As production expanded, this cheese and whey manufacturer was no longer able to send low-strength wastewater (LSW) to a neighboring business for treatment, so it sought an energy efficient treatment solution to meet its environmental goals. We evaluated technologies and recommended a custom aerobic treatment system that included equalization, an oxidation ditch with an active tank volume of 960,000 gallons, high-strength wastewater (HSW) storage, and a truck loading station, along with biological treatment for LSW, effluent filtration, and sludge handling. To support services for operators to remain in compliance, an analytical lab was included. To accelerate the project schedule, the project phased quickly to a design-build approach for early equipment procurement. The aerobic and biological treatment system was completed within a year to meet the proposed effluent requirements.
Recently, we completed additional work to reduce off-site disposal costs for HSW. We delivered a new upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) digester with gravity flow to and from the plant, a combined heat and power (CHP) system, and biogas storage. To accelerate the project schedule, the project phased quickly to an EPC approach. With our assistance, the project obtained safe harbor standing for the investment tax credit (ITC) by using the biogas produced by the anaerobic system to generate electricity and recover heat.
