MEMORANDUM

TO: William Swietlik, U.S. EPA/EAD

FROM: Dan-Tam Nguyen, ERG

Eva Knoth, ERG

Lydia Lambert, ERG

Kim Wagoner, ERG

Betsy Bicknell, ERG

Mary Willett, ERG

DATE: November 22, 2013

SUBJECT: Supplemental Quality Assurance and Control Plan for the Development and 

Population of the Industrial Wastewater Treatment Technology Database 

As required by Clean Water Act §304(m), EPA conducts an annual review of effluent limitations 

guidelines and standards (ELGs). As part of this review, EPA evaluates whether an applicable 

and demonstrated technology, process change, or pollution prevention approach would 

substantially reduce the hazard from pollutants1 discharged by each regulated industrial point 

source category. EPA is planning to review new technologies and improvements to existing 

technologies to determine whether existing ELGs should be revised to reflect improved treatment

technology performance, or if technologies might control pollutant discharges that are not 

currently regulated.

ERG developed an industrial wastewater treatment technology (IWTT) database to capture and 

store existing wastewater treatment technology data. EPA will use this database to identify and 

evaluate the performance of new treatment technologies (or new applications for existing 

treatment technologies) that specific industries are implementing. This technology evaluation

will support activities related to EPA’s 304(m) annual review process, EAD industry studies, and 

ELG development.

Key steps in the development of the IWTT database include:

1. Data collection. ERG is conducting literature searches to identify data sources (chiefly 

technical articles) presenting new or improved industrial wastewater treatment 

technologies.

2. Quality assessment. ERG is reviewing the quality of the collected data sources.

 

 1 From EPA’s November 2002 Draft Strategy for National Clean Water Industrial Regulations Effluent Limitation

Guidelines, Pretreatment Standards, and New Source Performance Standards.
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3. Database structure development, testing, and verification. ERG developed a database 

structure in MS® Access containing data fields that capture information on the data 

source, facility, treatment technology, and wastewater characteristics. ERG developed 

forms and structured query language (SQL) to facilitate data entry, track changes, and 

quality control (QC) checks within MS® Access.

 

4. Data entry and quality reviews. ERG is compiling the information in the MS® Access 

database and checking the accuracy of the data entry.

5. Data review and reporting. ERG will evaluate the overall treatment performance data 

based on available data in the MS® Access database and report conclusions in future 

Annual Review Reports.

This document outlines the procedures ERG is implementing during each step of the 

development and population of the IWTT database to ensure that the contents meet the 

specifications set forth in the Environmental Engineering Support for Clean Water Regulations 

Programmatic Quality Assurance Project Plan (PQAPP, Rev. 1, Approved October 20, 2013). 

ERG will follow the procedures set forth in the PQAPP and in this memorandum for further 

development and population of the database. 

1.0 DATABASE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary roles and responsibilities of the IWTT database staff are as follows:

• Database task lead. Coordinates IWTT database activities, including technical 

development, population, and review of the database. The task lead develops the 

expectations and procedures for each step of development and ensures that procedures are 

followed.

• Database developer. Creates database structure and functional objects to meet the needs 

of the project. The developer verifies the technical approach and creates objects and 

modules to facilitate presentation and analysis of information.

• Article reviewer. Reviews each article and populates the appropriate fields with the 

technical information for each assigned article in accordance with the data entry 

instructions manual. 

• QC reviewer. Reviews each article and verifies that all information for each article is 

entered accurately and completely (with the exception of treatment system information); 

makes corrections as needed to clarify the information in the article; and completes the

QC review checklists.

• Senior technical reviewer. Verifies that the treatment system information for each article 

is entered accurately and completely. This includes ensuring that the treatment units were 
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entered to reflect the correct order of operations. Also, corrects and clarifies the 

information in the article and completes the senior technical review checklist.

The specific tasks of each responsible party are discussed in detail in the following sections.

2.0 DATA COLLECTION AND QUALITY ASSESSMENT

ERG is conducting literature searches to collect and review a comprehensive set of data on new 

or improved IWTT performance from the following technical literature:

• Conference proceedings. ERG is reviewing references from three key technical 

conferences on wastewater that included technical presentations across a broad range of 

industries. These conferences were: the Water Environment Federation’s Technical 

Exhibit and Conference, the International Water Conference, and the Water Environment 

Federation’s Industrial Wastewater Seminar.

• Water-related journals. ERG is reviewing peer-reviewed journal articles from waterrelated societies that may provide information on new, more effective industrial 

wastewater treatment technologies. 

• Industry-specific organizations. ERG is reviewing industry trade organization 

publications, such as treatment publications from the American Petroleum Institute and 

the American Chemical Society. 

Based on direction from EPA, ERG is obtaining full text articles identified during literature

searches in a portable document format (pdf). ERG is then reviewing the content to determine 

whether the article should be entered into the IWTT database. In accordance with Section 4.3 of 

the PQAPP, ERG is selecting articles for data entry that describe full-scale industrial treatment 

systems. ERG is also selecting articles for entry that describe pilot-scale systems, as these 

systems may provide an indication of the performance of more advanced and cutting edge 

technologies. 

ERG developed a set of quality criteria based on the criteria outlined in the PQAPP. ERG is 

selecting articles for data entry if the treatment technology performance data presented meet the 

following quality criteria:

• Accuracy. The accuracy of the treatment technology performance data is based on the 

extent to which the documented data in an article are consistent with the body of 

information collected as part of the literature search. For the purposes of this analysis, 

ERG is assuming that the underlying data and information contained in state and federal 

reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, industry publications, and conference proceedings

are accurate. Although industry publications and conference proceedings are not peerreviewed, these resources may provide useful information for capturing the full range of 

processes and/or wastes generated by a specified industry point source or a range of 

information on specified treatment technologies. 
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• Reliability. The reliability of the treatment technology performance data is based on 

whether the data source incorporates the following attributes:

— Scientific work is clearly written, so that all assumptions and 

methodologies can be identified.

— Assumptions and methodologies are consistently applied throughout the 

analysis, as reported in the source.

— Waste stream, parameters, units, and detection limits (when appropriate)

are clearly characterized.

ERG is finding that the majority of articles from industry publications and conferences do

not describe the analytical methods used to measure pollutant concentrations. However,

the detection limits are consistently provided when measured concentrations are reported 

at or below detection. ERG deemed this was sufficient to pass the initial treatment 

technologies screening process; however, in such cases, ERG recommends requesting the 

analytical methods used from the article authors during future ELG development.

• Representativeness. The data must be representative of a modern treatment technology 

applied to industrial wastewater; therefore, ERG is collecting industrial wastewater 

treatment technology information and performance data published since 2000 so that the 

data are representative of current industrial processes and treatment challenges.

• Reasonableness. The reasonableness of the treatment technology performance data is 

based on historical knowledge of each industry’s wastewater characteristics, such as:

— Range of concentrations expected in the untreated stream.

— Types of pollutants expected in the untreated waste stream.

— Wastewater generation rates and the expected capacities of the evaluated 

treatment technologies.

After the database is populated, ERG will compare treatment systems by (for example)

evaluating and comparing pollutants targeted for removal across point source categories 

(PSC), and across standard industrial classification (SIC) and/or Northern American 

industry classification (NAICS) categories. ERG will also consider the capacity of the 

systems to check for reasonableness (e.g., flow rates for a full-scale system should be in 

the hundreds of gallons per minute).

