Case Study
SunMaid Growers — Kingsburg, CA
Anaerobic digester system for one of America's most iconic food brands, capturing biogas from raisin processing wastewater.
The Challenge
Problem
SunMaid's Kingsburg processing facility generated high-strength organic wastewater from raisin processing with BOD levels exceeding 8,000 mg/L. The facility faced mounting regulatory pressure from the Central Valley Air Quality Board, recurring odor complaints from a growing residential area less than a mile away, and rising wastewater disposal costs.
Our Approach
Solution
EFI installed a covered lagoon anaerobic digester with biogas collection, H2S scrubbing, continuous monitoring systems, and gas management infrastructure. The system captures methane from processing wastewater and routes it through an enclosed flare for destruction, with the infrastructure designed to support a future biogas-to-energy upgrade.
Project Photos
Gallery
Outcomes
Results & Metrics
Key Outcomes
- 85% reduction in GHG emissions from wastewater operations
- Biogas captured for renewable energy potential
- Improved community relations through odor elimination
- Regulatory compliance achieved ahead of deadline
- Wastewater treatment costs reduced by 40%
- System designed for future biogas-to-energy conversion
“We went from facing potential regulatory action to full compliance in under six months. The system paid for itself faster than projected, and we haven't had a single odor complaint since installation.”
VP of Operations, SunMaid Growers
Related Work
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