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Board hears resident concerns about biosolids hauling; staff says product is Class A and drying capacity drives costs
Summary
Commissioners raised constituent concerns about biosolids hauling and safety; wastewater staff explained the town produces a Class A dried biosolids product, current dryer capacity is at maximum, and expansion of drying capability and plant upgrades are planned to lower trucking and tipping fees.
Commissioner Tucker asked the board to anticipate public questions about biosolid waste hauling, including where material goes, what it contains and how risks are managed.
Ryan Race, a town staff member, responded that the town's biosolids are treated to a 'Class A' standard and undergo an extensive drying process to eliminate pathogens. He said the town is required by state law to file an annual report that lists the recipient and address and offered to provide a one-page summary for public distribution.
Race explained the immediate cost driver is dryer capacity. "As the dryer reaches its capacity... you have to run wet versus dry," he said, which increases trucking and tipping fees because the town must transport material farther (he cited Concord rather than the local landfill) and pay higher fees. Race said the planned wastewater treatment plant expansion will add drying capability.
Board members acknowledged the long history of biosolids management choices and noted that earlier practices involved land application before the town purchased drying equipment. The board requested a summary for public distribution and indicated staff should incorporate the information into communications about the program.
