WINEC - Advanced systems for the enhancement of the environmental performance of WINEries in Cyprus

During wine production, large volumes of both liquid and solid waste are produced, the quantity and quality of which depend on the wine type and the production techniques. Total wastewater production of a winery is estimated to be 1.2 times greater than the production of wine. Solid waste, including skins, stems, pips, lees and sludge, is also produced, but most Cypriot wineries do not have biological treatment plants in place. The project will identify the environmental impacts associated with wine production, and will set up an environmental management system (EMS) for the Tsiakkas Winery in western Cyprus. This will be done through: (i) an analysis of the European and Cypriot wine industries, as well as of EU and local statutory provisions relating to the operation of wineries, and identify good practice examples; (ii) an Environmental Analysis for wineries in Cyprus and a detailed Environmental Review for the Tsiakkas Winery; (iv) the setting up of an environmental policy for the Tsiakkas Winery and establishment of an EMS; (v) the design, development and construction of a pilot Winery Wastewater Treatment (WWWT) plant; (vi)  development of a good practice guide for the improvement of the environmental performance of wineries, and specifications for WWWT plants.