Brassfield Estate Winery, located in
High Valley, lake County, California, has developed a 4.11 acre
wine tasting and recreational area within a 1,600 acre estate.
The land is used for grapes and homesteading operations. The
winery facility consists of a 6,000 square foot roofed warehouse
and a 6,000 square foot concrete slab for the processing operations.
Brassfield currently processes approximately 250 tons of red
and white grapes annually during a 45 day crush period, which
produces approximately 15,000 cases of wine annually. It is
anticipated that within approximately 10 years the annual production
will increase to 80,000 cases of wine. Lake County recently
issued a new use permit (#03-07) to Brassfield classifying them
as a large winery, which allows unlimited production capacity,
incidental retail sales and special events.
The wastewater from processing the wine is collected in floor
drains, piped to wastewater sumps, and treated using Rotating
Biological Contactor (RBC) technology. The treated wastewater
is then pumped into a 5,000 gallon storage tank until it is
used ti irrigate an area near to processing building. A two
unit RBC system was installed and was designed to treat an
average daily flow of 1,458 gallons per day (gpd) with a BOD
of 5,000 milligrams per liter. This high flow only occurs
during the peek of the crushing season which will last approximately
45 days. One RBC unit is designed to treat the peek daily
process flow rates during the off-season (700 gpd)
Problem:
Brassfield is currently having problems achieving adequate
treatment from the RBC due to the variation of the waste streams
throughout the year. An RBC unit works most efficiently when
it receives not only a constant flow, but also a constant
biological loading. Due to desire to expand wine production,
inconsistencies in the flow and lack of performances of the
RBC, Brassfield has sought out alternatives for wastewater
treatment that can adequately accept the variations in wine
production.
Solution:
H&A has provide different treatment alternatives
1) Biothane Anaerobic Treatment-Aerated Lagoon- Spray Field
Advantages:
Package system that will arrive on site ready to accept wastewater
Minimizes installation
Odors minimal to non existent
Solids production is minimal
2) Aerated Lagoon-membrane Reactor-Spray Field
Advantages:
High volumetric loading rate
Less space required for wastewater treatment
High quality effluent in terms of TSS, BOD, turbidity
3) Aerated Lagoon(s)-Clarifier w/sludge recycle-Spry Field.
Advantages:
Minimal to negligible sludge settlement in lagoon
Minimal odors
Redundant lagoons for flexible operation
Relatively small basins
Utilizes Brassfield laborers can be utilized for construction
of lagoons
4) Aerated lagoon(s) - Settling Pond-Spray Field.
Advantages:
Low maintenance
Redundant basins for flexible operation
Lagoons may attract wildlife
Majority of construction by Brassfield employees
