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DuPont operates
a nylon and polyethylene manufacturing plant in Victoria,
Texas along the Guadalupe River and Victoria Barge Canal.
The plant, which began operation in 1951, historically
relied on deep well injection as its sole wastewater
discharge method. While this approach continues to be
a wastewater disposal option approved by the U.S. EPA,
DuPont was concerned about the business disruption that
could result from increasing community concerns and
potential regulatory changes that would restrict this
technique in the future. To eliminate this risk, DuPont
worked with experts and the local community to develop
an innovative water treatment facility and wetlands
water recovery system to replace DuPonts use of
deep well injection.
DuPont modified production processes
to recover and reuse over 250,000 pounds of material
formerly lost to wastewater streams each day. Of this
material, 75% is sold to customers or recycled as catalyst
and raw material, and the other 25% serves as fuel and
offsets natural gas use at the plant. The remaining
wastewater is then treated in an on-site biological
treatment facility, before being released to the newly
constructed wetlands for further polishing prior to
its return to the Guadalupe River.
The wetlands construction concept
originated within the local Community Advisory Panel
(CAP) in 1994. (CAPs are recommended and some type of
formal community interaction process is required for
all member facilities as part of the American Chemistry
Council s Responsible Care® initiative.) Leading
experts and consultants researched and developed the
design for the wetland. Broad community input was sought
and received through public meetings, addressing factors
such as water quality, safety, aesthetic value, wildlife,
and academic and community use of the habitat. Plans
were also developed for a Wetlab Education Center
at the wetlands, with nature trails and boardwalks,
to conduct scientific and environmental education programs
for the community.
Since the wetlands water recovery
and treatment facility began operation in 1998, a variety
of ecological and community benefits have emerged, including:
- The wetlands now host a variety
of flora and fauna including hundreds of bird species
- More than 2.4 million gallons of
recovered water are returned to the Guadalupe River
each day
- Thousands of students have toured
the constructed wetlands and participated in programs
at the Wetlab Education Center
By building the wetlands treatment
facility, DuPont found not only that the project provided
needed functionality at competitive cost and reduced
risk, but also that it created benefits for community
education and habitat creation.

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