Operation cost terminology in wastewater plants: R.M.O. (Running, Maintenance, and Operation) expenses in a pumping station or treatment plant include which components?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All of the above

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Lifecycle costing of wastewater facilities distinguishes capital costs from recurring R.M.O. (Running, Maintenance, Operation) costs. Accurate budgeting requires knowing what belongs in R.M.O. so that utilities can forecast tariffs and sustainability metrics.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Facility type may include pumping stations, preliminary/primary/secondary units.
  • Recurring costs considered over the asset’s service life.


Concept / Approach:
R.M.O. collectively includes energy and consumables (running), labor and routine tasks (operation), and planned/unplanned upkeep (maintenance). These ensure performance targets (flow, quality, uptime) are sustained after commissioning.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify recurring cost heads: running, operation, and maintenance.Confirm each head contributes to annual operating budgets.Select the comprehensive option.


Verification / Alternative check:
Utility accounting frameworks uniformly categorize R.M.O. as core O&M line items alongside sludge handling, chemicals, and power.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Single components (only running/only operation/only maintenance) are incomplete.Capital depreciation: Not an R.M.O. expense; it is a separate financial accounting item.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Confusing “operation” and “running”; operation includes staffing, monitoring, control.
  • Omitting preventive maintenance from budgets, leading to higher corrective costs later.


Final Answer:
All of the above

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