This Lecture Tour presentation is sponsored by the Environmental Engineering Division of the CSCE

Technology exists today to process municipal sludge (biosolids) into a safe, aesthetically pleasing and sought-after product. The diversity of optional unit operations may be quite bewildering, while the introduction of nutrient removal from wastewaters and the still poorly regulated practice of land application in Canada complicate the issue. Municipalities and the design engineers must first be concerned with the ultimate disposal and utilization of the biosolids and be aware of the potential liability. Dramatic changes in the technical approach are being proposed and are investigated in many locations - driven by fear of liability, rising transportation costs; total cost analysis and declining public image of the municipal services. Volume reduction, stabilization or vector attraction reduction are no longer the only goals. Pathogen inactivation, product (biosolids) safety and marketability are coming to the forefront, calling for alternative approaches, such as high-temperature processes, drying or chemical disinfection.

Dr Jan Oleszkiewicz will use his 30 years experience in waste treatment and biosolids management to put in perspective the new technologies and suggest the most cost-effective solutions for various size municipalities. Emphasizing cost reduction, with simultaneous assurance of an excellent quality end product; the lecture will outline steps to an acceptable biosolids processing train. In the end the listener will become more aware of the fact that the ideal solution will be very case-specific and that there are no ready-made recipes. Biosolids process design today is an art requiring thorough knowledge of technology, good value engineering analysis as well as market development and maintenance of good public image.

Further details on this workshop will be posted as they become available.

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Last Updated February 16, 2001 12:26:03 AM