Environment and sustainability
AMPC has invested in the development of an extensive array of training resources for meat processing wastewater operators. Explore the resources below.
Biogas capture
Since 2007 there has been a rapid introduction of covered anaerobic lagoon technology (and its associated variants) into the red meat processing industry in Australia to replace traditional anaerobic ponds which were open to the atmosphere – albeit often through a relatively thick natural floating crust.
Consequently, a need has arisen to provide informative and careful advice on the hazards of this new technology and how the risks associated with these hazards can be appropriately mitigated.
Design safety guidelines for CALS and related infrastructure
Wastewater management
Upstream wastewater treatment
Upstream treatment is the first part of the wastewater treatment processes, to prepare wastewater for discharge to sewer or further treatment using biological treatment processes.
Reducing wastewater generation
Slaughter and evisceration areas consume the largest amount of water, with the majority being used for cleaning and sterilising.
Anaerobic ponds
Anaerobic ponds play an important role in the treatment of meat processing wastewater. Their key function is to reduce the level of organic contaminants such as biological oxygen demand over five days.
Aerobic ponds
Aerobic ponds are typically shallow (less than 2 metres), large ponds which are commonly found downstream of anaerobic ponds. Their main purpose is to reduce BOD5 concentrations to suitable levels.
Biogas capture, storage and combustion
Biogas is the product of anaerobic biological breakdown of organic substances. It is produced by an anaerobic technology when conditions are suitable for methane production.
Nitrogen removal
Nitrogen present in meat processing wastewater is termed a "nutrient" since it is an essential elements for life. They largely derive from proteins dissolved into wastewater from meat tissue, blood (nitrogen), paunch liquid and stockyards.
Environmental innovations
In focus
Energy sufficient meat processing facility
This project looked to demonstrate that meat processing plants can become energy sufficient using technologies that are reliable and available as well as identifying gaps and further research required.
Meat industry essentials: feedlot solar farms project
The Teys Condamine Feedlot has reduced energy usage through adopting solar farm technologies. Check out their story here.
Effective and low cost management of water resources at UQ (AWMC)
The lab at the University of Queensland’s Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC) has undertaken research for AMPC on effective and low cost management of water resources and using wastewater streams for feedstock and value added products.
Water reuse and recycle at Teys Hide Processing Plant, Murgon, QLD
Teys Hide Processing Plant now recycles every wastewater stream and reuses it wherever they can, using sludge to make compost and reducing the waste, leaving the plant to just one skip bin a week.
Wastewater and biogas project at Thomas Foods International, Murray Bridge, SA
Thomas Foods International inherited an antiquated waste water treatment system. The system was under capacity and limiting opportunities to expand the facility. Thomas Foods International committed to investing in a sustainable low energy, high efficient system which could recover valuable resources such as biogas and nutrients from waste, meet all the relevant legislative and licensing requirements and improve the environment outcomes for the local community.