TNPOP Academy
TNPOP Academy is a training resource developed through the Tennessee Plant Optimization Program (TNPOP) to help operators improve facility performance. It offers structured video modules across key areas like solids, energy, process control, and nutrient removal, with introductory and advanced levels. The academy supports both professional development and plant optimization goals.
TNPOP Academy
This section offers on-demand video modules from the Tennessee Plant Optimization Program (TNPOP), designed to help operators, supervisors, and utility managers improve facility performance. Topics include both introductory and advanced levels.
CEUs are available upon successful completion of knowledge checks.
Operators participating in the Tennessee Plant Optimization Program are required to complete the first three training videos in this section.
Licensed operators (WW Grades 1–4 or BNS) who complete the Foundations Knowledge Check with a score of 80% or higher will earn 3 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Additional Resources: Optional short videos showcasing monitoring equipment available through TDEC are also provided for your reference and professional development.
These videos are recommended for operators participating in the Tennessee Plant Optimization Program and are designed to deepen your knowledge beyond the required foundations.
Phosphorus Removal Fundamentals
Creating Environmental Habitats
Monitoring Nutrient Removal Habitats
Licensed operators (WW Grades 1–4 or BNS) who complete the upcoming Advanced Knowledge Check with a score of 80% or higher will earn 4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Link Coming Soon - Advanced Knowledge Check
Tip: Some questions in the Advanced Check will be based on content from the Design-Specific videos, so be sure to review those as part of your study.
Operators are encouraged to view the video(s) that best match the design of their facility for targeted learning and improved performance.
Activated Sludge Optimization Introduction
Introduction to Nutrient Optimization of Oxidation Ditches
Nutrient Optimization in Oxidation Ditches without Anoxic or Anaerobic Basins
Nutrient Optimization in Oxidation Ditches with Anoxic Basins
Nutrient Optimization of Oxidation Ditches with Anaerobic Basins
Nutrient Optimization in Oxidation Ditches with both Anoxic and Anaerobic Basins
Nutrient Optimization in “bullseye-style” Oxidation Ditches
Nutrient Optimization in Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBRs)
Nutrient Optimization in Trickling Filters
Licensed operators (WW Grades 1–4 or BNS) who complete the upcoming Advanced Knowledge Check with a score of 80% or higher will receive 4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Link Coming Soon - Advanced Knowledge Check
Reminder: Some questions in the Advanced Check will reference content from the Further Study videos, so be sure to review those as well.
Energy
This section section provides comprehensive resources for both introductory and advanced energy efficiency practices in water and wastewater facilities. Operators will gain skills in identifying energy-saving opportunities, conducting energy audits, optimizing operations, and reducing utility costs.
Introductory
Discussion of the benefits of undergoing energy efficiency audits, including case studies in Tennessee and provide tools and guidelines for performing an audit at your facility.
(Bob Freeman, Soft Path Environmental (formerly EPA))
Review basic guidelines and tips for water and wastewater operator to begin achieving energy efficiency through operational changes.
(Guidelines developed by Brett Ward, University of Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS)).
How to read your electric bill and how to capture and message your energy savings to facility management and local government. Also covered is how plant operations have an impact on the rates charged to the utility. For example, the time of day when blowers are turned off or on can have a significant impact on not just plant performance, but also the demand charge seen on the bill.
(Brett Ward, University of Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS))
Advanced
Discussion on low-to-no-cost measures to take at your facility to reduce energy use and achieve energy savings. Case studies from facilities in Tennessee will be discussed.
(Bob Freeman, TDEC Energy Management Team (formerly EPA))
No-to-Low-Cost Energy Saving Measures
Speaker Notes Coming Soon
This filmed training by Brendan Held of EPA, discusses how to utilize the Energy Assessment Tool (EAT). The EAT, developed by EPA, can be used by operators to benchmark and track long-term energy use and savings after recommendations are implemented.
The Energy Assessment Tool (EAT), developed by EPA, can be used by operators to benchmark and track long-term energy use and savings after recommendations are implemented. The EAT is designed to help wastewater operators establish an energy efficiency baseline and track long-term savings that occur as a result of a specific change in operations. There are tabs within the excel file for both FEAT and BEAT. The FEAT normalizes efficiency using flow (kWh/MG) and the BEAT uses BOD removal (kWh/lb BOD). A facility should choose the tab it uses based on influent characteristics or other considerations.
Energy Optimization – Benchmarking and Tracking for Case Studies
Measuring Energy Savings - Energy Assessment Tool (Presentation)
Helping Wastewater Treatment Plants Save Energy and Improve Process Performance
(Dr. Larry Moore, Professor Emeritus, University of Memphis)
Information on easy, low cost measures to take at your facility to reduce energy use.
Energy Assessments - The Process, Benefits, Funding and Savings
(Lonnie Russell, Energy Man, LLC)
How to find pump energy savings in wastewater treatment plants. Brief introduction to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pumping System Assessment Tool (PSAT), a free online software tool to help industrial users assess the efficiency of pumping system operations.
Savings with Pump Efficiencies
(Jim Grassiano, P.E., Alabama Department of Environmental Management)
The presentation includes a description of the physical and operating characteristics of the three types of blowers most often used in wastewater treatment along with common errors made in the proper application of these blowers and methods to optimize energy usage in the operation of these blowers.
What Operators Need to Know About Blowers
(Kevin Young, J.R. Wauford & Company)
TNPOP Archives
Contact Information
Jordan Fey | Program Consultant
(615) 306-3494
Jordan.Fey@tn.gov
Location Information
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM CST
2022 Blanton Dr.
Murfreesboro, TN 37129