Optimization Potential of the Human Infrastructure

At the 2015 National AWOP Meeting, a workshop session was devoted to the topic of how to assess “optimization potential” and incorporate it into Status Component ranking criteria.  One potential tool is the Major Unit Process Evaluation which helps to determine if a plant has adequate design capability.  Existing CCP handbooks for water and wastewater plants provide guidance for conducting a Major Unit Process Evaluation.  Another aspect of optimization potential relates to the suitability and level of interest of plant managers and operators who would potentially participate in optimization activities.  Clearly, optimization resources are more wisely spent at facilities where there is motivation and capability on the part of its operators and managers.

As a follow-up activity to this workshop, a document was developed that provides potential interview questions to help assess the human infrastructure component of “optimization potential”.  Three sets of interview questions (for state drinking water personnel, plant managers, plant operators) were prepared to help gain insight into a plant’s interest in and suitability for optimization activities.  This approach is roughly the equivalent of a “job interview” for a candidate applying for an optimization training opportunity.

The document linked to this article may be useful to AWOP states when identifying utilities to consider for training activities.  If others in the AWOP network have ideas or approaches on how to assess the human infrastructure capability, they are encouraged to share them on AWOP News or by providing comments to this article. OptPot_25Apr2016