“Beyond the fenceline” approach for the industrial water re-use in Ravenna area

Ravenna (Italy) is characterized by very stringent water discharge limits, highly fluctuating population and the presence of a major industrial area, for a total of 30,000,000 m3/year of surface water consumption. Water distribution and collection involves two main stakeholders: HERA Group and ENI Group. CH2M HILL evaluated possible synergies to improve the conservation of surface water, and a more sustainable use of territory. The study considered different re-use factors and water sources, different needs of plants installation/modification with retaining most of the recent units and replacement of the older ones, and economical aspect of each option. The “Beyond the Fenceline” approach was identified as most appropriate solution and developed into a basic design with cost estimate. This paper presents the overall study and the identified solution achieving both environmental/sustainability targets (saving of 8,000,000 m3/y of surface water, decrease 50% of the discharged nitrogen) and economical target.