During the last two years, Natchez Water Works has hauled 3,300 tons of toxic sludge to a special-permitted dump site, incurring transportation costs of $400,000 every year.
Now, with a grant of federal stimulus money, Natchez Water Works Wastewater Treatment Plant in New Hampshire is investing in a green makeover that will eliminate those costs and cut the carbon footprint of the city.
The upgrade, partly funded by a 20-year loan at 1.57 percent interest, will convert the sludge into a class-A biosolid that can be sold for agricultural purposes. The facility will be online in late September.
(READ full story at The Natchez Democrat)
I am all for recycling – it’s the only way to sustainability. But, the results are not in yet on the safety of biosolids/sewage sludge on human health, let alone the health of the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems near the agricultural areas it is used on.
Thanks for the info. If you have any links you can post them here. I had never heard of biosolids prior to this article.
“…there is a critical need to update the scientific basis of the rule to (1) ensure that the chemical and pathogen standards are supported by current scientific data and risk-assessment methods, (2) demonstrate effective enforcement of the Part 503 rule, and (3) validate the effectiveness of biosolids- management practices.”
From the Summary in:
http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/biosolids/nas/complete.pdf
a National Academy of Sciences report.
geri:
BTW, I feel IF the science is done and the engineering accomplished, to separate out the toxics from the “biosolids”, I think it would be a fantastic way to use an untapped “national treasure” so to speak! Economics is in constant battle with long term health care issues. I hope we have the wisdom, and the media and govt do their jobs in keeping the public informed and looking out for the people’s interest, to make the right decisions.