Water treatment system for utilities: Phase 1a -- Technology assessment update. Interim report

The conceptual design for a water treatment system to reduce pollutants in vault and manhole water is presented as an alternative to current water disposal practices. Runoff and groundwater seepage that collects in vaults and manholes contains, or is likely to contain, concentrations of pollutants in excess of regulatory guidelines. Pollutants commonly present in storm water runoff include lead, cadmium, oil, grease and asbestos. The conceptual design presents the basis for a water treatment system that will reduce pollutant concentrations to below regulatory thresholds. The water treatment system is inexpensive, small and simple to operate. A strainer will be used to remove gross inorganic pollutants, which will then be stored for disposal. A hydracyclone will be used to remove fine organic and inorganic pollutants. The fine pollutants will then be stored with gross pollutants for disposal. Chemical fixation will be used to stabilize inorganic pollutants. A polypropylene filter will be used to remove organic pollutants and extremely fine inorganic pollutants. Granular activated carbon will be used to remove dissolved phase organic and inorganic pollutants. The water will then be discharged to the street or storm drain. The pollutants will be stored for disposal. This system represents a method to reducemore » pollutant volumes, reduce disposal costs and reduce corporate liability.« less