Sulfites and Morpholine discharge from Boiler blowdown to a septic system

[marek12pol]

I am proposing that our client discharge his boiler blowdown to the onsite septic system. This is an existing feed mill operation, and up until now, the boiler blowdown has been discharged to the storm sewer. The local regulators have told the owner that this practice has to stop. There is adequate capacity for the blowdown volume in the septic system, but I'm concerned that the elevated sulfite and morpholine concentration may have an impact ont the performance of the septic system.  The sulfite concentration in the blowdown is 10-20 mg/L, and morpholine is 10-15 mg/L. Besides the blowdown, the discharge to the septic is 100% domestic waste.

I cannot find any literature related to discharge of these compounds to an onsite septic system. I welcome any comments, or being pointed in the right direction for information.

Thanks!
Marek

[Stuart Meade]

I'm not sure how to advise you, but my first impression is that adding this "blowdown" water can't be good.  In fact it might not even be legal to put the blowdown water into the septic at all.

I'll forward your post onto others that hopefully can chime in.

Are you in Indiana?

[marek12pol]

No, I'm in Ontario, Canada.  The blowdown water is not as bas as I perhaps described it. Water in boilers concentrates with dissolved solids as steam is generated. In order to maintain a given solids concentration (for efficient boiler operation), water is discharged (blowdown), and newwater is drawn into the system (make-up water).

Nevertheless, it would be good to know how small industries that run boilers address their wastewater discharge. Assuming there is no gravity sewer available, what else can be down with boiler blowdown water? It clearly can't go a stormwater outlet, so the septic is the next option...

Thanks for any help you can provide
Marek

[Toxic Avenger]

If this were in Indiana, you would have to first contact the State Department of Health considering this is a commercial/industrial facility.  The local health departments in Indiana cannot grant those types of changes without first having state approval. 

[Stuart Meade]

A local secondary treatment guy emailed me directly and said "do not put that stuff into the septic".  No surprises.

You might need to install a separate absorption system for this water.  Check with your regulating agency to see what you can legally do with this water.  You might not be able to discharge it below ground.

[Toxic Avenger]

Is there anyway to have a collection system (above or below ground tank, or lined pond) where is can be stored and then later recycled or disposed of at a treatment facility?

[marek12pol]

Ultimately anything is possible. If we need to construct something onsite, then we will.

I still find it difficult to believe that given all the rural industrial operations throughout NAmerica, where boilers exist, there must be other way to dispose of this boiler blowdown. I know that in ONtario, there are situations where it is discharged to a septic, although I can't comment on how those systems are operating, or whether that practice is approved.

I appreciate all the help gents..

[Stuart Meade]

There may be cases where that water does go to the septic,  but I suspect that in those scenarios, the septic system is built large enough to accommodate the extra flow.

Sorry we couldn't be more helpful.