1 starting soon: biochemical reactors (bcr) for treating mining influenced water (miw) biochemical...

1Starting Soon: Biochemical Reactors (BCR) for Treating Mining Influenced Water (MIW)

Biochemical Reactors (BCR) for Treating Mining Influenced Water (MIW) at http://www.itrcweb.org/bcr-1/

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2

Biochemical Reactors (BCR) for Treating Mining Influenced Water (MIW)

Welcome – Thanks for joining this ITRC Training Class

Sponsored by: Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (www.itrcweb.org) Hosted by: US EPA Clean Up Information Network (www.cluin.org)

3

Housekeeping

Course time is 2¼ hours

This event is being recorded

Trainers control slides• Want to control your

own slides? You can download presentation file on Clu-in training page

Questions and feedback• Throughout training:

type in the “Q & A” box

• At Q&A breaks: unmute your phone with #6 to ask out loud

• At end of class: Feedback form available from last slide

Need confirmation of your participation today? Fill out the feedback form and check box for confirmation email.

Copyright 2015 Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council, 50 F Street, NW, Suite 350, Washington, DC 20001

4ITRC (www.itrcweb.org) – Shaping the Future of Regulatory Acceptance

ITRC Team on Biochemical Reactors for Treating Mining Influenced Water

Disclaimer

• Full version in “Notes” section

• Partially funded by the U.S. government

ITRC nor US government warranty material

ITRC nor US government endorse specific products

• ITRC materials copyrighted

Available from www.itrcweb.org

• Technical and regulatory guidance documents

• Internet-based and classroom training schedule

• More…

ITRC BCR-1, 2013: Appendix E

5

Meet the ITRC Trainers

Cherri BaysingerMissouri Department of Health

and Senior ServicesJefferson City, MO 573-522-2808cherri.baysinger

@health.mo.gov

Paul Eger St Paul, MN 651-459-5607paul.eger

@yahoo.com

Nick Anton CDM SmithDenver, CO720-264-1147antonnr

@cdmsmith.com

Doug Bacon Utah Department of

Environmental QualitySalt Lake City, UT 801-536-4282 [email protected]

6

Today’s Learning Objectives

At the end of this training, you will be able to…..• Describe a Biochemical Reactors (BCR) and how

it works

• Identify when a BCR is applicable to a site

• Navigate the ITRC guidance

• Use the ITRC guidance as a framework for decision making (apply decision tree)

7

Training Outline

BCR basics Determining applicability Designing and implementing a BCR Challenges and solutions Summary

ITRC BCR-1, 2013: Section 1

8

Mining-Influenced Water: Challenges

Mining-Influenced Water (MIW) can create:

• Negative environmental impacts

• Downstream impacts

• Community impacts

• Liability for mine owners

Remote mine sites can compound the challenge

Mining influenced water entering a stream. Note the color changes.

9

One Possible Solution….

Biochemical Reactor (BCR)

Coal Pit Run BCR, PA

10

What is a Biochemical Reactor (BCR)?

…engineered treatment system that uses an organic substrate to drive microbial and chemical reactions to reduce concentration of metals, acidity, and sulfate in MIW.

Penn Hill #2 BCR, PA

11Traditional Treatment Approach vs. Biochemical Reactor (BCR)

Iron Mountain Mine, Shasta County, CA

Traditional Lime Treatment Plant &

Sludge Disposal Unit

Photo Courtesy of Douglas Bacon

Golinsky Mine, Shasta County, CA

Biochemical Reactor

Photo Courtesy of Douglas Bacon

12

Various mining sites• Metals

• Coal

Remote sites• Limited Infrastructure

• Extreme conditions Variable water qualities

• pH

• Sulfate

• Metals and metalloids

BCRs can be used:

Penn Hill #2, PA

Mammoth Mine, CA

13

How does a BCR work?

Guido Sarducci’s 5 Minute University

Intro to BCRs

14

What Does a BCR Do?

Precipitate metals and metalloids Produce circumneutral waters

Iron precipitate in a BCR

Golinsky BCR, Lake Shasta, CA

15

How Does a BCR Do That?

