Challenge
The Borough of Bellmawr in New Jersey, United States, found that they had PFAS types in their wells in the low parts per trillion, for PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, among other variants. The source well was immediately closed in the interest of the public’s health, safety, and welfare. The Borough quickly engaged state and local health and regulatory agencies, holding a public forum to allay any fears from the residents.
Local leaders decided that, in addition to the long-term solution to meet New Jersey’s emerging Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) due in 1-2 years, they would also investigate what could be done right away. As the water authority addressed the long-term treatment plan to treat the PFAS from the source water, they also contacted Veolia to discuss the interim period. They concluded that a build-out of the permanent installation would take a year or more to implement, so Veolia presented options for a faster interim implementation.
Veolia specialty ion Exchange container used to remove PFAS in the drinking water supply.
Solution
To address the Borough of Bellmawr’s immediate need, Veolia rapidly deployed a containerized PFAS remediation system which did not require a building, could be placed directly on the ground, and is protected against weather conditions. No exposed tanks were needed. Placement and hookups were rapid and easily accomplished.
The containerized unit employs a PFAS selective, single-use anion exchange resin for treating the PFAS. It is an exceptionally high-capacity resin, lasting typically more than a year before an exchange is required. The system is arranged in a lead/lag configuration to optimize PFAS treatment, assure longevity, and provide the security of a polishing vessel. When the bed nears exhaustion, after a period of 12 to 15 months, Veolia replaces the resin to keep the treatment running continuously. The exhausted resin is removed and incinerated.
The decision of using Veolia’s temporary containerized solution was based on these factors:
- High capacity, extended run-time
- Low labor requirement
- Limited footprint
- “Plug and Play” installation simplicity
- Few required exchanges versus alternate media such as carbon
- Low electrical load
- “New” aesthetically-pleasing outer housing that can protect the equipment inside from casual observation, as well as from the weather.
Process Overview:
Veolia tested the water, performed mass balance calculations, evaluated the discharge conditions, studied the regulatory framework, measured the economics of alternative approaches, considered local and national “headline” possibilities, and then provided options for the best overall, tailored solution.
When addressing PFAS, Veolia remains technology-agnostic: We select from a range of technologies which may include Ion Exchange, Carbon Adsorption, Reverse Osmosis, pretreatment including Clarification, Ultra-filtration, or Media Filtration; as well as water conditioning processes, along with Laboratory and on-site Water Analysis, among many other services.
In all these decisions, Veolia seeks the Best Available Technology to do the job.
With our deep understanding of the special needs of Municipal, Industrial, Firefighting & other sites; for applications including drinking water, remediation, process treatment, discharge, compliance, solids management, & PFAS remediation; Veolia delivers the right solution.
As an owner or operator of dozens of municipal and private drinking water systems, municipal drinking and wastewater systems, and solid waste handling/ treatment facilities, Veolia knows the Municipal challenge from the perspective of the owner / operator -in other words, from the customer’s perspective. Our own operations specialists are available to help with your needs.
Veolia serves over 450,000 industrial and business customers globally, generates over $17Bn in annual sales, invests over $120M per year in research and development in 17 global R&D centers, and has been granted over 3,200 patents. We serve the entire range of municipal, industrial, and firefighting site applications, with over 90,000 professionals worldwide.
With over 162 years in the water business, Veolia is your best available partner to address PFAS treatment needs.
Result
Everything worked according to plan. Bellmawr Borough was extremely helpful and acted swiftly and professionally and is happy with the result and the rapid response available from Veolia. At present, the customer and Veolia are working collaboratively to develop a permanent treatment solution housed in a traditional building structure.
As a result of opting for Veolia’s temporary “Bridge” solution, city and water treatment officials are able to report to their citizens that they are meeting the prospective MCLs for PFAS ahead of schedule. They also have time to develop the permanent solution without time pressures now that the Bridge solution is in place.
Learn more about Veolia's capabilities to treat PFAS