PARC Innovation Flow

South Platte Renew

Interview-style podcast featuring the latest in water renewal technology research and treatment pilot studies. Guests include South Platte Renew staff, consulting engineers, technology developers, and university partners who are involved in projects through SPR's innovative Pilot and Research Center (PARC). Hosted by Blair Corning, SPR's Deputy Director of Environmental Programs, each episode features in-depth conversations with industry experts and leaders. Together, they delve into pioneering projects and research that are helping to shape a sustainable future for our communities and the environment.

  1. JAN 6

    Removing Phosphorous – Without Chemicals?

    Episode Notes Live from WEFTEC 2025, host Blair Corning interviews Bryan Coday, Principal Technologist at Carollo Engineers, to discuss the cutting-edge of biological phosphorus removal. Bryan explains why the industry is in a "golden age of innovation" and breaks down the complexities of Side Stream Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal. Bryan details a joint pilot project with South Platte Renew that converted existing infrastructure into a dedicated fermenter. This pilot offers a path to reducing long-term chemical reliance and creating a circular water economy by recovering phosphorus for beneficial reuse. Find out more at https://parc-innovation-flow.pinecast.co

    18 min

  2. 12/09/2025

    Utilities Must Lead the Innovation Charge

    Episode Notes In this live episode from WEFTEC 2025, we sit down with Per Henrik Nielsen of VCS Denmark, a distinguished leader with 40 years in wastewater innovation. Per shares our belief that public utilities have an obligation to drive change where vendors and consultants cannot. Learn how VCS Denmark became an energy-positive utility, the challenges and calculated risks involved in pursuing ambitious projects, and why fostering an organizational culture built on trust and a "willingness to fail" is key to the future of water. Find out more at https://parc-innovation-flow.pinecast.co

    17 min

  3. 11/11/2025

    Data Science & Forever Chemicals

    Episode Notes In this episode, recorded live from WEFTEC 2025, Jamie Lefkowitz and Mahesh Lunani explore how data science and artificial intelligence (AI) are fundamentally changing the future of the water industry. First, we tackle the urgent challenge of PFAS with Jamie Lefkowitz, Innovation Development Leader at Brown and Caldwell. Jamie shares details on a pioneering research project that uses machine learning algorithms to identify the unique "chemical fingerprint" of PFAS sources. Then Mahesh Lunani, Founder & CEO of Aquasight, introduces Ava, an AI-powered water assistant built to turn utility data into real-time operational intelligence. What’s in store for this new era of digital utility management? Find out more at https://parc-innovation-flow.pinecast.co

    23 min

  4. 10/14/2025

    The Money Value of Time: Master Planning for Innovation

    Episode Notes What is the “money value of time” in wastewater master planning, and how is it fueling innovation at South Platte Renew? In this episode, we talk to Deena Davidson, Municipal Operations Manager at Tetra Tech Water, who describes building flexibility into South Platte Renew’s latest Master Plan. The model allows utilities to intentionally delay critical spending decisions in order to ensure the most current, proven, and cost-effective technology. She and host, Blair Corning, also get into the groundbreaking PdNA pilot happening on-site at South Platte Renew. Find out more at https://parc-innovation-flow.pinecast.co

    36 min

  5. 09/09/2025

    What Does It Take to Innovate?

    Episode Notes What’s going on at the Pilot and Research Center (PARC) at South Platte Renew (SPR), and what does it take to be a good innovator? This episode features Anna Schroeder, Engineering and PARC Manager at SPR, sharing what’s new and exciting about the PARC program, from groundbreaking pilot projects to the rewards she's experienced through the process. She and host, Blair Corning, discuss how treating water holistically invites the kind of collaboration and creativity needed to build sustainable solutions. Learn how PARC brings long-term vision to life through detailed, real-world pilot design. Find out more at https://parc-innovation-flow.pinecast.co

    27 min
  6. Bonus Episode -Bridging the Tech Gap: Innovation in the Water Industry

    08/26/2025 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode -Bridging the Tech Gap: Innovation in the Water Industry

    What role does research and development play at public utilities? According to Jay Bernas, General Manager and CEO at Hampton Roads Sanitation District in Virginia, and Pieter Van Ry, Director of South Platte Renew, the rationale boils down to keeping rates low in the face of growing water treatment and funding challenges. In this PARC Innovation Flow Bonus Episode, Jay Bernas, Pieter Van Ry, and Blair Corning sat down at the recent NACWA Utility Leadership Conference to discuss the value and imperative of innovation at public utilities. Find out more at https://parc-innovation-flow.pinecast.co

    22 min

  7. 08/12/2025

    No Poly? No Problem!

    Episode Notes How do we execute ideas for pilot projects at PARC? Here, we learn from Brianna Miller, Engineer II at South Platte Renew, who responded to an infrastructure-related challenge with a question: Can we concentrate biosolids in the wastewater treatment process without polymer? By adjusting polymer usage, Bri sought to reduce chemical costs and improve plant efficiency. This is a story of persistence, trial, error, and the data that is now moving this pilot project on to its next phase. Find out more at https://parc-innovation-flow.pinecast.co

    21 min
  8. Can Biochar Solve the PFAS Problem?

    07/08/2025

    Can Biochar Solve the PFAS Problem?

    Episode Notes How can we begin to break down the PFAS cycle in the wastewater treatment process? Andy Safulko at Brown and Caldwell says: Biochar! In this episode, Andy and host Blair Corning unpack the growing challenges that these “forever chemicals” pose to land application and what innovative alternatives might be on the horizon. What is the potential of transforming biosolids into biochar as a PFAS treatment? Can we bench test foam fractionation as a PFAS removal technique? This episode explores cutting-edge research that may result in PFAS destruction in biosolids. Find out more at https://parc-innovation-flow.pinecast.co

    39 min
See All (14)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Interview-style podcast featuring the latest in water renewal technology research and treatment pilot studies. Guests include South Platte Renew staff, consulting engineers, technology developers, and university partners who are involved in projects through SPR's innovative Pilot and Research Center (PARC). Hosted by Blair Corning, SPR's Deputy Director of Environmental Programs, each episode features in-depth conversations with industry experts and leaders. Together, they delve into pioneering projects and research that are helping to shape a sustainable future for our communities and the environment.

Information

  • Creator
    South Platte Renew
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © South Platte Renew
  • Show Website
    PARC Innovation Flow