Sulfate reducing bacteria• Common bacteria• Present in soil• High concentrations in

manure Remove sulfate by

reducing it to sulfide Need oxygen free

environment, sulfate, and an electron donor• Usually organic compound

Photo of sulfate reducing bacteria

16

Chemistry 101

Sulfate reacts with organic carbon• Produce hydrogen

sulfide and bicarbonate

• Hydrogen sulfide reacts with metals

• Produce metal sulfide and hydrogen

Limestone is often necessary• Increase the alkalinity

• Consume hydrogen

• Thus raise the pH

If there is not enough M+2

• H2S will be lost as a gas

2H+ + 2HCO3-1 = 2 H2CO3

2H+ + CaCO3(solid) = Ca+2 + 2HCO3-1

SO4-2 + 2 CH2O = H2S + 2 HCO-

3

H2S + M+2 = MS (solid) + 2H+

17

System Configurations

18

Advantages

Low energy requirements May be low maintenance if designed properly Can be used in remote situations Removes metals Flexible and versatile Treats wide variety of MIW Will improve ecological function of receiving

stream

19

Cautions

BCRs may not consistently meet strict water quality standards

BCRs are not walk away systems Monitoring is required Maintenance may be needed periodically

20

Ask Not What a BCR Can Do For You…

…Ask what this guidance can explain for your site

21

What This Guidance Can Do For YOU:

Assess the suitability of using a BCR

Support

• Planning

• Testing

• Monitoring

• Operating

• Maintaining

Provides examples of real world application of BCRs

www.itrcweb.org/bcr

22

BCR Case Studies

1. Beaver Creek, OK2. Mayer Ranch, OK3. Haile Mine, SC4. Ferris Haggerty, WY5. Fran Coal Mine, PA6. Brewer Mine, SC7. West Fork, MO8. Leviathan, CA9. Wheal Jane, UK10. Peerless Jenny, MT11. Golinsky Mine, CA12. Dankritz Mine, Germany13. Copper Basin Mine, TN14. Lady Leith Mine, MT15. Luttrell, MT

ITRC BCR-1, 2013: Appendix B

1,2 3,6

4 5

7

8

Not on map: 9 Cornwall, England12 Sachsen, Germany

10,14,15

11

13

23

Lady Leith BCR, Jefferson Co, MT

Fe = 0.81-1.6 mg/LS = 16-24 mg/L

Fe = 0.31-0.71 mg/LS = 15-17 mg/L

1 Source 4 Receiving Stream

3 Completed BCR2 Construction

ITRC BCR-1, 2013: Appendix B14

24

Key Messages

1. BCRs are viable alternatives for treating MIW, even in remote areas

2. BCRs are site-specific

3. BCRs are not walk away systems

4. The guidance is a convenient resource when considering a BCR

25

Training Outline

BCR basics Determining applicability

• Decision tree and BCR selection Designing and implementing a BCR Challenges and solutions Summary


26

Determining Applicability of BCR

ITRC BCR-1, 2013: Figure 2-1

27

Characterize the Influent

Characterize the influent

Define treatment goals

Can the COCs be treated in a BCR?

28

Got Treatment Goals?

Your friendly local regulator




29

Can the BCR Treat Your Water?




30

Is My Water BCR-Worthy

Figure courtesy of Jim J. Gusek, 2009

Elements in Blue can be treated in a BCR

Periodic Table of Treatable Elements

31What Happens If Your Water Is Not BCR Worthy?

No




Go to Mine Waste Treatment Technology SelectionCalculate loading

Yes

http://www.itrcweb.org/miningwaste-guidance/

32

Calculate Loading!

No

Characterized the influent



Go to Mine Waste Treatment Technology Selection

Go to Mine Waste Treatment Technology SelectionCalculate loading

Yes

Loading (mg/day) = Concentration(mg/L) x Daily Flow (L/day)

33

Pretreatment & Post Treatment?

Water with high iron and aluminum may need to be pretreated

Reduces overall size of BCR

Yes NoNo

Yes

Can pre- or post treatment be

implemented?

Is pretreatment necessary?

Estimate the size of a BCR

Is space available?

Yes

Yes

Is topography accommodating?

Is substrate available?

Figure 1-1. Tar Creek passive treatment system in 2009

No

Go to Mine Waste

Treatment Technology Selection

Go to Mine Waste


No

No

34

Sizing

http://amd.osmre.gov

YesNo

Yes

Can pre- or post treatment be implemented?



Is space available?

Yes

Yes



No

Go to Mine Waste Treatment Technology

Selection


Selection

No

No No

35

Got Space?

