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Biosolids Management in New York State

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Biosolids Management in New York State Biosolids Management in New York State MARCH 2018 DIVISION OF MATERIALS MANAGEMENT | 625 BROADWAY, ALBANY, NY 12233-7253 Preface This report is an update to the Division of Materials Management 2011 edition of “Biosolids Management in New York State.” It provides the most current information available concerning biosolids management practices in New York State. Biosolids was previously called sewage sludge. 6 NYCRR Part 360 regulations define biosolids as: the accumulated semi-solids or solids resulting from treatment of wastewaters from publicly or privately owned or operated sewage treatment plants. Biosolids does not include grit or screenings, or ash generated from the incineration of biosolids. We would like to thank all chief operators and managers of the wastewater treatment facilities in New York State that responded to our survey questionnaires. The report could not be completed as comprehensively without their assistance. Any comments, questions, or requests for specific data regarding this report may be sent to Molly Baker at [email protected]. Table of Contents Findings Summary ......................................................................................................................................... 1 Biosolids Management Survey ...................................................................................................................... 3 Sources of Information ............................................................................................................................. 3 Biosolids Survey .................................................................................................................................... 3 Monitoring and General Information from State Permits .................................................................... 3 Sampling and Analyses Conducted by the Department ....................................................................... 3 POTW Information .................................................................................................................................... 4 Treatment and Dewatering Methods ................................................................................................... 4 Biosolids Management Practices .............................................................................................................. 5 Landfilling .............................................................................................................................................. 5 Beneficial Use ........................................................................................................................................ 7 Incineration ......................................................................................................................................... 10 Other Methods .................................................................................................................................... 11 Trends in Biosolids Management ............................................................................................................ 11 Findings Summary In a 2015 survey of publicly-owned treatment works (POTWs), or wastewater treatment facilities that are owned by public entities, in New York State (NYS), the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC or Department) Division of Materials Management (DMM) identified 612 POTWs that generate biosolids (sewage sludge). A total of 580 facilities completed the survey (95% of those surveyed). These reporting facilities represent 99.7% of the total design flow rates in all NYS. The total design flow for all facilities is approximately 3,800 mgd (million gallons per day), while the reported actual flow rate is approximately 2,400 mgd. Over 70% of the surveyed facilities reported actual flow rates that were less than 1 mgd. The POTWs reported generating a total of 374,110 dry tons of biosolids annually. As of 2015, landfilling continues to be the most popular biosolids management method with an estimated 68% of biosolids produced annually going to solid waste landfills. Beneficial use, through methods such as land application, composting, heat drying, and mine reclamation, comprises 16% of biosolids produced annually. Additionally, incineration is used to treat 16%, and other management methods (lagooning, stockpiling, etc.) are used for less than 1% of the total biosolids produced annually. All percentages were calculated on a dry weight basis. Figure 1 depicts biosolids management, by dry weight, in New York State. (Note that the total quantity managed, or processed, in 2015 does not match the total quantity generated. This is primarily due to POTWs stockpiling or lagooning material from previous years and managing them in the reporting year. The POTWs reported processing, or managing, a total of 377,663 dry tons of biosolids in 2015.) Figure 1 Biosolids Managed in New York State (Dry Weight Basis, 2015) Other Beneficial Use <1%, 1,170 dt 16%, 60,999 dt Incinerated 16%, 58,031 dt Landfilled 68%, 257,463 dt Figure 2 depicts the number of POTWs utilizing each biosolids management method. In terms of the number of treatment plants in NYS, 310 POTWs are currently sending biosolids to landfills, representing 53% of the reporting facilities. Beneficial use methods are used by 90 POTWs, representing 16% of these facilities. Incineration is used by 87 POTWs, or 15% of these facilities. Other methods are used by 93 POTWs, representing 16% of these facilities. 1 Figure 2 Biosolids Management in New York State (Number of POTWs, 2015) Other 16%, 93 POTWs Beneficial Use 16%, 90 POTWs Landfilled 53%, 310 POTWs Incinerated 15%, 87 POTWs With the introduction of the Ocean Dumping Ban Act, effective 1992, along with Department promotion of biosolids recycling, many POTWs utilized beneficial use methods for their biosolids management. In the 1990s, beneficial use was the most popular option, accounting for over 50% of the total biosolids managed on a dry weight basis. In 2010, two large beneficial use facilities closed, leaving many POTWs to switch to landfilling due to the low tipping fees in most of the state. This change caused a significant drop in the quantity of biosolids being recycled. Landfilling has remained the most popular option for biosolids management since then, now accounting for 68% of the total biosolids managed on a dry weight basis. Due somewhat to public perception of biosolids land use as well as the consistently low landfill tipping fees, it is probable that beneficial use will remain less popular than landfilling in the near future. However, many municipalities are evaluating beneficial use options for biosolids in long-term planning efforts to help them reach their own municipal recycling goals. The Department is not currently delegated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to administer the federal regulatory program for biosolids management. Therefore, biosolids management is subject to both the federal criteria found in 40 CFR Part 503, Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge, and the State regulations found in 6 NYCRR Part 361 (Part 361). (Note: State regulations have been revised as of November 2017. Minor programmatic changes were made, but the rules organization and naming conventions have changed. Definitions and general solid waste management regulations remain in 6 NYCRR Part 360, while biosolids recycling criteria are now found in Part 361. Since March 2003, State regulations have included all federal requirements for biosolids management practices. By meeting State requirements, municipalities will meet federal requirements as well. The Department promotes the beneficial use of biosolids that meet the quality standards. However, the Department does not dictate a preferred management method. The decision to select one of many beneficial use or disposal options lies with local municipalities. 2 Biosolids Management Survey Sources of Information The data and information in this report have been compiled from many sources, including: a 2015 survey of all POTWs in NYS, monitoring and information required by State permits, and existing databases on wastewater treatment and biosolids management maintained by DEC’s Division of Materials Management and Division of Water. Each source is described briefly below. Biosolids Survey The Department surveys all POTWs in NYS concerning their biosolids management practices on a periodic basis, typically every 5 years. The latest survey was completed by facilities reflecting the 2015 calendar year. The survey requested information concerning the wastewater treatment process, the quantity, treatment, and management of the biosolids generated, and other general topics. Facilities were also able to list questions and concerns surrounding biosolids management, as well as inform the Department of any upcoming changes in treatment processes. Due to the increase in interest statewide for reducing the amount of food scraps sent to landfills, the survey asked POTWs if they are considering adding this waste stream to their treatment systems in the future. A copy of the survey can be found in the Appendix. The survey was mailed in early 2016, and responses were accepted through 2016. Multiple rounds of mailings, as well as phone calls and emails, reminded municipalities to respond. By January 2017, 580 surveys had been returned or responded to. This response rate accounts for over 95% of the total number of POTWs in the State that produce biosolids (612). Based on
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