Advanced biological treatment
The system integrates primary clarification, anaerobic fermentation, MBR, RO and chlorine disinfection.
Client
J.R. Simplot Company
Location
Caldwell, Idaho
Practices
Markets
Priorities
First-of-its-kind water treatment achieving zero discharge and full reuse
Simplot set ambitious zero discharge goals: no water discharged to streams or sewers, with treated water ready for food production reuse. CDM Smith was brought in to deliver an innovative water treatment plant in 1 year using design-build delivery. The system now returns 1.7 million gallons to EPA drinking water standards.
Innovative spray evaporation
Up to 320,000 gallons of RO brine are evaporated daily using spray technology with a minimal footprint.
Complete resource recovery
100% of water is either treated for irrigation or evaporated on site. All potato waste and biological solids are used as animal feed.
Design-build success
Design-build delivery helped achieve the ambitious 1-year schedule and budget goals.
Zero liquid discharge for a potato powerhouse
Inspired by its core values of respect for resources, spirit of innovation and passion for people, the company set ambitious zero discharge water management objectives for the new facility.
Simplot's respect for resources, spirit of innovation and passion for people prompted ambitious water management objectives for the new facility. By reclaiming about 1.7 million gallons per day, Simplot decreased potable water needs to deliver this first-of-its-kind treatment plant. This project earned Simplot the spot as the largest U.S. food processor returning treated process water at USEPA drinking water standards.
The plant met Simplot’s challenging water management objectives through an innovative treatment system that reduces dependence on groundwater supplies, maintains land application and hydraulic crop requirements and advances the company’s mission of sustainability. Treatment technologies incorporated in the facility include primary clarification, anaerobic fermentation, enhanced biological nutrient removal for nitrogen and phosphorus (without the use of chemicals) and activated sludge with membrane bioreactors followed by reverse osmosis and chlorine disinfection.