AWWA SP250167

Membrane treatment technology for producing potable water supplies is one of the most promising forms of meeting future water supply needs in Florida, particularly in the southern and coastal regions of limited and marginal groundwater supplies. Yet, with the promise this technology holds, permitting the concentrate discharge is timely and costly. The final conditions placed on the permittee frequently increase operation costs. The classification of the RO concentrate as an industrial waste poses a hindrance to the membrane industry as a whole. Since municipal RO water treatment is a means for providing safe drinking water to the public and clearly not an industrial process, the construction and operation of RO facilities would be better handled as a water process permitting issue. It would appear more appropriate for RO concentrate to have separate and distinct classification, standards, and guidelines, as do byproducts of other municipal treatment processes, such as reclaimed water and domestic wastewater plant residues. Florida Department of Environmental Regulation does recognize the need to develop more information and assistance in streamlining and permitting process for membrane technology water treatment facilities. As with any permit, however, the permit applicant's best defense is a good understanding of the requirements and thorough knowledge of what to expect during the permitting process. This paper provides an introduction to both state of Florida and federal permitting requirements, illustrated with two case studies.

Product Details

Published:

01/01/1991

ISBN(s):

0898675758

Number of Pages:

19

File Size:

1 file , 690 KB