Biosolids master planning: a roadmap to success

Biosolids master planning is critical to the long term sustainability of a wastewater plant. However, when wastewater treatment plants are designed or expanded, biosolids treatment and final use may not receive the same consideration as the liquid stream. Careful planning and design of the biosolids management system can minimize unforeseen modifications and risks resulting from regulatory changes, reduced access to land application or landfill, or unanticipated operating cost increases. An effective biosolids plan must provide direction for the future, while considering opportunities for diverse outlets, potential for technology changes, and long term sustainability. This paper discusses the elements of an effective biosolids master plan and provides information from three biosolids planning case studies as illustrations.