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Dairy Waste Byproducts

Yogurt and Cottage Cheese Production

Ecovation completed a waste stream pretreatment and renewable energy system for a cultured dairy processor of brand name yogurt and cottage cheese products. The manufacturing facility is located in rural northern New York and relies on No. 6 fuel oil and electricity as its main energy sources. The project was partially funded by a $500,000 USDA rural development grant received by the customer. Ecovation designed, built, and is currently operating the facility under a long-term agreement.

Ecovation’s waste stream pretreatment system incorporates its Mobilized Film Technology (MFT) to process high-strength dairy waste byproducts – including CIP first rinse, acid whey, and yogurt slop – generating high quality biofuel within a small constructed footprint. In addition to the wastes produced in their manufacturing facility, the client accepts wastes from other dairies in the area, increasing the amount of renewable energy generated.

The project received the 2007 Environmental Excellence Award from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Benefits:
• Biogas provides 25% of plant’s total steam requirement
• Awarded $500,000 USDA rural development grant
• Eliminate risk from acid whey disposal practices
• Reduced air (SOx) emissions from burning of fossil fuels
• Support client’s environmental stewardship initiatives