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Land Application Systems
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On June 1st, 2005 Newnan Utilities held a public meeting at the Dresden Fire Station located on Highway 34 West to describe the proposed LAS and Biosolids Composting facility. The purpose of the meeting was to acquaint the local residents with the facility and to receive input form the residents. The following is to further inform and educate anyone interested in the proposed facility.
Biosolids –See reference number 6 in the “Further Information” section for a description of biosolids and the classifications.
Class B
Class A
Class A EQ
Corps of Engineers-A division of the Federal Government, and in our case responsible for the approval of permits in regards to wetlands.
EPD- Environmental Protection Division, or Georgia Environmental Protection Division
LAS (Land Application System) –A system designed to use treated wastewater for irrigation onto the land to support vegetative growth.
MGD- Million gallons per day
Pathogen- “A disease-producing agent; usually refers to living organisms”.*
PFRP- Process to Further Reduce Pathogens
VAR- Vector Attraction Reduction
Virus- “A large group of infectious agents ranging in size from 10 to 250 nanometers in diameter, composed of a protein sheath surrounding a nucleic acid core and capable of infecting all animals, plants and bacteria; characterized by total dependence on living cells for reproduction and by a lack of independent metabolism”.*
Wetlands – A land form associated with a specific set of soil, vegetative, and hydrologic criteria as defined by the U.S. Army.
WPCP- Water pollution Control Plant
*McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Science and Engineering, 1984
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Description of Purpose
In 1995 Newnan Utilities entered in to a consent agreement with EPD to eliminate the stream discharge from the Wahoo Creek WPCP and was required to take the discharge to LAS disposal. Since that time Newnan Utilities has acquired land in the Dresden area for the purpose of wastewater disposal. In 2005 EPD rescinded the Consent Order because of a change in policy and the advancement of technology. Newnan Utilities was then able to reduce the size of the original LAS, and this is what was described during the public meeting of June 1st, 2005.
In conjunction with the disposal of treated wastewater there is another byproduct of treatment and that is biosolids. Biosolids historically have been disposed of by land applying or landfilling Class B solids and thus, taking space in our landfills that could be used for other materials. Newnan Utilities has historically disposed of the biosolids at landfills. Because of these environmentally unsound alternatives and the tenuous future of landfills Newnan Utilities is approaching the disposal of biosolids in a somewhat unique way. The process takes two products (wood waste and biosolids) that currently take landfill space, mixes these products together, and allows nature to make a good, usable product from the two wastes. This process is known as composting and is the same process that can be used to dispose of garbage, grass clippings, and lawn rakings.
LAS
“Newnan Utilities is planning to expand their wastewater treatment capacity from 3.75 million gallons per day (MGD) to 10 MGD over roughly the next twenty years, which includes construction of a 4.0 MGD land application system (LAS). The LAS will consist of a pump station, storage pond and spray fields in which treated effluent (i.e., irrigation water) from Newnan Utilities’ existing Mineral Springs Water Pollution Control Plant will be utilized to grow pine trees.
The Georgia EPD has permitted over 200 comparable land application systems statewide, which have worked safely and effectively for over 20 years. Irrigation rates typically range up to 2.5 inches per week. These rates are designed to eliminate run-off into nearby creeks and streams and to protect the groundwater resources of the State. For the first phase of the Newnan LAS, an application rate of 2.0 inches per week is planned”. From Peter Johns, Wiedeman and Singleton Engineers, Inc.
Composting
“Composting is the aerobic decomposition by bacteria and fungi of the organic material in dewatered sludge, creating a stable product (ASCE & WEF, 1992). Since the mid-1970’s composting has received increased attention as a cost–effective and environmentally sound alternative for the stabilization and ultimate disposal of wastewater biosolids (Metcalf And Eddy, 1972). Biosolids composting is the biological decomposition of biosolids under conditions that allow development of thermophilic microorganisms resulting in biologically produced heat (Reynolds and Richards, 1996). The heat produced while decomposing pastureurizes and destroys the pathogenic organisms that might be present. There are three main types of composting systems. These include windrows, static pile, and in-vessel reactors.” From Characterization and Quantification of Georgia’s Municipal Biosolids Production and Disposal, September 2000, Engineering Outreach Service, University of Georgia.
Concerns Expressed at June 1st Meeting
Location
One of the major concerns brought up during the June 1st meeting was the location of the Composting Facility. After hearing these concerns Newnan Utilities is currently in the process of re-evaluating the location of this facility. We are looking at moving the site further south, into the property 2000 to 4000 feet. This will require us to build a much longer road, but it will mitigate any noise, smell, or air born pathogen questions. Additionally this relocation will place the nearest house more than ? mile from the site (depending on the exact newly proposed location).
