[     Business case listing ](/en/publications/case-studies "  Business case listing")



 

 

 

### 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:**



 

 

 



   ![Dairy WWTP](/sites/g/files/dvc3601/files/styles/media/public/image/2025/07/dairywwsatelliteview_1.PNG.webp?itok=QZAvK3rL)   





 

 





### 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.



 

 

 



57%   
Reduction in Wastewater Disposal



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

11%   
Reduction in COD (chemical oxygen demand)



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

78%   
Reduction in Discharged Phosphorus Levels



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

31%   
Reduction in TSS (total suspended solids)



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

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### 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.



 

 

 



   ![WWTP Partnership](/sites/g/files/dvc3601/files/styles/media/public/image/2025/07/partnership.PNG.webp?itok=8eI1E_Do)   





 

 





### 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 Treatment Operator](/sites/g/files/dvc3601/files/styles/media/public/image/2025/07/operator_0.PNG.webp?itok=lrHzkblF)   





 

 





### 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**