ERG is maintaining a quality evaluation tracking spreadsheet to record whether each identified 

article meets the quality criteria for entry into the IWTT database. ERG continues to consult with 

EPA to confirm the applicability of the quality criteria, and notifies EPA of data sources that do

not meet quality criteria in monthly 304(m) progress reports. Table 2-1 describes the fields in the

quality evaluation tracking spreadsheet.
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Table 2-1. Description of Quality Evaluation Tracking Spreadsheet Fields

Field Name Field Description Field Type

Article ID Automatic number assigned to article when entered into the 

spreadsheet.

Number

DCN Document control number for articles entered in the record. Number

Title Title of the article. Text

Author Author of the article. Text

Source Bibliographical information on the article. Text

Page Count Total number of pages in the PDF. Number

Publication Year Year article was published. Date

Publication Type Type of publication (Peer-Reviewed Article; Industry Publication; 

Conference Proceeding; Government Publication; News Article).

Text

Keyword(s) Keywords used in the search engine to identify the article. Text

Industry Industry of the treatment technologies evaluated in the article. Text

Scale Scale of experiment highlighted in the article (Lab; Pilot; Full). Text

DOI (or URL) Digital Object Identifier (http://dx.doi.org) or web address where 

article was found.

Text

Date Entered Date article information was entered. Date

Entered By Name of the person that entered the article information. Text

Full Text? Tracking field for whether the full text article has been acquired. Yes/No

Full Text Acquired Date Date the full text article was acquired. Date

Retrieved By Name of the reviewer that located the full text article. Text

File Name Name of the PDF. Text

Initial Reviewer Name of person conducting the initial review of the article. Text

Initial Review Date Date the initial article review was completed. Date

Data Entry Approval Tracking field identifying whether the article should be reviewed in 

depth and the results entered in the IWTT database.

Yes/No

Quality Criteria -

Accurate

Tracking field identifying whether the article meets the accuracy 

quality criterion identified in Section 2.0.

Yes/No

Quality Criteria -

Reliable

Tracking field identifying whether the article meets the reliability 

quality criterion identified in Section 2.0.

Yes/No

Quality Criteria -

Representative

Tracking field identifying whether the article meets the 

representativeness quality criterion identified in Section 2.0.

Yes/No

Quality Criteria -

Reasonable

Tracking field identifying whether the article meets the 

reasonableness quality criterion identified in Section 2.0.

Yes/No

Quality Notes Notes to EPA explaining why a quality criterion identified in Section 

2.0 was not achieved.

Text

3.0 DATABASE STRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, TESTING, AND VERIFICATION

ERG reviewed several EPA treatability and literature review databases, and then presented EPA 

with three approaches for database development. ERG proposed several options for compiling 

the information and recommended data elements to capture in the database. EPA selected an 

MS® Access database structure to store the wastewater treatment technologies performance data. 

The data objects (i.e., tables, forms, and queries) in the IWTT database are described in the 

following subsections.

In accordance with the PQAPP, ERG tested the IWTT database and verified: 1) that the technical 

approach to the database structure design was appropriate, 2) that the relationships between data 
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tables were assigned correctly, and 3) that the design of the input forms allows entered data to be 

saved into the intended tables. 

ERG documented the testing and verification of the database design through MS® Excel 

spreadsheets distributed between the ERG database task lead and the ERG database developer. In 

addition, at least one other ERG staff member verified the functionality of the forms and all 

database elements throughout development. ERG also saved older versions of the database as 

back-up files and to track changes.

3.1 Tables

ERG created several data tables in the IWTT database to organize the information found in each 

article and minimize redundancy and dependency within the database. Table 3-1 provides a brief 

description of each data table. Figure A-1 in Attachment A illustrates the relationships ERG 

established between the input tables within the database.

Table 3-1. List of Data Tables

Table Name Table Description

Informational Data

0_READ ME – Description of Tables Contains descriptions of the information included in the database 

tables and other relevant references used. 

0_READ ME – Description of Fields Contains descriptions of the fields in each input data table.

Input Data (Data Obtained from the Articles)

1_INPUT_Reference_Information Contains article bibliographical information.

2_INPUT_Treatment_Technology Contains information on treatment design, operations, and costs.

2_INPUT_Treatment_Technology_Codes Crosswalk between treatment technology operations codes and each 

treatment system reported.

3_INPUT_Detection_Limits Contains information on pollutant detection limits.

4_INPUT_Performance_Data Contains influent and effluent pollutant concentration data.

Output Data (Data for Results Summaries)

3_OUTPUT_Detection_Limits Contains query results on detection limits reported in the articles.

4_OUTPUT_Performance_Data Contains query results on available influent/effluent pollutant data and 

whether or not to include the information in evaluating treatment 

performance.

5_Calculated_Percent _Removals Contains query results on treatment performance data included in the 

analysis.

QC Data

6_Article_Review_and_QC_Information Documents the article review, QC review, and senior technical reviews 

for each article.

7_QC_Input Documents the QC review checklists and the senior review checklist

for each article.

8_QC_TrackChanges Documents all revisions from the original data entry to the latest 

update/revision of article information. 

Lookup

KEY_Document_Types Identifies the list of document types.

KEY_Lab_Scale Identifies the scale in which the measurements were conducted.

KEY_Motivation Identifies the motivation categories for the treatment technology 
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Table 3-1. List of Data Tables

Table Name Table Description

implementation.

KEY_NAICS Identifies the NAICS code in which the treatment technology is used.

KEY_param_cat_crosswalk Crosswalk table between the KEY_paramcatID and 

KEY_Parameter_Code tables. 

KEY_paramcatID Identifies the parameter categories.

KEY_Parameter_Code Identifies the parameters.

KEY_PerformStat Identifies the value type reported (e.g., average, minimum, maximum).

KEY_PSCSIC_Crosswalk Identifies the PSCs and respective SIC codes. 

KEY_TreatmentTechCode Identifies the treatment technology codes.

Administrative Data

0_Version Control Documents the database versions.

ZADMIN_import_databases Reference table for import routine to identify and merge data entry 

database copies into the master database.

3.2 Data Entry Forms

Using Visual BASIC for Applications (VBA) programming, ERG developed four data entry

forms in the IWTT database that contain all the required data elements included in the input 

tables. The forms populate the corresponding fields in each of the input tables with relevant 

information. The data entry forms provide an interface that facilitates data entry, promotes 

standardization of data fields, and improves data security. The purpose of each form is listed 

below:

• Form 0, Main Menu (Figure B-1) contains a listing of the existing articles entered into the 

database and allows data entry staff to edit an existing article entry or create a new article 

entry. Form 0 provides access to Form 1, a review documentation table, and an import 

routine (see Section 3.5). 

• Form 1, Reference Information (Figure B-2) contains all the data fields that identify and 

summarize the article reference, including bibliographical information, abstract, and key 

findings. Form 1 provides access to Form 2.

• Form 2, Treatment Technology (Figure B-3) contains all of the data fields that capture

the treatment system design, unit order, operating conditions, and cost information. If an

article discusses more than one treatment system, an additional Form 2 must be populated 

for each system. Form 2 provides access to Form 3.

• Form 3, Removal Performance (Figure B-4) contains all of the data fields that capture 

performance data for each parameter removed by each treatment system. The form 

captures a single parameter’s removal (influent and effluent concentration and/or percent 

removal), detection limits, and discharge limits. If an article discusses the removal of 

more than one parameter, an additional Form 3 must be populated for each parameter.
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Figure 3-1 illustrates the overall structure and navigation between the forms. Figures B-1 through 

B-4 in Attachment B are screenshots of the data entry forms. 

