the 2005 HarryStaubs Memorial Award for CommunityService.22

2005-2006200320062005-2006 2006 MentorsThe successful implementation of the Sewer Science program for the 2005-2006 school year wasdue to the efforts of the following program mentors: Ahmad Ghanem, Alina Constantinescu, BettyDong, Cecile Dominguez, Christine Lai, Debbie Pham, Erick Escobar, Ernesto Manalo, GirmachewAyele, Jennifer Kong, Kelvin Fossett, Lope Geronilla, Luis Durruty, Martin Ruiz, Mina EsmatAzarinia, Ming Kim, Pacifica Sagun, Parvathi Donthineni, Precious Metcalf, Reina Pereira, ReneRamirez, Ronald Mayuyu, Ron Milo, Mosalina Chuatoco.23

Sewer ScienceLights, Camera, Action!A great program sells itself. Interest for the Sewer Science Program grew tremendously. Toeffectively accommodate the increased demand for the program, and to help other publicagencies and schools interested in developing or adopting a similar educational program, theCity of Los Angeles developed a set of videos to assist the teachers and to educate thestudents.The video program provides increased learning experience through visualization of thetreatment processes, testing procedures, and careers in the wastewater treatment industry.The wastewater treatment plant is brought in to a classroom environment, making learningmore enjoyable and understandable for youths. It is also close-captioned to tailor toaudiences with hearing deficiencies.The Teacher’s Resource Video complements the instructions provided by the Sewer ScienceResource Manual and guides the teachers and mentors on how to prepare and present theSewer Science Education Program. The Student’s Resource Video shows and explains indetail the operations of wastewater treatment processes. This video also shows the effectsof household and industrial chemicals on the biological population in the secondarytreatment process. Finally, this video introduces the audience to the various careeropportunities available in the wastewater treatment industry.Sr. Photographer Kevin Snavely of the Bureau taking a video of students during one of the classes.24

2006-20072007Cut!The goals of the Sewer Science Resource Video Program are: Increase the public’s environmental awareness by discussing wastewatertreatment and water pollution prevention and control. Launch a self-sustainable grass-roots approach to deliver messages of pollutionprevention and environmental protection.The objectives are: Facilitate the learning process through visual information (videos) of actualtreatment processes and living microorganisms necessary in treating wastewater.The videos transpose the students from passive observers to active thinkers. Visualize the steps of testing procedures and safety protocols. Emphasize safe alternative cleaning methods and environmental-friendly disposalhabits. Equip the educators with sufficient resources to independently deliver the SewerScience Education Program.Sr. Photographer Kevin Snavely preparing to get more footage for the Resource Video.25

Sewer ScienceWe did it again!! The Bureau’s effortsto be a leader in environmentalawareness and education have onceagain been nationally recognized – thistime by the National Association ofClean Water Agencies (NACWA). NACWAawarded the Bureau’s “Sewer ScienceResource Video Program” as the winnerof the 2007 National EnvironmentalAchievement Award in PublicInformation and Education category.The Sewer Science Resource VideoProgram is a two video set developedand produced through the collaborativeefforts of IWMD and HRDD staff. Thetwo video set is comprised of Teacher’sVersion and Student’s Version. TheTeacher’s Version acts as a resourceand guide to educators and mentorswho would want to teach the SewerScience Program. The Student’s Versionhelps to broaden the students’knowledge of environmental pollutionand its prevention and control, throughthe teaching of the importance ofwastewater treatment systems.The Sewer Science Videos are anextraordinary resource for our schooldistrict, other public agencies andteachers nation-wide. Cities such asRedwood, Palo Alto, Washington, D.C.,and Dallas have adopted the SewerScience Educational Program and havebenefited from the use of these videos.NACWA Award26

2006-20072007The video programhelps the students tolearn interactively,become active thinkerson issues relating towastewater pollutionand environmentalprotection, and bemore aware of theirresponsibility topractice properdisposal habits.During the annualmeeting and awardsceremony on July 18,2007 in Cleveland,Ohio, the NationalAssociation of CleanWater Agencies(NACWA) awarded theCity of Los Angeles’Bureau of Sanitationthe prestigious nationalaward.27

Sewer ScienceSewer Science gets Corporate SponsorsThe consulting firms, with logosshown here, sponsored the prizes forthe winning teams at the SewerScience Competition on June 5 th ,2007. The prizes included laptops,digital cameras and mp3 players forfirst, second and third placesrespectively. The consultants alsoserved as judges for the contest.Thank You So Much!!28

2006-200720072006-2007 2007 MentorsBack Row:(Left to Right) Dariush Vosooghi, Aaron Ostergaard, Brandie Rucker, MichaelSimpson, Alina Constantinescu, Ronald MayuyuFront Row: (Left to Right) Luis Durruty, David Shin, Timeyin Dafeta, Commissioner PaulaDaniels, Asst. Director Traci Minamide, Loudmilla Vertanessian, Jash Patel, JocelynCarrillo, Jennifer Kong, Leo IngallaNot Pictured: Andy Koh, Art Richardson, Ernesto Manalo, Francisco Castro, GirmachewAyele, Martin Ruiz, Miguel Rodas, Richard John Hipolito, Theodore Higgins29

