Navigating the Challenges
The remediation journey was fraught with challenges. Heavy rains during the commissioning phase of the water treatment plant (WTP) pushed on-site water storage to its limits, creating a risk of uncontrolled discharge into nearby creeks. To avert this, the WTP operated at full throttle, processing up to an impressive 684m³ of water daily—37% more than its designed capacity. This intense operational period was crucial to prevent environmental damage and maintain control over the treatment process.
Water quality varied widely across different sources, with PFAS concentrations soaring to over 600 µg/L, and 685ug/l for oxidisable precursors. The treated water needed to meet ultra-strict discharge criteria—total PFAS and oxidisable precursors levels below 0.002 µg/L. Adding to the complexity, the contamination profile included a significant portion of short-chain PFAS molecules, which are notoriously difficult to treat. The solid waste byproducts had to be managed and repurposed on-site, a task that required ingenuity and precision. The WTP was required to continuously discharge directly into Berembroke Creek.
SciDev’s Innovative Solution
Enter SciDev’s FluorofIX™—a game-changer in PFAS treatment technology. Faced with the challenge of removing PFAS from highly contaminated water, SciDev turned to its cutting-edge FluorofIX™ ion exchange technology. This innovative approach not only met the stringent discharge criteria but also provided the Victorian Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the confidence needed to grant the project with continuous discharge approval – the first project in Victoria to receive that approval
The WTP used a multi-faceted treatment strategy, combining various processes:
- Oxidation: For the treatment of oxidisable precursors and organics.
- pH Correction: To balance the water chemistry.
- Coagulation & Flocculation: To aggregate and remove particulates.
- Clarification and Mechanical Sludge Dewatering: For effective sludge management.
- Physical Filtration and Cation Exchange via Zeolite: To further purify the water.
- Adsorption via Granular Activated Carbon: For the removal of organics and to target the removal of long-chain poly-fluorinated sulfonic acids.
- PFAS Removal via FluorofIX™: The heart of the treatment, targeting PFAS with precision.
- Adsorption via Granular Activated Carbon: A final scrubbing carbon bed to capture residual contaminants.
A high-speed decanter centrifuge was employed to handle high solids content, efficiently dewatering sludge and minimising waste output. Despite the high concentration of PFAS and large volumes treated, no resin needed replacement or regeneration during the project. The resin was also reused on future PFAS projects. Waste requiring thermal treatment upon project completion was circa 1.54t, equating to 0.0019% of the total volume processed. Resulting in a highly sustainable solution for the project.
Celebrating Success
What began as a project aimed at treating 8ML to 28ML of contaminated water turned into a success story of extraordinary proportions. By the end of the project, the WTP had treated over 80ML of water, far exceeding initial expectations. This achievement not only showcased the remarkable capacity of FluorofIX™ but also highlighted SciDev’s role as a leader in environmental remediation. The project’s success without the need for resin replacement or regeneration underscored the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the solution.
The Fiskville site remediation is more than just a project; it’s a testament to the power of innovative technology and dedicated expertise in addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. SciDev’s work at Fiskville sets a new benchmark for PFAS remediation and reinforces the importance of forward-thinking solutions in protecting our environment.
