Biosolids Programs
The Water Reclamation Plant provides a beneficial and safe means for using treated sewage sludge through the Biosolids Program. Biosolids are the organic by-product of municipal wastewater treatment and are highly treated to remove pollutants and disease-causing organisms before land application. Treated biosolids are land applied on farm fields as free fertilizer for local farmers.
Anaerobic digestion is used at the Water Reclamation Plant to reduce and treat sewage sludge, producing biosolids. Biosolids leaving the anaerobic digestion process are dewatered to approximately 5.8% solids and stored onsite in one of two solids storage tanks totaling over 7.5 million gallons. Biosolids are loaded from the storage tanks into semi-tankers, which haul biosolids to farmers' fields. The semi tankers unload into our liquid applicator equipment. The liquid applicators are set up with GPS, pumps, and flow meters to apply the appropriate amount of fertilizer for the farmer's crop. On average, 2,800 dry tons of biosolids are applied each year in the spring and fall months. Biosolids production and its application to land are highly regulated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the WRP to ensure public safety and the local environment.
Biosolids are rich in phosphorus and nitrogen, which are key elements for growing crops. If you are a farmer interested in participating in the Rochester Biosolids Program, please contact the crew chief at 507-251-8435. If you are interested in more information about biosolids, the links below provide great resources, or you may contact the Water Reclamation Plant.
Learn more about biosolids management, application to soils, and more on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website.