Annual Report 2022 2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT Innovation Team Members COLETTE EASTER MS4 Program Administrator [email protected] ZONETTA ENGLISH Strategic Initiatives & Project Delivery Director [email protected] WILLIAM WRIGHT Innovation Program Manager [email protected] TROY SMITH Operations Efficiency & Capital Program Administrator [email protected] KIMBERLY REED Chief Innovation Officer [email protected] WILL CUNNINGHAM Operations Director of Linear Assets Support Administration [email protected] i
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT Contents Innovation Team Members ................................................................................................................................................. i Letter from Executive Director.......................................................................................................................................iii Foreword–Chief Innovation Officer..............................................................................................................................iv I: Innovation Program..............................................................................................................................................................1 Vision and Mission.......................................................................................................................................................1 Timeline........................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Sharepoint Site............................................................................................................................................................ 3 Employee Engagement.......................................................................................................................................... 3 Focus Groups...............................................................................................................................................................4 II: Innovation Projects & Highlights................................................................................................................................ 5 Regionalization Update.......................................................................................................................................... 5 Plan Review and Inspection Fees.....................................................................................................................6 UDR Fees.........................................................................................................................................................................7 AI Expansion................................................................................................................................................................. 8 WEF/WISE (Storeroom Project)........................................................................................................................9 Biosolids........................................................................................................................................................................10 III: Research and Strategic Partnerships ..................................................................................................................11 COVID Wastewater Studies ................................................................................................................................11 Verily Life Sciences .................................................................................................................................................12 One Water.....................................................................................................................................................................13 WRF/Arcadis Project..............................................................................................................................................14 Technology Approval Group (TAG)...............................................................................................................15 IV: Appendices ........................................................................................................................................................................16 Appendix A...................................................................................................................................................................16 Appendix B.................................................................................................................................................................20 Appendix C..................................................................................................................................................................23 ii
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT Letter from Executive Director Dear MSD Family and Community: Although some challenges from the pandemic continue to linger, throughout 2021 and 2022 MSD staff found ways to push forward our important missions, and to thrive. MSD continues to shine as an example in advancement, innovation, and partnership – all due to your determination and hard work. This year marked the return of in-person activities. We were excited to welcome students back into Floyds Fork WQTC, resume Supplier Diversity and Community Benefits sessions, and send Mandy the Salamander to the Kentucky State Fair. Once again we enjoyed debating cutting edge concepts at conferences and meeting potential future MSD employees at STEM outreach events. Each opportunity to come together allowed us to deepen our connections to our industry, customers, and community. In 2022, we saw many notable infrastructure milestones, including the successful completion of the Waterway Protection Tunnel, MSD’s largest project to date. This outstanding initiative continues to be recognized regionally and nationally. Some of the community’s most dated, and critical sewer lines will be updated with the $392 million project at Morris Forman Water Quality Treatment Center and Paddy’s Run Flood Pumping Station. Cooperative efforts to amend the Consent Decree enabled these critical repairs years sooner than anticipated. I am most proud of your work around advancing diversity, equity, opportunity, and affordability. MSD-led initiatives continued to drive regionalization and positive community impacts. A new park in West Louisville revitalized land devastated by a 2009 flood. We highlighted the work of local artists through the beautification of public spaces such as the doors at Bingham Way Pump Station. Commitments from the Community Benefits program will redirect $2.45 million to local communities. As always, MSD strives to be a good neighbor in the communities we serve. As we look ahead to 2023, I encourage you all to continue to be inspired by newfound opportunities to connect, to innovate, and to thrive. Sincerely, James A. Parrott Executive Director INNOVATING TOGETHER iii
