PTQ Q4 2022 Issue

Compliance is crucial In other situations, MWS can support companies facing changes in local discharge standards to ensure their licence to operate is protected and avoid costly fines. A biorefinery in Sweden needed to improve the treatment of its effluents to comply with new environmental regula - tions from the local County Administrative Board ( CAB), which came into force on January 1, 2022. In addition, the construction of a new anaerobic treatment plant combined with expansion of the customer’s production was resulting in effluent instability. MWS helped mitigate the effluent quality variation effects. To achieve the desired reduction of metals (lead, cadmium, chromium, and nickel) in the effluent, a complete end-to- end solution was provided that included pumps and pump stations, piping works and material, a mobile clarification asset (Actiflo), and a sludge dewatering system. Following a successful installation, the mobile clarifier achieved high removal efficiency of heavy metals, reassur - ing the facility that despite ongoing effluent variations, its site complies with the new regulations. Awareness is key In recent years, more stringent discharge limits have been set, while local groundwater resources are providing less intake water for industrial processes. The pressure on industrial companies to meet strict effluent standards is growing. A compliance breach can result in fines, prosecu - tion, or the site being shut down. There are also major reputational risks to not fulfilling

environmental obligations. Even stricter controls and regu- lations are to be expected in the future because of climate change and an increased focus on the health hazards raised by the effluents released by the petroleum, refining and petrochemical industries. Refineries and petrochemical companies facing waste - water challenges can benefit right now from the expertise of mobile water solutions providers when a fast response is needed and/or Capex is limited. However, in cases when capital investment is the most sensible route, a mobile system can still meet the additional requirements and bring an industrial site into compliance in the interim period between increased or fluctuating effluent load and a permanent solution being installed. Raising knowledge and awareness is key for mobile water services suppliers over the next couple of years. A distinct shift in outlook is necessary to help companies transition from seeing temporary water services as only a process water service provider to understanding the value of a longer-term solution to an ongoing issue. As aware - ness grows, we can expect to see more mobile water ser - vices being implemented, supporting financial planning, ensuring business continuity, and helping to maintain resil- ient and effective wastewater treatment plants as part of industrial companies’ water cycle optimisation strategies. Dominique Tassignon is CEO Mobile Water Services Europe. With over 20 years’ experience in the industry, he leads the development and growth of the MWS business across Europe. Email: dominique.tassignon@veolia.com

PTQ Q4 2022