Who is this guide for?
City and town leaders, utility directors, plant managers, consulting engineers, and private facility owners who need reliable wastewater operations and maintenance. If you are responsible for permit compliance, public health, worker safety, or ratepayer trust, this guide explains how O&M Solutions can help you reach a stable, measurable operating state.
What problems does O&M Solutions solve first?
Most plants and collection systems share a familiar pattern. Staffing is thin. Preventive maintenance has slipped. A few assets are running to failure. SCADA alarms are noisy, and work orders are reactive. Compliance risk hovers in the background. The near-term needs are usually four things:
Stabilize day-to-day operations.
Reduce avoidable downtime and call-outs.
Create a clear line of sight to permit compliance.
Produce reliable reporting that leadership can trust.
O&M Solutions sets a baseline against those four needs in week one. We verify critical controls, confirm sampling and chain of custody, assess operator coverage, and identify safety gaps. We establish an initial risk list that tells leadership what must be addressed now versus what can be scheduled. This allows your team to see progress in hours and days, not quarters.
What services does O&M Solutions provide?
O&M Solutions delivers full-service operations and maintenance for wastewater treatment plants and collection systems. Services include daily operations, process control, laboratory coordination, lift station care, emergency response, and asset repair. We also perform practical construction and rehabilitation work that integrates with operations. Our consulting support covers audits, capacity reviews, staffing plans, and permit readiness. Everything is designed to help a facility operate safely, meet permit limits, and use ratepayer funds wisely.
How does O&M Solutions approach a new engagement?
We follow a simple start-up path that aligns the field, the office, and stakeholders.
Discovery and turnover
We review permits, SOPs, P&IDs, recent lab data, asset lists, and vendor contracts. We ride with operators and verify critical alarms. We confirm sampling points and methods. We document immediate hazards and high-risk failure modes.
Stabilization
We address safety, housekeeping, and alarm discipline. We clear the worst recurring work orders. We tune process set-points to stop swings. We fix chronic nuisances that burn team time. We make sure the chain of custody, logs, and bench sheets are correct.
Plan and communicate
We prepare a 30-60-90 day operating plan with measurable milestones. We brief the governing body or plant owner in plain language. We create a dashboard so leaders can see status without sorting through binders.
Operate and improve
We move from reactive tickets to calendar-based tasks, then to condition-based tasks. We tighten vendor response times. We set expectations around response, safety, and reporting. We keep leadership informed with short, regular updates.
What makes your operating model effective for small and mid-sized systems?
Smaller systems need coverage, simplicity, and predictability. O&M Solutions builds to those three needs. Our model emphasizes trained local operators, simple checklists, and a work order cadence that people can sustain. We right-size data collection to what managers actually use. We avoid technology sprawl. We select tools that operators can master within days, not months. The result is an operating rhythm that holds during vacations, storms, and staff turnover.
How do you reduce emergency call-outs and overtime?
We identify the few issues that cause many of the calls. Common drivers include float problems, ragging, sticky valves, dead UPS batteries, and weak pump controls. We shorten the list by addressing the root conditions. That includes proper level sensing, routine wet well cleaning, realistic alarm set points, and verified failover. We also stock the parts that repeatedly fail. These steps reduce after-hours disruptions while protecting permit performance.
Do you operate collection systems and pump stations?
Yes. We operate lift stations, force mains, and gravity lines. We set wet well cleaning cycles, pull pumps on a schedule, and verify check valve performance. We record run hours and drawdown tests to catch declining performance early. We maintain generator readiness and fuel quality. We map alarm thresholds to real risk. We keep service trucks set up for rapid call-outs. For infiltration and inflow, we can coordinate smoke tests, CCTV, and point repairs that target the worst sources first.
How do you ensure permit compliance?
We align daily work with permit terms. We verify sample points, preservation, transport, and lab accreditation. We train operators on hold times and bottle handling. We match process set-points to seasonal conditions. We run process checks that connect cause and effect. If an upset occurs, we create a clear factual record. We communicate quickly with owners and regulators. Our approach gives managers confidence that operations, process control, and lab work support the permit as written.
What is your stance on safety?
Safety is a condition of work. We start each site with a short hazard assessment that focuses on confined spaces, energy isolation, chemical handling, traffic flow, ladders, and fall protection. We confirm eyewash and shower readiness. We check labeling at pumps, valves, and MCCs. We verify rescue plans and make sure rescue gear is in place. We give operators simple checklists that focus on the tasks they perform each day. We coach, quiz, and reinforce. The goal is to finish every day without harm.
Can you help with staffing and training?