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT Welcome to the 2nd edition of the MSD Foreword Innovation Annual Report. I am excited to highlight some of the innovative work performed throughout the organization by our employees. We have been busy maintaining our focus on Innovation as we strive to become a Utility of the Future. This year we continued development of the Innovation Program, advanced key initiatives, and cultivated existing strategic partnerships while also creating new ones. The Innovation team unveiled its SharePoint site to provide employees with an avenue to learn more about the Innovation Program and to easily submit ideas. Focus groups were conducted to gather employee perceptions of Innovation at MSD and to collect additional ideas. The Behind the Scenes Newsletter, provided by Innovation to highlight major projects at our water quality treatment plants, was expanded to include key happenings throughout the organization. The Innovation Rewards and Recognition program was kicked off by recognizing the contributions of the Plan Review & Inspection Fee project team at the Infrastructure Committee Meeting. MSD staff was busy expanding our regionalization efforts with the acquisition of Bullitt County Sanitation District (BCSD), which serves approximately 4,200 wastewater customers. Work on the new biosolids technology (THP) continued with design and MSD staff visited facilities at other utilities to learn more about the process. The implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at our regional water quality treatment centers continued with the evaluation of performance at DRG and the start of work at Cedar Creek. Plan review and inspection service charges implemented by the project team in the prior fiscal year continued to consistently recover a significant amount of our costs. This approach to recover costs continued with the implementation of the Unusual Discharge Request fees established within the eServices online portal to charge our industrial customers for this service. Engagement continued in our industry with the Water Environment Federation (WEF), Water Intrapreneurs for Successful Enterprises (WISE) program, Water Research Foundation (WRF), and the Isle Technologies Technology Approval Group (TAG). Our interactions with the associations ranged from membership to active program participation including working with international utilities to define best practices for utility innovation. In addition to the water industry associations, we also partnered with research organizations, public health institutions, and universities to support wastewater surveillance efforts for COVID-19. What an amazing year at MSD as we continue to show how truly innovative we are! I commend each of you for your hard work and continued dedication to supporting MSD in reaching our goals! Sincerely, Kimberly Reed Chief Innovation Officer INNOVATING TOGETHER iv
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT Innovation Program Innovation Facts and Figures VISION Be a leading utility that drives change through innovation. MISSION Promote an environment of creativity, collaboration, and efficiency through innovation. INNOVATION DEFINITION An idea that creates value for our organization and community (i.e., new technology, processes, and partnerships). I 75% of the employees were aware of Innovation’s alignment to MSD’s strategic plan of employees were innovative 58% during the past year Innovation ranked 9 out of 10 for its importance to MSD’s future success In FY22, the Innovation Team focused on communications and employee engagement. ideas were evaluated 377 and categorized 12 ideas are currently being processed 1
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT Innovation Timeline 2018-2022 CEO Driven Innovation Efforts Initiated Innovation Foundation of Strategic Plan Water Research Foundation (WRF) Innovation Project Demonstration Utility Senate Bill 151 Passed Allowing MSD to Own and Operate Facilities Outside Jefferson County Internal Innovation Workshops Conducted Chief Innovation Officer Hired Innovation Vission, Mission, and Program Defined Innovation Governance Structure Established Idea Management Outlined Idea Development Workshops Conducted Crestwood Ownership Completed 2018 2019 Water Research Foundation (WRF) Innovation Summits/Executive Session Alignment of Research and Strategic Projects under Innovation Acquisition of OCEA Completed Creation of Behind-the-Scenes Newsletter Innovation Sharepoint Site Employee Rewards & Recognition Program Introduced Acquisition of Bullitt County Sanitation District (BCSD) Completed LW/MSD Billing Agreement Updated and Renewed Wastewater Surveillance Artificial Intelligence Implemented at Derek Guthrie 2020 2021 Arcadis / Water Tower Building an Innovation Narrative Innovation Focus Groups Expansion of the Behind-the-Scenes Content Artificial Intelligence Initiated at Cedar Creek 2022 Inaugural One Water Partner of the Year APR JAN JUL OCT APR JAN JUL OCT APR JAN JUL JAN APR OCT JUL JAN APR OCT JUL 2
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT Innovation has a New SharePoint Site The Innovation Department unveiled its Innovation SharePoint Site. This site allows MSD employees to submit ideas, access innovation tools, and learn more about the Innovation Program and Team. Employees are able to use the site as a resource as they pursue their own innovation initiatives. Additionally, the site hosts the idea database, project documents, and team documents. Rewards and Recognition Program: The Innovation Tiered Reward Program was created in 2021, with recognition of the Engineering Development team for their Plan Review and Inspection Fee project. Employee Engagement The Behind The Scenes Newsletter is a result of the vision of our Executive Director, Tony Parrott. He understood the enormous capital improvement that would occur at our Water Quality Treatment Facilities over the next 5-10 years. As a result, he wanted a mechanism to provide updates to the Treatment Operations staff on a monthly basis. The newsletter includes: Innovation Corner– Highlighting innovation and technology to improve operation efficiencies Key Supporting Division(s): Engineering, Procurement, Information Technology, Finance Treatment Plant Happenings Regionalization Updates Key Upcoming events in the Water Sector and within MSD Key Capital project updates Equity Series Monthly Speaker Announcements Community Service activities executed by MSD employees Employee Highlight 3
