Highly variable loading from the dairy wastewater averaged 45,000 lb BOD5/d and the
flow averaged 613 gpm. These values far exceeded the design capacity of the plant, which is
rated for an average load and flow of 16,000 lb BOD5/d and 486 gpm, respectively. Peak 4-h
loading in the plant exceeded 25,000 lb BOD5—more than five times the design value. Despite
BOD5 loading of 200% above design, the system achieved an average BOD5 removal of 90%
(11, 13). Influent and effluent wastewater composition and plant performance are shown in
Table 2.4