Membrane-based wastewater plant in US’s greenest condo

American Water’s Applied Water Management Group has completed design, procurement and construction of what is claimed to be the greenest high-rise residential condominium in the United States.

The Visionaire, fifth in a series of green residential buildings serviced by the company, is located in Battery Park City, Manhattan, New York.

The Visionaire’s green features include a central water filtration system and advanced wastewater treatment system with a capacity to recycle 25,000 gallons per day (95,000 L/d) for toilet flushing and air-conditioning cooling systems. In addition, a stormwater collection system will capture and store up to 12,000 gallons (45,000 L) to irrigate the 33-storey building’s rooftop gardens.

The unit processes for this treatment system are:

  • Aerated influent feed tank
  • Trash trap to intercept non-biodegradable solids
  • Three-stage biological treatment consisting of: 1 – Anoxic mix tank 2 – Aerobic digestion tank. 3 – Membrane tank containing ultrafiltration membrane assemblies to remove suspended solids and with recirculation to the anoxic tank.
  • Ozone oxidation for color removal
  • Ultraviolet light disinfection
  • Finished-water storage tank
  • Booster pumping system and recycled water distribution piping (by others)
  • Associated equipment includes:

  • pH adjustment to enhance the nitrification process, using sodium hydroxide
  • Liquid sodium hypochlorite feed system to maintain a small chlorine residual in the reuse water distribution system
  • Aluminum chlorohydrate feed system for phosphorus removal
  • Odor control system
  • Automatic membrane backwash and cleaning system.
  • System controller and automatic telephone dialer/alarm system.
  • American Water says that these water-saving measures, along with energy and water-efficient appliances, allow The Visionaire to use 55% less potable water than a residential development of similar size. The building has been designed to achieve Platinum LEED® certification from the US Green Building Council. Along with water conservation, The Visionaire provides better air quality, energy efficiency and uses eco-friendly materials.

    Construction on The Visionaire began in January 2007, and the building has been ready for occupancy since late 2008. American Water’s Applied Water Management Group is now working on the commissioning phase of the project in anticipation of starting full-scale operations in the near future.

    For more information, contact:
    Maureen Duffy, American Water
    Tel: +1 856-309-4546
    Email: [email protected]
    Web: www.amwater.com.