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT Contents Focus Groups In an effort to engage our employees and gather information on their perceptions of innovation within MSD, the Innovation Team coordinated focus groups to obtain feedback directly from company personnel. In a series of 5 focus groups, participants were presented with information about the vision and mission of the Innovation Department as well as past and current projects that highlight our initiatives. They were then given the opportunity to provide feedback through open discussions along with having the chance to participate in an online survey. A SurveyMonkey questionnaire was used to poll a total of 38 participants for their input on the topics of how they view innovation, the importance of innovation to the future of MSD, and how they would prefer to receive information related to innovation. In terms of the topics that they associate with innovation, all 38 participants responded, with Operational Efficiencies and Advanced Technology leading the way. The topics of Strategic Partnerships, Revenue Generation, and Cost Reduction/Recovery also received notable responses. While these focus groups served as opportunities to meet face to face with some of the employees who will be vital to the success of our department, the feedback obtained was beneficial in providing input from those who we look to support. The Innovation Department will continue to look for opportunities to engage our employees and customers in order to maximize the success of our efforts to continue Innovating Together. HOW IMPORTANT IS INNOVATION TO MSD’S FUTURE SUCCESS? Answered: 38 Skipped: 0 90% Advanced Technology Operational Efficiencies Strategic Partnerships Revenue Generation Cost Reduction/ Cost Recovery When thinking about innovation, you recognize it to be which of the following? How would you prefer to learn more about innovation? 25% 21% 19% 18% 17% Checklist Lunch and Learn Newsletters Online Training Other 31% 13% 8% 28% 20% 4
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT Research and Strategic Partnerships III Innovation Projects and Highlights II Regionalization Studies have been underway for years to evaluate regional wastewater solutions outside what is known as the MSD service area. Watersheds are often defined by political boundaries that have historically prevented intergovernmental partnerships that would provide economies of scale, efficiencies, and greater protections to public health and the environment. With high-profile failures of clean water facilities across the Commonwealth, a priority of the Kentucky Division of Water (KDOW) was to change the framework for regional partnerships, regardless of jurisdictional boundaries. In the 2018 session of the Kentucky General Assembly, legislation was created with KDOW’s support, allowing entities to own and manage assets outside of their jurisdictional boundaries. MSD has embraced this concept and is actively assisting neighboring communities. It is sharing it’s knowledge and vast history of failures and successes with those wish to become partners. MSD’s regional efforts will improve the health of area waterways, boost service reliability, and increase capacity for future growth. Since 2019, MSD has entered into agreements with three new partners (Crestwood, Oldham County, Bullitt County). Crestwood MSD has operated and maintained the Crestwood system since 1996, serving approximately 1,788 customers; but MSD did not own it. The City of Crestwood was an integral partner in getting the regionalization legislation passed. MSD took ownership of the Crestwood system in May of 2019. Oldham County Oldham County Environmental Authority (OCEA) and Oldham County Fiscal Court requested that MSD submit a proposal to acquire their system. MSD entered into an agreement to own and operate the system in June of 2020. This acquisition will serve approximately 6,100 wastewater customers. MSD’s acquisition of OCEA will see the outdated Ash Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant decommissioned; with the existing flow being treated at the state-of-the-art Floyds Fork Water Quality Treatment Center (WQTC). KCIW Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women (KCIW), located in La Grange, Kentucky, was in negotiations with OCEA to provide wastewater treatment operator services. MSD acquired the OCEA system, and thus will continue those negotiations to eliminate the wastewater plant at the prison. Bullitt County In late 2019, Bullitt County Sanitation District (BCSD) and Bullitt County Fiscal Court requested a proposal from MSD for acquisition and regional solutions. Bullitt County serves approximately 4,200 wastewater customers. An inter-local agreement between entities has been written, approved, and signed by the MSD Board, the Bullitt County Fiscal Court, and BCSD. MSD has begun developing a capital improvement plan to address aging and failing systems and take advantage of regional economies of scale to benefit ratepayers. 5
