The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast

In this final installment of our three part series on resiliency, host Suzan Chin-Taylor welcomes back Jim Dodenhoff, founder of Silent Running. This episode moves beyond the theoretical, providing actionable steps for wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to transition from concept to a reality of energy independence and operational stability. Key Discussion Points:- Clarity Before Construction: The path to resiliency begins with analysis rather than immediate construction. A formal feasibility study allows for modeling various scenarios to avoid relying on guesswork.- The Pain and Suffering Audit: Jim recommends that teams summarize the last significant outage in a brief report. Understanding the true cost and operational impact of past failures helps justify the investment in future resiliency. - Data is Already On-Site: Most plants already possess the data needed for a feasibility plan without needing outside help initially. Facilities should benchmark annual electricity and gas usage using 15 minute interval data to identify specific vulnerabilities. - Identify Critical Loads: WWTPs must distinguish between critical loads, such as essential pumping, and systems that can be triaged or run at partial capacity during an emergency.- Control Your Destiny: With energy affordability becoming a leading driver for decision-makers, plants are increasingly looking toward distributed generation and microgrids to stabilize costs and reduce dependence on the traditional grid.- Smart Collaboration: There is a growing opportunity for WWTPs to partner with high-energy consumers, like data centers, to share resources such as water for cooling or alternative energy generation.Mentioned Progressive Agencies:- Orange County Sanitation District: Recognized for being on top of energy needs and co-locating with drinking water facilities. - Victor Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant: Noted for its progressive approach and innovation. - City of Phoenix: Highlighted for the Palo Verde project, where treated effluent provides makeup water for a nuclear plant.Connect with Jim Dodenhoff:Founder: Silent Running Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jimdodenhoff/Website: silentrunning.bizI hope you find this episode as informative and as exciting as we have.Please let us know your thoughts about the episode!Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast:Website: www.creativeraven.com | https://thetuitgroup.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativeraven/Email: [email protected] Telephone: +1 760-217-8010Listen and subscribe here to your favorite platform:Apple Podcast - Google Podcast - Cast Box - Overcast - Pocket Casts - YouTube - Spotifyhttps://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/ Subscribe to the Podcast:https://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/Be a guest on our show:https://calendly.com/thetuitgroup/be-a-podcast-guestCheck Out my NEW Digital Marketing E-Course & Coaching Program just for Wastewater Pros:https://store.thetuitgroup.com/diy-digital-marketing-playbook-for-wastewater-pros#Resiliency #WastewaterTreatment #EnergyEfficiency #SustainableInfrastructure #Microgrids #RenewableEnergy #UtilityManagement #WaterIndustry #Sustainability #CleanWater #EnvironmentalEngineering #EnergyResiliency

In the second part of my series on resiliency, I am joined by Jim Dodenhoff to explore the practical application of microgrids within wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). We move beyond the conceptual importance of resiliency to demystify what a microgrid actually is and why these systems are the modern "resiliency engines" that keep mission critical infrastructure running when the main electrical grid fails. Key Discussion Points:- Defining the Microgrid: Jim Dodenhoff defines it as a complex system with three layers: on-site energy resources, the electrical load, and the infrastructure that connects them.- The "Islanding" Capability: Microgrids allow a site to safely disconnect from the main electrical grid and operate independently using on-site power like batteries or fuel cells.- Protecting Critical Load: Most systems aim to sustain essential operations for four to eight hours, though some facilities can remain self-sufficient for days.- Vulnerability of WWTPs: Wastewater plants are ideal candidates for this technology because they have limited redundancy and must remain operational 24/7 to protect public health.- Building Blocks of Resiliency: Key components include Combined Heat and Power (CHP) from on-site methane, energy storage batteries, and adjacent renewable sources like solar or wind.- Economic Benefits of Peak Shaving: Using stored battery power during expensive peak utility hours allows plants to generate savings and reduce overall electricity costs.- Microgrid as a Service (MaaS): New financing models allow utilities to pay for the electricity used rather than making a massive upfront capital investment.Connect with Jim Dodenhoff:Founder: Silent RunningEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimdodenhoff/Website: silentrunning.bizI hope you find this episode as informative and as exciting as we have.Please let us know your thoughts about the episode!Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast:Website: www.creativeraven.com | https://thetuitgroup.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativeraven/Email: [email protected] Telephone: +1 760-217-8010Listen and subscribe here to your favorite platform:Apple Podcast - Google Podcast - Cast Box - Overcast - Pocket Casts - YouTube - Spotifyhttps://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/ Subscribe to the Podcast:https://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/Be a guest on our show:https://calendly.com/thetuitgroup/be-a-podcast-guestCheck Out my NEW Digital Marketing E-Course & Coaching Program just for Wastewater Pros:https://store.thetuitgroup.com/diy-digital-marketing-playbook-for-wastewater-pros#WastewaterManagement #Microgrids #RenewableEnergy #CleanWater #InfrastructureResiliency #EnvironmentalTechnology #Sustainability #GreenEnergy #WWTP #ClimateResilience #PublicWorks #Utilities #SustainableInfrastructure #WaterIndustry #EnergyEfficiency

