BelleAqua – a standardized wastewater solution for livestock farms
Challenge
Belgian OEM BelleAqua identified a serious wastewater problem for many livestock farms. The water used to clean stables cannot be discharged onto the sewer or surface water. While enforcement of regulations is increasing, there are high penalties for those who discharge without a permit. The alternative is to transport the wastewater to a specialized wastewater treatment facility. Obviously, this is a very expensive way of working.
The challenge here is to convert a linear water system to a circular one. Instead of using precious potable water or groundwater and discharging it after using it once, closing the loop by treating and reusing water solves two problems: less water is taken in and less water is discharged, significantly reducing the associated costs.
By using Blue Foot technology, BelleAqua is confident that it can offer a standardized and affordable solution to treat wastewater on-site. This way wastewater is being dealt with, and even better: it can be reused infinitely.
Solution
BelleAqua analyzed the needs of small livestock farms, the amount of water they use and the type of waste they are dealing with, like manure and wood ships. Based on that information they developed a standardized wastewater treatment plant that is fit for purpose. It has a fixed size and capacity to process 600 liter per day.
Results
The pilot plant is operational since May 2021 on the premises of BelleAqua for testing and demonstration. Multiple times a week a truck fills the feedtank with wastewater from a neighboring farm. The plant is monitored up close to evaluate and optimize the design. A second plant is being installed soon after at a livestock farm nearby. As a next step this concept will be made available to the market, targeting the many Flemish livestock farms that are looking for a sustainable solution for wastewater treatment and reuse.
Customer: Livestock farms
Location: Flanders, Belgium
Sector: Agriculture
Partner(s): BelleAqua
Size: 1 IPC® Smart module
Treatment capacity: 600 l/day
Start-up: May 2021