Conclusion

After analysis of the design and implementation of a solar powered wash station at LaFarm we have concluded that it is feasible to install a FSMA approved technology into the workflow of LaFarm. After extensive research and investigation of the social and policy contexts and how it thus influences our economic and technical analyses, we believe that the students of the civil engineering class next semester will be prepared to construct the wash station. 

The wash station design that we have proposed in our report is both economically and technically feasible to be used as a template for other small scale farms. The materials utilized in our technical analysis are of low cost and can be purchased from Home Depot near campus.The design we have presented in this technical analysis describes how we believe that the engineering team should execute the construction of the structure; however, additional structural analysis is still necessary.

Though LaFarm has funds available to construct a more sophisticated facility, our design  is in line with LaFarm’s goal of providing a template of how other small scale farms can comply with FSMA regulation with the use of renewable energy. Additionally, with the use of purchased materials, rather than donated items like in the past, LaFarm shows its credibility as a self-sustaining farm. This credibility supports LaFarm’s mission to provide locally grown food to the community and campus without competing other farms in the area.

The wash station that we have designed incorporates all aspects of the facility and the water cycle that must be taken into consideration when approaching a system of this nature. The facility, which includes the floor, walls, roof, drainage and table are designed with the needs of the expected user in mind. Each step of the workflow is considered in order to design a solution that will increase the productivity of the wash station while meeting FSMA regulation. We believe that this achieves our goals set out in the social and policy analysis.

Within the system of the the solar powered wash station that must be considered to produce a well-analyzed design is the water cycle. The water cycle, traced from the well, through the UV filter and irrigation system and back to the wash table is a crucial aspect of this design. The UV filter ensures quality of water and allows the wash station as a whole comply with FMSA regulation. The waste water from the sink is then collected, tested and fed back into the swale to keep the cycle in motion. In conjunction with the use of the solar panels, our wash station allows the water cycle to fit within the sustainable objective of this project and LaFarm.

The solar powered wash station that we have designed and proposed in this report will allow LaFarm to expand it operations in the future. The solution that we have arrived at has been considered in both the short term and long term as the best option for LaFarm as it moves to expand its facilities. With the installation of this system, LaFarm can more efficiently serve its existing customers as well as enhance upon the experience of the community members who utilize LaFarm. Through the implementation of a wash station, LaFarm will be able to continue its mission to maintain the Lafayette food loop in an educationally beneficial and sustainable fashion.