YesNo

Yes


implemented?



Is space available?

Yes

Yes



No


Selection


Selection

No

No No

36

Is Your Project on the Level?

YesNo

Yes


implemented?



Is space available?

Yes

Yes


Is substrate available?No

Go to Mine Waste


Go to Mine Waste


No

No No

37

Substrate

YesNo

Yes


implemented?



Is space available?

Yes

Yes



Examples of substrate

No

Go to Mine Waste Treatment

Technology Selection



No

No No

38

How Close to a BCR Would You Live?

No

Yes

Is cost acceptable?

Design BCR

Consider public concerns





39

Co$t$

No

Yes

Is cost acceptable?

Design BCR

Consider public concerns


Selection


Selection

40

Design

No

Yes

Considered public concerns!

Is cost acceptable?

Design BCR

Coal Pit Run BCR, PA


Selection


Selection

41

Training Outline

BCR basics Determining applicability Designing and implementing a BCR

• Testing plans, design, protocol

• Design and site-specific costs

• Construction

• Monitoring, operation, maintenance

Challenges and solutions Summary


42

Treatability Testing

What is needed for treatability testing?• Site MIW

• Substrates

Hay Wood Chips Limestone

43

Substrate Selection

Characteristics of an effective substrate:• Source of long-term carbon source

Electron donor (food/energy source)

• Source of short-term carbon source Electron donor (food/energy source)

• Source of microbial inoculum

• Source of alkalinity

• Good permeability

• Microbial attachment sites

• Locally available

44

Substrates

Function Material

Long term carbon Wood chips, sawdust, walnut shells, mushroom compost, other composts, chitin products,rice hulls

Short term carbon Manure, hay, straw, chitin products, yard waste, brewery waste, beet pulp, dairy whey, acetic acid, ethanol

Microbial inoculum Ruminant manure, other BCRs, POTW sludge, sludge pond or slime dams at miningsites, or septic system products

Alkalinity Limestone, seashells, fly ash, cement kiln dust

Permeability Sand, gravel, wood chips, nut shells, crushed rock,

Microbial attachment Provided by all materials; in liquid reactors provided by rock matrix

45

Proof of Principle

Lab test• Screening

• Can I treat my water in an anaerobic environment?

• What substrate is best?

46

Testing

Field test• 55 gallon barrels

(typical)

• Evaluate media

• Residence time

• Loading

• Pre-and-post treatment if applicable

• Other parameters

VentVent

Water over substrate

Organic Material

1 inch Tygon (inlet)

Pea Rock

1 inch Tygon (outlet)

Drum BCR field test

47

Pilot Test

Field test Adequate data to design full scale system

• 1-10 gpm (typical)

• Lined cell

• Operating conditions and performance over time

• Other parameters

Field Test

48

Training Outline




• Construction




49

Design

50

Design Inputs

Detailed design inputs Characterization

• MIW flow and quality Average and extremes

• Site Workable area available Detailed site map Climate

– Average– Extremes

• Treatment goals

• Pre-and post-treatment?

51

Performance Data

Seasonal variability Loading range Residence time Substrate mixture

• Thickness

• Degradation rate

• Metal removal efficiency

52

What Size BCR Do I Need?

Balance the amount of sulfate reduction with the input contaminant load• Total amount of sulfate

reduction = volumetric rate of sulfate reduction (mmoles/m3/day) x volume of reactor (m3)

• Contaminant load = sum of all contaminants in input water (mmoles/day) Metals (Me+2, Me+3 ;+ H+ )= total acidity

53

BCR Size Calculations

Compute total acidity load ( metals + acid)• Use flow and concentrations from characterization

Total acidity load = Σ mmole divalent metals (M+2) in input +

1.5 Σ mmole Al+3, Fe+3 + 0.5 (1000 x 10-pH)

Volumetric sulfate reduction rate • Determined from testing data

Volume of reactor(m3) = total acidity rate (mmole/day)

Sulfate reduction rate (mmole/m3/day)

54

Design Adjustments

Does it fit?• Adjust design if necessary

• Volume = area x depth Maximum depth ~ 6 ft

• Bugs on booze? Supply carbon

source as liquid Ethanol, molasses

55

Got Flexibility?

Provide flexibility• Parallel treatment trains

Parallel systems: Photo courtesy of Paul Eger

56

Need More?

