Cooking up reuse

In 2014, a food manufacturing facility in the southeast U.S. began the process of replacing its existing wastewater treatment system. After nearly a decade of operation and production increases, the previous system was not capable of keeping up with the demands of current production. Thus, the facility began the process of planning to replace the existing wastewater treatment system with a new system to provide more capacity, reliability, and operational flexibility. The facility also used this upgrade as an opportunity to implement a highly sustainable approach targeting beneficial reuse of multiple site-generated waste streams and residuals. The design includes such features as harnessing biogas generated from anaerobic treatment, use of effluent water for routine site activities such as solids press wash water, water reuse and reduction via use of treated effluent for cooling tower makeup, and land irrigation with the balance of the treated effluent. The technologies and methods present at this facility are a case study and example for other industrial facilities seeking to maximize reuse and minimize environmental footprint.Starting with conceptual level engineering in 2014, the new water resource recovery facility (WRRF) became a reality in summer 2017 when it began operation. The WRRF is unique as it beneficially uses 100% of the treated water (approximately 30% reused with the balance being land applied) as well as screenings, biogas, and waste biological sludge.