Name
Biosolids planning for an uncertain future - how regulatory drivers and technology are influencing long term infrastructure decisions
Description
The current era is a challenging time to be planning for long term biosolids infrastructure as traditional solids management outlets have dwindled. One of the strongest remaining pillars of traditional biosolids management is land bank, which is facing its own existential crisis, given the current uncertainty around future regulations. At the same time many utilities are grappling with their fast-approaching need for renewal of solids infrastructure. This is a case for the City of Toledo, Ohio (USA) is planning for one of the largest upgrades in its WWTP™s history including a total revamping of aging digesters. This impending upgrade is viewed as an opportunity to enhance sustainability and reduce GHG emissions through the recovery renewable energy. But there is also trepidation, however, over pouring major investments into digesters with the looming uncertainty around land application due to future PFAS regulations.
Authors
Eric Auerbach, Arcadis, UK