For process-driven facilities and industrial plants, staying ahead of tightening wastewater regulations isn’t just about avoiding penalties — it’s about protecting operational reliability, conserving water, and demonstrating environmental leadership. One solution that continues to gain traction under the EPA’s Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELG) is Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD).
At UCC Environmental, we work side by side with our customers to determine when ZLD makes sense and how to implement it effectively. With decades of engineering expertise and proven integration experience, we help plants minimize risk and achieve long-term compliance.
Why ZLD Matters for ELG Compliance
ZLD systems recover and recycle nearly all wastewater, leaving only a solid byproduct for disposal. For plants facing restrictive discharge permits, complex wastewater chemistries, or no viable outfall, ZLD offers peace of mind. It eliminates uncertainty around discharge limits, ensuring that compliance is maintained even as regulations evolve.
Beyond compliance, ZLD creates new opportunities for water reuse, helping plants reduce freshwater demand and operate more sustainably in water-stressed regions.
UCC Environmental’s Approach to ZLD
Every operation faces unique wastewater challenges, which is why our engineering teams develop tailored ZLD solutions designed around real-world operating conditions. Our capabilities include:
- Comprehensive evaluation of wastewater streams, water balance, and existing treatment infrastructure
- Pilot testing of membrane and evaporation technologies to confirm site-specific performance
- Integration expertise to connect ZLD systems with FGD, ash handling, and CCR management
- Residual management planning for brine, sludge, and crystallized solids to ensure CCR compliance
- Scalable designs that allow for phased implementation or temporary treatment while long-term systems are constructed
With our depth of experience in air, water, and solids handling, UCC Environmental is uniquely positioned to deliver ZLD solutions that align with both regulatory and operational goals.
The Benefits of Partnering with UCC Environmental
- Risk reduction – Eliminate discharge-related compliance risks under ELG
- Operational continuity – Seamlessly integrate ZLD into existing plant systems
- Water reuse – Capture and recycle high-quality water back into plant processes
- Proven track record – Trusted by utilities and heavy industry for over 100 years
Ready to Explore ZLD for Your Plant?
If your facility is evaluating options for meeting ELG requirements, now is the time to consider ZLD. UCC Environmental can help you assess feasibility, conduct pilot studies, and design a system that achieves compliance with confidence.
Contact UCC Environmental today to schedule a site evaluation and explore how ZLD can secure your path to compliance.
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