Yes. We help owners recruit and develop licensed operators. We support shift planning, coverage, and cross-training. We build short, practical SOPs that read like instructions, not policy. We train operators on process principles and on the specific controls in the plant. We coach leaders on how to keep a small team effective under pressure. We build a training matrix and track completion. The outcome is a staff that knows what to do and why it matters.
How do you handle older equipment that fails often?
We apply a three-step triage.
Stabilize
Keep the asset safe. Remove recurring fault conditions. Prevent secondary damage. Set a realistic run profile.
Assess
Identify the failure mode. Confirm lead times and cost. Document risk if nothing changes.
Decide
Select repair, overhaul, or replacement. Align the choice with lifecycle economics and permit risk. Plan the work, secure parts, schedule the outage, and close the job with a clear record.
This pattern stops the cycle of repeated resets. It also builds a case for capital that leadership can evaluate.
What is your view on technology in wastewater?
Technology should serve operations. Tools must reduce effort or improve safety. We use CMMS to assign and close work. We use SCADA to monitor and control. We keep configurations simple so operators understand what the system is doing. We set alarm thresholds that represent true risk. We archive alarm history and use it to prevent repeats. We guide owners away from features that look impressive but add little value. A calm screen with a few clear alarms is better than a busy screen with alerts no one trusts.
How does O&M Solutions measure success?
We measure what matters to plant owners and ratepayers.
Permit compliance and trend stability.
Safety performance and near-miss reporting.
Work order age, backlog, and maintenance completion.
Alarm counts, time to acknowledge, and time to resolve.
Unplanned downtime and call-outs.
Chemical feed stability and energy use.
Customer and regulator feedback.
We share the metrics in a one-page summary that a non-technical reader can understand. Leaders should not need to read a stack of logs to judge performance.
Can you work under DBO or DBOO structures?
Yes. Our team understands Design-Build-Operate and Design-Build-Own-Operate models. For owners who want long-term support and accountability, these structures can align incentives. They can also accelerate delivery. We design for operations from day one. That means safe access, simple controls, parts commonality, and clear valve labeling. We price for lifecycle cost, not low bid maintenance headaches. We report performance with transparency so the owner always knows where things stand.
Do you support small package plants at schools, parks, or industrial sites?
Yes. Package plants require discipline around inspection and sampling. We tailor routes to cover each system on the right cadence. We ensure supplies, standards, and bottles are on site. We run basic lab checks, document problems, and remediate quickly. We train site custodians on what to watch. We keep stakeholder communication simple and direct. The goal is reliable permit performance without drama.
What about storm events and wet-weather operations?
Storms are predictable in effect even when timing varies. We prepare by validating level instruments, verifying pump curves, ensuring generator readiness, and clearing wet wells. We communicate early with the owner about risks and staffing. During the event, we run with a clear order of operations. We focus on keeping flow moving, protecting critical assets, and recording conditions. After the event, we debrief, clean, restock, and update set-points. We capture lessons and weave them into the plan so the next event is easier.
How do you handle odor complaints?
Odor is both technical and social. We address gas control, venting, and chemical feed. We inspect problem manholes and evaluate flow patterns. We verify that covers are tight and carbon is active. We set up a simple way for residents to report issues. We respond with speed and facts. We document actions the same day. The aim is a clear handshake between operations and the community.
Can O&M Solutions help secure funding or align projects to funding programs?
We do not replace your consulting engineer or bond counsel, but we can make your projects more fundable. We help define scope that matches demonstrated risk. We document the compliance and safety benefits. We show how the project reduces O&M burden. That helps leaders select projects that regulators and funders view favorably. We write operations-focused narratives that fit within grant and loan applications prepared by your engineer.
What does a typical 30-60-90 day plan look like?
Every site is unique, but the plan often follows this shape.
Day 0 to 30
Confirm safety controls. Correct the worst housekeeping and alarm issues. Tighten process set-points. Clear urgent work orders. Validate sampling and lab handling. Establish a daily huddle and a short weekly update to leadership.
Day 31 to 60
Shift from reactive to scheduled tasks. Balance inventories. Calibrate instruments. Map critical spares. Identify the first three capital-lite fixes with large operational payback. Update SOPs for the most common tasks. Start basic operator cross-training.
Day 61 to 90
Lock in the work order rhythm. Reduce nuisance alarms. Launch a small predictive task based on run hours or vibration. Present a simple capital roadmap that ties costs to risk reduction. Align budget, staff, and vendors to support the next quarter.
What deliverables can leadership expect each month?
Leaders receive clear records that match what councils, boards, and owners need to see.
A one-page performance summary.
A compliance and sampling log.
A maintenance completion report.
An exceptions log with corrective actions.
A short memo that flags decisions that require owner input.
