While it’s true that all produced water ponds on wineries need some kind of impermeable liner, the same can’t be said for covers. Not all produced water holding or treatment ponds benefit from covers. Yet, for some designs, an impermeable cover is just as important as the liner in keeping waste water contained and breaking down at a specific rate. Sealing a pond may require careful engineering and the right materials, but it’s often more affordable than trying to buy pre-made tanks that can hold the same total volume. Discover how a flexible cover from BTL Liners can improve certain types of produced water ponds.
Evaporation Moderation
First, covers in general are used most commonly for evaporation control. Evaporation is often a desired goal, in treatment and holding ponds on wineries, since it reduces the total amount of water to deal with and it encourages good aeration. However, some methods call for reducing evaporation as much as possible to keep the mixture from being concentrated as it breaks down and clarifies. Flexible covers can control evaporation just as well as the use of closed tanks but at a fraction of the cost. Even if a gas tight seal is needed, materials like RPE can be sealed to the liner for the perfect system to keep evaporation at a minimum.
Odor Control
When unpleasant odors are the main issue with an otherwise functioning wastewater system, a cover is often the best short-term solution to keep guests and neighbors happy. However, it may not be the right answer for long-term control. Finding the source of the odor and fixing the bacterial balance of the wastewater is usually a better choice, especially because it improves the reuse or discharge opportunities for the water as well. If you notice you only have odor problems for a short time during peak use, putting a cover over the pond for a few weeks at a time may be all you need to solve the issue.
Anaerobic Processing
Wineries that prefer anaerobic processing methods for their produced water supplies often assume they must spend much more on tanks rather than relying on affordable in-ground ponds. With the addition of the right cover, a large pond can achieve the same anaerobic conditions as a tank, in order to clean the water as much as possible. This allows for a far greater level of processing than is achievable with tanks alone.
Rainwater Addition
Covers also help control what flows into the pond, which can be a problem in any wastewater treatment plan. Keeping the water at a precise level of concentration is often required for certain stages of produced water clarification. Diluting the supply with a sudden surge of fresh water in the form of rain or runoff can lead to odor issues, slowed waste digestion, and other problems.
BTL Liners offers more than just the lining materials for ponds. We also produce cover materials compatible with our liners so we can offer full enclosure solutions for waste and produced water management. If you think your winery pond may need a seasonal or year-round cover, brose our wide selection of products or contact our team for assistance.
