In August, Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. Inc. opened its first Canadian processing plant in Oshawa, ON, including a new wastewater treatment system that delivers quality, reusable water.

The new System HydroKleen from Toronto-based ALTECH Technology Systems Inc. is a membrane bioreactor (MBR) designed to treat 40,000 gallons of wastewater per day gathered from the fresh-cut processing of 100,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables per week.

The MBR will treat regulated sewer discharge contaminants to a rate below Region of Durham sewer bylaw limits, eliminating sewer surcharge penalties.

ALTECH was selected based on its work, including a System HydroKleen installation at Algoma Orchards in Bowmanville, ON, where the system treats juice and apple processing liquid waste discharged into a river to meet potable water standards for reuse in process equipment sanitation in compliance with Canadian Food Agency Inspection (CFIA) standards. This was the first full-scale industrial effluent wastewater treatment system in North America to produce a potable, quality water for reuse in a food processing plant.

The technology provides a means to reduce water consumption and, in turn, save money. It is also beneficial for companies looking to reduce their environmental footprints.

ALTECH Technology Systems Inc. designs and manufactures custom-made solutions for a wide range of environmental issues faced by industrial and municipal clients.