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TCEQ Wastewater License Exam 2024-2025: Questions and Answers, Exams of Water and Wastewater Engineering

A comprehensive set of questions and answers related to the tceq wastewater license exam for the years 2024-2025. It covers a wide range of topics related to wastewater treatment, including primary and secondary treatment processes, disinfection, sludge management, and regulatory requirements. Valuable for individuals preparing for the tceq wastewater license exam, offering insights into the exam's format and content.

Typology: Exams

2024/2025

Available from 12/07/2024

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TCEQ Wastewater License Exam 2024-2025.

Questions and Correct Answers. Graded A

(This one is opposite) A = Influent B = Aeration Tank C = Clarifier D = Waste Activated Sludge E = Return Activated Sludge - ANSWhat does A-F represent? About ___ pounds of BOD are contributed daily by each person (The BOD population equivalent) - ANS0. Any plant with a design flow above ___ MGD is required to install instrumentation for continuous flow totalizing - ANS0.5 MGD At what percentage of exposure can hydrogen sulfide begin to harm you? - ANSExposure for 2-15 minutes at 0.01% impairs the sense of smell. Exposure to amounts of 0.07-0.1% rapidly causes acute poisoning, paralyzing the lungs At what population does a city may have to establish a water pollution control and abatement program? - ANS10,000 or more

BOD analysis should begin no later than after __ hours of sampling (after being refrigerated to __C) to be assured of representative results - ANS6 hours, 6 degrees Celsius Does septic or freshwater have a lower pH? Why? - ANSSeptic has lower pH due to volatile acids formed from wastewater decomposition Domestic wastewater is ___% water and ___% solids - ANS99.9% water, 0.1% solids Each stage of the RBC process should have sufficient volume to provide for a contact time of about: - ANS1 hour Floatable scum is usually removed from wastewater in the: - ANSPrimary clarifier How can a chlorine leak be located or detected? - ANSUsing an ammonia soaked rag or spray bottle How can the operator control the scum blanket in an anaerobic digester? - ANSproper mixing and heat control How did the state get its authority to control water pollution? - ANSThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) delegated that authority to the individual states. How do Rotating Biological Contactors spin? - ANSEach unit is driven either by a motor with a gear reducer or by air trapped in air cups

In advanced treatment processes, what is the most important factor affecting filter performance? - ANSthe quality of the secondary effluent being applied to the filter - low in solids In advanced treatment, a filtration process should remove about ____ of the TSS applied - ANS70%-90% In Rotating Biological Contactors, what is the biological growth like? - ANSThe entire wetted surface area of the disc becomes covered by a 0.05-0.1 inch film of gray to brown biological growth. It contains approximately 50,000 mg/L of solids Infiltration - ANSGroundwater that enters the collection system through holes, cracks, etc. Inflow - ANSSurface runoff that enters the collection system Is BOD or COD test better for process control? - ANSCOD because it has a shorter testing time, which means faster feedback regarding the treatment process Lift stations are built when wastewater is: - ANS- Raised to a higher elevation

  • Pumped over a hill
  • Lifted at a plant for gravity flow

Name the presence of the four different microorganisms in good quality sludge with good settling in order from most prominent to least prominent - ANS1. Free swimming ciliates

  1. Stalked ciliates
  2. Flagellates
  3. Rotifers
  4. Amoeboids Operators should be concerned with what four types of microorganisms? - ANSAmoeboids, flagellates, ciliates, and rotifers Reports, including Discharge Monitoring Reports and Monthly Effluent Reports, are to be submitted to the TCEQ no later than the __ of the _____ month. - ANS20th, following Required records, such as flow and effluent quality, must be kept for ___ years. Sludge records must be kept ___ years. - ANS3, 5 Septic vs. Fresh wastewater? - ANSSeptic wastewater doesn't contain dissolved oxygen and is difficult to treat. Fresh wastewater contains dissolved oxygen and is easier to treat, which results in higher quality effluent Settleable solids - ANSSuspended solids that will settle when wastewater flow is still or slow moving

