Browsing by Author "Gustafson, Dave"
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Item Investigating Wastewater Reuse at MnDOT Truck Stations(Minnesota Department of Transportation., 2019-05) Heger, Sara; Doro, Jessica; Rutter, Melissa C; Gustafson, Dave; Larson, SondraThe University of Minnesota (UMN) and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) conducted a study to determine whether implementing a wastewater reuse program would be a feasible option for MnDOT-owned truck washing stations. MnDOT has 137 truck stations in the state, where trucks are frequently washed to remove road salt build-up. MnDOT recognized an opportunity to potentially reuse the wastewater for appropriate greywater uses and recapture the salt for road use. Sampling was done to assess the wastewater contaminants in truck wash water at 11 truck-washing stations in Minnesota. Then technologies suited to removing organics and total suspended solids (TSS) but not chlorides were reviewed. The recommendation is that either a recirculating sand filter (RSF) or a membrane bioreactor (MBR) would be feasible technologies to use for this purpose. Using the MnDOT truck station in Arden Hills, Minnesota, an economic evaluation was done. Both systems could be used to effectively treat wastewater and produce brine for reuse, but the most economical solution for MnDOT would be to invest in a MBR. Compared with a RSF, an MBR is one-third less expensive over time, primarily due to low material and installation cost as well as a lower annual maintenance costs.Item Septic System Evaluation at MnDOT Rest Stops, Truck Stations and Weigh Scales(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2016-01) Heger, Sara; Wheeler, Dan; Gustafson, Dave; Szmorlo, MikeThe University of Minnesota (UM) and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) performed a unique evaluation of the 52 existing subsurface sewage treatment systems at safety rest areas (SRA) travel information centers, truck stations and weigh scales at MnDOT facilities across Minnesota. This three year partnership brought together the septic expertise of the UM with the MnDOT wastewater unit’s agency and site knowledge. The goal of the assessments was to evaluate risk and provide a risk analysis ranking system. The project began with an extensive record search where many documents were digitized and a database of information created. The next step was development of a draft assessment protocol. This draft protocol was pilot tested on five systems and refined based on those experiences. The full assessment included a preliminary review of the site, a facility assessment, effluent sampling, septic tank inspections, evaluation of advanced treatment units when present and an assessment of the soil treatment system. The information from the assessment was used to develop a risk ranking of all systems. The risk assessment created can be used for planning purposes to prioritize capital upgrades, but only if a sustainable process is created and incorporated into the day to day workload.