Figure 3-1. Data Entry Forms Structure

The database is designed to transfer the information from the forms into the input tables 

automatically as the user navigates between forms. However, the forms also include a “Cancel” 

button, which, when selected, will not save any new information entered into the data tables.

 

3.3 Review Checklists

ERG developed the following four review checklists in the IWTT database:

• Form 1, QC Review Checklist (Figure C-1) requires the QC reviewer to confirm that all 

of the applicable reference information has been entered accurately, including the 

bibliographical information, abstract, key findings, motivation, treatment system scales, 

and selection criteria. 

• Form 2, QC Review Checklist (Figure C-2) requires the QC reviewer to confirm that all 

of the applicable treatment system information has been entered accurately, including the 

industry classification codes, scale, chemical addition, process diagram, costs, and 

selection criteria.
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• Form 2, Senior Technical Review Checklist (Figure C-3) requires the senior technical 

reviewer to confirm that the treatment system description and codes have been entered

accurately.

• Form 3, QC Review Checklist (Figure C-4) requires the QC reviewer to confirm that all 

of the applicable performance data have been entered accurately, including the parameter 

name, analytical methods, detection limits, and percent removal.

Using VBA programming, the checklists populate the respective fields in each QC table with 

relevant information. The checklists can be toggled on or off, so that they are only visible during 

QC and senior technical review activity. Completing the checklists ensures that the reviewers

check the fields that are essential to evaluate the treatment system performance and the fields 

that are commonly difficult for the article reviewer to interpret (e.g., PSC, SIC, and NAICS 

codes). At the bottom of each checklist, is a comment field where the reviewer can note anything 

unusual about the article. Figures C-1 through C-4 in Attachment C are screenshots of the 

checklists.

During the QC and senior technical review, any necessary updates to the data fields are 

automatically tracked in a separate table to retain the previous values entered into those data 

fields and document the review activities. In contrast, any updates made during the initial data 

entry are not tracked in the database.

3.4 Import Routine

ERG created an import routine, using VBA programming, to merge several copies of the IWTT 

database into one master file. This routine allows multiple article reviewers to populate the 

database concurrently, but in separate files. The database task lead and the database developer, 

using several test cases, verified that the routine functioned as intended. 

After each import exercise, the database task lead confirms that the total number of articles in 

each imported database was transferred to the master database and spot checks that the data from 

the input tables were transferred correctly. 

3.5 Queries

ERG incorporated several sequential queries into a simple macro routine in the IWTT database

to identify parameters with complete data and calculate treatment performance in the output 

tables listed in Table 3-1. The goal of the queries is to calculate percent removal for each water 

quality parameter with appropriate data so that system treatment performances can be compared. 

The initial queries in the sequence filter out parameters with incomplete data (i.e., only influent 

or only effluent concentration) or for which percent removal is not an appropriate calculation. 

The percent removal is not calculated for parameters where:
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• The influent and effluent units are not mass or concentration (e.g., pH, oxidationreduction potential).

• The influent concentration is greater than effluent concentration.

• The influent concentration is below the detection limit.

The ERG database task lead assigned a QC reviewer to review the sequential queries. The QC 

reviewer was knowledgeable about the IWTT database, but not directly involved with the 

development of the queries. The QC reviewer received a separate version of the database to 

conduct the review and documented testing and verification of each query. In accordance with 

Table 2-4 in the PQAPP, the responsibilities of the QC reviewer included the following:

• Verify the appropriateness and technical soundness of the methods and approaches used.

• Check that equations in the queries produced the correct result and were entered into the 

query accurately. For example, the QC reviewer manually recalculated the percent 

removal values that represented the lowest, midpoint, and highest values.

• Note all discrepancies identified during review to the ERG database developer in a 

written document.

• Confirm the ERG database developer corrected the identified errors by re-reviewing the 

revised queries.

4.0 DATA ENTRY AND QUALITY REVIEWS

ERG prepared a data entry instruction manual, presented in Attachment D, setting out procedures 

for ensuring the accuracy of the data entry. Before reviewing any articles or entering data into 

the IWTT database, ERG data entry staff members attend an internal training session and 

complete data entry of one common test case. The ERG database task lead then provides the staff 

with individual feedback on the test case. ERG is selecting data entry staff with experience in 

environmental science or wastewater engineering to enter information from the identified articles 

into the IWTT database. The roles and responsibilities of the data entry staff are identified in 

Section 1.0. 

After each stage of the data entry, the staff documents that the review is complete and the date of 

completion. At any time throughout the data entry process, if the staff determines that an article 

does not meet the quality criteria specified in Section 2.0, they flag the article for removal and 

document the reason for removal in the IWTT database. In addition, ERG provides written 

notifications of the articles flagged for removal in monthly 304(m) progress reports. If the 

inclusion of an article is questionable, staff members discuss the article with the senior technical 

reviewer, and may discuss the issue with the EPA Work Assignment Manager (WAM).
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5.0 DATA REVIEW AND REPORTING

ERG is continuing to expand the IWTT database for future 304(m) annual reviews to identify 

industrial categories or pollutants that warrant further review for new or revised ELGs. The 

quality assurance and control procedures specified in this memorandum will continue to be 

implemented to ensure the quality and security of the information contained in the IWTT 

database. In addition, further development of the database will follow the procedures set forth in 

this memorandum. ERG will develop additional quality assurance and control procedures 

addressing new features, data fields, or uses of the database, in accordance with Section 8.0 of 

the PQAPP. Quality reports containing summaries of the article reviews, QC activities, and 

database updates will be provided to EPA, as needed. 
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ATTACHMENT A

INPUT TABLE RELATIONSHIPS

Figure A-1. Relationships between Input Tables
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ATTACHMENT B

DATA ENTRY FORM SCREENSHOTS

(LAST REVISED NOVEMBER 22, 2013)

Figure B-1. Form 0 – Main Menu
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Figure B-2. Form 1 – Reference Information
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Figure B-3. Form 2 – Treatment Technology
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Figure B-4. Form 3 – Removal Performance
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ATTACHMENT C

REVIEW CHECKLIST SCREENSHOTS

(LAST REVISED NOVEMBER 22, 2013)

Figure C-1. QC Review Checklist for Form 1 (Reference Information)
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Figure C-2. QC Review Checklist for Form 2 (Treatment Technology)

Figure C-3. Senior Technical Review Checklist for Form 2 (Treatment Technology)
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Figure C-4. QC Review Checklist for Form 3 (Performance Data)
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ATTACHMENT D

INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY DATABASE

DATA ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL

(LAST REVISED NOVEMBER 22, 2013)

ERG conducted literature searches to collect and review a comprehensive set of data on new or 

improved industrial wastewater treatment technology (IWTT) performance. ERG then evaluated 

the identified articles against the quality criteria documented in the Environmental Engineering 

Support for Clean Water Regulations Programmatic Quality Assurance Project Plan (PQAPP, 

Rev. 1, Approved October 20, 2013) and documented the results in a quality evaluation tracking 

spreadsheet. Any article that met all of the quality criteria was deemed acceptable for entry into 

the IWTT database. 

