Abstract |
The Caldwell Lace Leather Co. of Auburn, Kentucky, a small tannery using primarily alum tanning but some chrome and vegetable tanning, received a demonstration grant to investigate and demonstrate methods of treating tannery wastes for discharge to a small stream. A research contract with Vanderbilt University produced findings which have previously been reported and are reviewed herein. A modified completely-mixed activated sludge plant was constructed, along with facilities to handle specific problem wastes. After it had been operating for a year, an EPA survey team conducted a study which showed that the plant was performing as predicted by the research phase, except for solids carryover from the secondary clarifier due to mechanical problems. After the problems were corrected, the plant began producing an effluent which more than met expectations, removing 97% of the suspended solids and 95% of the BOD. The report reviews the characteristics of the wastes and discusses the treatment process. |