We can present the month in a brief meeting, answer questions, and leave the owner with a record that stands on its own.
How does O&M Solutions support consulting engineers on capital projects?
We provide the operating reality. We show what works in daily use. We flag access concerns. We specify valve positions, drain points, and hoist needs. We review control set-points with the integrator. We test controls with operators present. We help the engineer trim scope that adds cost without performance. We help the owner avoid headaches that come from designs that are hard to operate.
Our plant has a skilled team already. What value does O&M Solutions add?
We support your team so they can do their best work. We clear bottlenecks, coordinate vendors, and handle paperwork that pulls operators off the floor. We fill coverage gaps. We coach on process control. We bring a second set of eyes to recurring problems. We give leadership clean visibility so the plant gets the resources it needs. We work with your team, not around them.
Do you support industrial pretreatment and side-stream challenges?
Yes. We work with industrial users and municipal owners to keep flows within plant capability. We review loading, equalization, and pH control. We design simple sampling plans and clear communication rules. We document violations and corrective actions. We help both sides protect the treatment process while maintaining productive relationships.
How do you approach chemicals and consumables?
Chemicals should be applied with purpose. We test dose against target outcomes and seasonal needs. We monitor storage and secondary containment. We verify pump stroke, tubing, and check valves. We maintain a clear record of deliveries and usage. We reduce waste by stabilizing dose and repairing minor leaks that lead to larger costs. We train operators to watch the data and act before swings occur.
Can you help with energy management?
Yes. Energy cost sits near the top of the O&M budget. We analyze run profiles, level control bands, and aeration set-points. We reduce inefficient runtime without harming process performance. We address air leaks and blower control. We document savings so leaders see the return. Energy work pairs well with maintenance because it relies on clean sensors, working valves, and accurate controls.
How does O&M Solutions document work?
We keep records that a regulator can follow and a new operator can use. Work orders describe what happened and why it matters. Photos show the condition before and after. Parts lists and serial numbers match the asset tag. The record explains the decision that was made. When leadership reviews an item, they can understand it in minutes.
What does a strong preventive maintenance program look like in practice?
It starts small and grows. We select a handful of critical assets. We set realistic intervals and clear tasks. We give operators simple steps and a way to record findings. We track trends and adjust. We expand to more assets as the team gains momentum. A workable program beats a perfect plan that no one can maintain.
How do you manage vendors and contractors?
We set expectations on response, scope, safety, and cleanup. We provide access and supervision. We confirm work quality before closing tickets. We keep a record of vendor performance. The owner sees which partners deliver strong value. This clarity keeps everyone aligned.
What happens during a compliance upset?
We gather facts fast. We stabilize the process. We document the sequence. We notify the owner and regulators based on permit terms. We identify the cause and corrective actions. We update procedures to prevent repeats. We focus on transparency. Clear communication protects credibility.
Do you provide 24/7 coverage?
Yes. We maintain on-call coverage and escalation. We keep trucks stocked and fuel ready. We use a simple call list and we keep it current. We record after-hours events so leaders can review what happened. The aim is fast response with a clean record.
How do you align with municipal budgeting cycles?
We bring clear scopes that match fiscal calendars. We provide realistic estimates and lead times. We separate no-regret maintenance from capital items. We stage work so spending lines up with revenue. We present choices with risk and payoff explained in plain language. This helps councils make informed decisions.
Can you help prepare an RFP or evaluate responses?
We can help owners build an RFP that sets the right outcomes and avoids vague language. We can help evaluate responses by comparing operating plans, staffing models, and risk handling. We highlight the practical differences that change results on the ground. We do not pick winners for you. We equip you to make a confident choice.
How does O&M Solutions communicate with the community?
We provide clear, respectful updates when public impacts occur. We explain what is happening, what the utility is doing, and how residents can help. We keep the message factual. We avoid blame. We respond to concerns and close the loop. Community trust grows when the utility speaks with candor and competence.
What kinds of plants do you operate?
We support activated sludge, SBR, oxidation ditch, RBC, lagoons, MBR, and tertiary filtration. We also support disinfection systems, biosolids handling, and odor control. Each process has its own failure modes and best practices. Our operators know what to watch and how to respond when conditions change.
How do you help a plant recover from a major upset?
We stabilize flows and prevent secondary damage. We adjust aeration and recycle rates. We protect the biology and reduce shock. We coordinate lab testing. We communicate with the owner and regulators. We capture the lessons in a brief report with clear actions. The aim is recovery first, then learning.
What is your philosophy on “run to failure” versus “maintain by the calendar”?
Both can be right depending on the asset. Low-cost items that fail safely can run to failure if spares are available. Critical assets need preventive schedules or condition-based tasks. We match the strategy to risk, cost, and permit impact. That balance protects service and budget.