Each reviewer will be assigned a batch of articles listed in the quality evaluation tracking 

spreadsheet and an individual “shell” IWTT database file in which to enter information from 

their assigned articles. Article reviewers will follow the data entry instructions specified in the 

following sections. Once data entry is complete, the ERG database task lead will import the 

articles into a master database.

1.0 DATA ENTRY PREPARATION

In preparation for data entry, first read the abstract (if there is one) and skim the article to glean 

key ideas and consider the following selection criteria:

• Does the article present pilot- or field-scale treatment system(s)? 

• Does the article present performance data (influent and effluent data and/or percent 

removal) on the treatment system(s)?

• Does the article present performance data that are based on empirical evidence (actual 

testing and not modeled data)? 

In addition, take note of the number of discrete treatment systems described, their scale (lab, 

pilot, or field), and the available performance data (removal efficiency).

Then browse the tables described in the following subsections to identify the industrial 

classifications, treatment technology codes, and key parameters.

1.1 Point Source Category and Standard Industrial Classification Codes Crosswalk 

The Point Source Category and Standard Industrial Classification Codes Crosswalk table 

contains a crosswalk of the point source category (PSC) and standard industrial classification 

(SIC) codes generated from the Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) Pollutant Loading Tool.

2

 2 The PSC and SIC codes were accessed from the DMR Pollutant Loading Tool at the following website: 

http://cfpub.epa.gov/dmr/

In the database, this table can either be accessed by navigating to the 
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“KEY_PSCSIC_Crosswalk” table or selecting the lookup buttons in the applicable forms. You 

will need to assign each treatment system a PSC and SIC code. 

Once you have selected PSC and SIC codes for each treatment system, verify the SIC code by 

comparing the industry descriptions in the article to the SIC descriptions from the following 

website: http://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/sicsearch.html.

If an article does not pertain to a specific industry, enter “99” in the PSC field and “9999” in the 

SIC field to represent a “Non-Classifiable Establishments” industry.

1.2 Northern American Industry Classification Codes Key

The North American Industry Classification Codes Key table contains a list of the Northern 

American industry classification (NAICS) codes generated from the 2012 United States Census 

Bureau.

3 In the database, this table can either be accessed by navigating to the KEY_NAICS

table or selecting the lookup buttons in the applicable forms. You will need to assign a NAICS 

code to each treatment system. 

If an article does not pertain to a specific industry, enter “999999” in the NAICS field to 

represent a “Non-Classifiable Establishments” industry.

1.3 Treatment Technology Codes Key

The Treatment Technology Codes Key table contains a listing of every identified treatment 

system unit, their assigned codes, and synonymous treatment systems. In the database, this table

can either be accessed by navigating to the “KEY_TreatmentTechCode” table or selecting the 

lookup buttons in the applicable forms. You will need to assign a treatment technology code to 

each unit within the treatment train. If an article presents a new treatment technology (or unit) 

that requires a new unique code, contact the ERG database task lead to confirm that the code 

should be added to this table. For additional guidance to assist in assigning the treatment 

technology codes, refer to Table 1 below.

Table 1. Treatment Technology Codes Guidance

Treatment Name Code Synonyms Description

Alkaline 

Chlorination

AC N/A Used to destroy cyanides. Most often the process is 

operated in two stages, with separate tanks for each stage. 

Destruction of dilute solutions of cyanide by chlorination 

can be accomplished by direct addition of sodium 

hypochlorite (NaOCl), or by addition of chlorine gas plus 

sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to the wastewater.

Aerobic Digestion AD Aerated Biological 

Removal

Biodegradable organic compounds in wastewater are 

consumed by microorganisms. This process is aerated.

 3 The NAICS codes were accessed from the 2012 United States Census Bureau at the following website: 

http://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/sssd/naics/naicsrch?chart=2012
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Table 1. Treatment Technology Codes Guidance

Treatment Name Code Synonyms Description

Adsorptive Media ADSM N/A New materials used to remove pollutants via surface 

adhesion. Do not use this code for packed-bed or any 

granular-filtration process. Expect these to have 

copyrighted names. This code excludes GAC.

Aerobic Fixed 

Film Biological 

Treatment

AFF Attached Growth, 

Fixed Bed Reactor, 

Rotating Biological 

Contactor, Trickling 

Filter, Fluidized 

Bed Reactor

Microorganisms attach to inert media. This process is 

aerated.

Aeration AIR Aeration Channel, 

Aerobic Polishing 

Cell

Providing contact with air or pure oxygen to increase 

dissolved oxygen (DO) in wastewater. 

Hydrolysis, 

Alkaline or Acid

AKH N/A Addition of an acid or base (e.g. sodium or potassium 

hydroxide) to enhance biodegradability of organic 

substances. Used as a pre-treatment step before biological 

treatment and to reduce the toxicity of pesticides.

Anaerobic 

Digestion

AND Non-Aerated, 

Anoxic, Facultative

A biological treatment process that is non-aerated, hence, 

without oxygen.

Anaerobic Fixed 

Film Biological 

Treatment

ANFF Attached Growth, 

Fixed Bed Reactor, 

Rotating Biological 

Contactor, Trickling 

Filter, Fluidized 

Bed Reactor

Microorganisms attach to inert media.

Anaerobic 

Suspended Growth

ANSG Anaerobic Lagoon Biodegradable organic compounds in wastewater are 

consumed by microorganisms. The microorganisms are 

suspended within the wastewater, creating a sludge that is 

separated from the water.

Advanced 

Oxidation 

Processes, Not 

Classified 

Elsewhere (NEC)

AOP Supercritical Water 

Oxidation, Catalytic 

Oxidation, Photo 

Catalysis (UV + 

TiO2), Fenton's 

Reagent

Various mechanisms to oxidize organic materials not 

elsewhere classified.

Aerobic Suspended 

Growth

ASG Activated Sludge, 

Aerobic Lagoon

Biodegradable organic compounds in wastewater are 

consumed by microorganisms. The microorganisms are 

suspended within the wastewater, creating a sludge that is 

separated from the water (during clarification – CLAR). 

This process is aerated.

Biological 

Activated Carbon 

Filters

BAC GAC Columns that 

support biofilm

GAC filters with biofilm growth that can remove residual 

pollutants via adsorption, biodegradation, and 

bioregeneration.

Biofilm Airlift 

Suspension 

Reactor

BASR Airlift Bioreactor Pneumatic device with defined channels for fluid flow. Air 

pumped into the unit forces the fluid to flow through 

channels (internal or external loops). Usually will contain 

gas, solid, and liquid phases. 

Bag and Cartridge 

Filtration

BCF N/A Used to remove suspended solids, typically in systems with 

lower flow rates. Media are shaped as a bag or cylindrical 

cartridge.
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Table 1. Treatment Technology Codes Guidance

Treatment Name Code Synonyms Description

Ballasted 

Clarification

BCLAR BioMag, CoMag, 

Enhanced Settling, 

High Rate Settling, 

Actiflo

Improves gravitational settling rates by addition of a 

weighing agent to the clarifier, typically magnetite or sand.

Biological 

Treatment

BIO N/A Biodegradable organic compounds in wastewater are 

consumed by microorganisms. This is a general term that 

should ONLY be used for unspecified biological 

treatments.

Biological Nutrient 

Removal

BNR Modified LudzackEttinger (MLE) 

Process

General term for technologies designed to remove nitrogen 

species from wastewater.

