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Commission authorizes study for Phase 2 biosolids handling to reduce hauling costs and explore reuse options
Summary
The commission authorized a study to evaluate dewatering options for biosolids (aiming to increase solids content and reduce hauling/management costs), with staff proposing a report by year-end and possible subsequent design and construction phases.
City staff recommended a Phase 2 study of the city's biosolids handling to examine dewatering processes, capital and operations-and-maintenance costs, and potential end uses. Staff said Phase 1 reduced sludge to roughly 20% solids and Phase 2 aims to explore options to reach about 70% solids to reduce hauling volume and cost.
A staff presenter (identified as Maria) explained that the study will examine processes that fit the plant's layout and provide capital and O&M cost estimates for viable options; potential outcomes include cheaper disposal, potential agricultural reuse where permissible, or other beneficial reuse if feasible. Maria said, if approved, the consultant would start immediately and staff hoped to have a report by the end of the year or early next year.
Commissioners acknowledged the technical complexity and the possible long-term operational savings and approved moving forward with the study with the expectation of a future design and construction phase depending on recommendations.
