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January 2001
Summary
Port Lincoln Tuna Processors is the single largest user of potable
water in Port Lincoln. A detailed investigation into its water
usage and wastewater generation identified strategies, in conjunction
with the services of Eyre Peninsula Water Treatment, to minimise
water usage. Since mid-1999 the company has implemented these
strategies and is saving 22,000 kL or 20% of mains water
annually - a direct saving of $20,000, even with a significant
increase in production. Water use for canning tuna has been reduced
by over 50% on a per tonne basis. Ongoing improvements to waste
treatment infrastructure will result in significant reductions
in trade waste treatment costs.
Business Profile
Port Lincoln Tuna Processors (PLTP) is currently the only
operating tuna cannery in Australia. Its primary products are
canned tuna and sashimi tuna. The facility employs 200 people
and has an economic value of approximately $50 million to South
Australia.
Financial assistance provided
Flinders University of South Australia carried out the
consultancy with a grant of $15,000 from the EPA and funding through
the Coast and Clean Seas scheme. The consultancy covered eight
major processing facilities in Port Lincoln.
Technology implemented
A detailed investigation of water usage and wastewater
generation (both quality and quantity) identified areas where
major savings could be made. Waste reverse osmosis (RO) water
and vacuum pump wastewater is now used for washdown. Thaw tank
efficiency has been improved significantly. All washdown hoses
are fitted with flow trigger nozzles. An improved cooling conveyer
system is now used for cooling hot fish fillets.
Cleaner production motivators
Major increases in production following the closure of
the New South Wales cannery at Eden would have increased water
usage and associated costs. In addition, the implementation of
a new marine discharge policy by the SA EPA in 2001 will require
PLTP to instigate new waste treatment practices at significant
cost. Waste minimisation was considered important for continuing
economic operation of the facility. The Coast and Clean Seas project
was also an important driver for this study.
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| Autoclave
for sterlising cans |
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| Canning process
line |
Traditional approach
Water usage at PLTP has been increasing annually up to a high
in March 2000 when the facility had used 109,855 kL in the
previous 12 months. Previous attempts at reducing water usage
had not been implemented fully. Incentives to minimise wastewater
and waste generation were not pressing, as discharge of wastewater
through a marine outlet was allowed.
Cleaner production initiatives
Benefits recommended and implemented
Monitoring
A thorough review of all water usage and wastewater generation
on site was instigated in the program, identifying opportunities
for minimisation. The investigation also identified possibilities
for waste stream separation to reduce future waste treatment costs.
Waste treatment/separation
Mesh baskets and silt traps were installed and employees trained
in new waste removal procedures. A range of options being investigated
by PLTP management includes the use of screens and membranes,
with the main barrel screen separator to be upgraded.
Benefits
| Environmental |
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| Water usage |
- Water use has been reduced by 20% in a wide range of
processes.
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| Waste water usage |
- PLTP has invested a considerable amount of water storage
tanks and wash down systems throughout the processing
line. Washdown is now achieved using 85% recycled treated
water.
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| Waste reduction |
- Reductions in nutrient load in wastewater will have
significant benefits for the re-use of wastewater treatment
plant effluent being implemented in the Coast and Clean
Seas initiative.
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| Waste separation |
- Investigations into waste stream separation should allow
high nutrient, low volume wastewater and separate solids
to be used beneficially, e.g. for composting..
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| Economic |
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| Productivity |
- Productivity and cost efficiency have increased significantly.
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| Water usage costs |
- Cost of water usage per tonne of processed fish in the
cannery has reduced by over 50%.
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| Future waste treatment costs |
- Future trade waste discharge fees to sewer will be based
on both volume and strength; savings in charges through
waste minimisation and separation of high nutrient streams,
use of screens etc. will result in significant future
savings.
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| Payback period |
- Most improvements have been instigated through changes
in operational procedures and use of existing infrastructure.
- Equipment upgrade—e. g. installation of a new cooling
conveyer primarily to increase processing efficiency—has
been accompanied by significant cost savings in water
usage.
- Payback period for measures aimed directly at waste
minimisation is estimated to be less than two months.
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Where to find additional information
Eco-efficiency Team
Environment Protection Authority
GPO Box 2607
Adelaide SA 5001
Phone: (+61 8) 8204 2004
www.epa.sa.gov.au
Mr Stephen Visic
Chief Engineer
Port Lincoln Tuna Processors
Proper Bay Road
Port Lincoln SA 5606
Phone (+61 8) 8682 1255
This page was last modified 31-07-2007
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