Dole Refrigerating Company Cooling Tower in Lewisburg, Tennessee

Dole Refrigerating Company operates a cooling tower facility in Lewisburg, Tennessee, within Marshall County. The plant serves industrial refrigeration requirements, likely supporting food processing or cold storage operations common in the region. As a cooling tower facility, it plays a critical role in heat rejection for refrigeration systems. The facility operates under U.S. regulations, including ASHRAE 15 for refrigeration safety and the EPA's refrigerant management rules under the Clean Air Act. The plant's NAICS codes (332322 and 333415) indicate involvement in sheet metal work and heating/cooling equipment manufacturing, suggesting a diverse industrial base. Cooling towers in this region typically use evaporative cooling, which can have significant water consumption implications. Environmental considerations for this facility include refrigerant global-warming potential (GWP) and water usage. The plant likely uses refrigerants such as ammonia or HFCs, with GWP varying by type. Water consumption for evaporative cooling towers can be substantial, especially in Tennessee's humid climate. The facility's operational status ensures continued service to local industries, contributing to the regional cold chain infrastructure.

Cooling towers in Tennessee operate in a humid subtropical climate, which affects evaporative cooling efficiency and water consumption. The facility's refrigerant choice impacts its global-warming potential (GWP), with common refrigerants like R-404A having high GWP. Water usage for evaporative cooling can be significant, and local water availability may influence operational practices. Regulatory frameworks such as the EPA's Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) and the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol guide refrigerant phase-downs.