Open call for Validation of an Integrated Framework of Wastewater & Stormwater Treatment Options of CECs

Research is needed to demonstrate/validate an integrated framework of wastewater treatment, as well as stormwater (and other non-point sources) treatment of CECs. Utilities, regulators, and policymakers need quantitative information to help develop policies that support the best and most cost-effective solutions for CECs. A fully developed stakeholder driven, multi-decision criteria analysis, ensuring triple bottom line guidance to utilities, will improve water sector knowledge on cost-effective approaches to managing multiple CECs in all water types.

Project Objectives

• Validate cost effective strategies for the management and control of constituents of emerging concern (CECs) in all water sources.
• Provide benefit/cost guidance to utilities in determining viable treatment options at the water resource recovery facility (WRRF) or the source.
• Address current research gaps in the One Water framework such as analytical techniques and screening tools, characterization and predictive modeling, and potential health impacts.

Budget

• Applicants may request up to $200,000 in WRF funds for this project.
• Project Duration: The anticipated period of performance for this project is 24 months from the contract start date.

Expected Deliverables

• A demonstration/validation and documentation of an approach or strategy.
• An easy to implement, tested decision matrix/tool of wastewater and stormwater treatment options for source control and cost-effective management strategies based on consensus from key water quality stakeholders (traditional and non-traditional).
• Proposers are also encouraged to suggest alternative deliverables that address the project objectives and benefit the water quality community.
• Desired Outcomes:
  • A well tested, reproducible, and documented stakeholder-driven multi-decision criteria analysis ensuring triple bottom line guidance to utilities will improve water sector knowledge on cost-effective approaches to managing multiple CECs in all water types.
  • A vetted and demonstrated cost/benefit guidance to utilities in determining viable treatment options at the WRRF or the source. Lessons learned through case studies on cost effective management strategies.
  • A decision support system that helps utilities screen and communicate CEC risks at their sites, and further offer utilities, the water quality community, regulators, and policy makers some quantitative information to help support the best and most cost-effective solution.
  • A consensus-based framework that integrates different approaches and incorporates the latest field-tested tools/resources/outputs.

Eligibility Criteria

• Proposals will be accepted from both U.S.-based and non-U.S.-based entities, including educational institutions, research organizations, governmental agencies, and consultants or other for-profit entities.
• Researchers who are late on any ongoing WRF-sponsored studies without approved no-cost extensions are not eligible to be named participants in any proposals.
• WRF encourages participation from water utilities and other organizations in WRF research. Participation can occur in a variety of ways, including direct participation, in-kind contributions, or in-kind services.

For more information, visit WRF.