OPTIMIZING DRILLING WATER TREATMENT TO MEET ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS
As part of a major bridge construction project in Quebec, the client faced a critical challenge: its existing facilities were unable to meet environmental discharge standards for drilling water. Faced with this regulatory and operational constraint, Mudwizard’s expertise was called upon to resolve the situation quickly and effectively.
Challenges
The pile washing water contained an extremely high concentration of fine clay particles. The concentration of suspended solids reached nearly 20,000 mg/L, while the effluent discharge standard imposed a maximum threshold of 30 mg/L.
Added to this was significant operational pressure: the retention ponds, saturated by the accumulation of wash water, required an immediate solution to prevent a halt in operations.
Outcomes
Upon arriving at the site, Mudwizard implemented an approach that was rigorous, agile, and tailored to the actual on-site conditions.
- Coagulation and flocculation tests were conducted directly on-site to identify the optimal formulations and adjust dosages in real time, based on variations in the water to be treated.
- Following a comprehensive audit of the existing systems’ performance, the coagulation and flocculation equipment was deployed in less than a week, ensuring a rapid transition with no disruption to operations.
- Finally, comprehensive staff training enabled the client to achieve full autonomy in operating and adjusting the system.
The results achieved far exceeded regulatory targets:
- Suspended solids (SS) content in the effluent reduced to 3 mg/L
- Approximately 99.98% reduction in SS
- Normal and safe resumption of operations, with environmentally compliant discharge
Through rapid response, proven field expertise, and customized solutions, Mudwizard transformed a critical challenge into an environmental and operational success, while ensuring project continuity and regulatory compliance.