Please bring new and unwrapped toys if you can!
Electrodialysis reversal membranes (EDR) is a selective ion membrane removal process that can be used for various applications. The G. Robert House Jr. WTP utilizes EDR membranes to reduce naturally occurring high fluoride concentrations (> 4.0 mg/L) in groundwater to less than 2.0 mg/L. The water is then blended with the surface water which then lowers the fluoride concentration below the secondary MCL. The original EDR membrane system was installed in 2009 and needed replacement due to age. Previously, the membrane manufacturer handled the installation process; however, they no longer provide this “turnkey” service to water utilities. Thus, the City implemented a phased delivery approach that consisted of the following steps: competitive procurement of the EDR membrane system, prequalification of general contractors (GC) to install the system, and development of general contract documents for competitive bids from the prequalified GCs. The City awarded procurement of the EDR equipment in March 2023 and awarded the project to the selected GC in October 2023. Notice to proceed was issued to the membrane manufacturer and GC in May 2023 and January 2024 respectively, with substantial completion of the project anticipated in June 2024. However, due to supply chain limitations and manufacturing quality issues, substantial completion was delayed until summer 2024. The team collaboratively developed recovery plan to prevent further delays. Despite the delivery challenges, the membrane system has met performance specifications for fluoride removal during their first year of operation. The authors will overview the procurement and prequalification process and summarize the construction, start-up and performance of the EDR membrane system.
Presenters:
Jacob Williams, PE
Jacob is a water and wastewater project manager and design engineer with Jacobs, based in the Newport News, VA office. Mr. Williams has 11 years of professional experience in consulting, having delivered water treatment, distribution and wastewater conveyance projects ranging from master planning and modeling; contract document, bid and construction phase services; and system operation, maintenance, and condition assessments. He is a licensed professional engineer.
Mark Notheis, PE
Mark is a principal project manager for Jacobs with 35 years of experience in the facility planning, piloting, design, construction, and commissioning of both conventional and membrane filtration water treatment plants ranging in size from 5 million gallons per day (MGD) to 150 MGD. In addition, Mr. Notheis has experience in application of advanced treatment processes such as ultraviolet light (UV) disinfection, high rate clarification, ion exchange, granular activated carbon, and membrane filtration (micro filtration, ultra filtration, and reverse osmosis) for drinking water treatment. In addition, he also has experience in the piloting and conceptual design for removal of PFAS from drinking water. Mr. Notheis is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Virginia as well as in four other states.
