Hino Motors Truck Assembly Plant: Wastewater Treatment Case Study

Discover how Ecologix Environmental Systems delivered a turnkey wastewater treatment plant for Hino Motors' West Virginia assembly plant, ensuring consistent regulatory compliance and sustainable manufacturing.

The Challenge: A Commitment to Environmental Stewardship in Truck Manufacturing

Hino Motors, a leading global manufacturer of medium and heavy-duty trucks, operates its state-of-the-art assembly plant in Mineral Wells, West Virginia, with a deep commitment to environmental responsibility. As a facility engaged in painting, washing, and various manufacturing processes, the plant generates a complex wastewater stream containing oils, greases, suspended solids, heavy metals, and organic pollutants.

To uphold their environmental pledge and ensure compliance with strict discharge limits set by state and federal regulations, Hino sought a reliable, efficient, and future-proof wastewater treatment solution. They required a partner capable of delivering a complete system from concept to commissioning, ensuring seamless integration with their existing operations and minimal disruption.

The Ecologix Solution: A Comprehensive Turnkey Approach

Hino selected Ecologix Environmental Systems for its proven expertise in industrial wastewater treatment and its reputation for delivering high-quality, custom-engineered solutions. Ecologix embraced the challenge, providing a comprehensive turnkey project that encompassed every stage from initial design and fabrication to final installation and commissioning.

The core of the Ecologix solution for Hino's Mineral Wells plant was a meticulously designed wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) featuring a multi-stage approach to ensure optimal contaminant removal:

Robust Storage & Equalization:

To manage fluctuating wastewater flows and contaminant loads inherent in a manufacturing environment, Ecologix integrated multiple storage tanks at the head of the system. These tanks provided essential equalization, ensuring a consistent feed to the downstream treatment processes and enhancing overall system stability and performance.

Advanced Physical-Chemical Treatment:

The initial and critical phase of treatment involved a sophisticated physical-chemical system:

• Ecologix E-405 Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) System: Following chemical treatment in a dedicated chemical reaction tank, the wastewater flowed into the heart of the primary treatment - the Ecologix E-405 DAF system. This highly efficient unit utilizes microscopic air bubbles to float the chemically treated contaminants (oils, greases, and suspended solids) to the surface as a concentrated sludge blanket. This innovative technology ensured superior clarification of the wastewater, significantly reducing the pollutant load for subsequent stages.

Cutting-Edge Biological Treatment - The Bio-Clear System:

To address dissolved organic pollutants and ensure the highest quality effluent, Ecologix incorporated its proprietary Bio-Clear biological treatment system. This advanced bioreactor employed a specialized consortium of microorganisms to metabolize and break down residual organic compounds in the wastewater. The Bio-Clear system was designed for optimal nutrient removal and robust performance, capable of handling varying organic loads while consistently achieving stringent discharge requirements.

Tertiary Filtration for Polishing:

For final polishing and to ensure regulatory compliance with the most stringent effluent standards, the treated water from the biological stage passed through an Activated Glass Filtration Media (AGFM) tertiary filter. This advanced filtration step removed any remaining fine suspended solids and turbidity, ensuring crystal-clear discharge quality. The AGFM filter's automated backwash system guaranteed continuous, maintenance-friendly operation.

Efficient Sludge Management:

A critical component of any wastewater treatment system is effective sludge management. The Ecologix design included a robust filter press specifically engineered to dewater the concentrated sludge generated from the DAF system and biological treatment. This mechanical dewatering process significantly reduced the volume of sludge, minimizing disposal costs and promoting more sustainable waste management practices for Hino.

Seamless Integration and Operational Excellence

Ecologix's turnkey approach meant more than just delivering equipment. Their team meticulously managed the entire project lifecycle, from civil works coordination to the precise installation of all mechanical and electrical components. The result was a fully integrated, automated, and user-friendly wastewater treatment plant.

Results: Sustainable Operations, Regulatory Compliance, and Peace of Mind

The commissioning of the new wastewater treatment plant at Hino's Mineral Wells facility marked a significant milestone. The Ecologix system will allow Hino Motors to consistently achieve and exceed all discharge permit requirements for decades into the future, allowing Hino to operate with confidence and uphold its commitment to environmental stewardship.

Through this comprehensive partnership, Ecologix Environmental Systems empowered Hino Motors to not only meet its environmental obligations but also to strengthen its position as a leader in sustainable manufacturing within the automotive industry. The Mineral Wells plant now stands as a testament to how advanced wastewater treatment solutions can drive both operational excellence and environmental responsibility.

Partner with Ecologix Environmental Systems

If you're looking for a partner to help design your wastewater treatment plant, consider Ecologix Environmental Systems. Our experienced team of engineers and project managers can help you achieve:

• Consistent Regulatory Compliance: Guaranteed discharge quality meeting all local, state, and federal regulations.
• Reduced Environmental Footprint: Effective removal of pollutants, minimizing the impact of manufacturing operations on the local ecosystem.
• Operational Efficiency: Automated systems and robust design minimized operator intervention and maintenance requirements.
• Long-Term Reliability: A custom-engineered, durable solution built for the demands of a continuous manufacturing environment.
• Turnkey Convenience: Benefit from a single point of contact and accountability, streamlining your project and ensuring a seamless transition to operational status.