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT Research and Strategic Partnerships III Plan Review and Inspection Service Charges MSD’s Development Team continues to work toward the goals set by the team during the Innovation Process to recover revenues associated with services provided to the Development Community through plan review and inspection. With the implementation of the permit review fee schedule on July 1, 2021, MSD has worked through several internal process changes to ensure a streamlined process for both MSD stakeholders and customers. The goal of the efforts associated with this idea is to continue to not only realize cost recovery for services provided, but also improve efficiencies and transparency for our customers. The team has been working throughout the roll-out process to create other efficiencies like digitizing processes and track and reporting processes that create transparency opportunities for both internal and external stakeholders. One of the major changes has been the implementation of the online eServices portal that allows permittees to pay for service charges online. With a reporting period of FY22 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022), the portal has a total of 1,404 registered accounts. These accounts allow for online receipt of certain types of permit applications, payment, and communication to permittee as the permit process progresses. The option for guest payment was added in August of 2021 for unregistered payments. One of the teams goals is to continue developing processes to expand the utilization of the portal to improve the customer experience through online application submittal and tracking in the near future. Staff have developed an internal tracking report, utilizing teams and PowerBI, to track ePortal usage, applications, invoices, and receivables. For FY22, the Development Team is reporting the total amount invoiced for permit and inspection as approximately $991,515 and has received $845,506 of those invoiced. With these numbers, the team did not quite meet a 50% cost recovery, for this year however, anticipates that recovery rate will meet that goal in FY23. Staff have developed an internal tracking report, utilizing teams and PowerBI, to track ePortal usage, applications, invoices, and receivables. For FY22, the Development Team is reporting the total amount invoiced for permit and inspection as approximately $991,515 and has received $845,506 of those invoiced. With these numbers, the team did not quite meet a 50% cost recovery for this year, but anticipates that they will meet the recovery rate goal in FY23. 6
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT Research and Strategic Partnerships IV UDR Fees The Unusual Discharge Request (UDR) Permit Program provides MSD with control over the type, volume and characteristics of the wastewater discharged to the sewer and provides customers with the ability to request a one-time discharge of non-permitted wastewater to MSD’s collections system. MSD conducted a review of the UDR services provided to our customers and implemented fees for all UDR applications and the volume of the wastewater discharged to our collection system. Additional fees can be charged for high strength wastewater that exceeds 250 mg/l of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and 270 mg/l of Total Suspended Solids (TSS). Fees can also be charged to recover cost associated with on-site inspections or other activities required to approve or disapprove an application. The UDR fees process places the cost on the customer utilizing the UDR program and not the general public ratepayer. The process has also allowed MSD to increase work efficiencies through the use of the MSD portal for submitting applications and paying fees. The Industrial Waste Department (IWD) manages the Unusual Discharge Request (UDR) program, which allows MSD to control the type and characteristics of wastewater being discharged to our sanitary collection system. Any short-term, one-time discharge to the sewer system requires approval through this program. In FY22, IWD received requests totaling over 4.6 million gallons of wastewater. The volume and amount of UDR requests has varied greatly in the last five fiscal years from almost 2 million gallons to over 30 million gallons. As of August of 2022, MSD is now requesting the customer to pay $8.77 per 1,000 gallons discharged (with some exceptions) through the eServices portal. Plan Review and Inspection Fees (con’t.) THE TEAM WAS RECOGNIZED during the September 2021 Infrastructure and Finance Committee Meeting for their continued efforts to implement this innovation idea, as well as their work on continuous improvements to the customer experience and internal process. This Innovation effort was led by the ideator David Johnson; however, it was a true team effort. In addition to being recognized by the board and management, the team received a small Innovation branded item to thank them for their efforts in conception and implementation of this idea. “The UDR fees process places the cost on the customer utilizing the UDR program and not the general public ratepayer.” 7
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT Research and Strategic Partnerships III Artificial Intelligence (AI) Expansion to Cedar Creek The AI at the Derek R. Guthrie Water Quality Treatment Center (DRGWQTC) was implemented as a pilot project in 2021. Aquasight’s APOLLO AI platform was designed to empower utility workforce with technology and AI for effective and efficient wastewater treatment. The platform combines real-time process data, lab data, design constraints, equipment condition, standard operating procedures, weather forecasts, and artificial intelligence models. The digital platform provides insights, streaming analytics, and real-time smart advice such as optimal air supply, pumping operations, and chemical dosage to minimize use of energy and chemical consumables while meeting or exceeding permit requirements. The overall goal of this initiative was to have a resource that the operators use to adjust plant operations and provide feedback to the efficient operation of treatment processes. Also, the Apollo software provides realtime information to assist with predictive maintenance of pumps and motors. Operators were provided on-site training and iPads to utilize the software in critical areas of the facility. In addition, Operations staff immediately saw the value to verify capital investment at the facility as well as this software as a tool as we expand our treatment operations due to our regionalization initiatives. In addition, this software can be used to assist in training operators. As a result, we are in-progress to implement AI at Cedar Creek. We expect that the site visit from the Aquasight project team, the implementation of the software, and on-site training, will be completed in FY23. AQUASIGHT DASHBOARD Caption info> 8
