Ramping up recycling

Overview

Wastewater treatment inevitably leads to the discharge of processed wastewater into adjacent water bodies in line with strict and audited resource contents. Ongoing improvement in the quality and purity of this discharged water is obviously beneficial for the environment and can also lead to additional value - displacing fresh water use and reducing the draw on potable water sources.

Activity

In an ECI role, Nelmac assisted in the design and build of an additional water treatment facility to intensify processing of effluent at the Bell Island WWTP. The team secured and installed old filter membranes from the nearby Nelson North WTP at the regional facility at Bell Island.

This initial pilot project resulted in recycled water being used for sparge and wash-water, reducing the use of potable water. Longer term, an expanded plant will look at wider use for the treated water.