Abstract: An apparatus for removing material collected in a material collection container having a floor and at least one substantially vertically extending wall. The apparatus includes a material removal assembly for removing material collected in the material collection container. The material removal assembly includes a first conduit and a second conduit. The first conduit is in telescoping relationship with the second conduit to permit the first conduit to move relative to the second conduit. The first conduit and the second conduit each have a longitudinal axis. The material removal assembly further includes at least one material removal header configured to receive material accumulating on the floor of the material collection container. The material removal assembly is preferably configured to enhance numerous aspects of the sludge removal process.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for treating and disposing of wastewater produced by a facility. This aspect of the present invention is particularly well suited to manage and dispose of wastewater produced by an agricultural processing facility. Treated wastewater is selectively blended with untreated wastewater of the facility and the blended mixture is provided to a disposal unit for disposal. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a system for maximizing the efficiency of an impurity removal unit designed to remove at least one impurity from a liquid. More specifically, this system is preferably designed to blend influent entering the impurity removal unit with another source of liquid to ensure that the liquid treated by the impurity removal unit has an impurity concentration approximately equal to the maximum impurity concentration that the impurity removal unit can satisfactorily process.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing material collected in a material collection container having a floor and at least one substantially vertically extending wall. The apparatus includes a material removal assembly for removing material collected in the material collection container. The material removal assembly includes a first conduit and a second conduit. The first conduit is in telescoping relationship with the second conduit to permit the first conduit to move relative to the second conduit. The first conduit and the second conduit each have a longitudinal axis. The material removal assembly further includes at least one material removal header configured to receive material accumulating on the floor of the material collection container. The material removal assembly is preferably configured to enhance numerous aspects of the sludge removal process.