Energy and Water Savings in Food and Beverage Wastewater Reuse
Summary
SCH Number
2019048438
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
Energy and Water Savings in Food and Beverage Wastewater Reuse
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/22/2019
Document Description
Demonstration of the technology will allow for cost-effective on-site reuse of waste streams that are normally energy intensive and therefore expensive to treat with current technologies. The goal of this agreement is to demonstrate the PFO Recycler to reduce the energy, chemicals, and maintenance required for reuse of extremely difficult-to-treat industrial starchy wastewaters. The PFO Recycler turns the customer's wastewater into clean water for reuse and creates a waste concentrate that can be reused as a biomass feedstock or for ethanol production. This reduces waste disposal fees, increases water availability and reduces energy use by 30-50%. The technology could keep water on site for reuse which would allow for less water to be pumped from external sources in addition to reducing energy to transport and treat the water externally. The primary beneficiaries would be the processors who adopt the technology to reduce full cycle costs of water and energy, which would ideally result in reduced costs for other ratepayers.
Contact Information
Name
Rachel Salazar
Agency Name
California Energy Commission
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Agency Name
Porifera, Inc.
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Location
Cities
Bakersfield, Modesto, Rancho Cucamonga
Counties
Kern, San Bernardino, Stanislaus
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301, 15311
Reasons for Exemption
This project involves laboratory analysis research, equipment design and assembly, and equipment operation. All proposed activities will take place within existing, fully permitted buildings or facilities, without need for expansion or significant modification of the facilities. The new recycler system will be installed and operated at 1-3 potato chip manufacturing plants located across Southern California and the Central Valley. The system will be skid-mounted, measuring about 10 ft x 15 ft x 15 ft, and will use existing infrastructure (plumbing, electrical, water, and sewer), with little to no impact to on the facilities' operations. None of the proposed activities will have a significant effect on the environment. California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15301 exempts operation and minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of determination. Additionally, California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15311 exempts construction, or placement of minor structures accessory to existing commercial, industrial, or institutional facilities if the activity will not have a significant effect on the environment.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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