BAT (Best Available Techniques) refers to the most effective and advanced methods for preventing or minimizing environmental impact while remaining economically and technically viable. In the context of water treatment, BAT defines the standards and technologies required to achieve high levels of pollution reduction, efficient resource use, and compliance with environmental regulations such as the EU Industrial Emissions Directive.
BAT requirements are closely linked to the EU Industrial Emissions Directive (IED), which defines the regulatory framework for industrial pollution control: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2010/75/oj
For industrial operators, this means that wastewater treatment must be designed according to sector-specific BAT conclusions and aligned with BAT-AEL performance levels (BAT Associated Emission Levels), depending on the applicable industry and permit requirements.
BAT compliance is not defined by one universal discharge limit. Instead, BAT sets a framework of best available techniques and expected performance levels that vary by industrial sector and wastewater composition.
In practice, meeting BAT requires a combination of proven treatment technologies, correct process design, and reliable performance verification based on real wastewater behavior.
Fjordfilter’s treatement systems are designed to address the main parameters commonly associated with BAT discharge requirements, including:
Industrial wastewater typically requires multiple treatment steps. The table below summarizes the most common treatment processes for different groups, from particles and oils to dissolved organic and inorganic fractions.
To reach BAT compliance, treatment solutions must be adapted to each wastewater fraction.
FjordFilter process is chemical and membrane free, we use:
Our goal is to select the most effective and economically viable treatment live for each site.
BAT compliance can also support improved industrial efficiency. FjordFilter solutions are designed to help customers reduce costs and increase circularity through:
| Treatment step | Main purpose | Typical contaminants addressed |
|---|---|---|
| Sedimentation, Filtration & Flotation | Mechanical separation and solids removal | Particles, TSS, sludge, suspended matter |
| Emulsion Handling & Oil Separation | Break and separate stable oil fractions | Oil & grease emulsified oils hydrocarbons |
| Aeration & stripping | Remove volatile compounds and improve water quality | VOCs dissolved gases, selected organic fractions |
| Electro-Coagulation & Absorption (EC) | Coagulation/flocculation and pollutant capture | Metals, colloids, complex organics, oil residues |
| Electro-Oxidation (EO) | Advanced oxidation and breakdown of persistent compounds | Dissolved organics, color, difficult-to-degrade pollutants |
| Polishing (Activated Carbon) | Final purification and removal of trace contaminants | Micropollutants, residual COD, odor, remaining organics, PFAS/PFOA |
BAT compliance is generally mandatory for industrial activities covered by the EU Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) and local discharge regulations.
Specific requirements may vary depending on the industry sector, country, and permitting authority.
BAT-AELs (Best Available Techniques Associated Emission Levels) define the emission ranges that can be achieved using the best available technologies.
They serve as reference values for environmental compliance under the EU Industrial Emissions Directive and are often used by regulators to set discharge limits.
Not exactly. BAT provides a benchmark based on best practices at the European level, while local discharge limits are legally binding and may include stricter, site-specific requirements set by local authorities.
We design systems based on BAT principles and local regulations, ensuring that each installation meets applicable environmental standards and discharge limits.
Yes, in many cases. Depending on wastewater composition and process requirements, FjordFilter designs tailored treatment solutions that enable water reuse and support circular operations, reducing both costs and environmental impact.
Wastewater reuse helps companies:
