The Freedom Crossing Membrane Treatment Facility in Moscow, Ohio utilizes large-diameter nanofiltration membrane softening technology. Designed by B&N, the new water treatment plant provides Tate Monroe Water Association’s rural customers with high quality water in a cost-effective manner. The extremely fine pores of nanofiltration membranes can remove viruses, bacteria and pesticides from water. The process also removes the compounds that produce hard water – calcium and magnesium.
Nanofiltration was selected as the treatment method following a 2,000-hour pilot study. The study was conducted using a 30 gallon-per-minute model of the plant constructed at the site of the proposed facility using raw groundwater from the site. B&N assisted in obtaining Ohio Environmental Protection Agency approval for the use of nanofiltration.
In addition to nanofiltration, the treatment facility includes:
- Aeration
- Pressure granular media filtration
- A finished water clearwell
- High service pumps
- Residuals treatment
The new water treatment plant increases capacity to address the area’s steady population growth. The 44,000-square-foot facility is equipped to produce 2 million gallons per day (MGD) with room to expand to 6 MGD.
Also included at the Freedom Crossing Membrane Treatment Facility are chemical feed systems for potassium permanganate, anti-scalant, sodium hypochlorite, sodium bisulfite, sodium hydroxide, and fluoride.
B&N performed hydraulic distribution system modeling as part of the project. Two miles of 24-inch high service main were designed and constructed. B&N engineers also designed the new plant concurrently with a 2.5 MGD horizontal collector well and an intermediate storage facility that features:
- A two-compartment concrete ground storage tank to hold 500,000 gallons of treated water
- A new pump station to deliver finished water to the community
The project also included the addition of new offices, a central laboratory, space for a seventh chemical feed system, and standby power.
The Freedom Crossing Membrane Treatment Facility was the second municipal facility in the United States to utilize large-diameter nanofiltration membrane softening technology. The project received an Honor Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Ohio in the 2010 Engineering Excellence Awards.