Sustainable Land Development Today - March 2008 - (Page 28) WASTEWATER FETP Spells Environmental Win for Developers and Communities By Tony Freed Clearing and excavating the site and pouring the concrete slab can be done while the supplier manufactures steel walls and internal components. The components are then shipped to the site and erected in a matter of weeks instead of months. In addition to helping meet the developer’s schedule, these plants’ factory-built nature removes much of the scheduling uncertainty and delays caused by inclement weather during construction. Because most of the treatment equipment is contained in the circular tank, the footprint or area that the wastewater system needs to occupy is smaller than most other types of treatment. This allows the development to devote more land to profitable uses. With the inherent flexibility of FETP steel-tank construction, expanding the wastewater treatment system is relatively easy as the needs of the community or development grow. For example, an additional circular steel plant can be added or modifications of the process within the existing tank walls can be cost-effectively made to increase treatment capacity. The FETP system can be designed to incorporate virtually any wastewater treatment processes, depending on the effluent discharge requirements. From the basic treatment processes to the most advanced biological nutrient removal designs, FETP systems utilize conventional, proven technologies that are quickly and easily accepted by regulatory and permitting agencies. Because the FETP design can incorporate the most sophisticated and advanced wastewater treatment process available, developers can make a significantly positive impact on the environment. Through a combination of advanced biological treatment and advanced filtration, the wastewater treatment system can produce valuable reusable water. Developers can use this water to irrigate lawns, golf courses or neighboring farmlands, which is especially beneficial in drought-stricken areas. Wastewater that is not going to be reused should still meet advanced treatment requirements such as low levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, to maintain natural ecosystems when released back to rivers and streams. Engineers and developers are faced with many challenges during the process of finding an acceptable wastewater treatment solution for their development projects. Besides the capital investment and other financial aspects of the project, they must also consider if the treatment solution will meet the present and future needs of the community and development. Will it provide a positive impact on the environment? Will it offer its stakeholders the most efficient use of their invested dollars? More and more developers are finding steel circular treatment systems, commonly referred to as field-erected treatment plants (FETPs), as a viable solution. These treatment systems are in a circular layout and encompass most of the treatment equipment in concentric steelwalled tanks on a concrete slab. FETPs appeal to developers, as they are quick to install, easy to operate, flexible in treatment options, easily expandable, and more economical, yet just as effective in treatment as other advanced treatment options. FETP Features How do FETPs differ from other types of construction? They are designed for optimum application flexibility and footprint utilization. Regardless of the process employed, they all share the same basic “tank in tank” configuration. Although the tanks are typically epoxy-coated carbon steel, other materials such as concrete or stainless steel are available. The hydrostatically reinforced steel inner wall contains the secondary clarifier. Using a series of bulkhead walls, the space between the inner and outer walls is divided into different compartments to FETP Benefits Residential developers realize tremendous value using FETP systems principally because of the quick timeframe in which the systems can be designed, permitted and installed. Compared to conventional construction, the short concept-to-completion schedules of FETP systems allow developers to start selling homes sooner, thus quickly establishing positive cash flow. 28 March 2008 Sustainable Land Development Today
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