Speaker: Rick Reed
The speake will talk about the engineering involved in identifying and addressing problems in wastewater managment in the Indianapolis area.
Rick Reed is a Service Condition Analyst for Citizens Energy Group.
Sponsored by Janet Hock
Program: Managing Wastewater Treatment
Speaker: Rick Reed, Citizens Energy Group
Introduced By: Rick Whitener
Attendance: NESC: 87; Zoom: 26
Guests: Barbara Sydnor, Astrid Bricker, the Stratfords, Elanor Felman, Herb Tesser Mary Hallmark, Dick Yoho, Andrew Rasley. Cameron Rasley, Olivia Schroer, Ruth Gray, Lisa Gray,
Scribe: Benny Ko
Editor: Ed Nitka
Talk’s Zoom recording found at: https://www.scientechclubvideos.org/zoom/08032026.mp4
Mr. Reed is an expert in wastewater management with over 20 years of experience in the field. He is currently working for Citizens Energy. His role encompasses wastewater management, operations, and maintenance.
Wastewater begins at home, originating from sinks, toilets, and showers, before entering the municipal sewer system via 'lateral pipes' connected to the sewer main. Improper connection of the two systems can be diagnosed by dye testing. The integrity of the main sewer or its blockage can be identified by the use of CCTV.
The sewer systems are mapped, similar to Google Maps, and this allows for precise location and tracking of issues as well as maintenance. Sewer blockage often involves tree roots that have intruded into the pipeline, solidified grease, and objects discarded into the system. If the obstruction occurs in the 'lateral pipes', it is the responsibility of the homeowner to fix or repair. This can be an expensive proposition; therefore, it is important not to pour grease into a kitchen sink nor to flush insoluble objects into a toilet. For public sewer lines, that responsibility belongs to the municipal government, and in Indianapolis, the work falls on Citizens Energy. Blocking roots and solidified grease are cut and removed, and obstructing trash piles are also removed, sometimes requiring industrial-size machinery.
Heavy rain can present a problem of flooding, backflow, and waterway pollution, particularly in areas without storm drains. This was a historical situation in Indianapolis, but the latest project, known as the "Deep Rock Tunnel", should alleviate that problem. It is a 28-mile tunnel, 18 feet in diameter, designed to temporarily store water during heavy rainfalls, and apart from the sewage system. It was completed in 2025 at a cost of $2 billion.
Indianapolis has around 250 miles of sewer system, and the wastewater it carries needs to be treated before being discharged. Wastewater treatment is performed at two sites: Belmont and Southport processing plants. The treatment process includes multiple steps: First, trash and debris are separated from the water by large 'screws'. Then the finer trash and foams are removed by skimmers. Chemicals are then used to eradicate the bacteria in the water. Finally, the water is further disinfected by blue light and chlorine before being released into the waterways. Treated and removed waste materials are disposed of in landfills; some are incinerated.
During COVID, wastewater is monitored for the level of viruses present, which reflects the status of the pandemic in the community.
In conclusion, Mr. Reed reminded us to be mindful of what we dispose of down household drains and toilets, as the wrong items can cause downstream' impacts, whether to one's own property or that of the community. Wastewater workers often work long and unpredictable hours during emergencies, and at times have to put their own health and safety in service to us and the community.
Rick Reed