Chemical 

Disinfection

CD Hydroxyl Radical, 

Oxygen, Hydrogen 

Peroxide, Chlorine 

Species, Halogens

Use of chemicals to disinfect (destroy pathogens in) 

wastewater. Use CO when referring to oxidation of 

pollutants. 

Cloth Filtration CF Cloth Media (Disc) 

Filter

Water is passed through a cloth medium to remove solids.

Cloth is often shaped into discs.

Controlled 

Hydrodynamic 

Cavitation

CHC Mechanical Energy 

Device

Device that uses mechanical energy to prevent biofouling, 

scale, and corrosion. High temperatures and physical forces 

generated promote chemical reactions, oxidation of organic 

compounds, and kill pathogens. Cavitation is the formation 

and implosion of cavities (bubbles) in a liquid.

Chemical 

Precipitation

Chem

Pre

Coagulation and 

Flocculation

Process to remove suspended solids from water. Chemical 

addition first neutralizes charged particles (coagulation) 

and promotes particle adhesion to form large, visible 

clumps (flocculation) that can then settle out of the 

wastewater. This term is also used for the addition of lime, 

alum, ferric sulfite, or other precipitants to remove soluble 

metals from solution by forming insoluble compounds.

Clarification CLAR Settling, 

Sedimentation

Separation of suspended particles from water by 

gravitational settling. 

Chemical Nitrogen 

Removal

CNR N/A Redox reaction to remove nitrogen from water or convert 

between different forms of nitrogen. 

Chemical 

Oxidation

CO Hydrogen Peroxide, 

Permanganate, 

Chlorine, Bleach

Addition of chemicals (in any phase) to oxidize organic 

compounds. This code excludes ozone.

Chemical 

Phosphorous 

Removal

CPR N/A Addition of metal-salts, most commonly alum, to 

precipitate phosphorus species out of solution.

Centrifugal 

Separators

CS (Liquid) 

Hydrocyclone

Mechanical separation of liquids or particles of different 

densities. Used to separate oil from water and separate light 

from dense solids.

Crystallization CYS Fluidized Bed 

Crystallization

Crystallization describes the formation of solid crystals 

precipitating from a solution. It can be applied postevaporation (EVAP) to create a solid waste product or to 

recover a product in the wastewater. When used for 

product recovery, crystallization combines four treatment 

steps – coagulation, flocculation, sludge/water separation,

and dewatering. High-purity, reusable water is also 

produced.
Memorandum

November 22, 2013

Page D-5

Table 1. Treatment Technology Codes Guidance

Treatment Name Code Synonyms Description

Dissolved Air 

Flotation

DAF N/A Air is dissolved under pressure and then released at 

atmospheric pressure in a tank. The released air creates 

bubbles which adhere to suspended solids, causing the 

solids to float to the surface where they can be removed by 

skimming. Removes suspended solids, oil, and grease

Dechlorination DCL N/A The process of removing residual chlorine from disinfected 

wastewater prior to discharge into the environment. Sulfur 

dioxide is most commonly used. Not to be confused with 

degradation of chlorinated organics. 

Capacitive 

Deionization

DEI Electro-sorption Removal of dissolved ions through an electrochemical 

mechanism.

Dissolved Gas 

Flotation

DGF Same process as DAF, but uses gases other than air (e.g.,

natural gas, nitrogen).

Degasification DGS Membrane 

Degasification, 

Forced Draft 

Degasification

Removal of dissolved gases from water by pressure 

reduction, membrane degasification, or an unspecified 

method. This includes heating to remove a gas. If heating is 

used to vaporize water, use EVAP.

Distillation DST N/A In distillation, contaminated water is heated to form steam, 

leaving inorganic compounds and large, non-volatile 

organic molecules behind. The steam is then condensed, 

forming purified water. Distillation requires input of 

energy and collection of the purified water.

Enhanced 

Biological 

Phosphorus 

Removal

EBPR Enhanced 

Biological 

Phosphorus Uptake

Use of phosphate-accumulating organisms to store 

phosphate within the cell. Phosphate removed in waste 

sludge.

Electrocoagulation EC N/A Electrocoagulation entails passing the wastewater across 

metal electrodes. EC is used to remove colloids, heavy 

metals, and emulsified oils. The DC current solubilizes 

metal ions and destabilizes charged particles, promoting

coagulation and flocculation.

Electrodialysis ED Electrodialysis 

Reversal (EDR)

Electrodialysis involves moving ions in a potential field 

across alternating polymeric anion- and cation-exchange 

membranes. A potential difference applied across the 

membranes traps ions and separates a brine waste stream 

from purified water. Electrodialysis works best for 

removing low molecular weight charged species.

Flow Equalization EQ Buffer tank, Flow 

Control, Flow 

Balance

A basin, lagoon, tank, or reactor that serves to control a 

variable flow of wastewater to achieve a near constant flow 

into the treatment system or between units. 

Evaporation EVAP N/A Water is vaporized and sometimes condensed for reuse.

The remaining product is concentrated brine containing the 

dissolved solids from the original wastewater. The process 

may be carried out naturally in solar (shallow) evaporation 

ponds or through the use of commercially available 

evaporation equipment. The brine may be further 

concentrated during the crystallization process (CYS).

Biological Aerated 

Filters

FBA Submerged Aerated 

Filters

A unit filtration process that consists of three phases: solid 

phase (to support microbial growth), liquid phase, and gas 

phase (aeration). Able to achieve solids, biological oxygen 

demand (BOD), and nutrient removal in a single reactor.
Memorandum

November 22, 2013

Page D-6

Table 1. Treatment Technology Codes Guidance

Treatment Name Code Synonyms Description

Denitrification 

Filters

FDN N/A Granular-media filtration beds that support growth of 

denitrifying bacteria. These units reduce nitrate to nitrogen 

gas and remove suspended solids.

Granular-Media 

Filtration

FI Conventional 

Filtration, MultiMedia Filtration, 

Sand Filter

Removal of suspended solids is accomplished by passing 

wastewater through a filter bed of granular media. Media 

may include sand, walnut shells, and steel slag. 

Forward Osmosis FO Engineered or 

Manipulated 

Osmosis

Water transfer through a selectively permeable membrane 

driven by the osmotic pressure difference across the 

membrane. Water is drawn across a membrane to a 

solution with a higher concentration (relative to the 

wastewater). The resulting separated water must then be 

further treated to produce a high quality effluent. 

Granular Activated 

Carbon Adsorption

GAC N/A Uses the physical/chemical adsorption process to remove 

soluble contaminants from wastewater. GAC is a highly 

effective adsorbent due to its large surface area and high 

porosity. Used to remove organics and some metals and for 

taste and odor control.

Gasification GAS Downdraft, Updraft 

or Fluidized Bed 

Gasifier

Thermo-chemical process to convert carbon-containing 

biosolids into gas (carbon dioxide and methane) and 

energy. Resulting energy can be used for heating. Gases 

are used to generate fuels, electricity, and heat. GAS also 

reduces the volume of solids for disposal.

Ion Exchange ION Softening, 

Deionization

Ion exchange is a physical-chemical process in which ions 

are swapped between a solution phase and a solid resin 

phase. Different resins are used to target different charged 

particles. Commonly used for softening (removing 

dissolved calcium and magnesium) and nitrate removal.

Liquid Extraction LE (Flotation) LiquidLiquid Extraction, 

Solvent Extraction

Separation of chemicals based on different solubilities in 

two solutes. Allows recovery of the chemical from 

wastewater. 

