WET 265 - Practicum In Water/Wastewater Treatment

Credits: 4
Instructional Contact Hours: 4

Provides opportunities to perform technical procedures through structured field experience in water and wastewater treatment plants. Emphasizes gaining experience under plant managers and operating personnel with goal of developing organizational skills and responsibility necessary for entry-level employment. Uses rotation through assigned areas of experience in water treatment for 160 hours and continuous experience in wastewater treatment for 160 hours of in-plant services for total of 320 hours minimum required.

Prerequisite(s): WET 210, WET 212, WET 215, WET 244, WET 246, each with a grade of “C” or higher and must be taken during final semester with permission of program director
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 320
Meets MTA Requirement: None
Pass/NoCredit: No

Outcomes and Objectives

Demonstrate the Performance Skills approved by the State of Michigan for Water Environment Technology.
1. Demonstrate proficiency in monitoring filter performance, calculating filter rate, adjusting filter rates, and backwashing filters.
2. In the area of Chemical Treatment:
  1. Determine Chemical Dosage
  2. Adjust Treatment Rates
  3. Collect Water Samples
  4. Prepare Chemical Solutions
  5. Biological Treatment
  6. Monitor Performance
  7. Identify Organisms
  8. Calculate Wasting/Return Rate
  9. Calculate Mean Cell Retention Time
3. In the area of Pump Operations:
  1. Operate Pumps
  2. Operate Plant Valves
  3. Operate Standby Power Equipment
4. In the area of Plant Maintenance:
  1. Maintain Chemical Feeder
  2. Maintain Pumps
  3. Maintain Electrical Equipment
  4. Maintain Basins and Piping
  5. Maintain Filters
  6. Maintain Instrumentation
5. In the Laboratory:
  1. Comprehend the OSHA Chemical Hygiene Plan
  2. Perform Daily Chemical Tested
  3. Perform Coliform Test
  4. Prepare Reagents
  5. Work with GC/MS Chromatography/Atomic Absorption
  6. Perform Other Bacteriology Tests
6. In the area of Administration:
  1. Demonstrate Computer Skills
  2. Explain EPA and MDPH Regulations
  3. Complete MDPH/MDNR Operation Reports
  4. Respond to Consumer Problems
  5. Schedule Maintenance
  6. Supervise Work Force
  7. Maintain Inventory
  8. Prepare Budgets
  9. Train and Manage Personnel
  10. Prepare Emergency Plans
  11. Communicate Effectively
  12. Promote Safety/Understand MIOSHA Regulations
7. Complete the following:
  1. Carry Out Cross-Connections
  2. Demonstrate Solids Handling