SBIR-STTR Award

Reducing Ecological Damage by Forest Operations the USDA identified a need for new and innovative technologies focused on reducing water degradation caused by forest operations and reducing impacts to the ecological structure of the operational area. In response to this need Micronic Technologies is proposing development of a water purificationTM system based on the company's TOP technology for application to abandoned mines and associated Mining-Influenced Waters (MIW) and acid mine drainage (AMD) on federal land. Work to accomplish this goal is structured around four technical objectives; identify abandoned mine sample sites and acquire wastewater samples process and analyze samples identify a preliminary Phase II demonstration system layout and conduct a market study of the TOP™ technology for MIW/AMD remediation on federal lands. Under prior funding from the USDA Micronic has developed a prototype engineering design for processing cheese manufacturing wastewater in a controlled manufacturing environment. Anticipated results of the Phase I program effort will build off this core technology and develop a proof-of-concept demonstration for application to federal forest land operations. Given the considerable differences between the controlled environment of a manufacturing facility and the remote physically corrosive field environment of an abandoned mine site the proposed effort will require not only the demonstration of the technology when run against wastewater streams but also the identification of a system layout which incorporates significant innovations to the technology. The successful implementation of the proposed system which doesn't use filters membranes or chemicals will be transformative for water purification technology. Potential commercial application and market impacts of such a commercialization effort would be significant and can be applied to a broad range of wastewater treatment solutions. The value proposition of the proposed technology is found in; an increase in water reuse a reduction in water treatment costs and increased responsiveness to environmental regulation. Improvements are realized in a range of areas including water reclamation water reuse and makeup water reduction. This will lower water usage expenses provide more clean water and create potential ancillary revenue from the reuse of recovered clean water and the monetization of a proactive approach to federal local and state environmental regulatory compliance with an associated reduction in penalty risk.