--> Abstract: In-situ Wastewater Treatment and Groundwater Remediation at a Sugar Beet Processing Facility, by J. L. Olson, P. R. Fuller-Pratt, and R. A. Mielke; #90952 (1996).

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Abstract: In-situ Wastewater Treatment and Groundwater Remediation at a Sugar Beet Processing Facility

John L. Olson, Patricia R. Fuller-pratt, Randolph A. Mielke

Groundwater monitoring data collected at the Western Sugar Company sugar beet processing plant, in Billings, Montana identified groundwater mounding and groundwater nitrogen concentration increases associated with lime slurry discharge to an on-site storage pile. The nitrogen impacts (primarily ammonia) likely originated through decomposition of organic matter in the slurry.

Initially, Western Sugar considered constructing an expensive anaerobic and nitrification-denitrification wastewater treatment system. However, further investigation of the lime pile revealed that it was already serving as an efficient filter and anaerobic reactor. Comparisons of slurry application with other land application systems suggested that groundwater nitrogen impacts could be minimized through groundwater capture, reapplication, and improved slurry management.

The resultant system required little capitol and maintenance cost. The immediate effect was to substantially decrease the groundwater mound. Subsequent monitoring has demonstrated a gradual decline in nitrogen concentrations under the lime pile and a considerable concentration decrease downgradient of the groundwater recovery system.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90952©1996 AAPG Rocky Mountain Section Meeting, Billings, Montana