A Continued Commitment To Help Prevent The Proliferation Of Blue-Green Algae: A New BNQ-Certified Phosphorus Removal And Disinfection Option Without UV Now Available

In response to the Quebec regulation in effect since early 2000 to better protect the environment, including the challenge of phosphorus and its role in the proliferation of blue-green algae blooms in our lakes and watercourses, Premier Tech Aqua (PTA), a Business Unit of the Environmental Technologies Group of Premier Tech, is proud to announce that it has reached a second technological breakthrough and another world first in the onsite wastewater treatment industry.

The new phosphorus removal and disinfection wastewater treatment chain is comprised of the DpEC Self-Cleaning Phosphorus Removal Unit, and a sand filter kit provided by PTA. Certified by the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ), the system produces an effluent that exceeds the strictest provincial regulation in effect.

This is the second phosphorus and disinfection septic system developed by PTA to be certified by the BNQ. This new option meets the expressed needs of homeowners and municipalities who were asking for a solution not requiring the use of an ultra-violet light (UV) disinfection system. PTA's innovation is thus a major improvement for homeowners, residential developers and municipalities as UV lamps require the adoption of a by-law and adds to the workload of municipalities who must ensure their maintenance.

Applicable to principal, secondary and seasonal residences, both phosphorus and disinfection septic systems from PTA also represent advantageous alternatives to septic installations of existing dwellings that require periodical or total emptying of the septic tank. A wastewater treatment solution inadequately adapted to the water consumption habits of families that usually require septic tanks to be emptied multiple times per a year.

Based in the electro-coagulation principle, the DpEC Phosphorus Removal Unit (patent pending) offers an effluent of such exceptional quality, that it allows a discharge safely into the environment, even when the residence is located near a protected body of water. Without impacting the pH of the water, the system reduces total phosphorus very significantly, to less than 0.1 mg/L when the unit is combined with an Ecoflo® Biofilter and as low as 0.04 mg/L when integrated to the sand filter as certified by the BNQ.

The phenomena of blue-green algae
It is well known that cumulative phosphorus inputs in lakes and water courses contribute to the periodic blue-green algae blooms. The proliferation of these microorganisms render the water unfit for human consumption and lead to restrictions in the usage of water bodies. Human activities is responsible for these phosphorus inputs, which, in addition to affecting the vitality of our lakes, lead to the loss of value of lakefront properties. Many communities in Québec, in North American and elsewhere in the world are faced with this challenge.

The availability of this second solution for the elimination of phosphorus and fecal coliforms without any UV light, and, moreover, a treatment chain readily accepted by all Quebec municipalities, is proving to be a most practical management tool for the sustainable development of communities.

'Premier Tech Aqua has the world's most important Innovation, Research and Development team in the onsite and decentralized wastewater treatment industry', affirmed Henri Ouellet, President of the Environmental Technologies Group of Premier Tech. 'Our teams challenge themselves constantly with one goal in mind: developing innovative, durable and compact products that surpass the strictest environmental regulation and are supported by a proven and integrated maintenance service offer. This innovation meets the strictest requirement of the Ministry and answers the needs expressed by our clients. Premier Tech Aqua is proud to offer them two options that meet their expectations in terms of wastewater treatment and environmental protection.'

'Certified in accordance with the CAN/BNQ 3680-600 and NQ 3680-910 Standard, the new treatment chain integrating the DpEC Self-Clearing Phosphorus Removal Unit to a sand filter, marries simplicity of operation to the assurance of optimal performances under all conditions', said Roger Lacasse, Vice-President, Research & Development at Premier Tech Aqua. 'Both treatment chains are reliable tools against the proliferation of blue-green algae and will help protect the health of our lakes and watercourses. Together, they also offer the possibility of finally being able to build on lots when it was deemed impossible before.'

Corporate profile
For 90 years, Premier Tech has built its know-how and reputation on the expertise and synergy of its three Groups - Horticulture and Agriculture, Industrial Equipment and Environmental Technologies. Driven by a multidisciplinary team of over 2 700 people located in the Americas, Europe and Asia, Premier Tech focuses on the development of its team members, on Innovation, and on the introduction of value-added products and services to support its long-term growth.

About Premier Tech Aqua
Premier Tech Aqua positions itself as an international leader in onsite and decentralized wastewater treatment technologies for the residential, commercial, municipal and industrial markets. Present in North America, Europe andAsia, Premier Tech Aqua offers proven treatment solutions that are supported by massive investments in innovation, research and development. Strengthened by the experience of a dynamic team of almost 800 team members who ensure a local presence in nine countries, Premier Tech Aqua has developed state-of-the-art technologies and high-performance systems, which are offered as ready-to-use, mobile or built on site solutions. With over 60 000 installations, including close to 1,200 projects in the Municipal, Commercial, Communal, Institutional and Industrial sectors and a portfolio of ten technologies supported by a vast  added-value product line, Premier Tech Aqua is undoubtedly one of the leaders of its industry.