The client’s needs
A leading cheese producer faced operational challenges with their wastewater treatment facility, experiencing frequent disruptions and inconsistent effluent quality. The facility was forced to transport significant volumes of water daily to external treatment facilities, resulting in high operational costs and an increased carbon footprint.
The company sought to collaborate with an experienced wastewater treatment team to take over complete 24/7 operational management of their treatment facility.
Aerial View of the Client's Wastewater Facility:
Key Project Goals
- Optimize wastewater treatment facility performance
- Prevent regulatory compliance risks from non-conforming wastewater discharge
- Substantially reduce operational costs
The solution
Veolia Water Technologies’ Aquaservice™ team quickly mobilized its rapid-response wastewater team to analyze the wastewater treatment facility, develop a site-specific operational plan, and successfully execute this long-term plan in alignment with the manufacturer’s overall goals for the project.
Initial-Phase
During the initial hand-off phase of the wastewater plant operation, the Veolia team implemented a comprehensive reporting and communications strategy. This plan established clear channels for information sharing and fostered a transparent, collaborative partnership between Veolia’s wastewater operations staff and plant management.
Second-Phase
Following the initial transition phase, which yielded significant operational efficiencies and process stability improvements, Veolia implemented its comprehensive long-term operational strategy. This plan centered on integrating experienced, locally-based wastewater specialists to ensure sustained excellence in the facility’s performance.
Key Performance Results
The cheese manufacturer prioritized enhancing their operational performance and process stability. By analyzing the existing wastewater treatment system, Veolia identified and implemented improvements that optimized the current equipment and processes. These adjustments resulted in higher quality effluent without requiring new equipment, effectively utilizing the facility's existing assets.
Regulatory Compliance
Veolia’s optimization reduced the risk of the facility by producing a higher quality effluent that met their discharge permit requirements. The optimization of the wastewater facility also allows for a “buffer” to more efficiently accommodate variability in flows and loads being sent from production.
An Integrated On-site Partnership
Veolia is an active partner providing onsite wastewater management and meets frequently with stakeholders to align with production and management objectives.
Veolia's comprehensive documentation program delivers detailed reports to plant management regarding wastewater asset performance and operational metrics.
Preventative Maintenance Program
Veolia's implemented a comprehensive preventative maintenance program features over 280 specialized tasks, ranging from routine to complex mechanical inspections. Many of these tasks are executed by the onsite wastewater team.
The program utilizes advanced digital tracking technology to monitor equipment specifications, maintenance schedules, and completion status. This proactive approach ensures optimal facility performance while maximizing equipment reliability and longevity through systematic maintenance protocols.
Communication and Documentation
Beyond reporting, Veolia has developed and implemented comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), inventory management systems, sampling protocols, and administrative procedures to ensure efficient operations.
Wastewater Facility Process
PRIMARY TREATMENT PROCESS
Activated Sludge Aeration Lagoon
3.2 million gallons
Secondary Clarifier
300 gpm design flow
Two Dissolved Air Flotation Units
130 gpm & 100 gpm design flow
Effluent Upflow Sand Filter
200 gpm design flow
SECONDARY/LAND APPLICATION
TREATMENT PROCESS
Two Surface Aeration Ponds
2.2 million gallons each
Final Retention / Settling Pond
12 million gallons of storage prior to land application
Safety - A Core Project Value
Safety is a critical component of Veolia’s on-site services team. Veolia enacted comprehensive safety protocols that included:
› Site Assessments
› Routine Equipment Inspections
› Enhanced housekeeping protocols
Results
Zero Reportable safety incidents to date