As manpower at treatment plants continues to be reduced it is essential that plant operators have a thorough understanding of the principles of plant operation and are able to devise operating strategies backed up by suitable metrics and key performance indicators (KPI’s). This course works through each aspect of treatment plant operation, providing the practical background and worked examples to enable all attendees to put together their own operating strategies and to identify and rectify problems when these occur. The paperback book with detailed contents of the training course by Dr Nigel Horan  is given to all delegates. Programme Layout of a typical treatment plant and the importance of each unit operation Primary sedimentation tanks, monitoring performance and improving efficiency The basics of activated sludge: understanding loading rate (F/M) and sludge age, ensuring the plant operates at the right value Checking aeration efficiency: is there enough aeration and reducing energy costs Sludge settleability: ensuring the sludge settles well and minimising foaming and bulking problems Optimising the performance of the secondary settlement tank Good operator practice for odour reduction