An Enterprise Ireland study entitled Environmental Compliance in Irelands Print, Packaging and Labelling Sector has examined the findings of approximately 100 reviews carried out on sixty client companies over the period 1995 to 2011.  The main findings of this study include the following; Wastewater management issues accounted for most non-conformances. The main difficulties arose with the...

Fats and oils found in wastewater are commonly referred to as FOG (Fats, Oils and Greases).  FOG may be derived from butter, lard, vegetable fats, oils, meats, nuts and cereals and are generated in large quantities in food businesses. FOG causes problems because it does not break down easily and solidifies at lower temperatures.  FOG...

Information relating to key control parameters is essential if one is to optimize wastewater treatment plant performance. Many business could save themselves a lot of time and money through recording and reviewing information on a regular basis. The establishment of target and optimum ranges for key control parameters can assist in forecasting when non-compliances could...

Quite often businesss could save themselves a lot of time and money through recording and reviewing key control parameters on a regular basis. The establishment of target and optimum ranges for key control parameters can assist in forecasting when non-compliances could arise and allow for suitable remedial measures to be implemented before a problem develops....

Sludge bulking may be noted through visual observation: Failure of sludge solids to settle in the final clarifier Carryover of solids resulting in high effluent suspended solids Presence of filamentous bacteria (microscopic examination) Increased SVI and disimproved settleability Clear supernatant liquor after prolonged settling Principal causes: Underloading  Dissolved oxygen too low Nutrient deficiency A correction...

Wastewater treatment involves many processes which ultimately separate solids from clean(er) water.  The attached link provides a useful insight into the clarification process. ECOS Environmental Consultants Limited

Pin-floc in activated sludge may be defined as very fine floc particles with poor settling characteristics. Pin-floc/deflocculation may be assessed through visual observation: Carryover of very fine material in final effluent Turbid or milky appearance of final effluent Bacterial flocs have disintegrated into tiny ‘pinhead sized’ particles; Filaments not predominant (microscopic examination) Settleability test may...

Nitrification is the sequential conversion of ammonia to nitrite and ultimately nitrate: NH4+ + 1.5 O2 → NO2– + H2O + 2H+ Ammonia in wastewater could originate from a variety of sources, including: Proteins (meat and blood), urea, amino acid products, casein, corrosion inhibitors, process chemicals and raw materials or cleaning chemicals containing quaternary ammonium compounds....

Over the years the first thing we have always looked for on projects is the technical data which is required to establish the nature of the issue to be addressed.  This data will provide the basis for addressing the clients requirements including, licence requirements, environmental management and cost-benefit control. Way too often we have found...

The EPA has published the National Inspection Plan for Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems 2013 and the European Commission has announced that Ireland has now adopted all the measures necessary to ensure compliance with the Court of Justice judgment in Case C‑188/08. The Plan outlines how septic tanks and waste water treatment systems will be...