Background
Muskegon, Michigan is on the west side of the state on the shores of Lake Michigan. It’s a busy, industrial city which has been a key Great Lakes shipping hub for generations and has been affected by economic downturns in the past. An expansive investment effort to reinvigorate the city has led to several construction projects, among them a new convention center. It will connect an existing hotel to the arena and act as an innovation hub on the waterfront.
Because of the high-water table, a dewatering rate exceeding 300 gpm was required to build the foundation. Once the water was tested PFAS was detected at 41 ppt. Construction Simplified, the city’s Owner’s Representative contacted Evoqua Water Technologies for a PFAS treatment solution. Evoqua then worked closely and directly with Construction Simplified and the City of Muskegon.
" Based on Evoqua’s proven experience at mitigating PFAS and with their emergency response capabilities, we were confident we had the best partners on board. "
Solution
Evoqua brought a mobile 20,000 lb carbon filtration system using Evoqua’s AquaCarb® S Series reactivated granular carbon to downtown Muskegon. Additional equipment was added to the system, which included frac tanks for holding the clean water, bag filters and pumps.
The treatment goal set by the city was ‘non-detect’ which was met for the duration of the project using Evoqua’s dewatering and filtration solution. Environmental Resources Group (ERG), a Michigan-based environmental consulting firm, tested the treated water and verified the treatment goal was met. They were the consultant for the site and performed daily flow checks and collected weekly influent wastewater samples to monitor the levels of PFOS entering the system. ERG also conducted treatment system performance sampling for the effluent wastewater, post-treatment which proved the system’s efficiency by knocking down PFOS totals to non-detect.
" We were thoroughly impressed by Evoqua’s 24-hour presence during the operation. As the environmental consultant for the City on this project, we were at ease knowing that Evoqua had the treatment system running and operational around the clock – keeping the groundwater table at a manageable level for the construction activities while treating the wastewater for proper disposal. "
Results
The treatment goal set by the city was ‘non-detect’ which was met for the duration of the project using Evoqua’s dewatering and filtration solution. A third-party tested the treated water and verified the treatment goal was met. Over the two-month period of the project, Evoqua treated 21 million gallons of water and reintroduced clean water back into the sanitary sewer system.
