The Challenges of Construction & Tunneling Projects
When it comes to construction and tunneling projects, it is common that there will be a great amount of waste surrounding the site due to the amount of construction runoff and tunnel boring machine slurry that will be discharged whilst works are undergoing. However, it means that it is also common for the runoff or slurry to exceed the DOE discharge limits, which can lead to costly fines and as such, delay the project’s completion.
Meeting Compliance with Ecoclear Gel Block
Aquaz has devised an easy-solution to help you meet compliance for DOE standards for your construction and tunneling projects within minutes in the form of EcoClear Nanotech Polymer Gel Blocks. This eco-engineered polymer gel block provides a quick and easy solution for water treatment by rapidly sedimenting suspended solids, heavy metals, phosphorus & other pollutants. This gel doesn’t need any additional equipment to operate, and with its SIRIM certification, it will prove to be a reliable partner in treating water and reducing runoff and slurry from construction and tunneling projects.
WHAT WE DO
Key Applications In Desilting & Dredging Operations
Managing Sediment & Slurry In Excavation Works
During excavation and foundation works, soil particles and fine silt can accumulate in runoff water, increasing turbidity and slowing site drainage. When placed in sediment ponds or inflow channels, EcoClear gel blocks gradually release active agents that bind suspended particles together, forming larger flocs that settle faster. This improves water clarity, accelerates sedimentation, and reduces the frequency of desludging operations, keeping excavation zones cleaner and more efficient.
Controlling Turbidity In Construction Runoff
Construction runoff often carries suspended solids, cement residues, or clay that can breach allowable turbidity levels if left untreated. Our EcoClear gel blocks provide consistent, passive dosing that stabilizes water quality across fluctuating site conditions. As runoff passes over or around the gel, the active polymers help trap fine particles and clarify the water, ensuring that the treated discharge meets regulatory limits for suspended solids and turbidity without constant operator intervention.
Treating Wastewater From Tunnelling & Boring Activities
Tunnelling and boring operations, especially those using Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), generate large volumes of slurry water containing fine clay, rock dust, and additives. The nanotech gel blocks are ideal for managing this wastewater in confined environments. They can be deployed directly in slurry separation tanks or drainage channels, where they aid in rapid solid-liquid separation. This allows the recovered water to be reused in TBM cooling or slurry preparation, reducing water wastage and treatment complexity underground.
Enhancing Water Recycling & Reuse On Site
By improving water clarity and reducing suspended solids, gel-treated water can be safely reused for non-potable applications such as dust suppression, equipment washing, or concrete mixing. The gradual action of gel blocks maintains consistent water quality over extended periods, reducing dependency on freshwater sources. This not only lowers operational costs but also supports sustainable water management practices on construction and tunnelling projects.
Supporting Compliance with Environmental Discharge Standards
Regulatory bodies such as the Department of Environment (DOE) impose strict discharge criteria on construction runoff and wastewater. Our gel blocks enable contractors to meet these standards by ensuring stable, controlled flocculation and turbidity reduction throughout the project duration. Their predictable performance helps prevent non-compliance penalties and supports adherence to ISO and environmental management certifications without requiring complex dosing systems.
Minimizing Chemical Handling & Site Footprint
Space and safety are often limited on construction and tunnelling sites. The compact, solid-state format of gel blocks eliminates the need for chemical tanks, pumps, and mixing units. They are easy to transport, handle, and deploy even in confined areas or temporary setups. This minimizes chemical exposure risks for workers and reduces storage requirements, making gel blocks a practical, low-impact alternative for on-site water treatment in demanding project environments.
SOLUTIONS
The Complete Solution By Aquaz Nuova
Placement of Ecoclear Gel Blocks
Allowing Sediments To Condense Into Dense Flocs
Integration with Geosynthetic Systems
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Gel blocks are highly effective for high-clay or cement-laden water because their coagulant and flocculant components bind fine suspended particles, allowing them to settle more rapidly. However, for extremely concentrated slurries, pre-treatment such as dilution or mechanical separation may enhance results.
Absolutely. Gel blocks are compact, low-maintenance, and require no electricity or dosing equipment, making them ideal for confined spaces like tunnels and shafts. They dissolve gradually in contact with water, providing controlled treatment without creating additional safety or handling issues.
Replacement frequency depends on flow rate, water volume, and contaminant load. In most construction or tunnelling projects, blocks typically last from several days to a few weeks. Regular visual checks of the water clarity and block size help determine when replacement is needed.
Most gel blocks are pH-neutral or slightly acidic but formulated to have minimal impact on the treated water’s pH. They help reduce turbidity and suspended solids without altering the overall chemistry of concrete washwater when used correctly.
Gel blocks remain effective across a wide pH range (typically 5–9) and in both cold and warm water conditions. Their dissolution rate may vary slightly with temperature—faster in warmer water and slower in cooler—but their performance in flocculation and sediment control remains consistent.
OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
Find Out More About EcoClear Nanotech Polymer Gels Here!
Completing construction and tunneling projects are now easier than ever with EcoClear Nanotech Gel Blocks, available at Aquaz Nuova. With results that can be seen within minutes without the use of heavy machinery, EcoClear will efficiently treat water and help you achieve DOE discharge limits.