Manufacturer of Leather Products

Background
An upstate New York tannery operation became a NYS TAAC client due to the effects of increased competition of imported products in the leather industry. The firm also struggled with the promulgation of stringent USEPA, NYSDEC and local government wastewater effluents standards, due to the capital, operation, and maintenance costs involved with maintaining acceptable wastewater contaminant levels.

Assistance Provided
The NYS TAAC working with the firm identified wastewater effluent costs as an area offering potential savings because of possible inefficiencies resulting in increased wastewater flow and loss of recyclable process water constituents. This situation was then confirmed by three independent experts in the field of wastewater management.

Project Results
 The NYS TAAC and the firm selected and contracted with a consultant who developed pretreatment alternatives and designed a new system of liquid treatment and solids disposal. The results of the completed project is a cost saving solution that assures adherence to all local, state and federal regulations.