James A. Sewell & Associates, LLC

Milbrandt/Wahluke Winery Waste Discharge System

Wahluke Winery previously discharged into the City of Mattawa, Wa., Sewage Plant. In 2006, during crush season, the discharge of the winery, which is 100 times stronger than domestic wastewater, overloaded the newly constructed treatment plant. James A Sewell & Associates, LLC, was hired to evaluate pre-treatment options. We evaluated mechanical treatment options, including MBR technology, activated sludge, anaerobic treatment and lagoon treatment. After considering life cycle costs, including capital costs of at least $500,000, James A Sewell & Associates, LLC, recommended that the winery apply their crush season wastewater onto their adjacent vineyards at very low rates and discharge only cleaning water to the Mattawa Plant at other times. We assisted the winery in applying for a separate State Waste Discharge Permit, developed an operational manual for the wastewater from the winery and designed the above-ground fiberglass holding tanks. Working with the city and the Wa. Department of Ecology, the new system is operating well and the prior problems have been resolved. In 2009, the Winery will be discharging to the newly constructed Port of Mattawa plant. James A Sewell & Associates, LLC, is assisting the winery in modifications to the pre-treatment system and permitting issues.

For more information contact:
Andrew Tim, P.E.
509-747-5794
atom@jasewell.com