2016 Winter Prediction and Winterizing Your Facilities

Prediction for Winter 2016
 
If the Farmers’ Almanac serves as any guide, the harsh winter of 2015 looks like it’s going to make a repeat this coming year. Last year’s temperatures were unseasonably cold, with 23 eastern states experiencing their coldest Februaries on record. The Farmers’ Almanac is predicting, once again, “Snowy and Unseasonably Cold” conditions from Maine to Virginia. That means that water treatment facilities will have to winterize their facilities for heavy snowfall, plunging temperatures, high winds, and runoff from winter thaws.
 
Challenges Posed by Cold Weather
 
Freezing weather means freezing water, and all the problems that come with it at a water treatment facility. Without a plan in place, low temperatures and snowfall will affect the efficiency of water treatment facilities and put workers in danger.
 
Planning for Low Temperatures
 
Planning for winter weather is essential. All water lines must be properly protected, insulated, and marked. All tanks must be completely drained before going into storage or thoroughly winterized with antifreeze if they’re expected to function in low temperatures. Heating systems, which keep water flowing despite deep freezes, also must be checked and maintained with frequency. Exposed mechanical systems must be winterized to prevent condensation. The cycle of freezing and thawing can spell disaster for concrete structures with holes and abrasions. Give all concrete containers and facilitates a thorough inspection to make sure they’re not compromised.
 
Winter Wind
 
Winter storms create vicious winds that can damage sampling points and walkways and put employees at risk of injury. High winds can also send heavy material like empty tanks and barrels flying into treatment units if they’re not secured in place. Consider investing in windbreaks to protect exposed areas and reduce snowdrift.
 
Lighting and Safety
 
With winter comes shorter days and less light during the working hours. A lack of light can prove an inconvenience, an annoyance, but also a safety concern. Make sure to check that lighting works in all areas. Even one burnt-out bulb can make a big difference. Add light fixtures to areas with inadequate light. Invest in headlamps when necessary. These steps will keep your workers safe and productive despite the waning light, and reduce the chance of having an accident.
 
Preparing for the Thaw
 
Lots of snow means lots of runoff when winter turns slowly into spring. Check storm drains and culverts to make sure they’re free of blockages before the thaw, and double-check your collection system to reduce the chance of infiltration. At water treatment facilities, sudden thaws are nearly as dangerous as sudden winter storms, so keep your staff informed of sudden changes in the weather at all times.
 
Working with AWWT
 
Advanced Waste & Water Technology, Inc. specializes in the design, construction, and management of waste and water treatment facilities. For more information on our services—both seasonal and year-round—give us a call or visit our homepage.