Sustainability 

“Sustainable Design” or “Green Engineering” is an approach that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs, while making use of energy and resources at a rate which does not compromise the integrity of the natural environment. HydroQual integrates sustainability concepts into our projects to meet our client's goals and for compliance with governmental policies.

HydroQual combines its depth of experience in the fields of water resource management, site and stormwater management design, environmental permitting, and waste management to provide our clients with unique skills for innovative, cost effective implementation of sustainable design elements. Utilizing this experience, HydroQual has been instrumental for many of our clients in maximizing the value of former industrial facilities by providing in-house remediation, design and permitting services. Our employees are on the forefront of the design of renewable energy projects with experience in innovative civil, site and environmental engineering for biogas, water reuse and stormwater projects. HydroQual has also worked closely with architects to incorporate our areas of expertise with the building components of sustainable design to deliver our clients “Green” projects.


Some of the benefits of sustainable design realized by our clients include:

  • Lower Life Cycle Costs (Site and Buildings)
  • Restoration and Protection of the Environment
  • Pollution Reduction
  • Minimized Site Impact
  • Reduction of Waste Material and Disposal Costs
  • LEED Design


HydroQual is committed to seamlessly incorporating principles of sustainable design into our projects. The result for our clients is optimal balance of cost and environmental benefits.



Representative Projects

Climate Change Action Plan - NYC Department of Environmental Protection

  • As the primary consultant to the NYC DEP for its Climate Change Assessment and Action Plan, supported the Bureau of Environmental Planning and Analysis in assessing impacts, adaptations, and mitigation options related to climate change.

  • Provided long-range guidance for design and operational practices for the City’s water supply and wastewater management systems.

  • Project collaborators included Columbia University/NASA Goddard Institute, the DEP Climate Change Task Force, DEP’s Operations and Planning Bureaus, the NYC Office of Environmental Coordination, the NYC Law Department, and the Mayor’s Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability.





Industrial Water Reuse/Conservation - Pharmaceutical Plant, Puerto Rico

  • A water conservation and sustainability plan was developed by HydroQual staff.

  • Site-wide water balance was conducted to develop an understanding of water usage and water quality at various stages and among various water usage groups.

  • Plan provided for the reduction of surface water usage by 80% from 123,000 gallons per day to 25,000 gallons per day by reusing air handling condensate, groundwater, stormwater/rainwater harvesting, and treating with reverse osmosis reject water.

  • Goal was less reliance on public water supply (May 2008).


River Heating/Cooling System, New York

  • HydroQual is working with a New York State Authority to evaluate the use and potential impacts of a closed-cycle river heating and cooling system for a commercial use in New York City. The proposed system would be developed in lieu of a more conventional system that would involve the use of cooling towers and other equipment.

  • HydroQual is evaluating the proposed system for compliance with regulatory criteria and to determine if it will pose a potential impact to water quality and will be permitting the installation of the system.

  • The system will serve to meet New York City goals for heating efficiency in new structures, reduce long term costs and result in the implementation of a sustainable heating and cooling system for this new waterfront structure.


Sustainable Energy Improvements for Two South American Pulp & Paper Wastewater Treatment Plants Enabled Annual Energy Savings of $1,000,000

  • The recommended upgrade which included the “upstream” wastewater treatment system upgrades was estimated to cost $8MM, with an annual energy saving of $1MM from the anaerobically generated methane. The recommended approach saved 30% initial capital cost, and generated significant annual energy savings.

  • The story of these paper mills is similar to many in the US today; wastewater facilities initially constructed with more than adequate capacity are nearing the end of their design life due to wastewater solids deposition.

  • The team quickly analyzed the available data, both current and historic, and determined that analyzing the current wastewater treatment system’s performance using mathematical models would not be beneficial. Rather the team reviewed the current process data and developed four primary upgrade scenarios.


Greenroofs Study – Combined Sewer Overflows – Bronx, New York

  • Evaluated impact of greenroofs on the Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) in the borough of Bronx, New York. A computer model, intended for use by government employers, environmental groups, architects and others was developed to calculate the estimated reduction in overflow volume for various greenroof scenarios.

  • The efficacy of greenroofs as a Best Management Practice (BMP) is very clear: they serve to reduce the runoff, thus reduce the overflow volume in a drainage area serviced by CSO’s.


Brownfield Redevelopment – Gallo Landfill – Secaucus, New Jersey

  • Provided design services for the former Gallo Landfill in Secaucus, New Jersey for Fraternity Meadows, LLC.

  • Project design of a control system for potential gas migration into residential buildings that are being constructed for this brownfield redevelopment project.

  • Work effort includes several elements: the preparation of a gas/vapor control system design, air emissions permitting, system construction services, and monitoring. To date, the permits are in hand, the first building has been constructed and is occupied, and the gas control and monitoring systems are functioning.



Stormwater Source Control (BMP) - Atlantic Yards Redevelopment Project - Brooklyn, New York

  • Addressed the potential environmental impacts of the stormwater and wastewater that would be generated from this very large commercial and residential project.


  • Performed detailed model simulations of the wastewater collection area.


  • Helped design team develop a suite of stormwater and water conservation measures.


Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) Analysis - Jamaica Bay Watershed Protection Plan, New York

  • Conducted an assessment of the types of stormwater detention and retention practices that could be viable in NYC’s ultra-urban environment.


  • Developed stormwater BMP prototypes for various public and private land uses. Used GIS to associate these prototypes with individual lots in the Jamaica Bay Watershed.


  • Demonstrated that reduced Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) volumes would be achieved through the implementation of various BMPs and BMP combinations which were tested and optimized through the use of GIS and a calibrated InfoWorks model.


  • Reduced CSO volume equals improved water quality in Jamaica Bay Watershed.



               



Thermal Studies - Constellation Energy, New York

  • HydroQual provided thermal modeling to determine compliance of the water temperature of the discharge to Lake Ontario of the Ginna Power Plant with both the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Section 316(a) and New York State's Water Quality Standards. Based on the study, the Plant's SPDES permit was approved.


  • As part of this study, HydroQual also performed a climate change/global warming assessment. The effects of the increased air and water temperature on the thermal discharge were studied.





Water Reuse - Gulf Power/Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) - Escambia County, Florida

  • The ECUA Main Street WWTP is in the process of being relocated to: minimize weather related risks; improve performance; and provide for water reuse alternatives. The WWTP will be moved from Pensacola’s southern waterfront to an inland location along the Escambia River.


  • As part of the relocation, the highly treated municipal effluent will be used at a Gulf Power facility to offset their cooling water needs during facility outages. The water reuse component will provide an alternative cooling water source for limited periods to allow for facility maintenance and repair.


  • HydroQual completed a nutrient impact assessment to determine the potential nutrient impact of the reused water on Escambia Bay water quality. The nutrient assessment was particularly acute due to the bay’s 303(d) listing status.