How to achieve Jobsite Water Compliance?

Understanding water compliance, as used on a construction jobsite, is critical for keeping projects on time and budget. Expected or unexpected water, and contaminants in that water, can potentially cause challenges, delays and a hit to the bottom line.

To put it into perspective, 20% of all groundwater samples have some form of pollution, and the fines per day for discharge can be hefty. Planning for water treatment and discharge onsite is an important step in avoiding those unexpected cost and keeping the worksite compliant.

There are several options for water discharge, including:

• Hauling for offsite disposal – A solution that eliminates the need for a discharge permit. However, trucking delays can lead to intermittent flow capabilities, and volume restrictions can impact progress. It can also be more expensive for large volumes.
• Controlled direct discharge – These discharges can be to a sanitary/combined sewer system or to the environment. Since most of the associated costs are from the initial set-up, onsite treatment is more cost-effective with higher volume. 

Are there any permit guidelines?

Discharges to a nearby sewer system are an option, but only if the infrastructure is available. If water will be transferred to a local (public) treatment works discharge criteria are often less stringent. Discharge to surface water or a storm sewer system is highly regulated. 

How do you choose the right solution?

The answer may depend on several factors, but the list of targeted contaminants continues to grow, and discharge standards are continually evolving. 

It is important to be aware of the water quality requirements and implement the right balance of equipment and technology. Planning is vital, and accounting for the right solution at the beginning of the project can save time and money.

4 tips for the planning phase: 

What is the water expectation?

Consider the size of the jobsite and any seasonal precipitation. Both can have an impact on the volume and frequency of water onsite. Don't forget the subsurface work, especially if it needs to be done below the groundwater table. And lastly, be sure to account for any activities that might generate wastewater, which may need to be treated and discharged.

Potential contaminants

A good first step is to check the geotechnical report for groundwater depth, which should help identify potential needs early on in the process. Also, see if the general area has a history of industrial, agricultural or landfill use, which will be an essential element to the solution configuration. Don’t forget to account for any activities that may generate Total Suspended Solids (TSS) or pH issues.

What are the discharge options?

Sanitary/combined sewer system to local (public) waste water treatment works, storm sewer, or direct discharge to the environment can be used, but it's important to understand each option's permitting requirements 

Choose the right solution for your site

Every jobsite is different, and conditions can and may change – often. Talk through the options and permit requirements before breaking ground to keep schedules and budgets on track.

A support partner will be able to assist in helping to identify options for water treatment and discharge. When considering a partner, look for:

• A diverse fleet of services to allow for treatment flexibility
• A wide distribution network
• Design and engineering support 
• Account and market awareness to provide technical information throughout the process (including permit submissions)
• Reliability

Be sure to consider safety first and consult a fluid solutions professional. The solution should have the right technical performance to meet project objectives and be mobile enough to conform to site constraints. And, it should also be adaptive, reliable and cost-effective.