How Viltra provided a wastewater treatment solution for a seafood processor in Ireland.
Client Overview
A leading seafood processor based in Wexford, Ireland, specialises in the production of shellfish, whelks and other seafood products. Following an Irish Water upgrade of the local municipal wastewater treatment works, the business could no longer discharge its waste stream in the same way.
To comply with new discharge limits to the sea, they required an on-site wastewater treatment solution capable of reliably and efficiently managing high-strength effluent.
Challenges
The processor encountered several technical and environmental challenges. The high salinity of the wastewater, caused by shellfish processing, required equipment capable of withstanding corrosive conditions. Wastewater loading was unpredictable, as the volume and timing of catch depended heavily on weather patterns, leading to inconsistent flow rates.
Compounding these issues, the site lacked any existing wastewater infrastructure, meaning the system had to be designed and installed from the ground up. The influent also contained fine sand and proteins from whelk processing, which proved difficult to screen effectively. Finally, the shoreline location introduced an aggressive marine environment that posed additional design and durability considerations.
Our Solution
Viltra collaborated closely with the client to develop a bespoke, phased solution that could be implemented in stages to meet operational and regulatory needs:
Stage 1 (Implemented):
• Inlet pumping station managing various influent streams, including production waste and washdown water
• Belt mechanical screen to remove bulk solids
• Balance tank with aeration-based agitation to buffer irregular flows and prevent septicity
• Bespoke control system with SCADA integration
• Complete design, manufacture, installation, commissioning, operator training, and service support
Future Stages (Planned):
• Stage 2:
Chemical separation using flocculation and fine screening to reduce suspended solids and COD
• Stage 3:
Biological treatment, if required, to further reduce BOD and ammonia levels
Results
This tailored, scalable system enabled the client to continue operations uninterrupted while ensuring environmental compliance. Viltra’s technical expertise, flexibility, and client-focused approach delivered a reliable and adaptable solution that supported both immediate needs and future expansion.
Viltra’s personal, collaborative approach, deep technical expertise, and flexibility were key to the project’s success, providing a tailored, non-corporate solution that prioritised both the client’s budget and timelines.
Start a project with us
At Viltra, we are specialists in separating waste and water. Whether you have an individual household, a business or a development, we all need and rely on water, we all create and dispose of waste and we all must keep these two worlds apart.
Viltra are a dedicated team who designs, manufactures and installs wastewater treatment solutions for a wide range of sectors across the UK and Ireland, including the commercial and industrial sector, education sector, conservation sector, domestic sector, agricultural sector and the tourism and hospitality industry. Offering an end-to-end service, the experienced team at Viltra ensure our customers receive a premium service and a robust solution to their wastewater management requirements.
To make an enquiry or to book a site visit by our expert engineers who will find a solution for you, please get in touch with Viltra through the contact form provided.
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