Development of Innovative Long-Term Nitrate Management Solution for Biosolids Application Fields

Columbus Water Works of Columbus, Georgia (CWW) owns and operates fields for the beneficial application of biosolids. With the permission of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Environmental Protection Division (EPD), CWW has applied biosolids at a Reclamation Site application field for approximately 27 years at rates in excess of the agronomic rate. The biosolids applications have resulted in nitrate impacts to the uppermost groundwater beneath the application fields ranging from 20 mg/L to 300 mg/L nitrate as nitrogen (nitrate-N).Over the last four years, CWW has been developing an innovative, long-term, and cost-effective method of biosolids management at the Reclamation Site based on the concept of hydrodynamic groundwater containment. This biosolids management approach is designed to properly manage nitrate and includes continued application of biosolids on the Reclamation Site combined with a containment, extraction, reuse and treatment of the nitrate-impacted groundwater from within the Reclamation Site boundaries. The biosolids management solution is both protective of human health and the environment while also minimizing land use and providing for continued cost-effective and beneficial reuse of biosolids at the Reclamation Site.