ABSTRACT
If local environmental conditions change, the concentrate disposal causes some environmental problems, or the regulations change, the permit may be discontinued. Many of the new membrane treatment facilities in Florida will be utilizing deep well injection as a concentrate disposal methodology. The water vapor and product water produced during the concentrate disposal process can be added to the permeate stream to save some additional cost. Surface water discharge of concentrate water is a necessary disposal method in many parts of the world. Depending on the dissolved solids concentration of the concentrate water and the volume of discharge, the disposal options are surface water discharge, deep well injection, evaporation/concentration, percolation pond, blending and spray irrigation, and blending with domestic wastewater. Any concentrate discharge to jurisdictional surface water bodies requires a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System program permit in the United States.
