In the Battle of Zinc, the Appomattox Water Reclamation Facility is winning. In fact, it has already won. Using lime and soda ash, the plant has reduced zinc that can range from 150 to 220 μg/l in its influent to about 30 μg/l in the effluent.
The treatment approach, simpler and considerably less expensive than some of the alternatives, has enabled the plant to meet removal standards set in a consent order with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. “They’re happy with what we’re doing,” says plant operator Patrick Witcher. “And we’re sharing our procedures with other plants that have zinc
