Russula supplied a 13-circuit water treatment plant to treat about 65 ML/hr of water for the Big River Steel $ 3 billion new steelmaking facility comprised of two EAFs, casting, rolling and finishing lines.
In combination with the existing steelmaking facility, the new facility allows Big River Steel to form a 6.3 Mton mega mill in Osceola, Arkansas, USA.
“This project was extremely important for us due to its technical complexity. We’ve worked with cutting-edge technology in an innovative plant for a top-tier client in a highly demanding market like the U.S. On top of that, there’s the dimension of the project and the tight execution timeline”,
Carlos Rodríguez Otero, Russula’s project manager for this project
The water solution consists of a make-up water treatment area, contact and non-contact cooling circuits, an effluent treatment area and an advanced effluent recovery system.
This water treatment plant combines the know-how acquired by Russula over many years and includes new processes such as the effluent recovery system, which applies the latest techniques in water treatment.
As a result, the new plant will significantly exceed the environmental requirements and drastically reduce water consumption by recovering the vast majority of the water discharged into the environment.

Big River Steel Works team visit to Russula headquarters for factory and software acceptance test
Minimum Liquid Discharge
This industry-leading plant is designed for maximum water recycling and reuse, significantly reducing raw water consumption while maintaining minimal liquid discharge. By incorporating advanced treatment technologies, Russula’s systems ensure efficient and sustainable water management.
To treat wastewater, the plant first undergoes emulsion treatment, followed by a physico-chemical process that effectively removes heavy metals and other contaminants. This results in treated water that not only meets but exceeds EPA river discharge quality standards.
Moreover, the treated effluent can be further processed in the recycling plant, where it undergoes ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis. These advanced purification methods enable water reuse within the facility, drastically minimizing both river discharge and the need for fresh water intake.
To ensure operational reliability, the plant is equipped with redundant systems that provide continuous treatment capabilities. In the event of any process emergency involving effluent discharge, the facility can always treat and manage wastewater effectively, preventing environmental impact.
This innovative approach to industrial water management underscores Russula’s commitment to sustainability, resource efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
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