Solids remain in an anaerobic digester for ___ days - ANS15-20 days. Each time sludge is pumped into a digester, an equal volume of sludge is transferred to the secondary digester TCEQ's goals regarding water pollution control are: - ANS- To maintain state water quality

  • To promote wastewater collection and disposal systems
  • To use all reasonable methods to implement the state water plan The Clean Water Act (CWA) defines secondary treatment as a wastewater treatment plant that consistently produces an effluent that contains no more than _____BOD and ______ Suspended Solids based on a _____day average - ANS mg/L, 30 mg/L, and 30 day average The Clean Water Act requires WWTPs to achieve greater than or equal to __% removal of TSS and BOD - ANS85% The ideal orientation of a wastewater stabilization pond would be: - ANSparallel with prevailing winds The Sludge Volume Index (SVI) should range from ________. What does being out of this range mean? - ANS70 to 150. Under 70 = sludge is settling so rapidly that poor clarification will result. Over 150 = there becomes a tendency for the sludge to begin bulking and solids sent over the weir of the final clarifier The TCEQ may assess administrative penalties up to $______ per day for each violation - ANS$25,

Types of ponds used in treatment are: - ANS- aerated (mechanic aeration to mix oxygen, organics, and microorganisms)

  • facultative (two zones of treatment - aerobic and anaerobic)
  • anaerobic
  • hyacinth Wastewater flowing through a grit channel should ideally flow at a velocity of: - ANS1 fps. Wastewater ponds will effectively reduce ___ - ANSBOD and bacteria What adverse condition may be created if the pressure relief or the air relief operates on an anaerobic digester? - ANSan explosive condition can be created by the mixture of methane and air. What are chlorides and why are excessive chlorides in wastewater bad? - ANSExcessive chlorides interfere with treatment processes, especially trickling filters. They also affect laboratory tests. What are coagulants? What is flocculation? - ANSCoagulants are chemicals that cause very fine particles to clump together into larger particles Flocculation is the gathering together of fine particles after coagulation to form larger particles

What are colloidal particles? What can be used to get rid of them? - ANSVery small particles that carry an electric charge which makes it very difficult for them to flocculate and settle. Coagulants can be used to neutralize the charge and enable them to flock together. What are different types of preliminary treatment? - ANSracks, screens, grinders, grit channels What are four methods of dewatering stabilized sludge? - ANSbelt press, centrifuge, plate and frame press, drying beds and lagoons What are pathogens? What are two viral diseases that could be carried in wastewater? - ANSPolio and infectious hepatitis What are precautions individuals can take to protect against pathogens in the collection system? How do communities overall prevent waterborne disease? - ANS- Wear cut-resistant gloves

  • Wash after contacting wastewater
  • Do not eat or smoke around wastewater
  • Disinfect equipment with bleach
  • Well-maintained water system
  • Sanitary collection system
  • Well-operated wastewater treatment plant What are the benefits of the collection system? - ANS- Removal of health hazards
  • Prevention of odors and flies
  • Cleanliness and appearance
  • Comfort and convenience What are the different bacteria classifications? - ANSShape, oxygen needs, temperature, and metabolism What are the essential requirements of life? - ANS- energy
  • oxygen
  • carbon
  • nitrogen -phosphorus
  • water
  • sulfur What are the five basic parts in a trickling filter? - ANS- Filter floor
  • Underdrain system
  • Walls
  • Filter media
  • Distribution arms What are the five important controls for activated sludge plants? - ANS- Dissolved Oxygen
  • Aerator solids levels
  • Solids quality
  • Rate of return sludge
  • Wasting rate What are the four wastewater characteristics? - ANSPhysical, Chemical, Bacteriological, and Radiological What are the names of cold, medium, and hot temperature bacteria, respectively?
  • ANSPsychrophilic, mesophilic, and thermophilic What are the purposes of laboratory tests in a wastewater treatment plant? - ANS- To determine the overall efficiency of the plant
  • To determine the effect of the discharge of the receiving stream
  • To determine the characteristics of the waste being treated What are the steps of the Water Use Cycle? - ANSEnvironment --> Water Treatment --> Water Distribution System --> Customer Use --> Wastewater Collection System --> Wastewater Treatment --> Environment What are the two main parameters an operator should use to ensure proper settling occurs in the primary clarifier? What are the definitions of each? - ANS1. Surface overflow rate: The representation of the flow rate as it relates to the surface area of the clarifier. It is used to determine if clarifiers are hydraulically over or under loaded
  1. Hydraulic retention time: How long it takes for the water to pass through the tank

