Project Overview
PR Water was engaged to deliver a complete water treatment solution for a hydro demolition project in Victoria, where large volumes of rainwater runoff and surface water threatened to halt operations.
The sensitive nature of the surrounding environment required a tailored treatment solution for works to remain on schedule. The water treatment system had to comply with strict EPA discharge requirements to prevent high pH slurry from harming water ways.
Project Challenges
Runoff water generated during demolition activities was highly alkaline and sediment laden. When left unmanaged, it can result in project delays, worker safety hazards and environmental contamination challenges.
The pH level of the water climbed from neutral (7) to highly alkaline (13+) which is extremely corrosive. If left untreated, this could have resulted in costly shutdowns, worker safety hazards and environmental damage. To put this into perspective, exposure can cause severe burns if it comes into contact with eyes or skin and lead to nausea if ingested.
The initial turbidity levels recorded were 330 NTU, making the water noticeably cloudy and highly visible to inspectors. When the turbidity exceeds 100 NTU, sediment can damage equipment if recycling water and could cause serious harm to nearby eco-systems if released. The surrounding aquatic habitats are at risk of sediment clouds which block sunlight and smother aquatic plants, fish eggs and algae disrupting food chains and lifecycles. To comply with industry standards, turbidity generally needs to be reduced to 5 NTU or less, however this is dependant on the Dewatering Management Plan’s release criteria.
Project Objective and Solution
The objective of the project was to deliver a safe and compliant water treatment package that managed the demolition water and surface runoff caused by rainwater, over a 5-week period. This would enable our client’s project to continue without interruptions and ensure the surrounding environment was protected from harmful contaminants.
PR Water’s team applied their knowledge and experience to successfully design and deploy a complete water treatment solution, combining chemical dosing, solids separation and pumps, tailored to the high pH and sediment-laden water. This was an all-in-one solution allowing the project to maintain smooth operations and finish on time and within budget – while meeting EPA discharge guidelines.
The treatment package consisted of a clarifier with inclined lamella plates, a chemical dosing skid with real-time CO₂ dosing using a gas injector, acid, coagulant and flocculant dosing and a 4” diesel vacuum pump with 40m of hosing. All supported by 24/7 telemetry with live data, probes and automated alarm systems.
The automated dosing system, integrated with online telemetry monitors water quality in real time and adjusts chemical dosing as conditions change. This gives the client live tracking, ensures compliance with discharge standards and keeps operation running without disruption.
Project Outcomes
Over the 5-week timeline, PR Water’s treatment package successfully met project objectives. The dosing skid ensured correct adjustments were made in real time to reduce the water’s pH back to neutral levels through the CO₂, acid, coagulant and flocculant dosing.
Turbidity levels were significantly improved, with water clarity improving from 330 NTU to 5 NTU, a reduction of over 98%. The Lamella Clarifier maintained a continuous flow rate whilst effectively removing the suspended solids from the water. The de-sludge valve discharged settled solids from the base of the clarifier, without needing to empty the entire unit, preventing build up and ensuring ongoing compliance with EPA requirements.
Conclusion
The project was completed with 100% compliance, reflecting PR Water’s commitment to environmentally responsible practices. Our team’s expertise and attention to detail helped deliver a complete water treatment solution that met all site requirements and regulatory standards.
This case study highlights the importance of comprehensive planning tailored to the project’s objective – to achieve the desired pH and turbidity levels in complete compliance in line with the Dewatering Management Plan. This was supported by the right equipment integration and clear communication between the team and client. Together these factors ensured the project was successfully delivered on time and within budget, allowing the client to continue operations without interruption.
At PR Water, we tailor each solution to the unique needs of each project, ensuring reliable performance and compliance, supporting our clients in meeting their goals efficiently and sustainably.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your water treatment challenges. Our team will be more than happy to help find the ideal solution for your needs.
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