In this episode of The DooDoo Diva’s Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Jim Dodenhoff, founder of Silent Running, to unpack a critical issue facing the wastewater industry today—resiliency.As extreme weather events, power disruptions, and infrastructure vulnerabilities continue to rise, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) can no longer rely on outdated backup systems. Jim explains why traditional solutions like diesel generators are not fail-safe and how facilities must rethink their approach to ensure operational continuity and protect public health.This conversation dives into the real risks WWTPs face, from power quality issues to communication breakdowns, and highlights why resiliency must shift from a reactive engineering fix to a proactive governance strategy.🔑 What You’ll Learn:- What resiliency truly means for wastewater treatment plants- Why backup generators often fail when they’re needed most- The “power domino effect” and how outages trigger system-wide failures- Infrastructure weaknesses in modern WWTPs- Why communication systems are just as critical as energy systems- How resiliency is becoming a leadership and governance priority💬 Key Insight:Resiliency isn’t just about surviving disruptions—it’s about having reliable, actionable options in place before failure happens.👤 Connect with Jim Dodenhoff:Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimdodenhoff/Website: https://silentrunning.bizI hope you find this episode as informative and as exciting as we have.Please let us know your thoughts about the episode!Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast:Website: www.creativeraven.com | https://thetuitgroup.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativeraven/Email: [email protected] Telephone: +1 760-217-8010Listen and subscribe here to your favorite platform:Apple Podcast - Google Podcast - Cast Box - Overcast - Pocket Casts - YouTube - Spotifyhttps://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/ Subscribe to the Podcast:https://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/Be a guest on our show:https://calendly.com/thetuitgroup/be-a-podcast-guestCheck Out my NEW Digital Marketing E-Course & Coaching Program just for Wastewater Pros:https://store.thetuitgroup.com/diy-digital-marketing-playbook-for-wastewater-pros#WastewaterTreatment #Resiliency #Infrastructure #CleanWater #PublicHealth #EnergyResilience #Sustainability #SmellsLikeMoney #Microgrids #SilentRunning

