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Nothing But the Best…
… Available Technology and Management Practices for General Contractors in the Water Treatment Industry
“For categories of point sources not subject to effluent limitations under subsection (a) of this section, the Administrator shall, as soon as practicable after promulgation of criteria under section 304(a) of this Act, establish effluent limitations for such categories which require the application of the best available technology economically achievable by members of the category.” Clean Water Act Section 304(b)(1)(B)
This is where partnering with a great general contractor that specializes in water and wastewater treatment can be so important. Because they specialize in the best available technology (BAT) and follow best management practices (BMPs), these contractors can help you optimize your wastewater treatment systems, minimize environmental impact, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Caliagua is one of those companies.
For forty-six years, Caliagua has worked closely with Southern California’s water districts, constructing, and installing pumping stations, sewage lifting stations, and other critical infrastructure to support this region’s potable and irrigable water needs. Also, since the PFAS clean-water crisis challenge has come to the forefront, we have been increasingly involved in building and installing PFAS filtration systems.
EPA Drinking Water Standards
These systems are effective at the highest tolerance levels as required to meet the MCLs set by the EPA and the local and regional waterboards at the very high level of precision required for PFAS water treatment and use the latest technology, including adsorption, membrane filtration, chemical oxidation, foam fractionation, thermal desorption, and in situ chemical reduction.
Adsorption Technologies
- Granular Activated Carbon (GAC): One of the most widely used methods. GAC adsorbs PFAS molecules onto its surface. However, its effectiveness can vary depending on PFAS type and concentration.
- Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC): Similar to GAC but in a powdered form. PAC is often used in conjunction with other treatment processes.
- Ion Exchange Resins: These resins can exchange PFAS ions with other ions, effectively removing PFAS from the water.
Membrane Technologies
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): This process forces water through a semi-permeable membrane, leaving behind PFAS and other contaminants. RO is highly effective but can be energy intensive.
- Nanofiltration: Similar to RO but with slightly larger pores, allowing for the removal of smaller molecules like PFAS.
Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs)
- Persulfate Oxidation: This process uses persulfate ions to generate reactive oxygen species that can degrade PFAS.
- Ozone Oxidation: Ozone is used to oxidize PFAS molecules, breaking them down into smaller, less harmful compounds.
- Ultraviolet (UV) Light and Hydrogen Peroxide: UV light can activate hydrogen peroxide to generate hydroxyl radicals, which can degrade PFAS.
Other Emerging Technologies
- Foam Flotation: This process can be used to remove PFAS-laden particles from water by creating bubbles that attach to the particles.
- Biosorption: Certain microorganisms can adsorb PFAS from water. This is a relatively new approach but shows promise.
Best Management Practices for General Contractors
Regulatory Requirements
NPDES Permits: Contractors must comply with conditions outlined in NPDES permits. Mostly, these have to do with stormwater management practices to minimize pollution run-off from the construction sites. These often specify BMPs for controlling discharges during construction activities and they include the use of:
- Silt fences
- Sediment traps
- Erosion control mats
- Construction exit cleaning
- Stabilizing disturbed area
State and Local Regulations: Many states have additional requirements that may mandate specific BMPs tailored to local environmental conditions and regulations. For instance, California has nine regional water quality control boards and each board has its own specific regulations and permit requirements. In some instances, the state requirements are more stringent than the federal minimum standards.
Project owners that hire general accomplished, environmentally responsible contractors, such as Caliagua, demonstrate their commitment to their community. Our projects conclude successfully, and in ways that are socially beneficial. Because we follow all best management practices, we:
- Reduce pollution and resource consumption.
- Adhere to local, state, and federal environmental regulations.
- Manage community resources (water and energy) sustainably.
- Achieve better project outcomes.
- Reduce project costs through more efficient use of resources and materials.
- Limit project liability; adherence to BMPs minimizes the risk of accidents, injuries, and environmental damage.
- Faster Project Completion: Well-planned and executed projects, facilitated by BMPs, can accelerate timelines.
With more than 47 years of experience and success, Caliagua is a leader in general contracting water, wastewater, and stormwater treatment facilities. Our consistent dedication to reliability and high-quality finished projects has earned us the repeat business of many water districts and private industry businesses. If you are currently planning a water-related project, we would be happy to meet and discuss the strengths we are ready to focus on your project. Please call Gus Bruner (gusbruner@caliagua.net), Cory Wolfrom (cwolfrom@caliagua.net), Ryan Ricard (rricard@caliagua.net), or Kari Mares (kmares@caliagua.net) for further discussions.