How do you set priorities when everything feels urgent?
We sort work by safety, compliance, service, and cost. Safety and compliance come first. Service follows because ratepayers notice disruptions. Cost matters, but it does not lead. We explain the ordering to leadership so decisions hold under pressure.
Can you help with data cleanup and record restoration?
Yes. We recover records from paper, spreadsheets, and old databases. We save what matters, drop what does not, and standardize the rest. We build simple dashboards that operators update without friction. The goal is a light, useful system that supports work instead of creating it.
Do you handle seasonal operating changes?
Yes. We adjust for temperature shifts, storm patterns, and influent characteristics. We tune aeration, wasting, and chemical dose. We prepare assets for freezing weather and summer load swings. We plan and communicate changes so the team knows what to expect.
How do you coordinate with regulators?
We communicate early when conditions change. We answer questions with facts. We document corrective actions. We provide clear records during inspections. We treat regulators as stakeholders in public health. That mindset builds constructive relationships over time.
Can O&M Solutions step in temporarily?
Yes. We can provide interim operations during staff turnover, project construction, or emergency recovery. We stabilize the plant, keep records, and help hire and train permanent staff. When we step back, the site retains the improvements.
What does success look like six months after O&M Solutions begins?
Alarms are quiet. Work orders are current. Sampling is reliable. Operators cover one another without fear. Vendors respond on time. The permit shows stable performance. The board receives short monthly updates and has high confidence in the team. Ratepayers and plant neighbors see steady, respectful service.
How do you partner with owners who value transparency?
We welcome transparency. We share methods and results. We show the work in plain language. We provide access to logs and dashboards. We stand up in front of councils and answer questions. We view transparency as a driver of performance.
What sets O&M Solutions apart?
Three traits stand out.
Operator-first
We start at the task level and work up. We remove friction and noise that slow operators down.
Process clarity
We make cause and effect visible. We teach the why behind each adjustment. We base decisions on data and observed conditions.
Accountability
We report results with candor. We own setbacks and fix root causes. We keep the owner informed without spin.
These traits build trust. Trust keeps systems stable. Stability protects public health and ratepayer funds.
How do we start if our site is under stress?
Send us your permit, recent lab data, and a short description of the current state. We will schedule a walkthrough, confirm immediate risks, and deliver an initial action list within days. That list will separate urgent tasks from planned work and will include a simple communication rhythm. You will know where you stand and what happens next.
What if we want to keep our current staff?
We can structure our role to fit your team. We can provide coverage, coaching, and senior operator support. We can take on maintenance or compliance reporting while your operators handle daily rounds. We can also handle full operations if that suits your needs. The structure depends on your goals.
What about cost?
Cost follows scope, staffing, and risk. We explain the cost drivers, the expected savings from reduced downtime and energy, and the value of avoiding violations. We present options and tradeoffs in a format your board can review. We align the work with your budget cycle and funding sources.
Do you work across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York?
Yes. We know the operating environment in our region. We understand seasonal conditions, vendor availability, and regulatory expectations. That regional focus helps us respond quickly and maintain continuity.
What results can a governing body expect in the first quarter?
Expect better visibility, fewer surprises, and a calmer operating state. Expect a clear plan for staffing, maintenance, and near-term capital. Expect meetings that run faster because the facts are presented plainly. Expect leadership to spend more time on priorities and less time on crisis response.
Can you provide references?
Yes. We can provide references appropriate to project size and scope after an initial discussion. We respect client privacy and share references responsibly.
What is the best next step for a plant manager or owner?
Schedule an initial review. We will discuss your permit, operating state, staffing, and the outcomes you need. We will recommend a right-sized scope and a 30-60-90 day path that you can review with your board. If we agree on the plan, we begin with safety and stabilization, then move toward sustained improvement.
Quick Answers:
What does O&M Solutions do?
Operate and maintain wastewater treatment plants and collection systems while improving safety, compliance, and reliability.
How fast can you begin?
We mobilize quickly, verify critical controls in week one, and deliver an initial action list within days.
Do you support DBO and DBOO?
Yes. We align design with operations, and we report performance transparently across the life of the asset.
Can you work with our current staff?
Yes. We augment, coach, or cover full operations based on your goals.
What regions do you serve?
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York.
What outcomes should we expect?
Stable permit performance, fewer call-outs, cleaner records, and clear communication with leadership and regulators.
Call to Action
If you lead a plant, a town, or a private facility and you want reliable operations with clear accountability, contact O&M Solutions. Share your permit and recent data. We will give you a practical 30-60-90 day plan and a path to a calm, compliant operating state that your board and your community can trust.