Canadian wastewater treatment system is first to produce water for reuse in food plant

The new system installed at a produce processing plant in Ontario treats 40,000 gallons of wastewater per day

In August, Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. Inc. opened its first Canadian processing plant in Oshawa, ON, including a new wastewater treatment system that delivers quality, reusable water.

The new System HydroKleen from Toronto-based ALTECH Technology Systems Inc. is a membrane bioreactor (MBR) designed to treat 40,000 gallons of wastewater per day gathered from the fresh-cut processing of 100,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables per week.

The MBR will treat regulated sewer discharge contaminants to a rate below Region of Durham sewer bylaw limits, eliminating sewer surcharge penalties.

ALTECH was selected based on its work, including a System HydroKleen installation at Algoma Orchards in Bowmanville, ON, where the system treats juice and apple processing liquid waste discharged into a river to meet potable water standards for reuse in process equipment sanitation in compliance with Canadian Food Agency Inspection (CFIA) standards. This was the first full-scale industrial effluent wastewater treatment system in North America to produce a potable, quality water for reuse in a food processing plant.

The technology provides a means to reduce water consumption and, in turn, save money. It is also beneficial for companies looking to reduce their environmental footprints.

ALTECH Technology Systems Inc. designs and manufactures custom-made solutions for a wide range of environmental issues faced by industrial and municipal clients.

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Jeremy Gerrard was Food Engineering's Digital/Online Editor. He is a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in journalism. His previous work experience includes years spent as a reporter with the Daily Local News out of Chester County, PA. In addition to writing feature articles for Food Engineering, Jeremy covered the Dry Processing, Field Reports and People and Industry news sections.