In-Plant Reuse of Pollution Abated Waters.

A Carbon Column Pilot Treatment Facility is described which will be evaluated during the next several years to treat a portion of PBA wastewater to determine the level of savings which may be realized from improved treatment; reduction of total organic carbon (TOC); better control of aquatic toxicants; removal of EPA listed chemical compounds; and reduction of sludge for ultimate disposal. The addition of new waste streams to the PBA facility and the attendant EPA requirements for ultimate disposal of sludge and hazardous waste made the Task a timely study. The MMT Task resulted in installation of a Pilot Carbon Column Treatment Plant; identified two sources of commercial granular carbon, three methods for carbon disposal; three methods for removal of sludge from the liquid phase; an Economic Analysis for carbon disposal vs regeneration; an Economic Analysis for a full-scale granular Carbon Treatment Plant (5.2-7 year payment) and installed a process control system. Attendant commercial data is reported. Since PBA does not operate all plants on an annual basis or at the same time or mode, it will take several years to evaluate the effectiveness of the system to meet effluent quality guidelines and accomplish the projected gains.