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Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes

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Subject: Muscat Bay Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) Operations Review

Date: May 6, 2024

Location:  Muscat Bay - Conference Room

Attendees:

  • MB:
    • Abdullah
    • Abdulrahim
    • Sapumal
  • OWATCO
    • …..
    • ….
    • ….
    • ……

1. Introduction

A meeting was held to review and address operational challenges currently affecting the Muscat Bay STP. We aimed to develop collaborative solutions for improvement.

2. Key Findings

  • Plant Performance and Capacity: 

    • The STP has consistently underperformed, failing to reach the designed treatment capacity of 750 m³ per day.

  • Asset Management: 

      • Recurring issues were identified with critical assets, including:

    1. Diesel Generator (failures, inadequate power output)
    2. Decanter ( Not operated as daily )
    3. OCU Units ( one number operational inconsistencies and failures, Second one, not update)
    4. Auto Sampler Units: Currently not in operation. It's unclear whether malfunctions are compromising data accuracy or if the operator is unaware of how to operate them.
  • SCADA System and License Status:

    • OWATCO, the Muscat Bay Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) operator, previously raised concerns about a potential shutdown due to SCADA system issues and an expired license. Muscat Bay verification confirmed the license remains active. Consequently, OWATCO was advised to postpone any actions on the SCADA system. However, OWATCO proceeded with interventions, leading to ongoing intermittent planned shutdowns and system malfunctions. Notably, OWATCO has not reported the completion of any upgrades. This sequence of events has created significant operational uncertainty. It is recommended that OWATCO be offered additional support to address both the unresolved SCADA malfunctions and any other unidentified system issues they may be encountering.

  • Reporting and Compliance: 

      • Inconsistencies were found in reporting practices:

    1. Daily Reports (format, timeliness, use of designated systems)
    2. Missing Monthly Operational Reports and Detailed Attendance Logs (crucial for compliance)
  • Maintenance and Operational Integrity:

      • The current maintenance program appears inadequate do you do lack reporting?:

    1. Incomplete maintenance activities
    2. Lack of documented procedures for shutdowns and notifications
  • Power and System Integrity: 

    • Persistent power supply problems raise concerns about the effectiveness of previous system assessments.

    Some actions, such as the earthing between the STP electrical room and the main electrical source feeder pillar, were agreed to be attended to and conducted by a specialized team. However, these actions have yet to be conducted.

3. Action Items

  • Root Cause Analysis: Conduct a thorough analysis to identify factors hindering the plant's capacity. Develop a concrete action plan for optimal performance.
  • Asset Management Plan: To implement a comprehensive program prioritizing repair and preventative maintenance of critical assets.
  • SCADA System Review: To perform a review to pinpoint and rectify persistent malfunctions.
  • Standardized Reporting: To establish clear protocols for timely and accurate reporting through designated computer systems.
  • Detailed Maintenance Schedule: To share a schedule encompassing all critical components, including pipelines and membranes.
  • Communication Protocols: To establish a clear communication procedures for reporting operational shutdowns.
  • Power System Assessment: To conduct a renewed assessment to identify and address the root causes of ongoing power supply issues.

4. Next Steps

A detailed action plan will be circulated to all attendees outlining specific tasks, timelines, and responsible parties for each action item.

5. Distribution

These minutes will be distributed to all meeting attendees and relevant stakeholders.