Moving Bed Bio 

Reactor

MBBR N/A A hybrid suspended, growth-fixed film system. 

“Biocarrier” media are provided in a tank for the 

microorganisms to grow on. Increases the effective surface 

area for reaction while reducing the footprint of the system.

Anaerobic 

Membrane 

BioReactor

AnMB

R

N/A Combination of suspended growth biological treatment 

under low or zero oxygen conditions with ultrafiltration. 

Membrane Bio 

Reactor

MBR N/A Combination of suspended growth biological treatment 

with ultrafiltration. Ultrafiltration replaces the use of 

secondary clarifiers (solids separation) in conventional 

WWTPs. Can be used to reduce BOD, TSS, nitrogen, and 

phosphorus.

Membrane 

Filtration

MF Microfiltration, 

Ultrafiltration 

Filtration methods that remove particles as small as 100 nm 

(microfiltration) and 10 nm (ultrafiltration). Many 

molecules are within this size range. 
Memorandum

November 22, 2013

Page D-7

Table 1. Treatment Technology Codes Guidance

Treatment Name Code Synonyms Description

Mechanical PreTreatmentMPT Screen, Bar, Rack, 

Grit Chamber, 

Comminuter, 

Grinder, 

Preliminary 

Treatment

Physical removal of debris and coarse solids. This is the 

first step in wastewater treatment, which serves to protect 

downstream treatment equipment.

Nanofiltration NANO N/A A membrane filtration method used to remove particles as 

small as 1 nm from wastewater. This includes divalent and 

large monovalent ions (e.g., heavy metals). Used for 

desalination and softening.

Oil/Water 

Separation

OW N/A Removal of gross quantities of oil and suspended solids by 

skimming and collecting oil from the surface of water. 

Ozonation OZ Advanced 

Oxidation Process

Ozone is a highly unstable gas used to either oxidize 

organic substances or disinfect wastewater. It must be 

produced onsite for immediate use in a contact chamber.

Powdered 

Activated Carbon

PAC N/A Same removal mechanisms as GAC, but finer particles (<= 

1.0 mm diameter).

Reverse Osmosis RO Desalination A membrane filtration method used to remove small ions 

(e.g., Na+) from water. Requires a high pressure hydraulic 

pressure gradient counteracts the osmotic pressure gradient 

that would otherwise favor movement of water into 

(instead of out of) the concentrated wastewater or 

saltwater.

Stripping ST Air or Gas Stripping The removal of substances with equilibrium vapor 

pressures at ambient temperatures, such as ammonia and 

many volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 

Ultrasound US Sonication High frequency bandwidth of sound applied to agitate 

particles in solution, disrupt cell membranes. Used in water 

storage facilities to suppress algal growth and biofilm 

formation.

UV UV Ultraviolet Light or 

Radiation

Ultraviolet radiation penetrates into the wastewater to 

oxidize organics and/or disinfect. Used as a last, polishing 

step in water treatment. May be used with chemical 

oxidants such as peroxide and ozone.

Wet Air Oxidation WAO N/A The oxidation of soluble or suspended components in water 

using oxygen as the oxidizing agent. Air is used as the 

source of oxygen.

Constructed 

Wetlands

WET Reed Bed, Artificial 

Wetland, Peat Land

Application of natural processes and use of vegetation to 

remove BOD, nutrients, and suspended solids. "Green" 

technology that can minimize energy used for water 

treatment.

Zero Valent Iron ZVI nZVI Granular or nanoscale ZVI are used to remove metals by 

adsorption and reductive precipitation mechanisms. 

Utilized through a separate reactor unit. Similar 

configuration to granular-media filtration.

Zero Liquid 

Discharge

A multi-unit process that produces solid, but not liquid waste. The main technologies 

enabling ZLD are evaporation and crystallization (EVAP and CYS). The facility can also 

choose to reuse all wastewater after a certain amount of treatment. The decision to fully 

reuse wastewater is not considered a treatment technology. Indicate ZLD as a motivation 

category in Form 1.
Memorandum

November 22, 2013

Page D-8

Table 1. Treatment Technology Codes Guidance

Treatment Name Code Synonyms Description

Blowdown Boiler Wastewater is fed to the boiler, which vaporizes water and generates concentrated brine. Not 

a direct treatment process. Use EVAP.

N/A – Not applicable.

When you are trying to identify a code for a biological treatment unit, refer to the biological 

treatment hierarchy shown in Figure 1 for guidance. You should always use the code that is the 

most descriptive level presented in the article. 

Figure 1. Biological Treatment Hierarchy

1.4 Parameter Codes Key

This table contains a listing of the identified parameters, their chemical abstract service (CAS) 

number, their category (i.e., metal, nutrient, conventional, and non-conventional), and whether 

the parameter is a Clean Water Act priority toxic pollutant. The table was generated from the 

Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) Pollutant Loading Tool4 and modified to standardize the

parameter name format. The naming convention was updated to the parameter name followed by 

a comma and descriptor (e.g. “Iron, total” or “Solids, total dissolved”).

You will need to assign a parameter to each set of performance data (e.g., influent, effluent, 

and/or percent removal). In the database, the Parameter Codes Key table can either be accessed 

by navigating to the “KEY_Parameter_Code” table or using the drop-down menu in the 

applicable form. The parameter name must exactly match the parameter name presented in the 

article. Be only as specific as the article. For instance, if an article identifies the parameter as 

“selenium,” enter “selenium” instead of “selenium, total.” If an article presents a new parameter, 

contact the ERG database task lead to confirm that the parameter should be added to this table. 

 4 The PSC and SIC codes were accessed from the DMR Pollutant Loading Tool at the following website: 

http://cfpub.epa.gov/dmr/
Memorandum

November 22, 2013

Page D-9

2.0 DATA ENTRY PROCEDURES

When you first open the database, a security warning message will appear directly below the 

ribbon. Select the “Options...” button followed by “Enable this content” to enable the Visual 

BASIC for Applications (VBA) Macro. You must complete this each time you open the database 

and before beginning data entry.

2.1 Database Structure

The database contains the following four forms that can be filled out for each article:

• Form 0 (Main Menu) maintains a listing of the entered articles and is used to access an 

existing article entry or create a new article entry. Form 0 provides access to Form 1.

• Form 1 (Reference Information) summarizes general information about the article,

including the reference information, abstract, and key findings. This form must be 

completed for every article. Form 1 provides access to Form 2.

• Form 2 (Treatment Technology) captures treatment system information presented in the 

article, including system design, unit order, operating conditions, and cost information.

This form must be completed for each pilot- or field-scale treatment system presented in 

the article. Form 2 provides access to Form 3. 

• Form 3 (Removal Performance) captures removal performance data presented in each 

article, include influent and effluent concentrations, percent removals, analytical 

methods, and effluent limits. This form must be completed for each parameter with 

performance removal data presented in the article. 

Figure 2. Data Entry Forms Structure
Memorandum

November 22, 2013

Page D-10

2.2 Navigation between Forms

The information populated into each form is saved once one of the following navigation buttons 

in the lower left hand corner of the form is pressed:

• Go Back to Menu. Press this button when you want to leave and save a form without 

completing the entire data entry. This button will only work if you have entered all of the 

required fields in the form. The required fields are denoted with an asterisk (*) at the end 

of the field name. If you do not enter all of the required fields before pressing this button, 

a window will appear prompting you to enter the required fields. 

