Filter Backwash Recycling Rule

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Filter Backwash Recycling Rule

• FBRR

Final June 8, 2001
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Background

• Filter backwash recycle reintroduces contaminants
  back into the treatment process
• 1996 SDWA Amendments require EPA to promulgate a
  regulation that governs recycle of filter
  backwash water within a treatment plant

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Purpose of FBRR

• Recycle streams are source of high concentration
  of microbial pathogens and chemical contaminants
• Contribute to the contaminant load
• Coagulant chemistry imbalance
• Hydraulic surge--overwhelms plants unit
  processes
• Waste flows may adversely affect plant
  performance and, subsequently, pathogen removal

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Purpose of FBRR

• FBRR reduces potential for Cryptosporidium
  oocysts to pass through filters into finished
  water by ensuring proper management of residual
  streams
• FBRR also allows States to evaluate recycle
  practices and identify any potential problems.

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Systems Covered by FBRR 141.76(a)

• SW and GWUDI (Subpart H) systems that employ
  conventional or direct filtration and
• Recycle one or more of the following
• Spent filter backwash water
• Thickener supernatant
• Liquids from dewatering processes                 
              

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Conventional Treatment Plant
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Direct Filtration
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What is Filter Backwash Water?

• Resulting water pushed back through the filter in
  the cleaning process
• Filter backwashing is an integral part of
  treatment plant operation

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What is Thickener Supernatant?What are Liquids
from Dewatering Processes?

• Thickener supernatant
• The clear water that exits sedimentation basins
  and clarifiers after particles have been allowed
  to settle out
• Liquids from dewatering processes
• Dewatering processes remove water from waste
  solids sludge in order to reduce the solids
  volume to be disposed

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Key Components

• Submit data to State
• Plant schematic
• Plant and recycle flow rates
• State-approved operating capacity of plant
• Appropriate recycle return location
• Through all processes of a
• systems conventional and
• direct filtration treatment
• State-approved alternative
• location
• Maintain specific records

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Notify State in Writing 141.76(b)

• Notify State in writing by December 8, 2003, if
  system recycles
• Notification must include
• Plant schematic
• Origin of all recycle flows
• Hydraulic conveyance used to transport them
• Location where they are recycled back into the
  plant
• Flow data
• Typical recycle flow (gpm)
• Highest observed plant flow from previous year
  (gpm)
• Design flow for treatment plant (gpm)
• State-approved operating capacity   

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Treatment Technique Requirement 141.76(c)

• By June 8, 2004, must return recycle flow through
  either
• Processes of conventional or direct filtration
  system
• Alternative location approved by the State
• If capital improvements are required to modify
  recycle location, must be completed no later than
  June 8, 2006

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Recycle Return Location
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Example 1
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Example 2
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Example 3
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Recordkeeping by Systems 141.76(d)

• Beginning June 8, 2004, the following info must
  be on file for review and evaluation by the State
• Copy of recycle notification and information
  submitted to State
• List of all recycle flows and frequency of return
• Average and maximum
• Backwash flow rate through filters
• Duration of the filter backwash
• process (minutes)

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Recordkeeping by Systems 141.76(d)

• Typical filter run length and written summary of
  how determined (headloss, turbidity, time)
• Type of treatment provided for recycle flow
• Data on
• Physical dimensions of equalization and/or
  treatment units
• Typical and maximum hydraulic loading rates
• Type of treatment chemicals used and average dose
  and frequency of use
• Frequency at which solids are removed from
  treatment units

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Violations and Public Notification
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State Primacy Requirements 142.12(b)(1)(2)

• June 8, 2003 Final primacy applications due
  unless granted extension
• June 8, 2005 Final primacy revision
  applications from States with approved extensions
  must be submitted

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State Special Primacy Requirement
142.16(i)(1)(i)

• States must have the proper rules and authority
  to use sanitary surveys, comprehensive
  performance evaluations (CPEs), other
  inspections, or other activities to evaluate
  recycle data maintained by systems and require
  modifications to recycle practices

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Available FBRR Documents

• Filter Backwash Recycling Rule A Rule Summary
  for Systems
• Fact Sheet Filter Backwash Recycling Rule
• Filter Backwash Recycling Rule A Quick
  Reference Guide
• Filter Backwash Recycling Rule Technical Guidance
  Manual (under development)
• Filter Backwash Recycling Rule Implementation
  Guidance

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For More Information

• www.epa.gov/safewater/filterbackwash.html
• Safe Drinking Water Hotline [phone]