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT Research and Strategic Partnerships III Water Environment Federation/ Water Intrapreneurs for Successful Enterprises (WEF/WISE) WEF recognized the value of supporting Utilities that have the desire to become “Utilities of the Future”. The WEF/WISE program is an initiative that is a continuation of the work done by the Water Research Foundation’s Utility Analysis Improvement Methodology. MSD has participated in this program under both organizations. A list of the utilities involved in the UAIM project is located in Appendix C. WEF recognizes that operating a utility is a challenge regardless of the economic, regulatory and political landscape. Utilities are desperately looking to collaborate with other utilities to manage complex business systems: Human Resources, Change Management, Asset Management, Data Systems and Capital Improvement Planning and Business Case Evaluation (CIP/BCE) have been the initial focus areas. This year, Innovation was asked to assist in the developing a business model for the Storeroom. This is a deliverable for part of Blueprint 2025 Critical Success Factor. MSD leadership created a cross-functional team from Storeroom, Procurement, Engineering, Operations and Maintenance, to work collaboratively to develop the needed improvements. The Operational Inventory Management Team focused on six key business processes associated with their storerooms and inventory processes to improve: After-hours access to the storerooms Adding spare parts from capital projects Determination of critical spare parts Handling of refurbished equipment Determining and removing obsolete inventory Determination of storage space needs, for both stock inventory and capital spare parts (especially with regional expansion into Bullitt and Oldham Counties). Utilizing the WISE methodology, the team developed “as-is” business process diagrams to document how these are currently handled informally. After discussions with the team and staff, the “to-be” future business processes were developed to optimize these workflows, as well as to clarify roles and responsibilities for staff. In addition, templates, job aids, and work instructions were developed based upon the to-be workflows to assist in the implementation of these improvements. “WISE began in 2017 as a research project, Utility Analysis and Improvement Methodology (UAIM), with the Water Environment and Reuse Foundation (WE&RF) and was continued by the Water Research Foundation (WRF) in 2019 through May 2021. In 2021, UAIM transitioned to the WISE initiative under WEF management.” 9
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT Research and Strategic Partnerships III Biosolids The Morris Forman WQTC Biosolids Processing Solution Project is MSD’s most significant capital investment in sustainable solids management. Members of the Innovation Team have collaborated with plant staff for over 7 years in the planning and now implementation of the project. The original dryer system was installed at Morris Forman WQTC in 2001. Operations staff began to note significant issues with dryer reliability as early as 2012, with more significant downtime experienced by plant staff starting in 2016. To assist operations, the Innovation Team secured a Scholarship Exchange Experience for Innovation & Technology Program (SEE IT) to visit several European facilities with the objective of evaluating technologies that should be considered for future biosolids management at Morris Forman WQTC. Following these visits, members of the Innovation Team assisted plant and engineering staff with issuing a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) in 2016. After receiving interest from various parties, the same members then help start a two-step process for selection of a progressive design-build team to implement thermal hydrolysis pretreatment (THP) technology, which is a major component of the Biosolids processing Solution Project, at Morris Forman WQTC. A progressive designbuild team was selected in December 2021. The Biosolids Processing Solution Project offers the following benefits to MSD and its service area customers: 100% beneficial reuse of biosolids (elimination of landfilled solids) Production of Class A high quality biosolids, a continuation of MSDs environmental stewardship with Louisville Green and the original dryer facility Optimization of use of existing anaerobic digesters for biosolids stabilization Increase in solids reduction, which in turn reduces operation costs Increase in digester gas production for renewable energy/gas creation and potential revenue The Innovation Team helped MSD secure Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) financing for the project, a first in the state of Kentucky. The project is proceeding through design, with construction anticipated to start in late-2023. Construction is anticipated to be complete by mid-2026. The Innovation Team is also leading the evaluation of potential procurement options of infrastructure that will allow MSD to leverage excess digester gas for renewable natural gas (RNG). RNG provides the opportunity for MSD to beneficially reuse the biogas that is produced from biosolids stabilization at Morris Forman WQTC, and potentially realize significant revenue from turning it into RNG. This greater than $200M investment will provide sustainable management of biosolids at Morris Forman WQTC for the next 30 years. 30% INCREASE In Volatile Solids Reduction RENEWABLE NATURAL GAS Equivalent of up to 2.5M gal. of gasoline/year 100% REDUCTION Biosolids Landfill Disposal 3X INCREASE In Digester Gas EXCESS CAPACITY For Future Co-Digestion & Energy Production VSR 3x Bio-Gas Digester Capacity Energy Recovery Landfill Disposal 10
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT Research and Strategic Partnerships III Wastewater Surveillance: COVID-19 Sampling/Analysis Early in the pandemic, it was determined that wastewater surveillance can serve as an early warning system of COVID-19 spread to the community because the SARS-CoV-2 virus is shed through feces in humans. Mr. Parrott immediately recognized the value of using wastewater analytics as a tool to track the spread of COVID-19. As a result, MSD, has been an active and critical partner with renowned universities, NIH/CDC, and innovative enterprises across the United States. MSD’s participation has contributed to method development, tracking/trending of data along with confirming methodologies for variant confirmation in multiple programs. MSD’s has provided the sampling, field staff expertise, and analytical data to verify the correlation of viral concentration in wastewater compared to clinical cases (including hospitalizations and deaths). Louisville MSD has provided in-kind technical expertise, sampling and analytical support to allow our community to make informed decisions and develop tools to inform citizens of the predictable surge in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations 5-7 days ahead of clinical reporting by