In this article, we will help you manage a proper decision-making process when planning wastewater treatment or when deviations are identified in the factory's effluent.

Identifying the Source

The first step is to understand the source of the deviation and its cost.

First, we will examine whether it is possible to reduce or avoid the entry of pollutants into the wastewater from the outset.

Feasibility Assessment

Now, we will weigh the feasibility of establishing a treatment facility.

Sometimes, the cost of building a facility is more expensive than paying the fines for deviations. Therefore, after minimizing pollutants in the wastewater, we will check whether paying for the deviations would be more economical than establishing a wastewater treatment plant.

Prohibited Pollutants

In addition to deviating pollutants, there are prohibited pollutants. If these pollutants are present in the wastewater, there is no choice and they must be separated from the effluent. Discharging prohibited wastewater is a criminal offense that can lead to legal action, business closure orders, and the business owner bearing criminal liability. Therefore, if it is impossible to avoid introducing prohibited pollutants into the wastewater, one must attempt to separate them from the general waste stream and establish a wastewater treatment facility for the separation and removal of these prohibited pollutants.

Laboratory Testing and Analysis

To identify the pollutants present in the wastewater, laboratory tests are performed. Tests can be conducted internally or as part of the sampling program of the water corporation or local authority.

An environmental engineer on behalf of the factory or an external provider will review the list of tested pollutants and examine how to treat every deviating pollutant.

Treatment Examination

After locating the source of each pollutant, there are several options:

Prevention at the source: For example, in a metal industry plant, an alkaline cleaner is used at a single point in a small production line. Alkaline cleaners contain Boron. Boron is very difficult to separate from wastewater and is considered a deviation even at very low concentrations. In such a situation, it is recommended to consider replacing the cleaning agent with a boron-free detergent. The new detergent may be more expensive, but the cost difference is marginal compared to the cost of separation or the cost of the deviation. This is a very simple, efficient, and cost-effective way to avoid a deviation.
Separation at the source: Separating the wastewater containing the pollutant and treating it with a localized facility. This way, instead of building a large and complex facility, a small and elegant facility can be established for point-of-source treatment.
Requesting permission for deviation and establishing a facility: Another possibility is that the deviation stems from a core process of the plant. For example, fats from washing cooking pots in a food factory. Most of the facility's wastewater will come from pot washing.

In such a situation, it is impossible to separate the wastewater. Therefore, first, there is often an acceptable and legal option to check and request a permanent permit from the authorities for the deviation at a reduced fee. Most of the time, this will be the most efficient option.

Afterward, one must compare the cost of paying for deviations against the capital and operational costs of a wastewater treatment plant.

This comparison includes wastewater volume, pollutant composition, deviation costs, facility CAPEX, and OPEX.

We would be happy to help perform this feasibility study.

We often encounter factories that do not give enough weight to the operation and maintenance costs of the facilities.

Beyond construction costs, there is also wear and tear, electricity, chemicals, operators, sludge disposal, and more, so it is important to factor in all costs before choosing a wastewater solution.

Still, sometimes the fees for deviations will be an order of magnitude higher than the treatment cost, and establishing a facility will be highly economical.

Summary:

These are the correct steps to perform when planning a wastewater treatment process or when deviations occur:

Step 1: Prevention at the source – avoiding the entry of pollutants into the plant's wastewater to begin with.

Step 2: Requesting a permanent permit for the deviation.

Step 3: Separation at the source – separating the polluting stream and providing localized treatment.

Step 4: When it is the more economical choice, establishing a general wastewater treatment facility.

Clarification:

Environmental law is designed to encourage factories to reduce pollution. It is almost always possible to be more stringent and do more than the law requires.

No factory wishes to pollute the environment. On the other hand, it is clear to us that many times, as long as the law is upheld, factories will prefer not to be more stringent than required by law.