Stormwater360 recently worked alongside Fonterra (client) and their engineering consultants MWH (now part of Stantec) to provide a bespoke industrial stormwater treatment solution for a dairy processing plant situated in Takaka, Golden Bay.

 The existing infrastructure directed and pumped stormwater runoff to a combined onsite wastewater treatment facility before discharging to the Millbrook Creek. A proposed stormwater upgrade intended to reduce the occurrence of pumping stormwater to wastewater, and provide treatment of the principal contaminants of concern;  very fine particulates (<10µm), total suspended solids (TSS),  dissolved heavy metals (Zinc and Copper) and conductivity.

 In response to this, the Stormwater360 design team developed a site-specific solution using the StormFilter.

 Design Manager Troy Brockbank says “The StormFilter uses rechargeable, self-cleaning, media-filled cartridges to absorb and retain the most challenging pollutants from stormwater runoff. The cartridges are fully adjustable, allowing specific contaminants to be targeted with a combination of media, flow and contact time. In this case, the StormFilter was custom designed to operate at half its normal flow rate with ZPG (a proprietary blend of Zeolite, Perlite, Granulated Activated Carbon) cartridges, providing a longer contact time to improve dissolved metal removal. This solution resulted in a larger than normal device, compared to a typical low trafficked carpark, but the client and consultant agreed that it was the most appropriate solution given the location, unique site specifications, and environmental outcomes”

 The design was further customised to make additional cost savings, including being constructed in two parts for ease of transport to a remote location and designed as a ‘plug and play’ system that would be instantly operational once installed. The design team also suggested an open top system to lower maintenance costs and improve safety. The system was delivered ahead of schedule and with an ongoing maintenance program.

 The selection process was rigorous including site visits and numerous requests for additional information. The Stormwater360 design team met every request and gave New Zealand’s largest dairy company confidence that they have the best technology for their needs and are taking an effective approach to minimise their impact on the environment.

Stormwater 360 is a specialist stormwater company with an understanding of the science around stormwater treatment above any other company in the country.  We provide bespoke and unique stormwater treatment solutions for industrial sites that achieve performance, cost, ease of operation, regulatory compliance and protection of the environment.  Contact our design team via [email protected] or 0800 STORMWATER for further info to discuss your industrial stormwater treatment needs.