Bishop Water Technologies And Neo Chemicals & Oxides Introduce A Rare Earth-Based Coagulant To Help Wastewater Treatment Plants Affordably Achieve Ultra-Low Phosphorus Limits

• New Neo RE300 rare earth-based coagulant enables wastewater treatment plants to chemically achieve regulatory requirements for ultra-low phosphorus limits in treated effluent - as low as 0.07 mg/L.
• Operators can easily replace conventional ferric- or alum-based coagulants with RE300 to improve clarifier performance and potentially eliminate the need for costly tertiary filtration systems.
• Neo RE300 rare earth coagulant offers a simple, cost-effective method for wastewater plants to dramatically reduce phosphorus discharge to sensitive water bodies that are at risk of algae blooms or eutrophication.

Bishop Water Technologies and Neo Chemicals & Oxides are introducing a new rare earth-based coagulant to the Canadian wastewater industry that can help wastewater treatment plants easily and cost-effectively achieve ultra-low phosphorus limits—as low as 0.07 mg/L—without the need for costly tertiary filtration systems.

Neo RE300 is a rare earth-based coagulant that offers a simple, affordable way to achieve significant phosphorus reduction in treated effluent by simply replacing conventional ferric- or alum-based coagulants with this advanced treatment technology. Neo RE300 could also help to significantly enhance the efforts of regulators and conservation authorities working to protect sensitive water bodies from eutrophication and algae blooms linked to phosphorus discharge.

Neo RE300 outperforms conventional coagulants because the rare earth minerals it contains bond more tightly to phosphorus to form a denser, heavier precipitate that settles about two times faster than alternatives. This not only improves clarifier performance, but also dramatically reduces both the amount of coagulant used and the volume of sludge produced to achieve high phosphorus removal.

“Neo RE300 is a game-changing technology that could help communities achieve stringent phosphorus limits without spending millions in capital costs for filtration equipment and ongoing operating costs,” said Kevin Bossy, CEO, Bishop Water Technologies. “Many wastewater treatment plants already have chemical feed equipment in place as part of their phosphorus reduction programs that are capable of delivering Neo RE300. Enhancing the performance of this equipment and achieving ultra-low phosphorus levels could be as simple as replacing the current ferric- or alum-based coagulant with Neo RE300.”

“Over 50 wastewater plants in the United States are already using Neo RE300 to achieve stringent phosphorus limits, optimize their treatment processes, and protect sensitive aquatic ecosystems from excess phosphorus discharge,” said Alan Weber, General Manager – Water Technologies, Neo Chemicals & Oxides, an affiliate of Neo Performance Materials, Inc. (TSX: NEO). “We are confident that Neo RE300 will deliver the same benefits to Canadian wastewater treatment plants, and we look forward to working with Bishop Water Technologies as our representative in this important marketplace.”

Neo RE300 rare earth-based coagulant provides a number of other benefits that can help wastewater treatment plants achieve significant operational efficiencies and cost savings over conventional coagulants, including:

• Reduce sludge production by up to 70%;
• Achieve up to 30% higher attained solids in dewatered sludge;
• Maintain chemical dosing and performance in temperatures as low as -40C;
• Inhibit the formation of struvite;
• Safer for the environment; consistently passes Whole Effluent Toxicity testing; and
• Safer for operators; rated non-hazardous.

About Bishop Water Technologies
Bishop Water Technologies provides simple, reliable nutrient removal and solids management solutions that enable communities and industries to affordably solve water and wastewater challenges while protecting the environment. Hundreds of sites throughout Canada trust our low-energy, low-complexity customizable solutions to deliver robust performance and easy operation with low capital and operating costs. Our highly experienced and talented team relentlessly supports our clients and works collaboratively with like-minded, environmentally focused partners to continuously enhance the performance, value and sustainability of our solutions portfolio.

About Neo Performance Materials
Neo Performance Materials is a global leader in the innovation and manufacturing of rare earth- and rare metal-based functional materials, which are essential inputs to high technology, high growth, future-facing industries. The business of the Company is organized along three segments: Magnequench, Chemicals & Oxides and Rare Metals. The Company is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; with corporate offices in Greenwood Village, Colorado, US; and Beijing, China. The Company operates globally with sales and production across 10 countries, being Japan, China, Thailand, Estonia, Singapore, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, United States, and South Korea. For more information, visit www.neomaterials.com.