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www.porknews.com.au Australian Pork Newspaper, November 2024 %u2013 Page 5BEGA Cheese environmental manager for Northern Victoria Sean Trebley was given the task of upgrading the wastewater aeration system at Bega%u2019s Strathmerton plant.The problemThe existing wastewater system consisted of a dissolved air floatation unit, which flowed into an aerated lagoon. The resulting effluent was stored in two nonaerated lagoons during winter, with irrigation occurring in summer.Aerators reduce chemical oxygen demand in wastewater as well as odours in the aerated and downstream non-aerated lagoons. Bega had an ageing system of surface aerators in the aerated lagoon, consisting of two 22kW units and six 8kW units, but generally only one or two of these units were operated at any time.Over several years the ageing surface aerators had progressively failed. Repairs involved the deployment of cranes and boats to gain access %u2013 an expensive process that resulted in damage to the dam liner. Eventually it became uneconomical to keep repairing the aerators.The solutionBega decided to look for a solution that was safer for operators and easier to maintain. Mr Trebley contacted Hydro Innovations to discuss the use of the company%u2019s bankmounted Venturi aeration system. This solution is mounted on the banks of lagoons, using a selfpriming pump to draw water from the lagoon. The unit draws in atmospheric air using the Venturi effect, mixes it with the water being pumped and discharges it back into the lagoon charged with dissolved oxygen.Mr Trebley and his team liked the idea of bank mounting because it gave operators easy access to equipment for monitoring and repair %u2013 making it safer and more costeffective to maintain. Bega%u2019s only concern was whether the units were as efficient as surface-mounted technologies. Hydro Innovations was able to provide information indicating that, with the use of the right pump, oxygen transfer efficiency for Venturi aeration units can be as high or higher than 1.86kg O2/kWh, making them at least as efficient as surface %u2013 floating %u2013 technologies.The aerated lagoon contained 45ML of effluent, with in-flows from 80-120ML per year. This required a 150mm Venturi aeration unit, which was paired with a GormanRupp V6A60-B selfpriming pump, giving a hydraulic efficiency of 70 percent.The resultSince installation, operators have observed a continued increase in the dissolved oxygen level and have seen COD fall by 50 percent %u2013 even though the higher level of mixing was re-suspending settled solids, which became more bioavailable to colony-forming units.Mr Trebley and the Bega Cheese crew are happy with the everincreasing levels of dissolved oxygen, the reduction in COD and their odour-free lagoon. The wastewater and maintenance teams are also pleased that monitoring and maintenance can be done safely, without the use of cranes, boats or winches.For more information, contact Hydro Innovations on (02) 9898 1800 or hydroinnovations.com.au sales@HydroInnovations.com.auwww.HydroInnovations.com.au RUGGED & RELIABLE WASTEWATER PUMPSDesigned, cast, machined, assembled & tested in the USA%u2022 Self-priming pumps are mounted above ground for easy access and maintenance%u2022 Designed to minimise blockages%u2022 Pumps rags and stringy materials with %u2018eradicator%u2019 technology%u2022 Does not require multiple personnel to maintain.The lagoon two weeks after the installation of the Venturi Aerator. Ripples from the aerator that radiate to all parts of the lagoon ensure a good level of mixing.Wastewater system gets upgrade with new aerator THE Australian Meat Industry Council an- nounced recently that its chief executive of- ficer Patrick Hutch- inson will step down from his role, effective November 1, 2024. Since July 2017, Patrick has led AMIC through a period of significant change, playing a key role in advancing the organisation%u2019s strategic plan focused on advocacy, member support, industry growth and sustainability.AMIC chair Tom Maguire said, %u201cPatrick has been instrumental in developing our first ever strategic plan, then driving our strategic vision forward.%u201d%u201cUnder his leadership, AMIC has evolved remarkably in the areas of advocacy, industry leadership, events and services, ensuring our members are equipped to face industry challenges and capitalise on new opportunities.%u201cOn behalf of our members, Patrick%u2019s advocacy efforts have significantly lifted the profile of our industry at all levels of government,%u201d Mr Maguire said.%u201cHis strong relationships have directly contributed to market access improvements, such as lifting export suspensions in China, and set new standards in animal welfare practices. %u201cHe defended all our members, especially retail members, during the COVID pandemic at both a federal and state level. %u201cHe revitalised our smallgoods membership program, culminating in strong advocacy outcomes as well as the Australian Charcuterie Excellence Awards.%u201dAdding that Mr Hutchinson%u2019s work directly contributed to AMIC%u2019s mission to increase the profitability and viability of its members, influence policy and guide the industry toward a sustainable future.%u201cPatrick%u2019s leadership has positioned AMIC as a robust voice both domestically and internationally,%u201d Mr Maguire said.%u201cHis impact on our industry will be felt for years to come, and we are grateful for his tireless work and commitment to our industry over such a long time.%u201dReflecting on his time at AMIC, Mr Hutchinson said, %u201cI am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together across all sectors of the meat industry.%u201d%u201cDespite the many challenges we faced, we have emerged stronger and more united. %u201cI look forward to seeing AMIC continue its upward journey and know that the organisation is in a great position for future success.%u201dMr Maguire said, %u201cAs we move into a new chapter, AMIC remains committed to building on the solid foundation that Patrick has helped to establish.%u201d%u201cOur focus now is on finding the right leader to continue driving the organisation forward, championing the interests of all our members and steer the industry toward a profitable, sustainable future.%u201d AMIC CEO Patrick Hutchinson steps downAMIC CEO Patrick Hutchinson will step down from his role effective November 1, 2024.