Evaluation of Alternatives for Wastewater Disinfection

Over the past decade, there has been increased regulatory attention paid to the use of gaseous chlorine at water and wastewater treatment facilities; with the intent to eliminate security risks by replacing the use of extremely hazardous chemicals with inherently safer alternatives. With continued regulatory attention on the use of gaseous chlorine, it is prudent to consider alternatives that will mitigate potential changes in operational and maintenance requirements. Garver conducted a comparative analysis of the following alternatives was completed for a North Central Texas wastewater facility:Rehabilitation of gaseous chlorine and sulfur dioxide facilities;Conversion to bulk sodium hypochlorite;Conversion to peracetic acid;Conversion to UV;Conversion to ozone.Consideration was given to quantitative criteria as well as qualitative criteria such as public/worker safety, plant security, operability, reliability/maintainability, water quality improvements, constructability, and site impacts for each alternative prior to making a final recommendation.