• Article Review Complete. Press this button when you want to leave and save a form after 

you have completed the entire data entry. This button will only work if you have entered 

all of the required fields in the form. The required fields are denoted with an asterisk (*) 

at the end of the field name. If you do not enter all of the required fields before pressing 

this button, a window will appear prompting you to enter the required fields. Upon 

successfully pressing this button, the “Entry Complete” column in Form 0 will update to 

“Yes.” You can still edit an entry after it has been marked as complete; however, it is best 

practice to avoid pressing this button until the data entry is complete. 

To close a form without saving the information, press the “Cancel” button in the upper right 

hand corner of each form. When you press the button, a warning message will appear.

The following subsections explain how to navigate between forms in the database and enter 

article information.

2.2.1 Main Menu (Form 0)

This form is the default screen when the database is first opened. It contains a listing of the 

entered articles and indicates whether the article reviews, QC reviews, or senior technical 

reviews are complete. It also specifies whether the article was identified for removal after 

database population. Throughout your review, it is important to continue to evaluate the article to 

ensure that the content meets the following quality criteria:

• Accuracy. The accuracy of the treatment technology performance data is based on the 

extent to which the documented data in an article are consistent with the body of 

information collected as part of the literature search. For the purposes of this analysis, 

ERG is assuming that the underlying data and information contained in state and federal 

reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, industry publications, and conference proceedings

are accurate. Although industry publications and conference proceedings are not peerreviewed, these resources may provide useful information for capturing the full range of 

processes and/or wastes generated by a specified industry point source or a range of 

information on specified treatment technologies. 

• Reliability. The reliability of the treatment technology performance data is based on 

whether the data source incorporates the following attributes:
Memorandum

November 22, 2013

Page D-11

— Scientific work is clearly written, so that all assumptions and 

methodologies can be identified.

— Assumptions and methodologies are consistently applied throughout the 

analysis, as reported in the source.

— Waste stream, parameters, units, and detection limits (when appropriate) 

are clearly characterized.

ERG is finding that the majority of articles from industry publications and conferences do 

not describe the analytical methods used to measure pollutant concentrations. However, 

the detection limits are consistently provided when measured concentrations are reported 

at or below detection. ERG deemed this was sufficient to pass the initial treatment 

technologies screening process.

• Representativeness. The data must be representative of a modern treatment technology 

applied to industrial wastewater; therefore, ERG is collecting industrial wastewater 

treatment technology information and performance data published since 2000 so that the 

data are representative of current industrial processes and treatment challenges.

• Reasonableness. The reasonableness of the treatment technology performance data is 

based on historical knowledge of each industry’s wastewater characteristics, such as:

— Range of concentrations expected in the untreated stream.

— Types of pollutants expected in the untreated waste stream.

— Wastewater generation rates and the expected capacities of the evaluated 

treatment technologies.

If the article does not meet one of the quality criteria, flag the article for removal in the database. 

For more information on updating the review status listed in Form 0, see Section 2.3.

To enter a new article into the database, press the “Add New Reference” button to proceed. If 

you need to edit or finish an incomplete article entry, select the entry from the list and press the

“Edit/Review Reference” button or double click the entry.

2.2.2 Reference Information (Form 1)

When entering a new article into Form 1, use the following instructions:

• Reference ID. Enter the assigned ID listed the quality evaluation tracking spreadsheet. 

This ID will carry throughout all of the forms. It can only be edited in Form 1. 

• Bibliographic information. Enter the title, author name(s), main author affiliation, year of 

publication, number of pages in the article, the name of the journal/publisher/conference, 

and the document type. 

• Country. Select the location of the treatment system described in the document. 
Memorandum

November 22, 2013

Page D-12

— If there are multiple systems and at least one was built in the United 

States, select “USA”.

— If the location is outside of the United States or is not specified, select 

“International”.

• Abstract. Copy and paste abstract (if available), or briefly summarize article.

• Key findings. Summarize the treatment system used, the performance (removal 

efficiency) of the system (if provided), and the most important conclusions from the 

article in one to three sentences. 

• Motivation. Summarize why the study was completed and the primary reason a specific 

technology was implemented. Begin the text with “To...”.

• Motivation categories. Select all of the motivation categories that are applicable to the

article. The intent of this field is to differentiate whether a facility is investing in a new 

treatment system to achieve environmental regulation compliance, conserve water use, or 

increase cost savings. Use ctrl-click to select/unselect one or more categories. If an article 

presents a new motivation category, contact the ERG database task lead to confirm that 

the motivation category should be added to this table. 

• Important parameters (or classes of). Enter the main parameters or categories removed. 

Acronyms and parameter classes may be used, as this is a text field (i.e., not linked to 

parameter codes). 

• Waste stream. Enter the waste steam treated (e.g., acid mine drainage, cooling water, 

stormwater, milling wastewater, refinery wastewater). For general unspecified 

wastewater, please enter “process wastewater.”

• Scale. Indicate whether the study was a lab, pilot, or field scale. Use ctrl-click to 

select/unselect one or more scales.

• Treatment technology code(s). If the article ONLY describes lab-scale treatment 

processes, enter the applicable treatment technology codes. Ensure the treatment 

technology codes are entered in the order of the treatment train. Use the “Lookup 

Treatment Tech” button to identify the applicable codes. If the article describes pilot- or 

field-scale treatment processes, leave this field blank. For more information on how to 

identify the applicable codes, see Section 1.3.

• PSC/SIC code(s). If the article ONLY describes lab-scale treatment processes, enter the 

applicable PSC and SIC codes. Use the “Lookup PSC/SIC” button to identify the 

applicable codes. If the article describes pilot- or field-scale treatment processes, leave 

this field blank. For more information on how to identify the applicable codes, see 

Section 1.1.
Memorandum

November 22, 2013

Page D-13

• Notes. Describe any unique or important information from the article that you will not 

enter in other fields of the database, such as background information, capacity of the 

industrial process generating wastewater, or other design considerations. You can briefly 

mention lab-scale studies; however, focus on pilot- or field- scale data that is not 

mentioned in abstract or summarized in the key findings.

• Selection criteria. Select the following applicable check boxes:

— Does the article present pilot- or field-scale treatment system(s)? 

— Does the article present performance data (influent and effluent data

and/or percent removal) on the treatment system(s)?

— Does the article present performance data that are based on empirical 

evidence (actual testing and not modeled data)? 

— Select for review?

If the first three check boxes are selected, check the “Select for review?” check box. 

The next steps of the data entry are dependent on the selection criteria. After all of the applicable 

fields in Form 1 are populated, complete one of the following:

• If the article does not present pilot- or field-scale treatment systems (i.e., lab-scale only), 

press the “Article Review Complete” button. Selecting this button will save all of the 

information entered into the form, close the form, and update “Entry Complete” column 

in Form 0 to “Yes.” 

• If the article presents pilot- or field-scale treatment systems, press the “Enter System 

Information” button. Selecting this button will allow you to proceed to Form 2.

2.2.3 Treatment Technology (Form 2)

Refer to Figure D-2 for guidance on when to complete Form 2. Form 2 will automatically assign 

a treatment system ID, which is dependent on the number of systems presented in the article. The 

naming convention for each system is [Reference ID] “T” [Integer] (e.g., 124T1). When entering 

a new article into Form 2, use the following instructions:

• Industry. This field will automatically populate when you enter a PSC code.

