Burlington, North Carolina
South Burlington Wastewater Treatment Plant in Burlington, North Carolina had
been disposing of biosolids through agricultural land application. Land
application of the biosolids was cost effective and environmentally sound,
however the WWTP did not have adequate storage capacity to hold biosolids
through extended wet and/or freezing periods when land application was not
possible.
As an alternative to land application, the City contracted HUA to investigate
the feasibility and cost effectiveness of various composting methods. Hobbs,
Upchurch & Associates completed a study evaluating the various alternatives for
biosolids composting at the South Burlington WWTP. The City specifically
requested that the study include an evaluation of methods to compost biosolids
with yard waste that was being disposed of at the landfill. The study included
a discussion of Federal and State regulations for biosolids handling and
disposal, cost estimates for various alternatives, and recommendations for
implementation. Composting methods evaluated by HUA included enclosed in
vessel, open bay in vessel with automatic turning, windrow, RPD lime
pasteurization with composting option, and aerated static piles. Dewatering
methods included centrifuges, vacuum filter press and belt filter press. Based
on the recommendations of the study, HUA designed and completed the
construction management for an aerated static pile sludge composting facility
for the City's 12.0 MGD South Burlington wastewater treatment plant.
The facility will handle 5.5 dry tons of biosolids from the wastewater
treatment plant as well as the yard waste collected from the City of
Burlington's Public Works activities.
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