health agencies. Over the past two years, we have utilized wastewater surveillance to predict the impact to our economy and the taxation on the health care system. Highlights of the key programs in which MSD has participated: Biobot Analytics Founded at MIT, Biobot is a wastewater epidemiology company that analyzes sewage to provide public health analytics. Biobot solicited sewage samples from wastewater treatment facilities across the US to test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It began as a collaboration with researchers at MIT, Harvard and Brigham Women’s Hospital to track COVID-19 across the US. As a result of establishing a network of utilities across the US, Biobot also partnered with the National Institute/Center of Disease Control (CDC), and Duke University on wastewater analysis for a sixteen-week program that studied the impact of rapid antigen tests on community transmission. Louisville MSD was selected to participate. The Say Yes! Program measured the widespread testing effects of the amount of the virus in wastewater systems. The program was essential in verifying “test-at home” and key contributor to the COVID-19 response. Since April 2020, MSD has provided weekly samples from our five Water Quality Treatment Centers within Jefferson County that allows the tracking of viral concentration per ml and a statistical prediction of new cases reported in Jefferson County based on a proprietary algorithm. In May of last year Biobot reported: 11
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT Research and Strategic Partnerships III Verily Life Sciences Verily has partnered with Stanford and the University of Michigan to develop a method to measure levels of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. Since January of 2022, MSD has provided primary effluent samples from our largest wastewater treatment facility. We have agreed to participate for one year to evaluate the efficacy of analyzing solid samples for the presence of the virus. MSD is one of approximately 34 utilities across the country to participate in this method development. In summary, under the leadership and guidance of Mr. Tony Parrott, Executive Director, MSD recognized the importance of wastewater epidemiology and how critical a role it played in protecting public health by developing a wastewater surveillance program to track and predict the COVID-19 virus. MSD’s proactive commitment has been essential in developing testing protocols and informing the public of spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. In addition, Mr. Parrott has used this information to guide his decisions and policies for the staff at MSD. MSD provides essential wastewater, stormwater and flood protection services and it is critical that we have the staff to protect the community 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-per-year. MSD was able to use these tools to implement mask policies, social distancing protocols, promote vaccinations, and routine testing to ensure MSD did not provide diminished services to our ratepayers. Testing Sites 400 University of Louisville Co-Immunity Started in April of 2020, the project objectives include: Identify risks to hospital and frontline healthcare providers Initiate a wastewater study to understand how the SARS-CoV-2 moved throughout the community (neighborhoods, businesses, etc.), by monitoring the collection system (sewersheds) and the regional wastewater treatment facilities Identify residential areas with higher infection rates to target testing and promoting vaccination (when it became available) Louisville MSD continues to support this program, collecting samples at 17 site locations throughout Jefferson County. States Participated 42 of the Population of 10% the United States As reported in the May 9, 2022 press release: “Over the next year, the CDC will work with Biobot to collect and analyze wastewater samples from 500 communities across the country to gather SARS-CoV-2 data. This builds upon Biobot’s previous work with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to make wastewater monitoring accessible to communities in all U.S. states, territories, and tribal nations.” 12
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT Appendix A IV One Water Billing Services Last year was a highly productive year for the One Water Partnership. Along with providing safe water and wastewater services to the community, One Water continued to find new ways to work together in operations, infrastructure planning, and with improvements in technology Some Highlights Include: Under the Drops of Kindness program, One Water started a lasting community conversation on water affordability with a facilitated sprint session and participation in the US Water Alliance Affordability pilot with seven other cities across the country. The program helped 24,970 customers in our service areas and distributed $9 million in assistance. 28,665 customers were converted to monthly billing in 2021 as part of the Pure Connect Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) initiative. A new billing services agreement was successfully negotiated and signed, extending Louisville Water and Louisville MSD’s contract through the next six years. Fleet Services went live with the newly installed Fleet Management Information System in November 2021 which replaced a Fleet Management Information System (client served based) with a new webbased, hosted system, AssetWorks FleetFocus FA software. One Water collaborated on major federal, state, and local infrastructure funding opportunities, including the American Rescue Plan, Senate Bill 36, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Partnership announced the creation of “Partner (s) of the Year” Employee Recognition Award. The award will be given annually to employees or teams for their outstanding efforts on a project or program within the One Water Partnership. The objective of the award is to recognize employees who have demonstrated and contributed to the improvement of the quality and performance of the One Water Partnership. The Partner of the Year exhibits commitment to the Partnership in carrying out their job responsibilities and is an asset to both organizations. Bill Malcolm (One Water Fleet Services Director) and Megan Hancock (Director Customer Service – Louisville Water) were the first employees to be recognized. 13
