The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have
the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
(1) Activated sludge--A collection of actively growing
biological organisms that results from combining wastewater, organisms,
and air in an aerated treatment process.
(2) Activated sludge process--A biological wastewater
treatment process in which activated sludge is aerated. The activated
sludge microorganisms are subsequently separated from the wastewater
and wasted or returned to the process.
(3) Advanced nutrient removal--A process to remove
phosphorus, nitrogen, or both, that is intended to produce higher
quality effluent than is normally achieved by secondary treatment
processes.
(4) Air gap--The unobstructed vertical distance through
the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet
conveying water to a tank, fixture, receptor, sink, or other assembly
and the flood level rim of the receptacle. To qualify as an air gap
under this chapter, the vertical, physical separation must be at least
twice the diameter of the water supply outlet, but never less than
1.0 inch.
(5) Alter or alteration--
(A) To replace a treatment unit or a collection system
unit.
(B) To modify a treatment unit, a collection system
unit, or an associated appurtenance, in a way that changes any of
the following for a treatment unit or collection system unit:
(i) the capacity;
(ii) the intended function;
(iii) the process;
(iv) the mode of operation;
(v) the configuration;
(vi) a design parameter;
(vii) a major design assumption; or
(viii) the function of any other treatment unit or
collection system unit.
(6) Alternative collection system--A collection system
that uses components such as grinder pumps, septic tanks, or vacuum
valves, which are installed throughout the collection system, specifically
including the types of collection systems identified in Subchapter
D of this chapter (relating to Alternative Collection Systems). An
alternative collection system is comprised of both on-site and off-site
components.
(7) Annual average flow--The arithmetic average of
all daily flow determinations taken within a period of 12 consecutive
months.
(8) Appurtenance--An appliance or a component associated
with a treatment unit or collection system unit that is not considered
integral to the identity of the unit.
(9) Auxiliary pump--A secondary or supplementary pump
that is available for use as needed.
(10) Biotower--A biological filtration system that
involves biological film on a plastic media that reduces the biochemical
oxygen demand of the effluent.
(11) Building lateral--A pipe that conveys raw wastewater
and connects the plumbing of a structure to a collection system pipe.
For an alternative collection system, a pipe that conveys raw wastewater
and connects the plumbing of a structure to an on-site component (e.g.,
grinder pump, vacuum valve pit, septic tank effluent pump). A building
lateral is not a part of a collection system.
(12) Bypass--The intentional diversion of a waste stream
from any portion of a wastewater treatment facility or collection
system.
(13) Collection system--Pipes, conduits, lift stations,
force mains, and all other constructions, devices, and appurtenant
appliances used to transport domestic wastewater to a wastewater treatment
facility.
(14) Collection system unit--A part of a collection
system that performs a basic step in the transport of wastewater to
a wastewater treatment facility, provides access to the collection
system, or is an integral safety feature of the collection system
(e.g., pipeline, lift station, manhole, air release valve, etc.).
(15) Completely mixed aerated lagoon--A lagoon in which
oxygen is supplied mainly through mechanical or diffused aeration,
and in which the aeration system is designed to keep solids in suspension.
(16) Construct--To build, erect, place, assemble, remodel,
alter, or otherwise create a treatment unit, a collection system unit
or an associated component or appurtenance of a treatment unit or
collection system unit. For purposes of this chapter, construction
also includes installation of fencing, excavation, site preparation,
and placement of skid-mounted or modular units.
(17) Constructed wetland--A wastewater treatment unit
designed to replicate the processes that occur in natural wetlands.
Constructed wetlands are complex, integrated systems in which wastewater,
plants, animals, microorganisms, and the environment (including sun,
soil, and air) interact to improve water quality.
(18) Day--A period of 24 consecutive hours beginning
at 12:00 a.m. local time.
(19) Decanter--A device used to draw off liquid without
disturbing solids that are in the process of sedimentation.
(20) Design flow--The highest anticipated 30-day average
flow rate.
(21) Design life--The length of time that an engineered
structure or device is intended to function without failing.
(22) Diurnal flow--The daily cycle of high and low
influent flows to a wastewater treatment facility.
(23) Domestic wastewater--Wastewater which originates
primarily from kitchen, bathroom, and laundry sources, including waste
from food preparation, dishwashing, garbage grinding, toilets, baths,
showers, and sinks of a residential dwelling. Domestic wastewater
may contain commercial or industrial wastewater contributions.
(24) Dry Well--The portion of a pumping station where
non-submersible pumps and controls are housed separately from the
liquid being pumped.
(25) Effective size--The particle diameter that represents
the smallest 10th percentile of a sample of filter media particles
on a mass basis. In other words, 10% of the sample mass consists of
particles that are smaller than the effective size and 90% of the
sample mass consists of particles that are larger than the effective
size.
(26) Effluent--Liquid that flows out of a process or
confined space. This term may also be used to identify items or properties
associated with effluent (e.g., effluent constituents, effluent limits,
or effluent pump).
(27) Emergency overflow--A conduit or spillway designed
to prevent an unauthorized discharge of wastewater by redirecting
excess flow for processing in a treatment unit.
(28) Engineer--A professional engineer, licensed by
the Texas Board of Professional Engineers, with expertise in design
and construction of wastewater treatment facilities and collection
systems.
(29) Engineering Report--The final engineering design
report prepared, signed, and sealed by the engineer. The report must
include calculations and written descriptions of processes, equipment,
and structures that demonstrate compliance with this chapter, as described
in §217.10 of this title (relating to Final Engineering Report)
and as required throughout this chapter.
(30) Equalization basin--A treatment unit designed
primarily to dampen fluctuations of flow or concentration before wastewater
flows into a subsequent treatment unit.
(31) Equivalent dwelling unit--Any building or section
of a building that produces wastewater of a composition and quantity
equal to that discharged by a single, private residence. For calculation
purposes, an equivalent dwelling unit is occupied by 3.5 individuals,
unless a different number is justified by actual data.
(32) Filter media--The material placed in a filter
containment structure to separate solids from a liquid.
(33) Firm pumping capacity--The maximum flow rate achievable,
under design conditions, with the largest pumping unit out of service.
(34) Force main--A pressure-rated conduit that conveys
wastewater from a lift station.
(35) Free water surface wetland--A constructed wetland
designed to have the water surface above the wetland bed or substrate.
(36) Gravity relief sewer--A part of a collection system
built to manage the flow of wastewater that exceeds the capacity of
the existing collection system.
(37) Grinder pump--A collection system unit that receives
raw wastewater, grinds the solids in the wastewater into a slurry,
and provides the motive force for transporting the slurry to a lift
station or a collection system.
(38) Headworks--The location where wastewater enters
a wastewater treatment facility and preliminary treatment occurs,
typically by removing large solids or grit.
(39) Influent--Liquid that flows into a process or
confined space. This term may also be used to identify items or properties
associated with influent (e.g., influent constituents, influent limits,
or influent pump).
Cont'd... |
