IT PAYS TO DEWATER SLUDGE

This paper summarizes our evaluation and recommendations to reduce the Viejas Water Reclamation Plant (VWRP) solids disposal costs. Currently, the sludge generated by VWRP is trucked to the City of San Diego (City) wastewater collection system for disposal. It is anticipated that in the near future the City will no longer accept sludge from communities outside its service area. In preparation for this event, Viejas Tribal Government desires to evaluate alternatives to dispose of VWRP dewatered sludge at a landfill or to continue hauling liquid sludge to another agency. Our paper includes a brief description of existing facilities, solids generation rates, description and design basis for five different solids dewatering system alternatives, capital and operation and maintenance (O&M) life cycle cost analysis, and recommended alternative.