Question

You have recently been hired at a medium-scale food factory in Grove, East Bank Demerara, which produces wine from various fruits all throughout the year. You have noticed, however, large amounts of waste from the manufacturing being washed down and discharged directly into the main drainage canal outside the factory.

In your own words, write a justification to your manager on why they should invest in a wastewater treatment set-up/plant.

Answer 1

Investing in a wastewater treatment set-up is justified in a medium-scale food factory that produces wine from various fruits. It helps reduce environmental impact, ensures regulatory compliance, and allows for resource recovery.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a medium-scale food factory that produces wine from various fruits, investing in a wastewater treatment set-up is justified due to several reasons:

1. Environmental Impact: Discharging untreated wastewater into the main drainage canal can cause pollution of the surrounding water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and the ocean. This can harm aquatic life and ecosystems. By implementing a wastewater treatment plant, the factory can reduce its environmental impact and help protect the local environment.
2. Regulatory Compliance: Large quantities of waste being discharged without proper treatment may be in violation of local regulations. Investing in a wastewater treatment set-up would ensure the factory meets regulatory requirements and avoids potential fines or legal consequences.
3. Resource Recovery: Proper treatment of wastewater can allow for the recovery of water and nutrients. Treated wastewater can be reused for irrigation, helping conserve water resources, especially in areas prone to water scarcity. Additionally, the nutrients present in wastewater can be utilized for agricultural purposes, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.