Council amends landfill payment resolution as wastewater work and biosolids handling increase

The Chattanooga City Council on Oct. 28 approved a resolution amending a prior authorization to allow payments for landfill disposal (Ray and Bradley County landfills) related to solid sludge and other special wastes through Nov. 11, 2026, with a not‑to‑exceed total of $400,000.

Wastewater staff briefed the council in earlier discussion about how the city currently manages biosolids and related byproducts. Staff explained that digesters reduce volatile compounds and that roughly 40% of biosolids are processed through digestion while the remaining 60% are stabilized with lime; the lime‑stabilized product is used for agricultural land application when it meets regulatory limits. There is an existing list of farmers who accept material, but some batches do not meet land‑application criteria (for example, pollutant levels or pH balance) and therefore must be taken to a landfill.

Staff said recent accelerated pipe cleaning required by a consent decree and a large‑diameter interceptor cleaning beneath Aquarium Plaza generated substantial volumes of grit, trash and material that are not eligible for land application and therefore require landfill disposal. That unanticipated increase in volume contributed to the need to expand landfill disposal authorizations.

The council approved the amendment by voice vote. The resolution updates prior authority so the administration can pay Capital Waste Services for Ray County Landfill and public services for Bradley County Landfill for up to three years, not to exceed $400,000 total.