CHALLENGE

The client is one of the largest food manufacturing companies in southwestern Ontario. As a result of its manufacturing activities, the company was producing residual sugar water. This sugar water was causing issues with the local municipal wastewater treatment plant, resulting in continually increasing wastewater charges that were affecting their bottom line.

Additionally, as a result of the company’s small storage capacity for residual sugar water, spills could occur. When the tank overflowed onto the manufacturing floor it caused a workplace safety issue and increased the risk of a WSIB claim.

The company is environmentally responsible and felt there was a better way to handle their wastewater.

SOLUTION

After an initial review of their situation, Wessuc determined that there were opportunities for this food manufacturer to change its business processes while saving money with a solution that was environmentally responsible and safe for workers.

Wessuc placed a 160 m3 storage capacity tank on site, actively monitoring the levels in the tank 24/7 with an app. Using innovative tools like the smart tank app allows Wessuc to effectively manage the storage capacity of the units in real time, heading off any potential issues before even the client is aware of them.

Wessuc could now safely transport the waste sugar water away from the food manufacturer for further processing. Some of the sugar water is taken to local pig farmers for feed. The remainder goes to digester facilities in the area that produce renewable natural gas or green electricity.

RESULTS

Over its first five years, Wessuc's wastewater treatment solution has reduced overall costs by 50 per cent, which translates to an overall annual savings of approximately $240,000.