Outfall Relocation/Evaluation

HydroQual, Inc. has a wide array of experience and sophisticated mathematical modeling tools that can be used for the evaluation of wastewater treatment/industrial plant outfall relocation.

These tools include:

  1. Initial dilution models (CORMIX and PLUMES) that can be used to evaluate diffuser designs, mixing zones and plume characteristics
  2. The Estuarine, Coastal and Ocean Model (ECOM) a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model, which is used for modeling the transport of the effluent plume
  3. The Row-Column Advanced Ecosystem Modeling Program (RCA), which evaluates the effects of the plume contaminants on water and sediment quality

HydroQual, Inc. has provided consultant services to a number of municipal and industrial clients. Outfall relocation projects conducted for municipal clients have focused on the effects of nutrients on phytoplankton biomass, primary production, and dissolved oxygen. Studies performed for our industrial clients have focused largely on problems related to discharges of metals, toxics, color, BOD/DO, and nutrients. In all cases, mathematical modeling was conducted to assess the effect of outfall relocation on effluent dilution, water column and sediment quality and, in many cases, living organisms of concern.

HydroQual’s experience and capabilities allow us to provide our clients with the following services, related to outfall relocation:

  • Identification and compilation of data resources and needs
  • Identification and application of appropriate near-field and far-field mathematical models
  • Visualization and presentation of model outputs
  • Development of information needed to evaluate permit requirements and to evaluate compliance with relevant state and federal water quality standards
  • Design of pre- and post-construction field/monitoring programs