Client:
Services: Concerns: | GRUMA Corp.–Mission Foods Southeast, Jefferson, Georgia
Wastewater Evaluation Design/Installation of Activated Sludge Wastewater Treatment City of Jefferson Ordinance Industrial Wastewater Pretreatment Requirements |
Scope of Services:
AEM performed various engineering and design services for a tortilla and tortilla chip manufacturer in Georgia, who had been receiving fines and surcharges for their sewer discharge to the local POTW. The wastewater from the food facility activities regularly exceeded discharge standards for BOD5, TSS, Oils & Greases, and pH range (both low and high).
AEM conducted a first facility audit to reduce pollutant loadings in facility wastewater. In particular, best management practices were recommended to reduce wet washing activities of food materials causing high TSS and BOD and to control acid preservative and caustic cleaners causing large pH fluctuations. The facility audit showed that industrial wastewater pretreatment would be necessary to meet the standards of 250 mg/L for BOD5 and TSS and 100 mg/L for Oils & Grease.
AEM developed a design for an aerobic wastewater treatment system. During the design process, variable flow rates were measured during weekday and weekend operations and sampling was performed to determine wastewater characteristics for treatment. AEM determined that aerobic biological treatment was the best alternative and conducted a successful treatability study on the wastewater prior to full-scale implementation. As the design was developed, AEM also prepared the industrial pretreatment permit application for submittal to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division–Water Protection Branch. The system design included a lift station to reroute wastewater flow and a 32,000-gallon activated sludge aeration tank to accommodate the highest pollutant loadings for the plant’s variable flow conditions. The design also included a clarifier, sludge holding tank, and automated controls to operate system pumps and equipment.
AEM solicited vendor equipment pricing quotes and procured system equipment. AEM also developed construction specifications for the general and specialty contractors for the project.
AEM then assisted the selected general contractor in obtaining a building permit and provided oversight during all construction phases, especially assembly, plumbing, and wiring of the treatment equipment. AEM then commenced startup activities to reroute wastewater flow and seed the aeration tank with activated sludge. System parameters were monitored and adjusted as required to optimize system operation. In addition, AEM provided training and support for facility personnel for the necessary O&M.
The system was able to reduce all critical parameters to below the local regulatory required levels. Subsequently, Mission Foods was able to eliminate concerns regarding potential fines and surcharges from the City of Jefferson.
AEM conducted a first facility audit to reduce pollutant loadings in facility wastewater. In particular, best management practices were recommended to reduce wet washing activities of food materials causing high TSS and BOD and to control acid preservative and caustic cleaners causing large pH fluctuations. The facility audit showed that industrial wastewater pretreatment would be necessary to meet the standards of 250 mg/L for BOD5 and TSS and 100 mg/L for Oils & Grease.
AEM developed a design for an aerobic wastewater treatment system. During the design process, variable flow rates were measured during weekday and weekend operations and sampling was performed to determine wastewater characteristics for treatment. AEM determined that aerobic biological treatment was the best alternative and conducted a successful treatability study on the wastewater prior to full-scale implementation. As the design was developed, AEM also prepared the industrial pretreatment permit application for submittal to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division–Water Protection Branch. The system design included a lift station to reroute wastewater flow and a 32,000-gallon activated sludge aeration tank to accommodate the highest pollutant loadings for the plant’s variable flow conditions. The design also included a clarifier, sludge holding tank, and automated controls to operate system pumps and equipment.
AEM solicited vendor equipment pricing quotes and procured system equipment. AEM also developed construction specifications for the general and specialty contractors for the project.
AEM then assisted the selected general contractor in obtaining a building permit and provided oversight during all construction phases, especially assembly, plumbing, and wiring of the treatment equipment. AEM then commenced startup activities to reroute wastewater flow and seed the aeration tank with activated sludge. System parameters were monitored and adjusted as required to optimize system operation. In addition, AEM provided training and support for facility personnel for the necessary O&M.
The system was able to reduce all critical parameters to below the local regulatory required levels. Subsequently, Mission Foods was able to eliminate concerns regarding potential fines and surcharges from the City of Jefferson.
