A Combined Source Reduction/Process Modification and Pretreatment/Recycle Waste Management Strategy at a Metals Product Machining and Finishing Facility

Tyco Fire & Building Products (TFBP) in Lubbock, Texas manufactures high quality fire suppression (sprinkler) systems for use in residential and commercial facilities. Wastewaters from manufacturing operations at TFBP-Lubbock contain discharge regulated heavy metals and organic compounds. Prior to implementing this case history project, TFBP employed a wastewater treatment/management program that included a costly evaporation system and offsite disposal. In 2005, TFBP commissioned Earth Tech to develop and implement a more cost effective wastewater management strategy for the manufacturing process waste streams at the Lubbock facility. Tyco's objectives in commissioning this project and implementing an alternative waste management strategy were:• Replace the costly, energy and maintenance intensive evaporator with a cost effective system to pretreat metal bearing wastewaters for discharge to the municipal sewer. • Eliminate or minimize costly off-site disposal for wastewaters not amenable to on-site treatment.This case study presentation describes the treatability testing program conducted to identify and evaluate viable, alternative wastewater pretreatment processes and the resultant treatment system implemented to achieve the project objectives. The source reduction/process modification program that was integral to the success of achieving the project objectives is also presented.