ENV-09-04 Using the Comprehensive Performance Evaluation Approach to Optimize Industrial Waste Treatment Facilities

Description:

This paper presents an example of the use of this approach. At the invitation of the wastewater treatment staff, the consultant and operations staff formed a team to improve performance at a chemical wastewater treatment plant treating formaldehyde and related compounds at a location in the central United States. The results of that team effort are shown in data from January 1995 through December 2001. With the project starting in February 1997, 26 pre-project months of data were evaluated and compared with 58 months of data following project initiation. Pre-project effluent BOD and TSS values were 39 mg/L and 100 mg/L respectively, and within permitted limitations. However, after the project was initiated, effluent BOD and TSS averaged 11 mg/L BOD and 33 mg/L TSS for the 58 months of data. Dramatic savings, average over 66%, in cost of polymer required for sludge settleability has also been maintained during that time period. These results were attained with modified process control and utilization of existing treatment units, and with an extensive effort to minimize the organic shock loadings to the plant. This paper discusses the approach, effluent quality improvement, chemical savings, load reductions and the minimal costs related to the project.