15.4.1 Water discharge guidelines and standards

  • 15.4.1 Water discharge guidelines and standards

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

This document is a thorough framework for regulating rainwater and wastewater outflow. In order to provide ecologically responsible water management throughout campus facilities, it provides system specifications, sustainability-focused solutions, combining system functionality with SDG-aligned practices to minimize environmental impact.

  1. System Description

Effective water management is crucial to AASTMT's commitment to sustainability and achieving SDG 15. The sewage plant and rainwater system at Abu-Qir, Alexandria, is designed to handle wastewater and rainwater from specified areas, excluding student housing, hotels, presidential buildings, and restaurants.

  1.  The drainage network

 Extending between these buildings and reaches the wastewater and rainwater collection pit located behind the buildings of the College of Architecture and Computers. Through a slope line with a diameter of (12 inches) and the current cesspool with dimensions of (2 x 2 meters).

  1. Sump Specifications:
  • Dimensions: The main sump has a 12-inch diameter and measures approximately 2x2 meters.
  • Storage Capacity: With an effective storage capacity of around 12 cubic meters, the sump can handle high inflows during peak times and heavy rain events.
  1. Pump Room Specifications:

4.1. Submersible Pumps:

  • Quantity: Two submersible pumps by EBARA.
  • Horsepower: Each pump operates at 10 horsepower.
  • Flow Rate: Discharges water at 60-70 cubic meters per hour.
  • Self-Priming Horizontal Dry Pumps
  • Quantity: Two additional Siemens dry pumps, each with 15 horsepower, offering self-priming capabilities and reliable backup.

        5. Battery and Valve Configuration 

  • Battery System: Features five outlets, each 12 inches in diameter, providing flexibility in discharge regulation.
  • Valves:
  • Check and Shut-off Valves: Include four 4-inch and one 6-inch check valves, and a matching set of shut-off valves, allowing for precise flow control and isolation during maintenance.

     6. Control Room and Electrical Panels

  • Control Panels: Two electrical control panels manage pump operations and discharge flow, ensuring optimized, safe operations.
  • Backup and Monitoring: Redundant control mechanisms minimize the risk of overflow or discharge issues, promoting reliability.

    7. Wastewater Network and Outflow Connections

  • Pipeline Dimensions: The network starts with a 12-inch diameter line tapering to an 8-inch diameter before connecting to the main external discharge line.
  • External Discharge Line: Wastewater is channeled to an external drainage system, aligning with local standards for safe water discharge.

    8. Illustrative pictures of the station 


Control Room.png

    9. Control and Monitoring System:

  • Control Room: Houses two electrical control panels that manage pump operations, discharge flow, and real-time system monitoring.
  • Redundant Systems: The dual control panel setup ensures that, in the event of a failure, one panel will maintain functionality to prevent overflow or other discharge issues.
  • Pressurized Outflow: The discharge line begins with an 8-inch diameter that transitions to 12 inches, connected to the main external drainage line. This configuration supports continuous pressure to facilitate wastewater movement and ensure compliance with local drainage standards.
  • Contract with company (workers and Plumbers) that is contracted and is selected from among a group of companies in order to carry out cleaning and disinfection work for all the pump rooms on a daily basis to ensure that no blockage occurs in the pipes that could lead to leakage.

     10. Operational Guidelines and Maintenance Standards:

  • Routine Inspections: Conduct bi-annual inspections of sump, pump room, and valve configurations to ensure optimal performance and compliance with safety and environmental standards.
  • Discharge Quality Monitoring: Regular testing of discharge water for pH, turbidity, and pollutant levels to ensure alignment with environmental regulations.
  • Seasonal Adjustments: Adjust discharge operations based on seasonal rainfall patterns, aiming to prevent overflow and maintain a balanced ecosystem impact.
  • Emergency Protocols: the design of two electrical control panels manages pump operations and discharge flow, ensuring optimized, safe operations.
  • Develop response plans in case of pump failure or overflow events, including staff training on spill containment and mitigation measures.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Regular workshops and collaborations with environmental organizations to promote sustainable water practices and utility company Abu Qir Ash Sharqiyah, Alexandria.

    11.Validation

Validation Action

Validation criteria

Validation method

Frequency

System capacity

Sump must handle up to 12 cubic meters.

Capacity Test

Bi-annual

Pump flow rate

Each pump should discharge 60-70 cubic meters per hour.

Flow Rate Test

Monthly

Battery and valve configuration

Check valves and shut-off valves should operate smoothly and regulate discharge effectively.

Functional check

Monthly

Control panel operation

Control panels must manage discharge flow and respond to real-time system monitoring.

Operation test

quarterly

Discharge water quality

Water should meet pH, turbidity, and pollutant standards.

Quality Testing (Lab Analysis)


Monthly

Routine maintenance

Routine Maintenance Bi-annual inspection of sump, pump room, and valves must be conducted.

Visual and Functional Inspection

Bi-annual


  12.Responsibility

Task

Responsible party

Role

Daily Cleaning and Disinfection

Contracted Company (Workers & Plumbers)

Ensure pipes are clear to prevent blockage.

System Monitoring

Control Room Operators


Monitor pump operations and discharge flow

Routine Inspections


AASTMT Maintenance Team

Conduct bi-annual inspections.

Authorization and Oversight

AASTMT Facilities Management & Maintenance Team

Oversee system authorization and compliance.

Stakeholder Engagement Workshops

SDG 6 and 15 officers

Coordinate with environmental organizations.


13. A review program

Document title

AASTMT standard and guidelines for managing water discharge

Date Created:

August 2023

Approving Body:

SDGs Workforce Committee

Version:

1

Last Review Date

2024

Next Review Date:

2025

Document Owner:

  •  Dean for Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research- College of Maritime Transport and Technology “CMTT”
  • Petrochemical and Chemical Engineering – College of Engineering Technology
  • Pharmaceutical sciences’ Department- College of Pharmacy
  • SDG 15 officer

Lead Contact:

Prof. Dr. Kareem Tonbol

TA. Elen Emad

 Ragga Ahmed

Approval Signature 

Dean of Scientific Research and Innovation