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT WRF/Arcadis Building An Innovation Narrative Project In early 2022, we started work on the Building an Innovation Narrative Project: A Collaborative project with Arcadis, The Water Tower, Means Consulting, Rogue Water and over 30 utilities from across the globe. This utility-funded and driven project will combine powerful narrative building tactics with performance measurement into fieldtested and easy to use roadmaps to provide critical resources for utility innovation leaders as they work to build credibility and a culture of innovation. Building An Innovation Narrative Project Approach 1 TASK Building Innovation Narratives and Aligning Performance Measures To frame the value of innovation with overall organizational narratives, associated value dimensions, and performance measures. 2 TASK Maintaining and Using Performance Measures to Improve Performance To outline guidelines for data gathering, performance measurement, and management as well as responding to changes in measure to improve program performance. 3 TASK Demonstrating and Field Testing the Roadmaps To demonstrate the usage of the roadmaps and measurement practices for capturing the value of innovation among mature innovation programs to serve as case studies. 4 TASK Developing Guidance for Building a Narrative through Select Performance Measures To develop guidelines for defining the program narrative, value dimensions and a meaningful performance measurement plan that span the maturity of the innovation program. 14
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT Technology Approval Group The Technology Approval Group (TAG) brings water end-users together to evaluate emerging technologies, from treatment to asset management to business practices. TAG is completely driven by the end-user because each of the featured technologies is selected through a voting process by participating utilities, who choose from a longer list of solutions qualified to meet their needs. MSD continued its partnership with Isle Technologies, TAG in 2022. Detailed information regarding Midwest TAG meetings, Membership report, and a list of utility partners can be found in Appendices A & B. 15
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT 2021–2022 Midwest TAG Presentations MIDWEST TAG 24 IV VIRTUAL MEETING | 03.11.21 | WATER FOCUS MIDWEST TAG 25 VIRTUAL MEETING | 07.22.21 | COMBINED FOCUS Appendix A 3s Antriebe SMART ACTUATION LTD: Actuators for the low-cost automation of manual valves and implementation of smart water networks American Pipeline Solutions SMART PIG: Low-cost, free-flowing foam smart pig for condition assessment of metallic pipes Blue Conduit Leveraging data science and machine learning to inventory and locate lead service lines e-sens ROAM™: Portable, fully automated analyzer for fast reporting of 23 different water quality parameters FIDO FIDO TECH: Multifunctional leak detection kit supported by an advanced AI platform Aubin EVO-PIG: Deformable elastomeric pig for pipe cleaning Downey Ridge Environmental GREASEZILLA®: Self-powered hydronic thermal FOG separation and biofuel generation system Kamstrup FLOWIQ® 2200: Ultrasonic smart meter with built-in acoustic leak detection Optolution LASER OPTICAL FLOW MEASUREMENT: On-site calibration of large flow meters Specific Energy DYNAMIC PUMP OPTIMIZER: Pump optimization and asset management using edge analytics 16
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT MIDWEST TAG 26 VIRTUAL MEETING | 11.04.21 | WASTEWATER FOCUS Genesis Water Technologies ZEOTURB BIO-ORGANIC LIQUID FLOCCULANT: Advanced flocculation treatment for water and wastewater clarification REA Resource Recovery Systems TOTAL FOG SOLUTIONS®: FOG management and waste-to-energy platform SUEZ SEWERBALL: Sewer network inspection tool for detection of I&I and other water-related problems in sewers U.S. Submergent Technologies SEDIVISIONTM: Complete predictive maintenance solution for grit & sediment accumulation in wastewater tanks MIDWEST TAG 27 VIRTUAL MEETING | 03.22.22 | WATER FOCUS AquaRealTime ALGAETRACKER: Simple, low-cost continuous monitoring of algal blooms IngeniousWare WATER-ING: Software solution that determines the optimal number and location of sensors in distribution networks Overlay OVERLAY: Highly accurate and stable augmented reality solution for fieldwork and asset management T.E. Laboratories LTD AQUAMONITRIX: Real-time, plug-and-play nitrate and nitrite analyzer, providing laboratory analysis performance in the field UnifAl Technology LTD UNIFAI WATER QUALITY SENSING: Real-time, multi-parameter water quality monitoring, powered by artificial intelligence 17
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT Technology Approval Group (TAG) Membership Report LOUISVILLE METROPOLITAN SEWER DISTRICT | JANUARY 2023 Zonetta English Strategic Initiatives and Project Delivery Director Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District Dear Zonetta, This report summarizes The Louisville Metropolitan Sewer Districts (MSD’s) engagement in TAG from January 2021 through June 2022. The summary highlights MSD’s technology selection preferences as indicated through the pre-TAG voting process, meeting attendance, and requests for follow up across the TAG meetings that took place this year. For each TAG meeting, a list of proposed technologies is provided with a brief description, the corresponding technology readiness level (TRL), and the link to our Tech Portal for further evaluation. You will also find a list of technologies that were among your top choices but did not present at TAG based on the group selection or vendor availability. Please let me know if you are interested in additional information for your team or if we could support you in exploring these vendors in more detail. Respectfully, Ellie Hudson-Heck, PhD TAG Manager, Isle Utilities Appendix B 17 18
