In the past year, we’ve posted hundreds of stories to TPOmag.com, including everything from plant and operator profiles to online exclusives to opinions on current events.
Here we highlight the 10 most popular articles of the year. If you missed any of these, now is your chance to catch up. And if you’ve already read them, well, just remember that many things are better the second time around. Enjoy this look back at 2014.
10. The ABCs of National Operator Certification
In 2014 ABC introduced the Professional Operator designation. The new certification attempts to resolve the long-standing issue of reciprocity for water and wastewater operators.
9. Methane Buildup Triggers Plant Explosion
Earlier this year, a buildup of methane at the Goshen (Ind.) Wastewater Treatment Plant triggered a dangerous explosion that caused extensive building damage. Thankfully no one was hurt, but the incident was a reminder that work safety is paramount.
8. Vacuum Truck Explodes at Wastewater Plant
Chemicals can be volatile things, which was certainly true when a vacuum truck exploded at the Santa Clara Water Waste Co. near Santa Paula, Calif. Find out how emergency response crews dealt with the incident and handled a mandatory evacuation.
7. Ebola & Wastewater: Time to Take a Step Back
When wastewater operators became concerned about Ebola transmission, editor Ted Rulseh took a moment to put the issue into perspective.
6. Gun Scare at Plant Ends With Operator in Custody
A lead operator at Fox River Water Reclamation in Elgin, Ill., was taken into custody after a gun scare. Find out how the situation was handled in this wastewater news brief.
5. Two Die During Wastewater Plant Repair
A pump pit accident killed two contractors at the Roberto R. Bustamante Wastewater Treatment Plant in El Paso, Texas. This news brief covers the details of what happened and reminds us all that safety is important.
4. Dr. Oz Vows to Stop Flushing Wipes
Once a proponent of flushable wipes, Dr. Mehmet Oz has a change of heart after touring a wastewater treatment plant.
3. Class-Action Lawsuit Targets Makers of ‘Flushable’ Wipes
The lengthy discussion about wipes products and flushability got a little more heated when this class-action lawsuit was announced.
Exam preparation is always a hot topic on TPOmag.com. This roundup our sample test questions remained a popular website feature throughout the year.
1. Ebola Information Released for Water and Wastewater Utilities
And finally, the most popular article of the year … when wastewater operators demanded answers about the Ebola virus, we posted this information from the Water Research Foundation.
