construction worker VADOTDuring the last two years, Natchez Water Works has hauled 3,300 tons of toxic sludge to a special-permitted dump site, incurring transportation costs of $400,000 every year.

Now, with a grant of federal stimulus money, Natchez Water Works Wastewater Treatment Plant in New Hampshire is investing in a green makeover that will eliminate those costs and cut the carbon footprint of the city.

The upgrade, partly funded by a 20-year loan at 1.57 percent interest, will convert the sludge into a class-A biosolid that can be sold for agricultural purposes. The facility will be online in late September.

(READ full story at The Natchez Democrat)

4 COMMENTS

  1. I am all for recycling – it’s the only way to sustainability. But, the results are not in yet on the safety of biosolids/sewage sludge on human health, let alone the health of the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems near the agricultural areas it is used on.

  2. “…there is a critical need to update the scientific basis of the rule to (1) ensure that the chemical and pathogen standards are supported by current scientific data and risk-assessment methods, (2) demonstrate effective enforcement of the Part 503 rule, and (3) validate the effectiveness of biosolids- management practices.”
    From the Summary in:
    http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/biosolids/nas/complete.pdf

    a National Academy of Sciences report.

  3. geri:

    BTW, I feel IF the science is done and the engineering accomplished, to separate out the toxics from the “biosolids”, I think it would be a fantastic way to use an untapped “national treasure” so to speak! Economics is in constant battle with long term health care issues. I hope we have the wisdom, and the media and govt do their jobs in keeping the public informed and looking out for the people’s interest, to make the right decisions.

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