Project Overview

The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) is committed to providing clean water and environmentally conscious sewage treatment to millions of customers in the Southeast Michigan area. While environmental, health and safety compliance are a top priority for GLWA, their focus remains on generation, transmission and treatment, which involve processes akin to a large industrial chemical plant. For decades, NTH has assisted GLWA and predecessor organizations with protecting employees and meeting regulatory obligations. NTH deep bench of professionals with diverse skill sets and regulatory experience allows us to assist GLWA in complying with their environmental, health and safety requirements.

Project Scope

NTH has provided a variety of environmental, and health and safety services to GLWA, including:

  • Evaluating oil observed in valve pits. NTH sampled the oil to determine if contaminants were present and to select an appropriate disposal method.
  • Abating asbestos containing pipe insulation at the Water Resources Recover Facility (WRRF). NTH conducted air monitoring during and after abatement to verify GLWA employees were not exposed to asbestos fibers.
  • Preparing submissions for the Michigan Air Emissions Reporting System (MAERS). NTH performed required calculations and prepared the reports.
  • Conducting audits of MiOHSA Process Safety Management (PSM) and EPA Risk Management Plans (RMP) for liquid chlorine used at GLWA’s five water treatment plants. The work also included submission of the RMP to the EPA, conducing updates to the process hazard analysis (PHA).
  • Preparing Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans and Michigan Pollution Incident Prevention Plans (PIPP) for oil and chemical storage. Facilities included the (WRRF), 5 water treatment plants, 9 combined sewage overflow (CSO) facilities, and 18 pump stations.
  • Conducting a lead paint survey at a sewage treatment building. The work was completed to provide information necessary to conduct renovations safely.
  • Conducting indoor air assessments at multiple water treatment plants. NTH conducted the assessments to evaluate if ongoing construction activities might negatively impact air quality for GLWA employees.
  • Removing and disposing of a wide variety of wastes. Excess laboratory chemicals, used oils, spent batteries and other materials are generated by GLWA. NTH ensured the materials were safely containerized and properly disposed.
  • Conducting an emergency response to clean up an acid spill. When a package destined for a GLWA laboratory was mistakenly delivered to an office building, and then began leaking, NTH responded to remove the material and clean the spilled liquid, and decontaminate work surfaces.
Client Benefit

NTH’s multidisciplinary team provides a one-stop destination for GLWA to obtain environmental, health and safety consulting services. NTH’s deep institutional knowledge honed through decades of work at the Authority’s facilities provides unique insight on potential issues and cost-effective solutions.