Alternative for Food
Processors' Wastewater

Project Summary

Food processors represent a major Michigan industry that is ripe for expansion. To maintain and expand upon current industry production levels, environmental protection practices need to be instituted. This may result in substantial capital expenditures and increased operating costs if conventional treatment practices are prescribed. Innovative techniques must be found to allow these facilities to meet the growing challenge of being environmentally safe.
 

This resource examined alternative wastewater treatment approaches for Michigan food processors. The treatment approaches included digestion of the organic material to recover biogas, the determination of soil assimilation capacity, and source reduction. General guidance on each of these alternatives has been be developed and data gaps identified.