What can advanced treatment processes do that secondary treatment can't? - ANSAdvanced treatment processes strive to provide a higher removal level of specific compounds, suspended solids, and oxygen-demanding materials that cannot be achieved through secondary treatment alone. What can an operator do to reduce the effluent BOD of a Trickling Filter? - ANSRaise recirculation rate. What did the Clean Water Act do? - ANS- Created pollution control programs

  • Made it unlawful to discharge a point source into navigable waters without a permit
  • Funded construction of wastewater treatment plants What do evaporators in the chlorine feed system do? - ANSConvert liquid chlorine to gaseous chlorine for use by chlorinators What does disinfection do and what are the different types? - ANSDisinfection is the primary mechanism for inactivating and destroying pathogenic organisms in wastewater.
  • chlorine
  • ozonation
  • ultraviolet radiation

What does preliminary treatment do? - ANSIt protects the treatment system from large obstructions in the raw influent, unnecessary wear on process equipment, and fluctuations of flow and pollutant strength What does primary treatment do? It should remove what percentage of settleable solids, suspended solids, BOD, and total organic matter? - ANSPrimary treatment is the removal of settleable solids from the raw wastewater It should remove:

  • 90-95% of settleable solids
  • 50-70% of suspended solids
  • 35% of BOD
  • 20-30% of total organic matter What does the BOD test measure? - ANSIt measures wastewater strength and the oxygen depleting effect of wastewater effluent on the receiving stream. Specifically, it indicates the amount of organic matter that can be oxidized by biological and chemical action in five days at 20 degrees Celsius. What does the outlet baffle do on a pond? - ANSPrevents surface debris from leaving the pond. What factor determines chlorine dosage? - ANSAllowed bacteria level in the plant effluent What happens if recirculation rates in a trickling filter are too low? - ANSit can lead to reduced BOD removal, ponding, and filter fly reproduction

What is "ponding" in a trickling filter? - ANSa condition that occurs when the hollow spaces between the media become plugged so much that water passage through the filter is inadequate. It occurs due to excessive slime growths, trash, or media breakdown What is a trickling filter? - ANSA fixed film process where wastewater trickles over media, usually rock or plastic. Wastes are then consumed by layers of bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and other organisms that live on the media. What is adsorption? - ANSWhen a material clings to the surface of a second material, usually a solid What is an accidental discharge? When must TCEQ be notified about it? - ANSAn act or omission through which waste or other substances are inadvertently discharged into water in the state. TCEQ must be notified within 24 hours if one occurs. What is an unauthorized discharge? - ANSAny discharge of wastewater into or adjacent to waters in the state at a location not permitted as an outfall. Ex: SSO What is carbon dioxide? (CO2) - ANSA colorless, odorless gas that has a suffocating effect. When inhaled at higher than normal concentrations, it can produce a sour taste in the mouth and a stinging sensation in the nose and throat. What is carbon monoxide? (CO) - ANSA colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas

What is chlorine demand? - ANSThe difference between the dose and the residual concentration What is F/M? - ANSThe ratio of the amount of food applied per day to the microorganisms in the aeration tanks What is free chlorine? - ANSThe combination of dissolved chlorine gas, hypochlorous acid, and hypochlorite ion What is Gould Sludge Age? - ANSHow long, in days, a pound of solids stays in the aerator What is grit and why is it removed during preliminary treatment? - ANSGrit consists of non-biodegradable particles including sand, , rocks, coffee grounds, etc. It is removed to remove the heavy, inorganic waste that doesn't break down during treatment and to prevent equipment damage. What is Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)? When does it occur? - ANSA colorless, toxic, and flammable gas that resembles the smell of rotten eggs. It results from the bacterial breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. It is heavier than air. What is Mean Cell Residence Time? - ANSEstimates how long the living cells are kept in the plant What is Methane? (CH4) What percentage of methane is in digester gas? - ANSA colorless, odorless, and highly flammable gas. Methane is an asphyxiant and is

