Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) Friday (13 July) formally dedicated a new wastewater treatment plant at its Berlin, MD poultry processing plant that utilizes new and innovative “natural technology” developed by Ocean Arks International of Burlington, Vermont.
The Ocean Arks’ “Restorer Living Machine” is a biological treatment that utilizes various microorganisms, plants and vertebrates as a part of the wastewater treatment process. Construction is currently underway and once the system is on line it will treat approximately 1 million gallons of water a day that is used in Tyson’s Berlin processing plant. Once treated it is discharged, under a NPDES permit, into Kits Branch, which ultimately runs to the Atlantic Ocean.
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This technology being installed by Tyson to upgrade its existing wastewater treatment system, is the result of a consent decree entered into by Tyson Foods last year with the state of Maryland. Tyson became the owner of this facility when it acquired Hudson Foods in 1998.
“I am really pleased to be here today for this important ceremony,” said Greg Lee, Tyson Foods Chief Operating Officer. “Tyson Foods’ commitment to protecting the environment, wherever we operate, is well known, and we believe this innovative process will do just that, help to further protect the environment of this beautiful region.”
In addition to the dedication of the new wastewater treatment plant, Tyson presented to The Nature Conservancy of Maryland/D.C. the deed to nearly 100 acres of land in Wicomico County. The property, which is adjacent to the Conservancy’s Nassawango Creek Preserve, will further protect the waters of Nassawango. A $20,000 check was also awarded to the Conservancy to help fund stewardship at Nassawango Creek Preserve. This presentation was made pursuant to the 2000 consent decree between Tyson and the State of Maryland.
“Nassawango Creek Preserve is habitat to over 90 species of rare plants and animals,” said Nassawango Creek Project Manager Bill Bostian. “This preserve is especially important to neo-tropical migrants — birds that migrate from Latin America — who summer within Nassawango’s 44,000-acre watershed and require large, undisturbed tracts of forest to rear their young. This additional forested acreage will undoubtedly provide more critical habitat for these beautiful songbirds.”
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By GlobalDataA more detailed description of the “Living Machine” technology is attached.
For further information, contact Ed Nicholson, Tyson Foods’ Director of Media and Community Relations at 501-290-4591, or Michael Carr at Ocean Arks International, 802-860-0011. For information on The Nature Conservancy of Maryland/D.C. or the Nassawango Creek Preserve, please contact Jon Schwedler at (301) 897-8570.
TYSON FOODS & OCEAN ARKS INTERNATIONAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT IN BERLIN, MD
“RESTORERS” LIVING MACHINE NATURAL TECHNOLOGY
July 13, 2001
TYSON FOODS, by implementing this natural wastewater treatment technology, is providing an ecologically sensitive approach to managing waste. With the help of Restorers by OCEAN ARKS INTERNATIONAL, TYSON FOODS is able to cut energy and operating costs compared to conventional treatment methods, while achieving excellent water quality standards. At the same time Restorers create a diverse habitat full of plants, clams, fish, microorganisms, bacteria, and other organisms.
WHY?
The agricultural and industrial processes that our society depends upon are often detrimental to the health of the earth. By implementing regenerative technologies such as Restorers, Tyson is providing a healthy solution to industrial wastewater treatment while meeting the high environmental standards of the State of Maryland.
HOW?
By incorporating the organic pollutants from this industrial process into the complex food webs in the lagoon, the wastewater provides the nutrients, which drive the biological processes.
WHO?
Ocean Arks International is a non-profit research and development organization devoted to finding ecological solutions for the 21st century.
THE PROCESS
BACTIVATOR
A Bactivator® automatically cultures (or grows) and releases beneficial bacteria into the wastewater stream. These bacteria primarily feed on excess grease and solids in the lagoons.
ANOXIC ZONE
Bacteria denitrify recycled water. Nitrate becomes nitrogen gas.
AEROBIC LAGOON
Organic pollutants and solids are reduced. (BOD, COD and TSS) Ammonia becomes nitrate, as aerobic nitrification begins.
RESTORER LAGOON
Diverse and complex biological communities thrive to treat organic pollutants, solids, pathogens and nitrogen to low effluent concentrations. Plant roots and special fabrics provide surface area under the water for bacteria to attach and grow, nitrification of ammonia is completed. Nitrate rich water is recycled to the anoxic zone.
SOLIDS SETTLING ZONE
Solids settle out of the waste stream and are removed. Some are recycled to the anoxic zone to help in the denitrification process.
CLARIFIER
Phosphorus removal. Removal of residual sludge.
