Expertise: Water Sanitation Treatment
Expertise Group: Engineering
Consultant Source: International
TOR Keywords: Wastewater Treatement Process
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
(i) Efficient, effective, and sustainable wastewater treatment to protect and enhance human and
environmental health in Koror.
(ii) Ensure that the capacity of Koror’s wastewater treatment plant can accommodate Koror’s sewage load
growth to 2036 (primarily due to new tourism infrastructure developments) while meeting Palau’s
environmental quality and protection standards.
Scope of Work
Assist the Palau Public Utilities Corporation implement upgrades to the Malakal wastewater treatment
plant required to: (i) maximize the treatment plant efficiency, and (ii) meet Palau’s environmental
standards for wastewater effluent and wastewater treatment plant sludge treatment and disposal.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
- Assessment and Diagnostic Review
(i) Review existing wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) infrastructure, process design, operational
performance, maintenance practices, and regulatory compliance status.
(ii) Assess the condition and performance of the sequencing batch reactor (SBR), inlet works, sludge
handling facilities, aeration systems, instrumentation, electrical systems, and ancillary assets.
(iii) Conduct process audits, identify operational bottlenecks, capacity constraints, energy
inefficiencies, and causes of non-compliance with effluent discharge standards.
(iv) Review historical operational data, laboratory results, maintenance records, and environmental
monitoring reports.
(v) Identifying deficiencies, risks, rehabilitation requirements, and priority investments required to
meet environmental discharge standards. - Process Design and Rehabilitation Planning
(i) Where appropriate, identify necessary modifications to improve treatment performance and reliability
and to achieve the environmental discharge standards.
(ii) Optimize biological nutrient removal, aeration efficiency, sludge management, and process control
systems.
(iii) Where appropriate, recommend upgrades to instrumentation, automation, supervisory control and data
acquisition (SCADA), and monitoring equipment. - Procurement and Construction Support
(i) Assist the PPUC in evaluating bids and assessing compliance of proposed equipment and process
solutions.
(ii) Review contractor process designs, shop drawings, commissioning plans, and equipment submittals.
(iii) Provide technical advice during construction and installation activities.
(iv) Participate in inspections, testing, and acceptance of process equipment and systems. - Commissioning and Performance Verification
(i) Develop commissioning protocols and process start-up procedures.
(ii) Assist PPUC to supervise the commissioning of rehabilitated treatment facilities and process
equipment.
(iii) Optimize operating parameters, including aeration cycles, sludge age, mixed liquor concentrations,
settling performance, and decanting operations.
(iv) Verify achievement of process performance guarantees, capacity requirements, and treated effluent
standards.
(v) Identify and rectify process deficiencies observed during commissioning and initial operation. - Operations and Maintenance Improvement
(i) Assist PPUC to strengthen Plant operational and maintenance practices.
(ii) Update (or where required develop) standard operating procedures (SOPs) for key treatment processes
and equipment.
(iii) Assist PPUC to prepare and strengthen preventive and predictive maintenance programs for
mechanical, electrical, and process equipment.
(iv) Assist PPUC to prepare and strengthen process monitoring protocols and laboratory quality assurance
procedures.
(v) Identify measures to reduce operating costs, energy consumption, chemical usage, and sludge
management costs. - Capacity Building and Training
(i) Deliver classroom and hands-on training on:
(a) SBR process fundamentals.
(b) Process monitoring and control.
(c) Laboratory testing and interpretation.
(d) Sludge management.
(e) Preventive maintenance.
(f) Electrical and mechanical systems.
(g) Occupational health and safety.
(h) Environmental compliance monitoring.
(ii) Provide on-the-job mentoring and coaching during commissioning and initial operation. - Environmental Compliance and Sustainability
(i) Strengthen PPUC’s monitoring programs to verify compliance with environmental permits and discharge
standards.
(ii) Assist PPUC in implementing environmental management and reporting systems.
(iii) Assist PPUC to strengthen sludge management and disposal strategies consistent with environmental
regulations.
(iv) Support the development and updating of long-term operational budgets and lifecycle cost
assessments. - Institutional Strengthening
(i) Review utility organizational arrangements related to PPUC’s wastewater treatment operations.
(ii) Recommend staffing requirements, roles, competencies, and succession planning measures.
(iii) Strengthen the PPUC’s ability to independently manage and optimize treatment plant operations
after completion of the assignment.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
The Consultant will have at minimum, a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, process or
chemical engineering, chemistry, or other relevant qualification and at least 15 years’ experience in
designing and implementing water quality monitoring programs and analyzing water quality data.
Experience obtained in Pacific Islands developing countries is essential.
Minimum General Experience: 15 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 15 Years
