Recycling Treated Municipal Wastewater for Industrial Water Use

Section 4: Implementation Considerations
Recycling Treated Municipal Wastewater for Industrial Water Use
The third forum brought together a full spectrum of stakeholders:
the same regulatory agencies, two industries from the previous
meetings (CertainTeed Corporation and Marathon Petroleum), a
cross-sector group (Minnesota Environmental Initiative), wastewater
utilities (Mankato and Met Council), and water utilities (represented
by the Water Utility Council of Minnesota). This group reviewed the
outcomes of the previous stakeholder meetings and discussed next
steps to promote wastewater recycling on a broader scale in
Minnesota.
Outcomes
The implementation issues identified in the stakeholder meetings
generally fit into one of the four focus areas listed in Figure 4.1.
Key points for each focus area are presented below.
Environmental Need & Stewardship
Minnesota’s commitment to
natural resources protection
can serve as a catalyst for
recycling treated municipal
wastewater practices.
Regulations
The regulatory
requirements and
permitting process should
encourage industries and
municipalities to pursue
recycling treated municipal
wastewater.
Figure 4.1. Implementation
Issue Focus Areas
Environmental
Stewartship
Incentives
& Risk
Regulations
Data
Collection
& Research
Need
Water supply shortages and watershed water quality issues occur in Minnesota
and have been the driver for recycling treated municipal wastewater applications
in areas where thresholds were reached with few options. The state needs to be
prepared for an increase in water issues that can be solved with recycling
treated municipal wastewater applications.
A vision for wastewater and water supply systems in Minnesota beyond the
typical 20-year planning cycle is needed – looking to Minnesota’s long-term
economic vitality and quality of life.
Stewardship
Water conservation awareness in Minnesota is increasing and many industries
are adopting water protection measures. Industries recognize that recycling
treated municipal wastewater can be of benefit to their business and the
community. Recycling treated municipal wastewater practices can build on this
awareness.
A positive image for recycling treated municipal wastewater needs to be
established: it protects Minnesota’s water resources and it is a safe supply.
Customers and suppliers will be less likely to engage in recycling treated
municipal wastewater projects if there will be resistance from the community.
Wastewater recycling needs to move from an unknown to a positive image.
Current regulations: MN handles recycling treated municipal wastewater
applications on a case-by-case basis using the California Water Recycling
Criteria. This approach matches the demand.
Municipalities and industries identified several permit-related issues that without
resolution early in the planning process would deter them from recycling treated
municipal wastewater.
Existing regulatory requirements for wastewater facility planning to include
wastewater recycling alternatives needs to be enforced and linked to water
supply studies.
There currently is not a demand for recycled wastewater that requires investment
in water regulation development. However, without resolution of some issues, it
may inhibit the planning for recycling treated municipal wastewater practices that
should be occurring for long-term sustainability of Minnesota’s water resources.
58 Metropolitan Council Environmental Services