Eagle Ottawa Leather Company
Wastewater Treatment System

Client

Eagle Ottawa Leather Company
Grand Haven, Michigan

Situation

Prior to closing in late 2006, Eagle Ottawa Leather Company (EOLC) operated a pretreatment system followed by discharge of the pre-treated wastewater to a local Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW). The EOLC's discharge represented over 80% of the biochemical oxygen demand and solids discharged to the local POTW.

Solution/Services

EOLC contracted with R&W to engineer drawings and create specifications for the construction of a new wastewater treatment system. R&W also negotiated a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for direct discharge to the Grand River. R&W completed a preliminary engineering study that included bench scale biological treatability studies. The treatment technology and the design effort were completed by R&W staff based on the results of the studies.

Primary unit processes included combined equalization and catalytic sulfide oxidation, followed by primary clarification, activation of sludge utilizing an ORBAL™ oxidation ditch, and final clarification. A new outfall was constructed in the Grand River, effecting a near-field dilution of 30:1, in compliance with industry standards. The sludge management systems included chemical conditioning and dewatering using recessed plate filter presses.

R&W assisted EOLC with construction inspection services on the Site to ensure compliance with the engineers' drawings and specifications.