Case Study
RDO Foods — Grand Forks, ND
Covered anaerobic treatment cell with HDPE liner and insulated cover for a Grand Forks potato plant, ending odor complaints and fueling boilers.
The Challenge
Problem
The existing on-site wastewater treatment plant for this potato flake plant was overloaded as a result of increased production. The city was receiving odor complaints and the plant operators were not able to stay within discharge limits. Located near a river, the site required a liner to prevent groundwater contamination and a cover to capture odors and biogas.
Our Approach
Solution
EFI installed a 40 mil HDPE geomembrane liner to prevent groundwater contamination and an insulated cover of 60 mil HDPE to seal the covered anaerobic treatment cell. The cover improves the anaerobic process, captures menthene, and prevents the escape of odors. The 288,000 SF system was completed on schedule in late summer 1996.
Outcomes
Results & Metrics
Key Outcomes
- 288,000 SF liner and cover system installed
- Eliminated odor complaints to the city
- Plant now within discharge limits
- Methane captured and used as boiler fuel
- Groundwater contamination prevented
- System functioning as designed with little maintenance
“The covered anaerobic cell solved our discharge and odor problems in one project. We're now using the methane to fuel our boilers, which was an unexpected benefit.”
Plant Manager, RDO Foods, Inc.
Related Work
Similar Projects
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Municipal WaterJohnston County Raw Water Reservoir, NC
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