Newnan Utilities will be on the LAS site daily for its operation, and the labor force that will operate the LAS site will also operate the Composting Facility. Providing personnel at the site daily, and constantly, through out the day to operate and maintain the site, and address any issue or problems that may occur.
Noise
With the proposed relocation of the site mentioned above noise is not an issue.
Disease bearing Pathogens
“Effluent from Newnan Utilities’ Mineral Springs Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) will be disinfected with chlorine prior its use as irrigation water at the LAS site. Disinfection is the final treatment process at the Mineral Springs WPCP prior to discharge of the treated effluent into the Mineral Branch stream, which flows into Mountain Creek. During disinfection, chlorine is added to the wastewater and its contact with pathogens kills microorganisms that are potentially pathogenic to human beings.
Since it is quite impractical to assay for all potentially disease-causing organisms, a class of organisms commonly found in human and animal excrement, fecal coliforms, is used for regulatory testing of effluents from wastewater treatment plants in the United States. In the case of Newnan Utilities’ Mineral Springs WPCP, effluent discharged into the steam and to the future LAS will be disinfected to standards for fecal coliforms developed by the Georgia EPD and United States EPA and monitored at least twice per month. The results of this testing must be included in monthly NPDES permit reports filed with the Georgia EPD to help insure adequate disinfection of the treated effluent.” From Peter Johns, Wiedeman and Singleton Engineers, Inc.
“Temperature and time are used to inactivate pathogens in biosolids – a large body of studies has been conducted in this area and is the basis of the EPA regulations for the process to further reduce pathogens. EPA guidelines based on 40CFR 503 regulations are being followed by our operating procedures.
The temperature time relationship for static piles are to maintain temperatures over 40°C (104°F) for five days, with four hours of temperature over 55°C (131°C). The guidelines ensure that pathogen concentrations reduce over 1000 fold. Indicator organisms such as Salmonella spp monitor these pathogen reductions (Limit 3 MPN per 4 grams solids).
References:
Epstein, 1997. The Science of Composting. Technomic Publishing Company, Lancaster PA. Chapter 8 – Pathogens.
US EPA. 1994. A plain English guide to the EPA Part 503 Biosolids Rule. EPA/832/R-93/003.
US EPA. 1999. Environmental Regulations and Technology. Control of Pathogens and Vector Attraction in Sewage Sludge. 1999. Guidance Document under 40 CFR Part 503. EPA/625/R/92/013Prepared by the U.S. EPA, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Cincinnati OH 45268”
From Dr. K.C. Das, University of Georgia
General Contamination
Many questions were brought up about the degradation of the environment. We refer you to the documents in the “Further Information “section for your interest.
Both of these systems (the LAS and the Composting) are common and in use in Georgia and all over the U.S. they have been studied and elaborated on for years. The University of Georgia is a proponent of composting biosolids and is in fact a partner of Newnan Utilities for this project and has been since we started researching composting (please refer to # 6 in the “Further Information” section).
There must be a distinction made between the process that Newnan Utilities is going to use (composting of biosolids) and land application of biosolids. The land application of biosolids is generally the placement of Class B biosolids on farm land as fertilizer. The land applied material stays on the property. This is the process that caused the law suit in Augusta. This process can allow the build up of heavy metals and other contaminants over time.
The process of composting is in no way similar to the land application of biosolids. The major distinction is that the material DOES NOT stay at the site, and it is further processed to a Class A material, and once the material had been processed by natural means to a Class A EQ it is removed from the site. The waste from this process are large wood chips and they are brought back to the beginning of the process and used again and again until they are “composted” or degraded and become a constituent of to a safe, useable product. There can be no build up of “heavy metals” because the material does not stay on the land. Newnan Utilities has provided a covered area with a concrete slab and drains for the purpose of containing any drainage or the occurrence of stormwater runoff from the process until it is in a Class A state. Once the material is in a Class A state there is no possibility of contamination to the environment (refer again to item #6 in the Further Information section for a description of Class A biosolids).
The water that is sprayed in the trees is water that is currently flowing in Mountain Creek and Wahoo Creek. Newnan Utilities has just spent a large sum of money to upgrade the Mineral Springs WPCP and the effluent that is produced there is the water that Mr. McEntire had at the meeting, it is clear and well below the parameters set forth by the state in the NPDES permit.
Air Quality and Odor
“Because composting is conducted in a solid matrix (an no spraying of liquids exist) there is very little chance of airborne pathogens. There is potential of bioaerosols and fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus) that can be released during compost turning; however these do not carry far distances. Typically within a distance of 100 to 200 m downwind concentrations are at background levels. Releases of A. fumigatus are more frequent in turned windrows and less in static piles (as in our proposed system).