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT 74 U.S. TAG Utility Partners WESTERN WASTEWATER EST. 2011 Central Contra Costa Sanitary District City of Santa Barbara Inland Empire Utilities Agency Irvine Ranch Water District (WD) Montecito Sanitary District Monterey One Water Moulton Niguel WD Orange County San. District Riverside Public Utilities Sanitation Districts of LA County South Platte Renew South Tahoe Public Utility District PACIFIC NORTHWEST EST. 2020 City of Boise City of Central Point Clean Water Services Covington Water King County Sammamish Plateau Water Seattle Public Utilities Tualatin WD Veolia North America WESTERN WATER EST. 2013 City of Anaheim City of Santa Barbara Denver Water East Orange County WD Honolulu Board of Water Supply Inland Empire Utilities Agency Irvine Ranch WD Jurupa Community Services District LA Dept. of Water & Power Las Vegas Valley WD/ Southern Nevada WA Moulton Niguel WD Metropolitan WD of Southern California Riverside Public Utilities Sweetwater Authority Town of Gilbert Tucson Water SOUTHEAST EST. 2013 Beaufort-Jasper W&S Authority Charleston Water System City of Atlanta Clayton County Water Authority Cobb County-Marietta WA Columbus Water Works First Utility District Hillsborough County Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department Pinellas County Toho Water Authority TEXAS EST. 2015 Austin Water City of Corpus Christi City of Houston San Antonio Water System NORTHEAST EST. 2014 Anne Arundel County Aqua Pennsylvania Aquarion Water Company Boston Water & Sewer Comm. Champlain WD City of Baltimore City of Lowell City of Richmond DPU DC Water New York City DEP Philadelphia Water Dept. Pittsburgh W&S Authority Springfield Water & Sewer Comm. The Metropolitan District Comm. Veolia North America WSSC Water NORCAL EST. 2014 Contra Costa WD Dublin San Ramon SD East Bay MUD Monterey One Water San Jose Water South Tahoe PUD 9 Midwest TAG Members 6 Requests for follow up with presented TAG technologies 9 Vendors selected by Louisville MSD presented at TAG (out of 10 presenters) 4 TAG Events >40 Curated Technologies 1,400+ Technology profiles in online member portal 11 Countries represented by featured solution providers >11,000 Technologies evaluated to date MIDWEST EST. 2014 LOUISVILLE MSD TAG STATISTICS 19 18
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT MIDWEST TAG 24 03.11.21 | WATER-FOCUSED MIDWEST TAG 25 07.22.21 | COMBINED FOCUSED Proposed TAG Technology Description Origin TRL Rank Follow Up Olea Edge Analytics METER HEALTH ANALYTICS: Revenue recovery through continuous monitoring of high value water meters USA 9 – – Optolution LASER OPTICAL FLOW MEASUREMENT: On-site calibration of large flow meters Germany 9 – X Pani Energy DIGITAL OPERATOR COACH: Cloud-based machine learning platform for process optimization of water, wastewater, and desalination plants Canada 9 – – Purifics CONTINUOUS ULTRA-FILTRATION (CUF): Ultra-filtration ceramic membrane process, capable of zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) Canada 9 – – Water Pigeon Fast, simple, secure alternative to existing automated meter reading solutions 9 – – Proposed TAG Technology Description Origin TRL Rank Follow Up Cerafiltec MODULE: UF systems based on an innovative, high flux module housing for ceramic flat sheet membranes (treats PFAS) Germany 9 – – CUES Inc. SPIDER: Wireless 3D laser scanner for manhole inspection USA 9 – – iVapps SMART VALVE: Valve with onboard sensor suite that can be maintained and replaced under pressure UK 7 – – IXDen IXDEN SOLUTION: Hardware-free cyber security for IoT devices, combined with predictive asset health monitoring Israel 8 – – ManUp Key THE MANUP KEY: Manhole releasing tool with slide hammer action for safe, effective lifting of stuck manholes UK 9 3 – Skipper NDT UAV UNDERGROUND PIPELINE MAPPING: Mapping of buried metallic pipelines using magnetic sensors mounted on an aerial drone France 8 – – 20
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT Appendix C MIDWEST TAG 26 11.04.21 | WASTEWATER FOCUSED MIDWEST TAG 27 03.22.22 | WATER FOCUSED Proposed TAG Technology Description Origin TRL Rank Follow Up APG Neuros High efficiency biogas or natural gas-powered turbo blower for wastewater treatment Canada 6 – – Cobalt Water Global N2ORisk DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM: AI and machine learning software for cost-effective WWTP greenhouse gas emissions reduction USA 8 – – Fibracast Limited FIBREPLATE: Innovative hybrid hollow fiber and flat sheet membranes for use in wastewater membrane bioreactors (MBR) Canada 9 – – Maia Analytica FABIO: Forecasting of EBPR process conditions, enabling optimization of operational parameters USA 8 – – Penetron USA, Inc. PENETRON ADMIX: Crystalline waterproofing admixture that provides increased durability throughout the entire concrete matrix USA 9 – – Samotics SAM4: Smart condition monitoring for AC-induction motors and rotating equipment The Netherlands 9 3 – Proposed TAG Technology Description Origin TRL Rank Follow Up IXDen IXDEN SOLUTION: Hardware-free cyber security for IoT devices, combined with predictive asset health monitoring Isreal 8 – – MyPass Global MYPASS: Workforce compliance software centered around a single-source-of-truth passport Australia 9 – – Quantum Filtration Medium DMI-65: Catalytic filter media technology for low chemical iron and manganese removal Australia 9 – – what3words WHAT3WORDS: Proprietary geocode system designed to locate teams, assets, services, and incidents more efficiently UK 9 – – Zeolita Nacional Mexicana S.A. de C.V. ZEOMEDIA: Activated zeolite-based filter media for increased filter throughput and efficiency Mexico 9 1 – 21
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT Louisville MSD Staff Attendance Technologies of Interest Among your top 5 votes, but did not present at TAG (more information upon request)) EMIT & RAFT: High-resolution, electromagnetic pre-stressed concrete cylinder pipe condition assessment SAMSARA IoT: Industrial “Internet of Things” for real-time monitoring and analysis of key assets throughout the water sector Software, services, and test kits for water quality programs, including lead and copper compliance PICA Samsara Aquatrax First Last email address First Last email address First Last email address Company Technology Contact Information MIDWEST TAG 22 VIRTUAL MEETING | 11.04.20 | WATER FOCUS 1. Zonetta English MIDWEST TAG 23 VIRTUAL MEETING | 11.04.20 | WATER FOCUS 1. Zonetta English Appendix C 22
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT Appendix C List of Utilities Involved In UAIM Project Alexandria Renew Charlotte Water City of Baltimore City of Grand Rapids City of Tacoma DC Water Great Lakes Water Authority Gwinnett County KC Water King County, WA Loudoun Water Metro Vancouver Metropolitan Council Environmental Services, St. Paul, MN Orange County Utilities Portland Bureau of Environmental Services Portland Water San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Team 2100, United Kingdom Toho Water Kissimmee, FL VCS Utilities, Denmark Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission 23
2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT 2022 INNOVATION ANNUAL REPORT MSD Main Office 700 W Liberty St. Louisville, KY 40203