Wastewater treatment for food manufacturers is not just about compliance; it can directly impact your bottom line. Many food and beverage production facilities produce large volumes of wastewater with high levels of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG). When these levels exceed municipal thresholds, manufacturers are hit with steep surcharges.
That’s what happened to one of our long-time clients in Cincinnati, Ohio. As their food production facility scaled up, so did their wastewater output. In March 2024, they were invoiced nearly $30,000 in surcharge fees, with expectations that those monthly penalties would continue indefinitely unless the issue was resolved.
With their internal engineering leader recently departed, the company turned to CIFT’s wastewater treatment experts to assess and resolve the problem.
CIFT’s Wastewater Treatment Solution
To address the issue, CIFT began by coordinating comprehensive effluent sampling through a trusted third-party analytical lab. This allowed the team to validate the elevated contaminant levels that triggered the surcharges. Once the data confirmed the extent of the problem, CIFT assembled a team of wastewater treatment subject matter experts to evaluate the best course of action. Based on their findings, the team recommended a specific treatment technology suited to the facility’s needs. They also identified the ideal equipment manufacturer, determined proper equipment sizing, and developed a full design package. This package included specifications for the mechanical systems, as well as electrical, controls, and structural design elements necessary for a standalone wastewater treatment facility. The result was a turnkey roadmap the manufacturer could use to move forward confidently with construction and implementation.
Business Impact:
$150,000+ annual savings in avoided surcharges
Scalable design aligned with facility growth
Reduced risk of compliance penalties
Clear, actionable plan without the need for internal engineering resources
If you’re facing unexpected wastewater surcharges, CIFT’s wastewater treatment solutions for food manufacturers can help you reduce costs and ensure compliance.
