Even construction sites that do not specifically handle water may require groundwater management and water treatment practices. Dewatering systems remove site contaminants that may have gotten into the area’s groundwater. Without treatment, contaminants like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals, can reach nearby residences and communities and ultimately damage local infrastructure.
Construction sites are tasked with meeting a number of local, state and federal laws to protect the interests of involved parties. At ECS, our role falls to assisting construction professionals in developing water site treatment processes that meet regulatory guidelines while reducing the impact on profit margins.
Understanding the regulatory landscape for groundwater containment management
Regardless of where your construction site or sites are located, you must contend with the same federal laws and a range of state and local ones. When ECS joins your team as a consultant, we can bring the latest guidelines based on your location, as well as an understanding of requirements such as:
- National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits: NPDES permit compliance focuses on stormwater sewers and details whether a facility can discharge pollutants into local water supplies
- Temporary Discharge Authorization (TDA) permits: TDA permits enable operations to temporarily discharge non-wastewater sources like groundwater into local water supplies
Key components of construction site water treatment systems
Your water treatment system is unique to fit the needs of your construction site. Generally, though, ECS recommends these basic components:
- Dewatering wells and sump systems: Sump systems help you redirect groundwater into an excavation area, lowering the amount of groundwater involved in your project
- Filtration units: Filtration units help you remove contaminants and large particles from water supplies before release into local systems
- Chemical treatment systems: Chemical treatments often go hand in hand with filtration, allowing you to reach a higher level of water quality
- Discharge monitoring equipment: Monitoring equipment at the end of your system helps you see the effects of your processes and determine whether further treatment is necessary
As we work to establish a good solution for you, we may recommend other components to increase your efficiency or ways to set up your solutions so they work effectively on your site. As we walk with you through the design and installation process, we can provide experienced recommendations based on our long-standing history.
Design and installation process
When you are ready to move into site design and installation, ECS can be there to assist. Our engineers can partner with your designers as you establish a flow for your surface water treatment and groundwater remediation systems. We can make suggestions to improve your operations and continually evaluate their efficiency as you install solutions and incorporate them into existing systems.
We also help you keep factors like these in mind as you move into installation processes:
- How might local soil types interact with this system?
- Is this system capable of keeping up with changing treatment demands?
- Can this system keep up with the amount of water you need processed?
While planning for these considerations early on helps reduce your risks, it is challenging to know how effective they are until you put them into practice. ECS is here to help you gauge your progress and make recommendations as you improve your systems.
Pre-treatment assessments
Throughout the design and installation process, construction teams should conduct a number of assessments before running groundwater through their treatment system. Some of the most important assessments we suggest include:
Groundwater evaluations
One of the earliest assessments you should perform is an evaluation of your groundwater. How much treatment does it feasibly need? This can impact the complexity of your system and the kind of working power you need for effective dewatering.
Sizing treatment systems
Another early consideration is the size of your system. Finding products of the right size is a balancing act between making sure the system can handle your heavy loads without taking up too much space and limiting your practices.
Aquifer pumping tests
Once your water treatment system is installed, a pump test can help you gauge its efficiency. This test involves pumping water through your system at a controlled rate to see how well it handles consistent pumping for daily operation.
Maintaining your dewatering system
The maintenance of your dewatering system is as vital to your operations as its initial installation. As your system processes thousands of gallons of sludge and contaminated water, you are responsible for:
- Routine monitoring: Is your system maintaining its efficiency? Are there ways to improve its performance?
- Sample analysis: How do your groundwater samples at the beginning and end of your treatment compare? Are your end products meeting regulatory guidelines?
- Troubleshooting: How can you keep your dewatering system as functional as it was to start? Are there common issues with system components that you can prepare for?
Permit preparation and agency coordination
Similarly, as you establish your new system, you must apply for the proper permits and communicate with local governing agencies, which can help you operate within legal limits and consider various aspects of your dewatering system. You may need to submit ongoing reports to these governing bodies over time to maintain your qualifications.
At ECS, we understand these regulatory processes well, and as consultants, we can assist you in organizing regular testing and monitoring throughout your projects.
Find support for your groundwater contamination management at ECS
From applying for permits to installing your dewatering system, ECS’ professional consultants can help you find your way. Our extensive national network of resources and contacts gives us the tools we need to help you achieve operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
When effective construction site water treatment is your top priority, trust our team to guide you toward the right solutions and support you as you embark on the road to enhanced compliance. Request your quote today to get started.
