Understanding water compliance on a construction jobsite is essential to maintaining project schedules and budgets. Expected or unexpected water, and contaminants in that water, can potentially cause challenges, delays and a massive hit to the bottom line.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, about 23% of private wells, which supply domestic water for mostly rural populations, have at least one contaminant. The fine per day for negligible discharge can be hefty, which makes planning for water treatment and discharge onsite an important step in avoiding unexpected fees and keeping the worksite compliant.
There are two options for water discharge.
- Hauling for offsite disposal is a simple solution that eliminates the need for a discharge permit. However, delays in trucking could lead to intermittent flow capabilities and volume restrictions may impact progress.
- Controlled onsite (or onsite adjacent) discharge. Since most of the associated costs are from the initial set-up, onsite treatment becomes non-linear and more cost-effective with higher volume.
A good rule of thumb is any water volume more than 10,000 gallons per day should be treated onsite. Hauling larger volumes of water offsite becomes challenging in terms of safety, logistics and environmental impact.
Onsite water discharge is also beneficial when operating with a governing permit. And since every jobsite is unique, factors such as the type of water, location, geology and surround infrastructure all play an important role in the type of discharge permit applied. They also influence the actions that need to be taken to stay compliant.
Permit Guidelines
Discharges to a nearby sewer system are an option, but only if the infrastructure is available. This type of discharge is typically conducted under the jurisdiction of the local, publicly owned treatment works (POTW). Since the water goes to the treatment plant, the water quality criteria are typically less stringent, often referred to as “pre-treatment of constituents.” Although treatment is a less-intensive process onsite, POTW discharge can be an expensive permitting option since the water is metered and charged in a pay-as-you-go structure, in addition to permitting application fees.
Discharge to surface waters or a storm drain system is highly regulated. But the costs are typically lower than POTW and may not have the same flow restrictions. Although treatment criteria aren’t always static, these discharges have more stringent standards, so onsite treatment is a must.
So what is the right solution?
The answer may depend on several factors, but the list of targeted contaminants continues to grow, and discharge standards are continually evolving. Since the implementation of the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act, there is heightened awareness of identifying widespread pollution and its effects on the environment and human health.
It is important to be aware of these trends and implement the right balance of equipment and technology. Planning is vital. Accounting for the right solution at the beginning of the project can save time and money.
Here are some considerations in how to plan jobsite water treatment and discharge.
Can water be anticipated on the worksite?
Consider the size of the jobsite and any seasonal precipitation, which can have an impact on the volume and frequency of water on site. Don’t forget the subsurface work, especially if it needs to be done below the groundwater table. And lastly, be sure to account for any activities that might generate wastewater, which will need to be treated, discharged or both.
What are the potential sources of contaminants?
A good first step is to check the geotechnical report for water analytics, which should help identify potential needs early on in the process. Also, see if the general area has a history of industrial, agricultural or landfill use, which will be an essential element to the solution configuration. Don’t forget to account for any activities that may generate TSS or pH issues.
What are the outlet options for discharge? There are several variations— POTW, storm water or a combination of infrastructures—but it’s important to understand each option’s requirements and permits.
Finding the right solution
Every jobsite is different, and conditions can and may change—and often. Talk through the options and permit requirements before breaking ground to keep schedules and budgets on track. Contractors often see value in bringing in a third-party fluid solutions provider to help identify the right options for water treatment and discharge. When considering a partner, look for a company that has a diverse fleet of services to allow for treatment flexibility, wide distribution network and design and engineering support from bidding to implementation. Also important are account and market awareness to provide technical information throughout the process, including permit submissions and demonstrated project reliability and accountability.
The right water treatment and discharge solution may be custom engineered, especially when considering onsite water treatment. Be sure to consider safety first and consult a fluid solutions expert in how to achieve safe operations. The solution must also have the right technical performance to meet project objectives and be mobile enough to conform to site constraints. Structuring the right solution can help contractors ensure worksite compliance while staying on schedule and within budget.