Appendix C. BCR Calculation Examples AMDTreat (http://amd.osmre.gov/)

57The Big Question – How Long Will It Last?

Typical estimate 10 - 20 years Initial estimates

• Carbon consumption

• Limestone consumption

58

Questions & Answers

Outfall from Penn Hills BCR

Penn Hills BCR upper effluent, PA

Penn Hills Lower BCR, PA

59

Training Outline




• Construction




60

Construction

Subgrade

Organic Matter & Limestone

MixGravel Drainage

Layer

Drainage system

Geosynthetic liner

Discharge

In flow

Sampling Port

Light Weight Fill

Topsoil

Inoculum

Geotextile

Geosynthetic liner

Down flow

Organic Matter &

Limestone Mix

61

Sub-grade Preparation

Pre-installed effluent pipe

Subgrade

62

Placing Geotextile Underliner

Geotextile

63

LLDPE Liner Installation

Geosynthetic Liner

64

BCR piping Installation

Discharge

In flowSampling Port

Down flow

65

Drainage Collection Piping

Discharge Piping

Drainage system

66

Gravel Placement

Gravel Drainage Layer

67

Mixing Organic Substrate

68

Substrate Placement

Drainage gravel and pipes

Organic Matter & Limestone

69

Manure Inoculum Placement & Mixing

Inoculum

70

Cover Installation

Geosynthetic liner

71

Topsoil

Light Weight FillTopsoil

72

Cover Seeding

Hydro-seeding

73

Does It Have To Be So Complex?

Goals• Best Management Practices or National Pollution

Discharge Elimination System Size Setting

We don’t need no stinkin permits!

74

Training Outline




• Construction




75

Monitoring, Operation, Maintenance

BCRs designed for• Minimum operation & low maintenance

• Low energy/passive Monitoring Conducted

periodically for;• Physical conditions

• Performance evaluations

• Compliance requirements

76

When?• For performance evaluations

At Initial BCR Startup (low flow or recirculated flow) During full flow operation

• For compliance Where?

• At influent

• In the BCR

• At the effluent

• At other pre- or posttreatment units

• At compliance points

Monitoring: When and Where

Eh and pH field instruments

77

What Do We Monitor at BCRs

Depends on operational phase, function, and regulatory requirements• Performance

Field and laboratory water chemistry, water levels, and flow rates

Visual observations Odor

• Compliance Regulated parameters (metals, DO, BOD, sulfide,

ammonia, TSS, Flow, and other relevant parameters)

See: Water chemistry parameters in Section 6.3

78

BCR Performance Monitoring

Can be frequent and seasonal Mostly manual (can include lab

analysis)• Influent

Flow and water chemistry

• Bioreactor Physical parameters Substrate consumption Chemical conditions at various depths

• System effluent & other pre- and post-treatment units

Flow and water chemistry

Collecting effluent samples from the Luttrell BCR, MT

79

Field Parameters

Common Field parameters

• Flow rate

• Temperature, pH, ORP, DO

• Visual observations

• Hydrogen sulfide presence Optional field parameters

• Iron speciation

• Acidity & alkalinity

• Sulfide and sulfate

• Conductivity

Sampling influent flow at Penn Hills BCR, PA

80

Laboratory Parameters

Metals Sulfate Sulfide Alkalinity BOD/COD TDS/TSS Ammonia Nitrate/nitrite Phosphorous Substrate use

81

Compliance Monitoring

May be subject to multiple regulatory programs • Clean Water Act,

• Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act

• NPDES

• CERCLA / RCRA

• State and County

Required frequency Required parameters

• Site Specific

• Metals, BOD, TSS, ammonia, nitrate/nitrite, P, sulfide

Effluent pH and Eh Testing

82

Sample Collection

Sample collection methods• Follow site-specific plan and

procedures

• Manual and automatic sampling

• Field measurement instruments Portable meters Permanent meters

• Field chemistry kits (HACH, etc.)

• Sample type - grab, composite, incremental

Penn Hills influent flow test

83

Sample Analysis

Chemicals analysis• Field parameters, methods and purpose (Table 6-2)

• Laboratory parameters, methods and purpose (Table 6-3)

Samples packaging and transportation• Custody procedures

• Samples preservation (Table 6-4)

• Samples transportation

Samples analysis QA/QC • Duplicates, spikes

Automatic wastewater samplerITRC BCR-1, 2013 :Figure 6-2.