• PSC. Enter the applicable PSC code for the treatment system. Use the “Lookup 

PSC/SIC” button to identify the applicable code. For more information on how to identify 

the applicable code, see Section 1.1.

• SIC. Enter the applicable SIC code for the treatment system. Use the “Lookup PSC/SIC” 

button to identify the applicable code. For more information on how to identify the 

applicable code, see Section 1.1.
Memorandum

November 22, 2013

Page D-14

• NAICS. Enter the applicable NAICS code for the treatment system. Use the “Lookup 

NAICS” button to identify the applicable code. For more information on how to identify 

the applicable code, see Section 1.2.

• Scale. Indicate whether the treatment system was a pilot for field scale. Use ctrl-click to 

select one of the scales. Only one scale can be selected at a time.

• Treatment technology code(s). Select the code for each individual treatment unit included 

in the treatment system in the order of the treatment train by double clicking the code in 

the window. The selected codes will appear in the field below. For more information on 

how to identify the applicable codes, see Section 1.3.

• Operating parameters. Enter the media type for treatment units using filters or 

membranes, operating pH range (minimum and maximum), and indicate whether the pH 

range was low or high in descriptor field (if specified). If the system is operated at a 

steady pH enter it both in the minimum and maximum field. Anything that doesn’t fall 

into these categories may be entered into “Any other relevant parameters.”

• System description. Provide a detailed description of the overall treatment system and 

each individual system step identified.

• Chemical addition. Enter types (and amount) of chemicals added. Indicate the chemical 

was added in the treatment train.

• Any other relevant parameters. Enter system parameters, such as flow rates, footprint, 

residence time, etc. The purpose of this field is to capture information about the capacity 

and scale of the system. Do not spend time entering other engineering design 

considerations, such as specific surface area or biological rates of reaction.

• Process diagram(s)/photo(s). Extract the process diagram and any useful photos of the 

system from the pdf and save the file in a joint photographic experts group (jpeg) format

to add as attachments. The filename should begin with the treatment system ID followed 

by an underscore and a description of the diagram/photo (e.g., 25T1_Process diagram). 

To add or remove the attachment, click your mouse in the field and press the paperclip 

button that appears in the submenu. 

• Wastewater discharge type. Select the discharge type. If the effluent is discharged to 

surface waters, select “Direct.” If the effluent is transferred to a publically owned 

treatment works (POTW), select “Indirect.” If the article is not explicit, leave this field 

blank.

• Manufacturer. Enter the name of the company that manufactured the treatment system or 

individual units (if provided).
Memorandum

November 22, 2013

Page D-15

• Costs. Enter the capital and operation and maintenance (O&M) costs (if provided). 

Indicate when the costs were estimated by typing “(est.)” after the value.

• Notes. Describe any unique operational or system characteristics, including footprint size, 

energy requirements, other waste streams generated, etc. Also, elaborate or comment on 

any other system parameters entered on this form.

• Selection criteria. Select this check box if the article presents measured water quality data 

and/or removal efficiency information. 

The next steps of the data entry are dependent on the selection criteria. After all of the applicable 

fields in Form 2 are populated, complete one of the following:

• If the article does not present measured water quality data and/or removal efficiency 

information for that treatment system, either enter information for the next treatment 

system (if there is more than one treatment system described in the article) by pressing 

the “Enter New System” button, or complete the article review by pressing the “Article 

Review Complete” button. Selecting this button will save all of the information entered 

into Forms 1 and 2, close the forms, and update the “Entry Complete” column in Form 0 

to “Yes.” 

• If the article presents measured water quality data and/or removal efficiency information

for that treatment system, press the “Enter Performance Data” button. Selecting this 

button will allow you to proceed to Form 3.

2.2.4 Removal Performance (Form 3)

Refer to Figure 2 for guidance on when to complete Form 3. Form 3 will automatically carry 

over the treatment system ID assigned in Form 2. When entering a new article into Form 3, use 

the following instructions:

• Parameter. Select the applicable parameter from the drop down list. For each treatment 

system, enter the information required for each parameter with influent and effluent 

concentrations or percent removal data presented. The field in the data entry form should 

dynamically filter possible results based on what is typed into the text box. For more 

information on selecting a parameter, see Section 1.4.

• Analytical method. Enter the method used to measure the parameter, if available, 

otherwise enter “None Described.”

• Effluent quality/parameter removal graphs. Extract the graphs/figures of pollutant 

concentration or removal (over time) for the parameter from the pdf and save the files in 

jpeg format to add as attachments. The filename should begin with the treatment system 

ID followed by an underscore and a description of the graph/figure (e.g., 25T1_Copper 

Removal Graph). To add or remove the attachment, click your mouse in the field and 
Memorandum

November 22, 2013

Page D-16

press the paperclip button that appears in the submenu. If multiple parameters are 

included on the same figure, attach the figure to each of the parameter forms.

• Detection limits. Enter the detection limit values (if provided) for the influent and effluent 

to the treatment system. If none are provided, leave these fields blank. Detection limits 

must be expressly stated in these fields when a parameter concentration has either a < 

flag or a > flag.

• Performance data. Enter the influent and effluent concentrations, units, and flags (e.g., <, 

>, ND) for each parameter. Enter the units given in the source document, but use the units 

of mass/volume preferentially. Do not convert the units. Enter the percent removal and 

any description flags (e.g., >), if percent removal is provided in the reference. If a range 

of values is presented or summary statistics are given, enter the values in the following 

order of preference: average, median, mode, maximum, minimum. Indicate the measured 

value in the dropdown box to complete the sentence, “The data represent a(n) [ ] sample 

concentration.” If the type of measured value is not clearly stated in the document, select 

“unspecified.” If additional performance data are listed in the article, but not captured in 

the database (e.g., average values are entered into the database but minimum/maximum

values are also listed in the article), select the “Additional performance data (not captured 

in this form) reported in source material” check box.

• Effluent standards. Enter in any effluent standards (e.g., NPDES permit limits or water 

quality standards) stated in the article. The description should include the duration and 

description of the limit (e.g., daily max, monthly average) if provided. 

• Notes. Describe any related information that may be useful, including the date or season 

of the sampling event. 

After all of the applicable fields in Form 3 are populated, complete one of the following:

• If another parameter with removal efficiency data is provided in the article for that 

treatment system, press the “Enter New Parameter” button. Repeat until all of the 

measured parameter data have been entered. Once finished, press the “Go Back to 

System” button and enter the next treatment system (if another treatment system is 

described in the article), as described in Section 2.2.3.

• If all of the measured parameter data and treatment systems have been entered, press the 

“Article Review Complete” button. Selecting this button will save all of the information 

entered into Forms 1 through 3, close the forms, and update the “Entry Complete” 

column in Form 0 to “Yes.” 

2.3 Review Documentation

All stages of the review process should be documented in the 

“6_Article_Review_and_QC_Information” table. To access this table, select the “Quality 
Memorandum

November 22, 2013

Page D-17

Control Table” button at the bottom of Form 0. The data populated into this table are linked to 

the listing in Form 0. 

If, during your review, you identify an article that does not meet the quality criteria specified in 

Section 2.2.1, select the “Remove” check box and enter the reason for removal in the 

“Notes_Removal” field. If the inclusion of the article is in question, consult with the senior 

technical reviewer and/or EPA Work Assignment Manager (WAM) before flagging the article 

for removal. 

Once you have completed your article review, enter the article reference ID, your initials, and the 

date of completion in the review documentation table.