AWWA MTC57595

URS Corporation has completed pilot testing on an integrated membrane system (IMS) utilizingZenon Ultrafiltration (and later US Filter ACTIFLOC) followed by Nanofiltration (NF) to treat adifficult high turbidity "groundwater" source for the community of Bluffton, Ohio. Sampling,desktop analysis with computer projections, and actual field pilot testing from July 2001 toFebruary 2002 showed that this groundwater would require advanced pretreatment andnanofiltration to meet the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Secondary Standards for sulfate and TDS and reduce thehardness to an acceptable level.Overpumping of the town's two wellfields by overuse and potentially by a local quarry'sdewatering efforts have created a significant drawdown which has resulted in a cascading effectin the uncased wells that promotes the introduction of dissolved oxygen (DO). The introductionof DO to these wells results in immediate and significant oxidation of hydrogen sulfide gas toelemental sulfur (turbidity). The high turbidity has resulted in increased taste and odorcomplaints, distribution system biological growth, polysulfides, turbidity, discoloration, andcorrosion.The Village of Bluffton retained URS Corporation to investigate the necessary treatment optionsto provide acceptable water quality for its residents. The resultant investigation produced acomprehensive sampling matrix, testing protocol, and pilot testing to confirm the assumptionsand provide the necessary data for full-scale design. This paper highlights the significantchallenges that this feedwater creates, details some of the findings of the piloting efforts, anddescribes some of the unique approaches that this project required. Includes tables, figures.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. - No.

Published:

03/05/2003

Number of Pages:

20

File Size:

1 file , 330 KB