CCMUA platform to reduce odor nuisances, improve quality of life

Predictive software to track weather, odor particles in real-time

(Camden, NJ) — The Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority (CCMUA) is increasing its capacity to reduce odor risk and respond to community reports of any observed odor nuisance. The CCMUA awarded a contract to Envirosuite on Monday to bring its expansive modelling platform, including new hardware and software, to the Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) in Camden.

The WPCF is the third largest facility of its kind in the state and treats 80 million gallons of sewage per day. The facility’s proximity to residential areas means that odors from the daily operations of the WPCF can travel out of industrial areas and into residential communities. The proposed additions will increase the facility’s ability to predict, track, and respond to odorous particles that escape the facility.

“This is a groundbreaking addition to the WPCF which will enable significant improvements to the quality of life for residents living in the surrounding communities,” said County Commissioner Jeff Nash, liaison to the CCMUA. “Until now, the CCMUA has been limited in its ability to predict when and where particles may spread. This technology will allow staff to be pro-active about odor risk and will make it easier and faster to respond to residents’ reports of potential issues.”

Envirosuite’s platform combines real-time monitoring data with real-time and forecast modeling, allowing the CCMUA to anticipate environmental impacts in advance and proactively adjust their operation plans or implement control measures appropriately. The platform is configured with localized settings and sensors that are strategically located throughout the area to characterize emissions. Onsite weather data are used to predict conditions at the site and how it will impact environmental conditions.

“Using impact and ambient monitoring, this technology will enable CCMUA to track in real-time concentrations of Hydrogen Sulfide, Ammonia, and other volatile organic compounds that are a nuisance to our community when spread,” said CCMUA Director of Operations Len Gipson.

“Once this technology is installed, our team will be able to clearly identify the origin of reported nuisances, which will dramatically improve the efficiency of our response. This is first and foremost an improvement made out of our commitment to environmental justice and our efforts to work side-by-side with the community,” said CCMUA Executive Director Scott Schreiber.

More information regarding CCMUA and its projects is available by visiting ccmua.org