Gravel Bed Bioreactor (GBBR) Performance Assessment and Technology Readiness Evaluation

project overview

Integrated Sustainability were engaged to support the potential retrofit of existing biochemical reactor (BCR) basins into GBBRs for treatment of nitrate and selenium. Our role focused on assessing technology performance feasibility, predicting treatment outcomes, and completing a Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA) aligned with provincial guidelines. This expedited workstream directly informed site-wide water management planning and regulatory timelines.

project deliverables

• Reviewed influent water chemistry, treatment targets, and seasonal requirements for source waters to assess suitability for GBBR implementation across four existing BCR basins.
• Predicted nitrate treatment outcomes using mBio GBBR design assumptions across all basins and temperature conditions, calculating maximum treatable flows and achievable outflow concentrations.
• Completed a site-specific TRA following British Columbia guidance, confirming Technology Readiness Level-8 status for nitrate treatment and identifying maturation requirements for selenium.
• Developed a Technology Maturation Plan and Risk Register, outlining steps, constraints, and knowledge gaps to advance selenium treatment readiness toward full-scale deployment.
• Delivered a comprehensive TRA report and presentation to support regulatory consultation, internal decision-making, and alignment across water management strategy.