Bristow Wastewater Treatment Plant Protects the Environment
The Waste Treatment Plant uses eco-friendly processes to treat waste.
Preventing pollution and caring for the environment within its operations is one of Bristow Colombia's main commitments to the community. The team recognizes the challenge of achieving a balance between consumption and protection of the environment and they walk the line.
The Bristow Colombia team delivers on this commitment through an environmental management system, which includes an eco-friendly process for managing waste, treating domestic wastewater and cleaning equipment in the facilities – all done through the in-house wastewater treatment plant (WTP). The treatment takes place through a plant installed in the company facilities that ensures the water treatment process is done correctly. This plant is managed by the Safety department who constantly monitor the functioning of the equipment that allows the company to reuse the water for plant irrigation, washing vehicles and other uses.
This process channels the wastewater into a septic tank. The wastewater is then pumped to the biological wastewater treatment system, which removes the pollutant load from the water and optimizes its efficiency. This process meets the permissible levels required by the environmental regulations of the Colombian government.
The treatment phases of the WTP are:
- Pretreatment – Removal of solid residues, sand and grease
- Ejector shaft - Sewage pumping
- Filtration system: Reduction of suspended solids
- Wetland plant tank - Pollutant reduction and purification system
- Micro drip - clean water that allows the watering of trees, plants and flowers at the facility.
The WTP project began in 2013 to align the company's internal programs with policies and objectives from clients and local authorities to promote the recovery, conservation, protection and use of renewable natural resources. In addition to the WTP, the team adapted its infrastructure, training needs and processes to the general environment objectives to comply with an international standard. Examples of these efforts include grease traps installed on maintenance and workshop areas, installation of push taps in all restroom areas to reduce water waste, energy usage reduction campaigns, hazardous material disposal processes and recycled material management. The team identified key performance indicators and tracks them and adjusts processes and programs as needed.
"With this environmental management system, we hope to prevent the deterioration of the environment in the development of our operations and contribute to the care of nature and our facility, while also staying in compliance with environmental regulations," said Bristow Colombia SVP - Operations and Fleet Management John Uribe.
"All Bristow Colombia employees support the program and are proud to participate in efforts to give back to nature what it provides for us daily," said Uribe.
Flowers and trees do well around the Bristow Colombia facilities as a result of the on-site Waste Treatment Plant
Bristow Colombia currently holds the ISO 14001 Certificate, an international standard that is recognized by clients at the national and global level, which demonstrates the company's alignment with the sustainable development goals established by the United Nations – specifically, responsible consumption and production and life on land.
"We have seen the benefits of our process," said Uribe. "There has been a reduction in water consumption, which is a key differentiator for clients who are seeking out service providers who are socially and environmentally responsible.
"Our clients have seen our company's significant commitment and interest in making a positive impact on the environment. They see our ecological initiatives that care for the vegetation and nature of our headquarters.
"We are proud to maintain our WTP as one of many sustainable efforts within our organization, and our clients see how much we care for the environment as demonstrated by our actions," said Uribe. "As a team, Bristow Colombia is committed to the environment. We will continue to look for environmental initiatives that allow us to contribute to our society and add value for our stakeholders."
Shown here is the micro-drip system used to water plants around the Bristow facilities in Colombia.