ECOVATION ANNOUNCES CONTRACT WITH SIMI WINERY

Ecovation to design and construct efficient, compact wastewater treatment solution for California winery

Ecovation, a developer of value-driven wastewater treatment and renewable energy solutions, today announced that they have signed a contract with Simi Winery, a 130-year-old award-winning Sonoma County winery owned by Constellation Brands, Inc., to deliver a packaged wastewater treatment solution.

Specifically designed for smaller applications, the upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor will effectively treat wastewater with variations in chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentrations, as well as fluctuating seasonal flows, in a compact and easy-to-maintain footprint. The system will be fabricated and assembled offsite on skids for ease of installation once delivered to the Simi facility.

“For this project, we designed a system that truly caters to Simi’s particular needs,” said Diane C. Creel, President and CEO of Ecovation. “In terms of size, ease of use, and even aesthetic appearance, Ecovation has created a method of customizing and installing waste stream management solutions that has applications beyond Simi.”

This contract represents Ecovation’s ongoing partnership with the Constellation Brands labels. Previously, Ecovation designed, constructed, and is presently operating a wastewater treatment system for Centerra Wine Company in upstate New York under a long-term agreement. In addition, Ecovation is currently developing a wastewater treatment solution for Woodbridge Winery in California.

“Working with Ecovation provides us with the specially tailored solution we need,” said John Pritchard of Simi Winery. “Ecovation’s technology allows us to conserve sludge production and reduce discharge costs. Space is a premium at our winery, and this solution meets all our space constraints while providing an easy-to-manage compact solution.”

About Simi Winery
For more than 130 years, Simi Winery has been producing outstanding wines from Sonoma County in the winery’s historic stone cellars in Healdsburg. Simi’s devotion to tradition is enhanced by consistent pursuit of the best vineyards and grape-growing practices, excellence in winemaking, and the art of pairing wine with food.

March 1, 2007