Metro - ECCV Zero Liquid Discharge Pilot Study_Application

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to beneficial uses of state waters. However, without further study, the magnitude of these impacts could not be quantified. In consideration of these obstacles, the group recommended that there be no further effort at that time to develop a proposal to revise existing regulations to provide for permits that would allocate AC at flows greater than low flow. The possibility of developing a pilot study to address the identified concerns was left open. 2.2 Membrane Treatment Workgroup In July 2005, a subgroup of interested stakeholders from the AC workgroup was organized to examine issues specifically related to managing waste streams from membrane treatment facilities, including reverse osmosis (RO). After the December 2005 informational hearing before the Commission, this "RO Roundtable" became a formal workgroup under the Colorado Water Quality Forum and the name was changed to the Membrane Treatment Workgroup (MTW) (see Appendix A for list of participants). The workgroup participants all recognized that an increasing number of water providers are considering the use of membrane water treatment technology in order to deliver high quality drinking water to their customers. The Commission has expressed a concern that membrane technology must be implemented responsibly if it is to be viable and this will require residual disposal options that do not adversely impact the environment or beneficial uses of water. Furthermore, the workgroup recognized at the outset that there was a "gap" involving drinking water systems using membrane technology being approved by the Division's Drinking Water Program without a legally and environmentally acceptable option for brine disposal. In response, the workgroup established the following mission and strategic objectives. 2.2.1 Mission Statement The MTW is a working group of drinking water providers, other stakeholders, and the Water Quality Control Division. Its mission is to: . Take a leadership role in assuring that membrane water treatment technologies remain a viable option for drinking water and other uses within Colorado; . Provide a forum for exchange of information; . Develop recommendations for resource recovery and disposal for membrane water treatment residuals that are cost-effective and address environmental impacts; and . Provide recommendations to the Water Quality Control Commission for regulatory strategies that, given the options identified under the above statement, meet the needs of drinking water providers, wastewater treatment agencies, subsequent water users, and the general public. 2.2.2 Strategic Goals The MTW is focusing on the goals listed below with the intent of providing recommendations for regulatory options to the Water Quality Control Commission. 4