LOCATION: Frac Sand Mine, Wisconsin

The Challenge:

A frac sand mine in Wisconsin with limited space is in need of a treatment system for the stormwater collected on-site. During rain events, sand from the site is washed into and held in a retention pond with turbidity levels averaging about 1200 NTU. In order for the water to be discharged, the turbidity needs to be reduced to 70 NTU or below. Due to strict regulations set by the Department of Natural Resources, treatment options are limited to environmentally friendly, biodegradable solutions.

The Solution:

Traditional treatment chemicals can not be used because of the high dose that would be required to clear the extremely turbid water or due to the high toxicity levels. HaloKlear is able to provide an effective  and affordable solution using a plant-based coagulant. HaloKlear plant-based coagulants are fully biodegradable coagulants that produce rapid clarification at low doses. HaloKlear set up a treatment system on-site. Water is pumped from the pond and treated immediately with DBF-4900, which mixes as it flows through an  under-over weir tank. The treated water, now averaging about 40 NTU, is then pumped through a sand filter. After being sand filtered, the treated water is checked to ensure turbidity is below regulation – if turbidity is not below 70 NTU, the water is cycled back into the holding pond. All water below the 70 NTU threshold gets released into the environment.

The Results:

The installed treatment system reduces turbidity to levels averaging 7 NTU – well below the requirements set by the state. The treatment system is working so well that the company is considering setting up a permanent system using HaloKlear plant-based coagulants for treating their stormwater.

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