Wet Coffee Processing Plants — ESIAs (Multi-Site)

Client: UGACOF Ltd

Location: Rukungiri, Kasese, Bushenyi & Rubirizi Districts, Uganda

The Challenge

Coffee washing increases water pollution: processing effluent (BOD 400–800 mg/L) contaminates streams, soil quality degrades from solid waste (husk, pulp), and community water access is threatened. Each site presents unique hydrological and social context requiring site-specific mitigation.

Our Role

Earth Partners conducted four consecutive ESIAs, each tailored to local conditions while maintaining consistent environmental standards.

What We Delivered (Per Site)

• Baseline Water Quality Assessment: Pre-project water status at intake and discharge points

• Wastewater Volume & Quality Projection: Estimation of processing effluent (BOD, TSS, nutrients)

• Effluent Treatment System Design: On-site treatment technology (settling ponds, constructed wetlands, biodigestion)

• Solid Waste Management Plan: Coffee husk and pulp valorization (compost, biofuel, livestock feed)

• Stakeholder Engagement: Local community consultation; water user group coordination

• Compliance Documentation: NEMA alignment; water authority approvals

• Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP): Operational waste segregation and treatment protocols

Key Results

✓ 4 Facility ESIAs Approved by NEMA

✓ 4 Site-Specific ETPs (Effluent Treatment Plants) Operational

✓ Community Water Security Maintained Post-Project

✓ Zero Water Pollution Incidents Reported