Reverse osmosis desalination plants - marine environmentalist regulator point of view

The environmental characteristics of the brine and its impacts on the marine environment were always the backyard and the less concern while planning and operating RO desalination plants. The lack of drinking water in Israel made desalination a national goal. The first huge RO plant was initially operated in Israel on 2005 - 100 Mm(3)/y and by the end of 2010 305 Mm(3)/y potable water expected to be produced. Construction and installation of desalination plants requires applying suitable environmental solutions for protecting and preserving the marine and coastal environment from ruin or deterioration. The Israeli environmental legislation is described including the marine environmental policy and regulations as well as the acquired operational experience during the last two years. Results from the first year of operation and monitoring are shown along with the new appearance of the red phenomenon discharge of VID desalination plant in Ashkelon. The environmental policy based on the precautionary principle is performed and includes environmental requirements and guidelines for pretreatment, discharge composition, planning marine outfall, background and compliance marine monitoring program and discharge quality standards.