lighter than air. Digester gas contains 65% methane and is used for heating fuel or operating equipment. What is primary sludge and its moisture content? - ANSSuspended solids that have been settled out in primary sedimentation tanks or primary clarifiers. The moisture content is 94-96% moisture (4-6% solids) What is super important about the distribution arms on a trickling filter? - ANSOrifices or nozzles on the rotating arms should be inspected daily for clogging and cleaned if necessary. There should be no trash or large debris through the filter. What is the activated sludge process? - ANSUses living organisms in an oxygen- rich environment to remove organic wastes from wastewater What is the average domestic contribution to the collection system? (Per person/day) - ANS100 gallons per day What is the best chemical to use for pond odor control? - ANSSodium Nitrate What is the definition of a flow-weighted composite sample? - ANSA combination of portions of samples collected at regular intervals and combined according to flow What is the detention time of a clarifier? - ANS2 hours

What is the EPA's primary wastewater legislation? - ANSThe Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972. As amended in 1977, this law commonly became known as the Clean Water Act What is the gas composition in a well-run digester? - ANS65-75% methane, and 25-35% carbon dioxide What is the holding time for TSS after being collected in a wastewater treatment plant? - ANS7 days What is the imhoff cone used to measure? - ANSSettleable solids What is the material that sloughs off the trickling filter that settles in the clarifier?

  • ANSHumus sludge What is the most common reason for large amounts of sand, gravel, and grit entering the plant? - ANSStorm events What is the oxygen rate in an activated sludge system? - ANS2- What is the pH scale range? - ANS0 (most acidic) to 14 (most basic), 7 is neutral What is the preferred Guild Sludge Age (GSA) for activated sludge? - ANS5-10 days for conventional and complete mix plants,

25 days for extended aeration plant

What is the purpose of recirculating trickling filter effluent? - ANSTo keep a constant hydraulic load on the trickling filter What is the purpose of Return Activated Sludge (RAS)? - ANSPumps continuously send RAS to the aeration tank, which reseeds the biological reaction in the aeration tank and removes accumulating sludge from the clarifier What is the purpose of wastewater treatment? - ANS- Dispose of solids

  • Destroy pathogens
  • Eliminate nuisances
  • Protect downstream users What is the relationship between water temperature and capability to hold dissolved oxygen? - ANSAn inverse relationship. As the water gets colder, it is capable of holding more dissolved oxygen. As it gets warmer, the ability to hold dissolved oxygen decreases What is the state law regulating water pollution control in Texas? - ANSThe Texas Water Code What must be considered when designing a No Discharge pond system? - ANSpercolation rates and evaporation rates What parameters must be tested from a grab sample at a wastewater treatment plant and analyzed immediately? - ANSpH, chlorine residual, and dissolved oxygen

What problem is indicated by organic material in removed grit? - ANSthat flow velocities are too low in the grit channel. What should an operator do if an anaerobic digester is noticing that the volatile acid/alkalinity ratio is increasing? - ANSTo cure a souring digester, the operator should reduce the sludge feed and removal rate from the digester and ensure adequate mixing is occurring What would be the cause of rising sludge and gas bubbles in the final clarifier? - ANSDenitrification When can TCEQ revoke an operator's permit? - ANSIf the operator:

  • violates the permit
  • falsifies records
  • states misleading information on the licensing application
  • or causes other violations When might surface aerators be necessary when operating a pond? - ANSDuring night, during periods of organic overload, and during cold seasons When operating a Rotating Biological Contactor plant to nitrify incoming ammonia, the DO levels in the nitrification stage should be maintained in the range of: - ANS2.0 - 3.5 mg/L. Who is the primary state agency having authority for water pollution control in Texas? - ANSThe Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)

Why is oil and grease a concern if present in wastewater? - ANSIt may cause explosions, fires, line blockages, and odor