84

Flow Measuring Devices

Flume V-Notch weir Marsh-McBirney Bucket and stop

watch

85

Operations

BCR will run by itself Periodic Inspection of physical conditions

• Visual inspection of system

• Flow rates & water level in units, piezometers, gauges and standpipes

• System integrity (berms, liners, piping)

• Site access

• Identify potential short-circuiting of water

• Drop inlets/outlets, pipes, & weirs

• If used, check electrical & mechanical equipment (e.g., pumps)

Figure 4-4. Sampling pipe/piezometer

86

Substrate Maintenance

Substrate viability• Chemistry (compare to design conditions)

• Substrate testing – ORP & Physical collection

• Substrate test for disposal

Substrate replacement or additional amendment

Instruments and equipment

Cen

timet

ers

5

10

15

20

25Figure 4-2. Schematic of 5 nest sampling ports in a square BCR

Sampling Port Nest (typical)

Oxide Zone

Transitional Zone

Sulfide Zone

Relatively fresh

Substrate

87

Troubleshooting: Chemical Trends

Influent and effluent• Fe, Al, Mn changes

BCR• Increased ORP/Eh and

DO Effluent

• Increases in other metals

• Less reduced sulfur / increased sulfate

• Decreased pH

ITRC BCR-1, 2013: Section 6.3.2Adjustable Elevation Head Weir for BCR Effluent

88

Troubleshooting: Physical Trends

Plugging Overflow and flow controls Short circuiting Gas lock-up in BCR Structural integrity

• Berms/dikes

• Ponds

• Liners Erosion and stormwater

management

Section 6.3.2 in Guidance

Golinsky BCR, CA: Photo courtesy of Bruce Marvin

89

Training Outline

BCR basics Determining applicability Designing and implementing a BCR Challenges and solutions

• Technical challenges

• Regulatory challenges

• Stakeholder concerns and issues

Summary

ITRC BCR-1: Sections 7-9

90

Challenges and Solutions

Technical Regulatory

• Permitting

• Water Quality Standards

• Disposal of Residual Materials

• Wetlands Stakeholder

• Community, tribal concerns

• Liability

• Use of MIW as a Resource

Golinsky Biochemical Reactor, Lake Shasta, CAPhoto courtesy of Bruce Marvin

91

Regulatory – Permitting

Permit requirements vary • Location

• Project phase Construction Operation

Construction of the BCR in Park City, UTPhoto courtesy Jeff Schoenbacher Park City Municipal Corporation

92

Regulatory – Water Quality Standards

Set to protect human health and the environment

BCRs can meet water quality standards

There may be some times when they do not meet standards

This must be understood by all!

Collecting an effluent sample from BCR discharge point

93

Regulatory – Residuals and Wetlands

Disposition of residual materials (for example, spent substrate) Wetlands

• Mitigation

• Attractive nuisance

• Decreased BCR performance

ITRC’s Wetlands documents• Constructed Treatment

Wetlands (WTLND-1, 2003)

• Characterization, Design, Construction, and Monitoring of Mitigation Wetlands (WTLND-2, 2005)

Unintentional Wetland, Golinsky Biochemical Reactor

94

Stakeholder Concerns

Community concerns

• Noise

• Attractive nuisance and safety

• Hydrogen sulfide odor

• Public outreach

BCR in Central City, PA. Note the houses in the background

Houses

95

Stakeholder Concerns (cont.)

Tribal concerns• Clean Water Act Authority

Volunteer groups• Watershed groups

• Abandoned mine sites

Fran Coal Mine MIW

96

Liability Concerns

Liability of Good Samaritans

Disposal of spent substrate

Effluent compliance

• NPDES versus Infiltration or Recharge

Sludge Disposal area, Iron Mountain Mine, California

The perfect should not be the enemy of the good

97

MIW as an Emerging Resource

Hydrofracking Electricity production

Receiving stream, Lady Leith BCR, Jefferson County MT

98

Key Take Away Messages

BCRs are viable alternatives for treating MIW, even in remote areas

BCRs are site-specific, not one size fits all BCRs are not walk-away systems, but require

maintenance and monitoring Web based document is a convenient resource

when considering a BCR

99

Thank You for Participating

2nd question and answer break

Links to additional resources• http://www.clu-in.org/conf/itrc/bcr/resource.cfm

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