BIOSOLIDS HANDLING FACILITY PLANNING FOR A SMALL MINNESOTA COMMUNITY

The City of Becker, Minnesota, was faced with being forced to close out existing sludge ponds which had served as its sole means of disposing of the domestic sludge generated at its wastewater treatment facility. A planning study was performed to assess and evaluate alternatives, with the goal of developing a recommended solids processing/biosolids reuse program for the City's biosolids. The study included preliminary screening of technology alternatives based on 16 qualitative evaluation criteria, including both monetary and nonmonetary considerations. Key factors in the study proved to be consideration of future adaptability of various alternatives to changing regulations and public perception. The study recommended a solids processing/biosolids reuse program that maximized flexibility and resiliency while trying to minimize costs as much as possible. The study also recommended key steps the City would need to take in developing a successful biosolids reuse program.