Associated Milk Producers, Inc. (AMPI) is a dairy cooperative that encompasses more than 2,000 farm families and 1,200 employees. The cooperative owns and operates multiple dairy product (such as cheese, butter, and milk powder) facilities throughout the midwest, including their facility in Jim Falls, WI. Primarily producing pepperjack cheese, the Jim Falls facility had traditionally handled their process wastewater with a ridge and furrow land treatment system, that allowed the wastewater to be absorbed into the soil. As production increased at the Jim Falls facility, so did the amount of wastewater produced, including high-strength wastewater (HSW). While the ridge and furrow system had initially been able to effectively treat the wastewater from the facility, it was proving inadequate for the increased flows. Even after the facility began to divert HSW and haul it offsite for disposal, they began experiencing unacceptable well test readings and needed a solution that could more effectively treat their wastewater. Located in an area where there is very low water pressure, reduced water usage and water reuse opportunities were a priority for stake holders. Additionally, they were hopeful that the new treatment system would utilize land already owned by the cooperative.
During each phase of the project, multiple options were evaluated to ensure optimal treatment and sustainability. Some of these options included:
Reconfiguring a cell from the old ridge and furrow system allowed for the new, complete treatment plant to be built on land already owned by AMPI.
Featuring both aerobic and anaerobic treatment, the new WWTP provides complete treatment, effectively treating the both high strength and normal strength wastewater.
The design includes anaerobic pretreatment for high strength wastewater, Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal (EBPR) for normal strength wastewater, and sand filtration to polish treated wastewater prior to discharge to the river.
To provide cost and time savings, Probst compiled an integrated project team, including Faith Technologies and Staab Construction.
Together, the team provided manageable solutions for getting water to and from the production facility.
Outfitted with a state-of the art fire suppression system and water reuse technologies, the new wastewater treatment facility effectively treats all process wastewater generated during the production process.
By providing a complete design/build solution, the team was able to provide significant cost savings for the client by utilizing value engineering methods. Early collaboration with partners allowed for advanced technologies to be utilized throughout the facility, including the fire-suppression system and controls features.
The successful completion of the new facility has paved the way for AMPI to effectively treat their process wastewater, today and tomorrow.
