CDM Smith announced the J.R. Simplot Co.’s process water treatment and return plant (PWTRP) in Caldwell, Idaho, which CDM Smith designed and built, was recognized by the WateReuse Assn. as its 2016 Industrial Project of the Year. The award was given at the 31st Annual WateReuse Symposium.
Simplot, one of the world’s largest producers of potato products, set an ambitious goal for the PWTRP, which was part of a major expansion to consolidate the company’s french fry production for major customers into a single facility. It intended to create a zero-liquid discharge facility and produce effluent suitable for reuse in production. The PWTRP accomplished Simplot’s challenging objectives through a treatment system that included primary clarification, anaerobic fermentation, enhanced biological nutrient removal for nitrogen and phosphorus, and activated sludge with membrane bioreactors, followed by reverse osmosis (RO) and chlorine disinfection. All RO brine is evaporated on-site in an enhanced evaporation system.
“The J.R. Simplot Co. is honored to receive this award,” said Plant Director Erik Brandenburg. “The Caldwell plant provides a world-class work environment and a number of natural resource benefits. It truly reflects our core values of respect for resources, spirit of innovation and passion for people.”
The PWTRP was completed in January 2014 and treats an average of 2.3 mgd of high-strength, potato-processing wastewater, with a maximum capacity of 3.2 mgd. Approximately 1.7 million gal of water per day, equivalent to drinking water standards, is reclaimed and returned for reuse safely in the production process. An innovative spray evaporation technology disposes of up to 320,000 gpd of brine reject from the RO system. All remaining effluent is used for irrigation of forage crops. Common-wall construction minimized capital costs and consolidated piping needs, minimizing operating labor and lowering the plant’s overall footprint.
“By working collaboratively throughout the design-build process, we were able to deliver the project on budget and against an aggressive schedule since the PWTRP had to be operational before the new production facility went online,” said Al Goodman, CDM Smith’s client service leader for Simplot. “Several treatment innovations are helping Simplot optimize their water management, meet recycling water quality goals equivalent to drinking water, and advance Simplot’s sustainability mission.”
Source: CDM Smith
