Hello All,
I am Bill Lucas, the developer of this technology I patented this 9 years ago. To answer most of your questions, see the link Marcus posted.
https://www.swig-llc.com/doctors-lake-enhanced-phosphorus-removal. Under these extreme loads (~7000 lb/ac/y) the media accumulates so much P that it loses retention capacity rapidly. So yes, the spent media is removed and replaced. It represents only part of the cost, since this system also has a pump station and extensive distribution piping. Under typical runoff loading rates, the useful life would be measured in decades. Each situation is different, and the media is sized and formulated accordingly.
The fact the retained P is not leachable means that the media is effectively removing the same amount of P twice. First, when it sequesters the P in our project, and then when the sequestered P is utilized. This is because there isn't any of the runoff P that you would get from typical P fertilizer. This is particularly important in sandy soils like Florida golf courses that require irrigation. We thus anticipate a healthy market for the media. We are reusing a waste product, and then reusing it again.
Feel free to contact me at
williaml@... if you have ideas or suggestions for using this technology in other projects.
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William Lucas Aff.M.ASCE
CE
Malvern PA
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-11-2019 17:11
From: Marcus Quigley
Subject: Doctors Lake Phosphorus Removal Pilot Project Groundbreaking Ceremony
On September 24, there will be a groundbreaking ceremony for Doctors Lake Phosphorus Removal Pilot Project. The Project is a full-scale demonstration project to significantly reduce phosphorus from Fleming Island Regional Wastewater Plant discharges. Treated effluent will be pumped and distributed over a vegetated filtration bed, which uses engineered media to remove phosphorus. This media binds with phosphorous, removing it from the water. The phosphorus remains bound to the engineered media, so no byproduct is produced. The treated water from this innovative project is returned to the effluent stream and, ultimately, Doctors Lake.
I'm interested to see if other communities have attempted similar innovative approaches? What has your experience been? Do you have any lessons you have learned?
If you are interested in attending, please let me know and I can pass on additional information.
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Marcus Quigley P.E., D.WRE, M.ASCE
CEO
Ecolucid LLC
Brookline MA
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