CASE STUDY: A SOLUTION FOR THE TREATMENT OF WASTEWATER FROM SMALL AND MEDIUM- SIZE FOOD PROCESSING COMPANIES: The Typical Example of Wastewater from Wineries
The Problem
Poultry and pork farms, dairy industries, wineries, fruit processing firms are
sources of high strength wastewater. The treatment of wastewater produced by
small and medium - size food processing companies not connected to municipal
plants, is often a source of concerns for both parties; the Ministry of the
Environment and Energy (MOE) and the financial manager and owners of the firms.
The wastewater produced is malodorous and acid, and carries high contents of
organic pollutants including BOD5, ammonia, suspended solids, oil and grease,
and pathogens. Apart from the serious impact that untreated wastewater has on
the environment (creeks, rivers, ground water, soils), its treatment comes with
considerable economic expenses. These expenses can vary from $ 0.75 per cubic
meter to twice as much or higher when the surcharge for specific pollutants
is applied. When the owners of small industries not connected to municipal plants
use the .tank and haul. approach there is an additional transportation charge.
The cost of complying with the law can range from a few thousands per year to
many tens of thousands of dollars.