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Notes from Call with GE Water on March 4, 2015

On Wednesday, March 4, 2015, ERG and EPA participated in a call with GE Water to discuss 

updates related to the ABMet biological treatment technology and follow up regarding the pilot testing 

conducted on FGD wastewater at [Redacted]. Participants on the call included representatives from EPA, 

ERG, and GE Water, as listed in Table 1. 

Table 1. List of Participants

Name Organization

Colin Enssle GE Power & Water

Jeff Cumin GE Power & Water

Nelson Fonseca GE Power & Water

Ron Jordan EPA

Phillip Flanders EPA

Jezebele Alicea EPA

TJ Finseth ERG (contractor to EPA)

Danielle Lewis ERG (contractor to EPA)

GE began by providing EPA and ERG with an update on the pilot test previously conducted at 

[Redacted]. With the pilot test completed, GE continues to conduct its own evaluation to determine 

exactly [Redacted]. GE feels that the [Redacted].

Since the pilot test conducted at [Redacted], GE has conducted an additional pilot test at 

[Redacted], on the results of the pilot testing done at the plant.

GE [Redacted] biological treatment system. GE is [Redacted]

GE is [Redacted].

As a result [Redacted], GE is [Redacted]. 

EPA inquired more specifically about oxidation reduction potential (ORP) within the biological 

treatment system (and/or pretreatment) and whether GE utilizes an ORP feedback system or 

wastewater sampling in order to determine the appropriate dosing of reducing agents to control 

oxidants. GE [Redacted]. 

GE reports [Redacted]. While GE has [Redacted]. GE is [Redacted] to control oxidants and ORP. 

GE reports that the plant names associated with [Redacted] are CBI. EPA asked specifically who owns 

the data associated with these pilot tests; GE provided no specific answer [Redacted].

GE reports that thus far, any issues related to high oxidants or [Redacted]. GE believes these 

issues with [Redacted].
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EPA asked GE if any plants or companies have expressed interest in new biological treatment 

systems. GE indicated [Redacted].

GE reports that [Redacted]. The time needed from [Redacted]. As indicated earlier, GE is hoping 

to [Redacted]. This would allow GE to [Redacted]. This approach would [Redacted]. [Redacted] GE’s 

ABMet system for the treatment of FGD wastewater.

GE indicated that current technology trends show [Redacted]. The ABMet system can process 

wastewater with [Redacted] nitrate concentrations. [Redacted] with a membrane bioreactor (MBR) or 

stirred tank system with MBR to [Redacted] prior to treatment with the ABMet system. Alternatively, 

the ABMet system can be designed to [Redacted]. 

EPA asked for details on the installation process for the ABMet system, specifically whether any 

plant outage or down time would be required in order to complete installation of the treatment system. 

GE indicated [Redacted]. The specific installation process depends on [Redacted]. GE reported that 

plants operating existing ponds can [Redacted]. Plants operating existing chemical precipitation systems 

installation would require [Redacted]. [Redacted].

EPA inquired about any existing biological treatment systems having operational issues. GE 

reported [Redacted].

GE indicated [Redacted].

EPA inquired about the mechanism used to remove selenium from the backwash stream. GE 

noted that [Redacted].

GE provided some additional details on the pilot testing being conducted [Redacted]. Table 2 

includes details on the [Redacted] pilot tests and timing between [Redacted].

Time Frame Number of Total 

Pilot Tests

Number of Pilot Tests in 

Power Industry

[Redacted] [Redacted] [Redacted]

[Redacted] [Redacted] [Redacted]

[Redacted] [Redacted] [Redacted]

Of the pilot tests conducted at steam electric power plants, GE noted [Redacted].