Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Wastewater discharged by poultry processing facilities is characterized mainly by high biochemical oxygen demand, high suspended solids and a complex mixture of fats, proteins and fibers requiring systematic treatment prior to disposal. One of the major concerns with poultry processing plants is the large volumes of water required for cleaning and sanitation. In addition, these discharged waters can contain high concentration of nutrients, organic matter, grease, and pathogens. As abattoir wastewater is typically well above municipal standards, poultry owners are required to treat wastewater onsite or pay high fees for discharge into municipal sewers. As a result of these costly wastewater discharge permits and fees, onsite treatment technologies with low capital and maintenance costs are desirable to most processing plants. Depending on the degree of treatment required, poultry processors have the option of utilizing physical, chemical and biological treatment systems. Yorkshire Valley Farms (YVF) is a certified Ontario-based organic poultry producer. Currently YVF uses third party processing and packaging partners to convert their product into retail-ready units. In order to continue leadership and innovation for sustainable offerings, YVF will be working with their supply chain partners to deploy industry leading practices in safe and sustainable water management. This includes the characterization of abattoir wastewater streams generated during poultry processing, optimizing the treatment system for water usage and evaluating current technologies for treatment of abattoir waste. This information will then be used by YVF to develop sustainable operations within an existing poultry processing plant. The results of this applied research will enhance YVF's growth, market position, and technical credibility.