Sewer ScienceSewer Science Competition Entries30

2006-2007200731

Sewer ScienceSewer Science Competition Winners1st place Model and Technical Report winning entry teams pictured from Dorsey HighSchool.32

2006-200720072nd and 3rd place contestwinning entry teams fromManual Arts High School.3rd place contest winningentry team memberspictured from NorthHollywood High School.33

Sewer ScienceExteme Education Expo 2006Alina Constantinescu attended the educational exposition at Cal State Northridge topromote Sewer Science Program to the local teachers and students.34

2006-20072007WEFteach ‘06 in DallasJennifer Kong requests thebrave souls to volunteer mixingin wastewater ingredients.Norm Dominquez fromSBSA is demonstratingto the teachers handsontraining on how toteach the program.Everyone testing their own“wastewater” as part of the hands-onexperience.35

Sewer ScienceCity’s Board of Public Works presented Certificate of Commendation to thementors on September 28, 2007 for their exemplary performance and support inthe Sewer Science Program. Mentors were photographed with the BoardCommissioners, corporate sponsors and high school teachers.Ms. Edna Sarmiento from NorthHollywood High School, Ms.Wilethea Brown from Dorsey HighSchool and Mr. Eric Wheeler fromManual Arts High School showedtheir support for the program.36

2006-20072007Mentors celebrated the success of another great year!37

Sewer Science2007-2008 2008 Sewer Science CompetitionSewer Science Model Contest JudgingJudges, mentors, staff and guests posing in front of the winningmodels at the end of the competition.38

2007-20082008Board of Public WorksHigh School Internship Sewer Science TrainingLuis Durruty conducting Sewer Science Program at Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation PlantThis year a special “contracted” presentation of the Sewer Science Program wasconducted at the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant as part of the Board ofPublic Works High School Internship program. Students received highlights of theprogram and were then given a plant tour to show the Wastewater treatmentprocesses in action.39

Sewer ScienceFor the past four years the Sewer ScienceProgram has been presented at the LosAngeles Trade Technical College. LuisDurruty, Public Works engineer presentedSewer Science to the new ProcessTechnology class. In addition to LosAngeles Trade Technology College , SewerScience was also presented to thestudents of Otis College of Art andDesign. Here, Luis Durruty is showinghow to properly pipette a wastewatersample and how to prepare a slide tocheck for microorganisms using amicroscope.40

2008-20092009The students at Los Angeles TradeTechnical College are performing thevarious laboratory tests in the SewerScience Program. Here, thesestudents are determining if thewater meets the EPA discharge limitfor turbidity.These students are testing the watersample to see if it meets the EPAdischarge limits for ammoniaconcentration.Finally, these students are testingthe pH of the water sample todetermine if our water has met EPAdischarge limits.41

Sewer Science2008 Environmental Youth ConferenceThomas Wyatt,Public Worksengineer attendingthe City of LosAngeles’s 2008EnvironmentalYouth Conferenceat the StaplesCenter to promotethe Sewer ScienceProgram to localstudents.Board of Public WorksHigh School Internship Sewer Science TrainingOnce again the SewerScience Program hosteda special training eventfor the Board of PublicWorks Internship ProgramParticipants at theDonald C. Tillman WaterReclamation Plant.42

2008-20092009Bernard HarrisSummer Science CampThe Sewer Science Programpartnered with the Bernard HarrisSummer Science Camp at USC topresent the award winning programto 7th through 9th grade students,from the Los Angeles area.43

Sewer ScienceSewer Science Model CompetitionWinners1st place Model contest winning entry teammembers from Benjamin Franklin HighSchool.2nd place Model contestwinning entry teammembers from BenjaminFranklin High School.3rd place Model contest winning entryteam members from Benjamin FranklinHigh School.44

2009-20102010Winning Sewer Science VideoCompetition Entries1st place Video contest entry winner; Pick it Up,from Benjamin Franklin High School.2nd place Video contest entry winner; LosAngeles Water Shortage of 2050, fromBenjamin Franklin High School.3rd place Video contest entry winner;Pass it Along, from Benjamin FranklinHigh School.45

Sewer ScienceSewer Science Model CompetitionWinners1st place Model contest winning entry teammembers from Benjamin Franklin High School.2nd place Model contestwinning entry team membersfrom Benjamin Franklin HighSchool.3rd place Model contest winning entry teammembers from Benjamin Franklin High School.46

2010-20112011Winning Sewer Science VideoCompetition Entries1st place Video contest entry winner; OpenYour Eyes, from Benjamin Franklin HighSchool.2nd place Video contest entry winner;Water Pollution Prevention: Earth is notour Personal Trash Can, from BenjaminFranklin High School.3rd place Video contest entry winner; WasteWater Treatment, from EnvironmentalScience and Technology High School.47