Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/764739
w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m J a n - F e b 2 017 | V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T 4 7 biofilm is a chemical-free and virtu- ally odorless method that removes up to 99% of biological oxygen demand and total suspended sol- ids, plus 95% of nitrogen while using up to 95% less energy than traditional aeration lagoons." Bio- Filtro offers various maintenance packages and financial models so facilities of all sizes can implement the system. Fetzer Vineyards was the first winery in the United States to c o n t a c t B i o F i l t r o , b u t B i o F i l t r o oversees installations for diverse industry verticals from Antarctica to Atacama, and its longest-run- ning system has been operating in Chile for 26 years. "We've never had to replace an entire system," s a y s H e a l y. " R a t h e r, y o u o n l y need to remove the castings that form across the system surface over time. "Typically, for wineries, it's every 18 to 24 months, depending on the discharge rate of the winery and the characteristcs of the process water." Healy also says the system can handle the seasonality of win- ery wastewater production, not- ing that almost a third of the 140 systems operating worldwide shut down for months on end during the off season. Another proven technology, the EcoVolt Reactor, harnesses bac- teria that produce electrical cur- rent and biogas as byproducts of digesting organic matter contained in winery wastewater. Cambrian Innovation of Boston, Mass., man- ufactures the reactor as modular, containerized solutions capable of treating up to 72,000 gallons per day while providing its own opera- tional energy. "The EcoVolt Reactor is ideally suited to wineries produc- ing 10,000 to 300,000 gallons per day," says Matthew Silver, Cam- brian founder and CEO. As a modu- lar system, the EcoVolt Reactors can be stacked and connected in parallel to handle each customer's wastewater volume. "As with all wastewater treat- ment systems, standard opera- t i o n a l a d j u s t m e n t s , i n c l u d i n g sampling, testing, recording of measurements and probe clean- treated, kWh of clean energy sup- plied and gallons of clean water returned to the facility," says Sil- ver. Costs for different systems vary depending on individual win- ery needs and specifics. "All our current EcoVolt installations have had impressive payback periods and high rates of return," says Silver. Healy compared BioFiltro's system to aeration lagoons, say- ing its solution is much more cost effective. REUSE CONSIDERATIONS Like other winery and vineyard systems, wastewater treatment for purposes of reuse involves complex, carefully balanced and somewhat mysterious processes. "Wastewater is very different on every site, and it's very difficult to apply one solution to everyone," says Oberholster. "Examine your plants, test your soil every three years and test your wastewater every year during harvest to deter- mine potential risk." Appropriate investigation and planning can prevent headaches and buyer's remorse. "Do your research and make sure you under- stand what you're actually getting," recommends Perman. "Know what your needs are and know what the people are selling you." Recognize a treatment system functions as a living, breathing system and adjust- ments take time. "Usually, it takes a certain amount of time, maybe days, to see the results of what you did," says Perman. Also, consider worst-case sce- narios, like system failures and operational accidents. "Wastewa- ter doesn't sleep; it continues to move and can catch you off guard if you're not paying attention," says Perman. Janice Cessna is a freelance writ- er who crafts informative content for magazines and businesses. Her experiences as a vineyard manager and cellar rat help inform her wine industry articles. Comments? Please e-mail us at feedback@vwmmedia.com. ing should be made," says Silver. An EcoVolt Reactor installed in late 2013 at Clos du Bois in Gey- serville, Calif., demonstrated 80% to 90% removal efficiency of bio- logical oxygen demand during two crush seasons. Cambrian expects the EcoVolt Reactor to operate for 15 to 20 years at full operational c a p a c i t y w i t h m i n i m a l m a i n t e- nance required. Cambrian also provides both purchase and lease options. "Our water-energy purchase agreement lets customers access wastewater treatment as a service. We own, install and operate EcoVolt solu- tions for customers and simply charge by gallons of wastewater Cambrian Innovation's EcoVolt Reactor harnesses bacteria that produce electri- cal current and biogas as byproducts of digesting organic matter contained in winery wastewater.