In this episode of the Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Michael Ramos, a Chicago native and veteran chief engineer with over 30 years of experience in facilities management. Inspired by the Flint water crisis and the devastating impact of lead exposure on children’s brain development, Michael developed a groundbreaking solution to a national infrastructure challenge.The Challenge of Stagnant Water:Lead and copper levels typically rise when water sits in pipes for more than six hours, causing essential corrosion control chemicals to break down. While replacing aging infrastructure is the ultimate goal, the scale of the problem is massive. For example, replacing Chicago’s 400,000 lead service lines is estimated to cost over $8 billion and take nearly 100 years.Introducing the NOAH System:Michael invented the NOAH System to address these issues through automated remediation. Unlike manual flushing, which is often neglected, this device automatically clears taps and fountains every few hours to keep water moving and maintain protective pipe coatings.Key features of the NOAH System include:- Zero Maintenance: Once installed, there are no filters to change or clocks to program.- Proven Success: Since its first school deployment in 2016, it has successfully reduced lead levels to non-detection.- Versatile Use: It can be installed in schools, daycare centers, kitchen sinks, and chemistry labs.- Simple Installation: The low-voltage, lightweight design features quick-connect fittings suitable for DIY or professional setup.Connect with Michael Ramos:Website: noahsystem.co LinkedIn: Michael Ramos Email: [email protected] hope you find this episode as informative and as exciting as we have.Please let us know your thoughts about the episode!Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast:Website: www.creativeraven.com | https://thetuitgroup.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativeraven/Email: [email protected] Telephone: +1 760-217-8010Listen and subscribe here to your favorite platform:Apple Podcast - Google Podcast - Cast Box - Overcast - Pocket Casts - YouTube - Spotifyhttps://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/ Subscribe to the Podcast:https://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/Be a guest on our show:https://calendly.com/thetuitgroup/be-a-podcast-guestCheck Out my NEW Digital Marketing E-Course & Coaching Program just for Wastewater Pros:https://store.thetuitgroup.com/diy-digital-marketing-playbook-for-wastewater-pros#LeadRemediation #WaterSafety #PublicHealth #CleanWater #InfrastructureInnovation #NOAHSystem #SchoolSafety #EnvironmentalEngineering #LeadServiceLines #CorrosionControl

S17 E8: Smells Like Money Podcast: Generative Engineering: How and Why Our Approach to Infrastructure Should Change for Best Possible Outcomes with Adam TankIn this episode of the Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Adam Tank to discuss generative engineering and how it challenges the conservative status quo of the water and wastewater industry. They explore how shifting from manual, risk averse planning to software driven design allows for better decision making, long term cost savings, and future proofed infrastructure.Adam explains how Transcend Software serves asset owners, engineering firms, and OEMs by rapidly assessing dozens of design variables to find the most viable and innovative solutions. By using engineering grade logic to crunch thousands of possibilities, utilities can make better decisions that benefit taxpayers in the long term.Key Discussion Points- Risk vs. Innovation: While the industry often focuses on cost savings, every action is truly predicated on risk management.- Limitations of the Status Quo: Current projects typically assess only one or two design options due to time constraints, often leading to assets that don't fit reality ten years later.- Generative Engineering Power: Software allows for the rapid assessment of multiple technologies, site footprints, and population growth variables in the earliest planning phases.- A "Safe to Fail" Environment: Generative software provides a way to test innovative, internationally proven technologies without putting an operator's career or a specific project at risk.- Bridging the Operational Gap: Bringing operators into the design room at "Day Zero" ensures facilities are actually maintainable and built with long term operation in mind.How Transcend Software Serves the Industry- For Asset Owners & Utilities: Used for capital planning to narrow down a vast realm of options into a viable shortlist.- For Engineering Consultants: Assists in preliminary design and provides high fidelity data early in the process.- For Equipment Suppliers (OEMs): Allows them to put equipment natively in the software to generate proposals automatically.Connect with Adam TankWebsite: transcendinfra.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamtank Email: [email protected] I hope you find this episode as informative and as exciting as we have.Please let us know your thoughts about the episode!Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast:Website: www.creativeraven.com | https://thetuitgroup.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativeraven/Email: [email protected] Telephone: +1 760-217-8010Listen and subscribe here to your favorite platform:Apple Podcast - Google Podcast - Cast Box - Overcast - Pocket Casts - YouTube - Spotifyhttps://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/ Subscribe to the Podcast:https://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/Be a guest on our show:https://calendly.com/thetuitgroup/be-a-podcast-guestCheck Out my NEW Digital Marketing E-Course & Coaching Program just for Wastewater Pros:https://store.thetuitgroup.com/diy-digital-marketing-playbook-for-wastewater-pros#GenerativeEngineering #WaterInfrastructure #WastewaterInnovation #RiskManagement #CapitalPlanning #DigitalTransformation #TranscendSoftware #FutureProofing #EngineeringDesign #SustainableWater