The impact of bioaerosols and fungi is most likely on facility operators whose immunity is already compromised (e.g. existing respiratory illness). Operations protocols will ensure that such individuals do not work on site during respiratory illnesses.
There is no evidence to believe that regulated human pathogens can become airborne. Fungi and bioaerosols could become airborne as indicated above]
References:
Kothary, M.H. et al., 1984. Levels of Aspergillus fumigatus in air and in compost at a sewage sludge composting site. Environ Poll (Series A), 34, 1-14.
NYDOH. 1994. A prospective study of health symptoms and bioaerosols levels near a yard waste composting facility. Islip Composting Facility. New York, State of New Yor, Department of Health, Albany NY.
Odors from composting sites are related to two factors: [1] generation of odors during composting and [2] release and transport of odors from the site to neighbors. The generation of odors is controlled in our operation through optimal mixes of biosolids to yard waste providing sufficient carbon to nutrient balance and water content. In addition, sufficient porosity is provided to ensure proper aeration to the compost. The system is maintained aerobic thus minimizing the production of anaerobic odors.
Because the system is a static pile, materials being composted are maintained in the pile till sufficient stabilization has occurred. Therefore, the potential of odor release is minimized.
Documentation of various operations has shown that 2,000 ft to 3,000 ft was a buffer sufficient to remain outside the zone of influence of any odors emanating from a composting operation (Giggey et al., 1995). In operations that had 3,000 ft buffer – neighbors did not perceive odors.
Reference:
Michael Giggey, Jeffrey R. Pinnette and Christopher A. Dwinal. 1995. Odor control factors in compost site selection. BioCycle, Feb 1995”
From Dr. K.C. Das, University of Georgia.
1. Because of your concerns we are currently investigating an alternative site for the Composting Facility. The new site will be between 2000 and 4000 feet south of the currently proposed site.
2. We are considering collecting the drainage from the Composting Facility covered area and returning it to the WPCP.
Additional Information & Contacts
Contacts:
In order that we may keep track of everybody’s questions please provide them to:
Brandon Lovett, Newnan Utilities Water Pollution Control Coordinator, 770-683-0994, brandon@newnanutilities.org
Dennis McEntire, Newnan Utilities General Manager, 770-683-5516 ext 117, dennis@newnanutilities.org
Edward Strong, Newnan Utilities Director of Operations, 770-683-0994, estrong@newnanutilities.org
Land Application System
Peter Johns, Wiedeman and Singleton, Inc., 404-876-5862
Gary Trott, Wiedeman and Singleton, Inc. 404-876-5862
Composting System
Dr. K.C. Das, University of Georgia,
Brennan Jones, Integrated Science and Engineering, Inc, 770-461-4292
Jeremy Koch, Integrated Science and Engineering, Inc. 770-461-4292
Gerry Harstine, Harvest Farms, Agricultural Products, 877-206-3013
1. The following web site is attached too provide information on biosolids. Please be aware that the majority of the comments and questions in the article are in regards to the land application of biosolids and NOT the composting of the material. http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/Sludge/sludgeques.html
2. A CDC statement about the survival of HIV outside of the body and rumors about HIV http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pubs/faq/faq39.htm, http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pubs/faq/hoax1.htm
3. A CDC web site with FAQs about Hepatitis. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/common_faqs.htm#5
4. An informative description of biosolids by the Canadian Water and Wastewater Asso. http://www.cwwa.ca/legislation/faqs/biosolid.htm
5. FAQs about biosolids from the Virginia Department of Health; Division of Wastewater Engineering. http://169.134.226.68/templates/temp_faq.asp?m=29
**6. An excellent description of biosolids disposal in Georgia, including composting, by the University of Georgia Engineering Outreach Program. http://www.engr.uga.edu/service/outreach/Biosolids%20Characterization.htm
7. “Is Time – Temperature Really Important”, by A.R. Rubin Ph.D., North Carolina State University, for the 10th Annual WEF “Residuals and Biosolids Management Conference”, 1996. A discussion of the Helmiths is contained in this article. http://www.rdptech.com/tch18.htm
8. Wastewater Engineering: Treatment, Disposal, Reuse; Second Edition; Metcalf and Eddy, Inc.; McGraw- Hill, Inc.1979. This is a very reputable book on Wastewater Engineering and has a good description of composting.
9. Rules and Regulations for Water Quality Control, Chapter 391-3-6, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, 2001.
10. Biosolids Generation, Use, Disposal EPA 530-R-99-009
Download Adobe Reader PDF "Biosolids Generation Use Disposal EPA 530"
11. A memo from EPA addressing the use of biosolids, including case studies; the Augusta law suit is discussed here.
Download Adobe Reader PDF "Sewage Sludge Petion Response 12-22-03"
12. National Biosolids Partnership. A very informative website.
http://www.biosolids.org/
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